Management

Diving with bull sharks is the only shark diving activity regulated and recognized by the government. we are setting the standard!

Playa del Carmen has become a unique place in the world, not only for the annual visits of bull sharks but also for the successful community management of the species. Together with lifeguards, authorities, the diving community, boat captains, tourism and fishing cooperatives, we have carried out a collaborative effort in community management, achieving sustainable diving operations through regulated and agreed-upon processes. All these efforts have generated significant achievements in the conservation of sharks and marine ecosystems in Playa del Carmen through sustainable, non-extractive use. Now, the activity has a legal framework integrated into the Management Program of the Mexican Caribbean Biosphere Reserve!

Strengthening in diving centers

Training sessions are constantly being conducted for guides and divers, with the aim of coordinating actions, disseminating the standards established in the Manual of Good Practices for Diving with Bull Sharks, and providing biological information regarding the ecosystem and specifically about sharks for a better understanding of their behavior and with the objective of carrying out sustainable and educational diving.

Good Practices Manual

#Buceoresponsable Download the regulations for bull shark diving in Playa del Carmen here! Scuba diving with bull sharks is conducted in two modalities (attraction and observation) under the criteria of the Good Practices Manual, which was developed in 2014 with the participation of experts, authorities, NGOs, and, of course, the diving community in Playa del Carmen. Thanks to Saving Our Sharks, this manual served as the basis for the development of the Management Program for the Mexican Caribbean Biosphere Reserve and includes permitted and prohibited activities, as well as Rule 32! Learn more! Be part of this conservation movement!
The Best Practices Manual is a document originating in 2014 from dive centers, shark diving experts, community organizations, and authorities. It led to the official regulation of bull shark diving within the Management Program of the Mexican Caribbean Biosphere Reserve, thanks to the ongoing efforts of the diving community in Playa del Carmen and the work carried out by this organization, in conjunction with the National Commission of Natural Protected Areas, during participatory workshops for its creation. It is now up to dive operators to continue this synergy and organization to ensure that the activity is conducted in a way that respects these incredible and important creatures!

Good Practices Manual

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Management Program for the Mexican Caribbean Biosphere Reserve

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