Best Snorkeling in Cancun
Snorkeling in Cancun offers a unique opportunity to explore the colorful and diverse marine life of the Caribbean Sea. With an array of coral reefs, caves, and shipwrecks, Cancun offers some of the best snorkeling spots in the world.
With so many snorkeling spots to choose from, it can be overwhelming to decide where to start. In this article, we’ll highlight 11 of the best snorkeling spots in Cancun, complete with detailed descriptions and tips for making the most out of your snorkeling adventure.
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This premier snorkeling destination boasts pristine waters and vast coral reefs, creating a stunning experience for divers of all levels. Plus, it’s conveniently located near downtown Cancun, making it an ideal spot for your next aquatic adventure.
Next we have Xcaret Park and Xel-Ha. These two adventure parks are known for their stunning natural beauty and cultural immersion experiences. You can choose to snorkel through picturesque corals, swim with tropical fish, or leisurely kayak in a subterranean cave. And if that’s not enough to take your breath away, both spots also feature rare wildlife like jaguars, sharks, and endangered species of monkeys!
If you’re specifically looking to snorkel with tropical fish, then Xel-Ha is the place for you. It features a natural inlet streaming from the Caribbean and offers an unforgettable experience. However, if you want to explore underwater caves, then Xcaret is the better choice.
If you’re looking to explore the beauty of a cenote, then Cenote Dos Ojos is a must-see. This glorious natural sinkhole located between Tulum and Playa del Carmen features two caves that meet and create two pools, hence its name “two eyes” in Spanish. The pristine waters offer immaculate visibility, perfect for diving or snorkeling, making it a truly unforgettable experience.
Cozumel is located just a few minutes away from the bustling city of Cancun. During this tour, you’ll visit three spots where you’ll encounter rays, turtles, and nurse sharks! After your underwater adventure, indulge in some delicious Mexican food and refreshing margaritas in downtown Cozumel.
For a unique and breathtaking snorkeling experience, head to the Cancun Underwater Museum (MUSA). Here, you can witness over 470 life-size statues and figures lying in the waters near Isla Mujeres, all crafted with corrosion-resistant material to ensure they endure for hundreds of years. It’s truly a sight to behold from both above and beneath the water.
Shipwreck Snorkeling is a go-to spot for all levels of snorkelers. You can immerse yourself in the tranquil Caribbean Sea and discover the submerged shipwreck near Cancun’s coast, which serves as a new home for snorkelers and an array of marine creatures alike.
If you’re looking for a more secluded spot, Isla Contoy is the place for you. Only 200 guests are allowed each day, making it a pristine location to bask in the stunning beauty of the ocean minus any crowds. You’ll discover new exciting discoveries on every visit to this tropical oasis.
How to get from Cancun to Isla Contoy?
For a truly magnificent coral reef experience, visit Garrafon Natural Reef Park. This park is part of the Great Mayan Reef, which is one of the widest reefs globally. You’ll encounter an array of aquatic species and witness magnificently-hued corals due to the exceptional visibility in these shallow waters.
Next, head over to Manchones Reef, located off the southern coast of Isla Mujeres. This sheltered reef is ideal for novice snorkelers and is surrounded by picturesque beaches. Plus, it’s situated inside MUSA, a marine sanctuary that protects local species and ecosystems, making it one of Cancun’s Best Scuba Diving Sites.
Lastly, visit Isla Mujeres, a paradise located just 15 minutes away from Cancun by ferryboat. This stunning location is perfect for observing diverse species of fish swimming right beneath its shallow surface. Its turquoise-blue waters are invitingly calm, making it an excellent spot for beginners. Plus, with its stunning sandy beaches, you can spend an afternoon splashing in the waves and lounging around in paradise.
Embark on a journey to explore the serene waters and vibrant marine life of the Mesoamerican Barrier Reef. Discover awe-inspiring coral, schools of magnificent fish, and graceful sea turtles as you bask in the sun’s rays amidst flowing waves and crystal clear water. With an experienced guide leading your small group, you’ll make memories that last a lifetime!
Absolutely. Cancun is a perfect destination for those who love exploring the underwater world. The Caribbean Sea in Cancun boasts crystal-clear waters that make for an amazing backdrop for snorkeling, swimming, and diving.
If you’re wondering whether it’s safe to snorkel in Cancun, the answer is yes! Just be sure to follow the necessary safety guidelines
If this is your first trip, it might be beneficial to enlist the services of a knowledgeable tour guide. They are far more likely to lead you in the right direction and offer a safe enjoyable experience. However, no matter who accompanies you on your adventure don’t forget to stay alert and observant at all times while exploring new places.
Tours typically range from USD $50-$70 per person, but you can make your experience even more special by adding extra activities like a cruise aboard a luxurious catamaran with unlimited alcohol.
On one hand, yes you can go snorkeling on your own. But if it’s the vibrant fish and coral formations you’re hoping to see, then be prepared for a less-than-satisfactory result. Instead, joining an organized group tour is certainly recommended – expert guides will lead the way and make sure that you only visit prime spots!
If you’re venturing out on your own, don’t forget to pack essentials like a comfortably fitting mask and breathing tube combination, fins, and a waterproof phone case so you can capture unforgettable photos and videos. Water shoes, sunscreen, sunglasses, and a flotation device are also recommended for a safe and enjoyable experience.
You’ll get to witness stunning coral reefs and observe various species of fish up close. Additionally, you might even come across larger predators like sharks or dolphins on your trip.
When you sign up for a snorkel tour, transportation to and from the location is included. You’ll also be provided with all the necessary equipment, so you don’t have to worry about a thing.
And to make your experience even more enjoyable, many tour packages also come with access to private beach clubs where you can relax and unwind after your adventure.
If you’re on a tight budget, you can still explore the ocean’s depths for free by bringing your own snorkeling equipment and visiting any beach in Cancun. Just keep in mind that if you want to get up close and personal with the marine life and corals, you’ll need to take a boat trip to reach deeper areas.
Absolutely! Cancun, Mexico is home to the world’s second-largest coral reef barrier.
Visit Akumal to swim with turtles in Cancun. Akumal, which translates to “place of the turtles”, is home to hundreds of said animals. It also has a large number of coral reefs as well as other marine life besides sea turtles.
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I recommend these travel resources for Mexico that I personally use:
🏨 Hotels: I have found that Expedia and Booking.com consistently have the best deals on hotels and resorts in Mexico. If you prefer to stay at a vacation rental, check VRBO that is usually cheaper than AirBnB’s added fees!
✈️ Flights: To find the best flight deals to Mexico, I always use Kayak. Remember to subscribe to their price alerts for the travel dates you want. Another great alternative for flight deals is Expedia.
🚗 Rental Cars: I always use and highly recommend Discover Cars because it allows me to compare several car rental companies and view ratings on various factors such as overall value, pick-up procedure, agent efficiency, car condition, and total time taken.
🚙 Cancun Airport Transportation: For the fastest and easiest way to travel, I suggest arranging a private transfer with Cancun Airport Transportation. Honestly, no better way to travel from the airport to your hotel or resort.
🤿 Tours & Activities: For tours and activities in Mexico, I highly recommend using either Viator or GetYourGuide. These websites offer a full refund if you cancel your booking 24 hours before the start of the tour, and they also provide excellent customer service in case of any issues.
🚨 Travel Insurance: I always suggest purchasing travel insurance as a precaution before traveling, especially after a recent accident in a taxi in Mexico. For short trips, I recommend Travel Insurance Master, whereas for digital nomads, Safety Wing is a better option.
📷 Best Camera for your trip: I always carry with me a GoPro, It’s light, compact, takes great video and pictures, and most importantly, it’s waterproof! You just can’t go wrong with one. If you are interested in higher quality video and photography, I always carry with me on my trips and highly recommend the Sony A7IV which I think is the best travel DSLR Camera out there.
☀️ Biodegradable Sunscreen: Remember to include a good sunscreen to protect yourself from the summer sun. I always use and suggest Sun Bum Sunscreen, which is vegan, reef-friendly, and cruelty-free.
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