It wasn’t until 2019 while training under some seasoned dive pros in Australia that the concept of the “100th Naked Dive,” was casually brought up. At first, I assumed I was being tricked by these veterans. That they had seamlessly executed a very well coordinated prank to convince a newbie that she must strip down to her birthday suit to celebrate this milestone in a diver’s career. I waited for the punchline, the big reveal, but it never came. And that’s because the 100th Naked Dive is no joke! It is a very real celebration in the dive community, and upon learning of it, I immediately began envisioning my very own 100th naked dive. But I also couldn’t help but wonder what the origin and meaning of this celebration really is.
For many in the dive community, the tradition has been a longstanding one. While its exact origins are unclear, the 100th Naked Dive is believed to symbolize a diver’s connection to nature, removing barriers between themselves and the underwater world and marking a significant milestone in their journey. When you’re nearing your 100th dive, you’ve already explored various sites and honed your skills, so why not take it a step further? Stripping down to dive in the nude removes the one final layer that separates a diver from the natural world they’re exploring.
Many divers plan their 100th dive meticulously, ensuring the conditions are just right. They consider water temperatures to avoid freezing, choose companions with whom they feel comfortable, and, most importantly, select a location that suits them best in terms of scenery. Location is key for this unique dive, and many divers spend hours scouring to find the ideal spot (or maybe they don’t and this degree of scrutiny is just a “me” thing!) During my search, I stumbled upon a seemingly random yet perfect location that seemed to check all the boxes for a safe and memorable naked dive.
If you haven’t heard of Xcalak, Mexico, that’s okay—neither had I until recently. Mexico boasts some of the best and most diverse diving experiences in the entire world. From diving in the mystical cenotes, which are natural sinkholes filled with crystal-clear freshwater, to exploring the stunning reefs around Cozumel, Mexico offers a wide array of underwater must-sees that have always hit the “best dives in the world” lists. Meanwhile, Xcalak stands out as a hidden gem waiting to be discovered by divers seeking an off-the-beaten-path experience away from all the dive-list generated hype.
While Mexico is known for its epic diving, it’s also known for its heavy overtourism, making it challenging to find those truly “off-the-beaten-path” dive experiences. This is where Xcalak comes into play. It’s one of those rare places with uncharted and less visited dive sites, offering divers a unique sense of freedom. The remote and tranquil nature of Xcalak makes it the perfect spot for a memorable and intimate diving experience, away from the crowded and well-trodden tourist sites.
Xcalak, located at the southern tip of Mexico’s Yucatán Peninsula near the Belizean border, is part of the Xcalak National Reef Park. It sits within the Mesoamerican Barrier Reef System, the second-largest coral reef system in the world. Getting there involves a scenic five-hour drive south from Cancun, passing through both jungle and coastal towns. Perhaps this scenery along the occasional dirt road or two adds to its allure as something of a hidden gem.
Xcalak’s unique landscape includes pristine beaches, mangrove-lined lagoons, and clear waters brimming with marine life. Divers and nature lovers are drawn to its vibrant coral reefs, home to diverse fish species, manatees, dolphins, and sea turtles. The village itself is small and rustic, offering a tranquil escape with sandy streets and a laid-back vibe. In fact, depending on the season, you might not even find a single tourist in the town.
But you must venture even further to reach Playa Sonrisa—a serene and meticulously curated resort where the atmosphere is perpetually relaxed. This untapped gem embraces the concept of naturism, offering a tranquil escape that diverges from the more traditional idea of a “resort” vacation.
In short summary, naturism is a lifestyle choice, cultural movement and community advocating for and practicing social nudity in private and public settings. The core philosophy of naturism is a return to a more natural state, emphasizing respect for oneself, others, and the environment. Naturists believe that being nude in social contexts promotes body positivity, self-acceptance, and a closer connection to nature. Activities within naturist communities often include swimming, hiking, and social gatherings, all conducted without clothing to foster a sense of freedom and equality among participants. The movement is supported by various national and international organizations that promote naturist values and organize events to provide safe and welcoming environments for those who embrace this way of life.
Then there’s Playa Sonrisa, a resort overlooking the Caribbean Sea in remote Mexico, situated on one of the most famous barrier reefs in the world. This resort not only supports naturism but also boasts its own dive center—Playa Sonrisa Dive—right on their plot. Say hello to THE BEST place to do your 100th dive, if I do say so myself! The combination of its secluded location, supportive community, and the breathtaking underwater scenery makes it a serendipitous spot for divers looking to celebrate this special milestone.
Staying at Playa Sonrisa means you get to spend quality time with the two owners, Blaney Teal and Steve Hessler. They are as dynamic and spectacular as their beachfront property, each with larger-than-life personalities and stories that they could share about their past, present, and future for days. If you are as into building bonds while traveling as we are, you can spend as much time as you want kicking it with them. For us, this felt like a small slice of home—a place we hadn’t been in nearly a year while on a global expedition chasing remote, interesting, and unique dive destinations like this one.
Both hailing from Baltimore, Maryland in the USA, Blaney and Steve have infused their style, passion, and zest for life into every single detail at Playa Sonrisa. And they have truly championed the naturist lifestyle at the resort too. Although not naturists themselves initially, they are slowly embracing the ethos and principles of naturism, realizing that life is a lot more free and fun in the nude—something they’ve learned from the many people who seek out Playa Sonrisa as a safe haven and come back as repeat guests. Blaney and Steve make you feel genuinely at home, regardless of your background, preferences, diving ability, or reason for being in Xcalak in the first place.
The naturist community is known for its welcoming and inclusive atmosphere, encouraging newcomers to give it a try in a safe and respectful environment. Key organizations, such as British Naturism, play a significant role in setting etiquette guidelines that discourage taking photos or staring, while also recommending all naturalists sit on towels. These guidelines ensure that everyone can enjoy the freedom of nudity respectfully. Many first-time guests arrive at naturist resorts feeling apprehensive, but by the end of their stay, they often embrace the lifestyle fully, feeling as though they’ve been part of the community for years. At Playa Sonrisa in particular, they are all about setting guidelines for guests to follow and also making sure that those who do NOT want to chill in the nude feel comfortable too.
“For us, it’s all about creating a supportive environment where people can enjoy the freedom and natural connection that naturism offers,” Blaney explained during a dinner we had together after a day out to sea. “Steve and I want to let people know that, if they come here, they are welcome and clothing is certainly optional!”
After a long day in the Caribbean sun, and after diving the crystal-clear waters in search of coral, conch, and manatees, we’d chat with Steve and Blaney about how they reinvented their lives and their shared vision for the future. Their plans, projects, and efforts to build up the naturist community are seemingly never-ending. I couldn’t tell what was more refreshing: the off-season winds in Xcalak or these two, with their infectious energy and love for the life they’ve worked so hard to create. If you want to return from your 100th dive feeling invigorated and inspired by listening to two people who have transformed their world into what they always dreamed of, go to Playa Sonrisa!
I completed my 100th dive back in 2021 while on a liveaboard in Komodo National Park with some of my closest diving friends. The conditions were perfect, and I was surrounded by supportive, fun women ready to cheer me on for successfully completing this major life accomplishment. Since then, I’ve embraced naked diving all over the world (albeit I have yet to consider myself part of the naturist community) relishing every dive and giving an ode back to nature whenever I can. Even if you haven’t reached your 100th dive milestone yet, if you want to try naked diving, now you know the perfect place where conditions are ideal in every sense.
Call Blaney and Steve, tell them your favorite kind of drink, pack minimal clothing, and make your way to Xcalak. This will be one of those unforgettable stops along your journey, a place where you can truly relax, explore, and embrace the freedom of naturism (if you’re into that) while diving in some of the most pristine waters. I promise it’s an experience there’s no way you’ll ever forget.
