Bull Shark Season Drives Tourism in Playa del Carmen

Bull Shark Season Reactivates Tourism in Playa del Carmen Center

Playa del Carmen, Mexico — The Playa del Carmen Tourism Secretariat reported a significant uptick in tourism activity with the start of bull shark season, one of the destination’s most attractive diving experiences and a direct boost to the economic spillover in the city center. This was reported by Tourism Secretary Estefanía Hernández, who highlighted that the influx of visitors confirms the sector’s recovery at this time of year.

According to Hernández, the season—which runs from November to February—attracts approximately 30,000 tourists annually, who stay longer and spend money at businesses, accommodations, and tourist services in central Playa del Carmen. The official explained that the diving site, located just 10 minutes from the exit on 6th Street North, makes this activity a direct economic trigger for the area.

The activity benefits more than 1,600 workers in the tourism sector. She indicated that only a limited number of certified dive shops can descend with sharks, which guarantees low-impact tourism and responsible management of the experience. The season coincides with the final gestation phase of female sharks, which arrive in Playa del Carmen waters before heading to mangroves, making the phenomenon a unique observation opportunity worldwide.

Hernández noted that monitoring of specimens has recorded more than 15 sharks in the first weeks, a figure that confirms the continuity of the natural cycle and the good health of local marine ecosystems. She added that the Tourism Secretariat is preparing a public call to name the newly identified specimens, with the aim of bringing the community closer to ocean knowledge and conservation.

Responsible diving with bull sharks is one of the destination’s main attractions. The secretary recounted that she recently conducted a dive in the sighting area, where she observed nine specimens, an experience she described as a reminder of the tourism value this activity represents, on which more than 1,600 workers in the diving sector, nautical services, and related businesses depend.

Regarding hotel performance, she reported that the high season is already showing positive signs. During a meeting with Expedia representatives, downtown hoteliers confirmed they have secured reservations through February, an indicator of recovery after challenges recorded in previous months.

Hernández added that the arrival of the 2026 World Cup represents a strategic window to expand destination promotion. It is estimated that approximately five million tourists will arrive in the country during the event and that up to 40% will enter through Cancún Airport, which will allow attracting visitors through packages before, during, and after matches, leveraging the connectivity of the Mexican Caribbean.

Authorities highlight the good health of local marine ecosystems. Although the national teams that will have base camps in the region have not yet been confirmed, she advanced that visits from international teams have been received and the definition will be announced by the State Government. The presence of an international team in Mayakoba will also strengthen the municipality’s tourism visibility.

The Tourism Secretariat anticipates a year-end with rising occupancy, driven by bull shark season, the recovery of the city center, and promotion opportunities stemming from the World Cup.