Are you looking for the best places to snorkel in Cancun? Look no further! In this article, we will be exploring the 13 best places for snorkeling in Cancun and giving some tips on how to make your experience as enjoyable as possible. So grab your mask and fins and let’s get started!
best snorkeling spots in cancun
If you love being in the water and want to see some amazing fish and coral up close, then snorkeling is definitely for you! Cancun is one of the best places in the world for snorkeling, with its clear turquoise waters and rich marine life. There are many great spots for snorkeling in Cancun, so we’ve put together a list of our top 10 favorites.
- Puerto Morelos National Park: This national park is located just south of Cancun and is a great place for snorkeling. The waters here are clear and full of colorful fish and coral. There are also several shipwrecks to explore!
- Playa del Carmen: This popular beach town is just a short drive from Cancun and has some great snorkeling spots. One of our favorites is El Farito, where you can see tons of brightly colored fish among the coral reefs.
- Akumal Bay: This protected bay is home to many turtles, which you can often spot while snorkeling. The waters here are calm and clear, making it a great place for beginners.
- Xcaret: This eco-archaeological park offers both freshwater and saltwater snorkeling options. In the saltwater section, you can see stingrays, nurse sharks, and more!
- Isla Mujeres : This picturesque island is home to many colorful fish and coral. Plus, you can easily get there by boat from Cancun!
- Chankanaab National Park: This national park is full of marine life, including sea turtles, dolphins, and more. It’s also home to the world’s second-largest barrier reef!
- Punta Nizuc: This stretch of beach is located at the southern tip of Cancun and offers some great snorkeling opportunities. You can spot a variety of species here, including parrotfish and angel fish.
- There are many snorkeling tours available in Cancun, and the best one for you will depend on your preferences and interests. However, some of the most popular and highly-rated snorkeling tours in Cancun include:
- National Marine Park of Cancun and Isla Mujeres: This tour takes you to the National Marine Park, which is home to a wide variety of marine life, including sea turtles, tropical fish, and colorful coral. You will also have the opportunity to visit the nearby island of Isla Mujeres.
More snorkeling spots in cancun
- Cancun Snorkeling and Beach Break: This tour takes you to several different snorkeling sites, including El Rey, Manchones, and Punta Nizuc, and also includes some time for relaxing on the beach.
- Underwater Museum of Art (MUSA): This tour takes you to the MUSA, which is a collection of sculptures located in the waters near Cancun. The sculptures are made of special materials that promote the growth of coral and other marine life, making it a unique snorkeling experience.
- Cancun Snorkeling and Beach Break: This tour takes you to several different snorkeling sites, including El Rey, Manchones, and Punta Nizuc, and also includes some time for relaxing on the beach.
- Cancun Snorkeling and Shark Encounter: This tour takes you to a shark tank where you can snorkel with Nurse sharks and Caribbean reef sharks.
- Cancun Snorkeling and Dolphin Encounter: This tour takes you to dolphin habitat where you can snorkel with dolphins in a natural environment.
- It is recommended to check the reviews, ratings and details of the tour before booking. Also, it’s important to consider your own physical abilities and comfort level when choosing a tour.
- : Just off the coast of Mexico is this beautiful island that is known for its amazing snorkeling opportunities. The waters are clear and full of brightly colored fish and coral.
- Puerto Aventuras: This small fishing village has several spots for snorkeling, including a sunken shipwreck that you can explore! There are also plenty of colorful fish and coral to see here.
- Xel-Ha: Located near Tulum, Xel-Ha is one of the best places in all of Mexico for snorkeling
Note:It is recommended to check the reviews, ratings and details of the tour before booking. Also, it’s important to consider your own physical abilities and comfort level when choosing a tour.
reef and shipwreck snorkeling tour in cancun
Reef snorkeling tours will take you to several different reefs such as El Rey, Manchones, and Punta Nizuc, where you can see a wide variety of tropical fish, sea turtles, and colorful coral. These reefs are also known for their crystal clear water and incredible visibility, making them ideal for snorkeling. Shipwreck snorkeling tours take you to explore shipwrecks such as C-56 and the MUSA Underwater Art Museum. These shipwrecks are home to a wide variety of marine life, including schools of fish, eels, and even octopus. Snorkeling around shipwrecks is an unique experience as it allows you to see how nature has taken over these man-made structures. Most of these tours are guided by experienced snorkeling guides and include all necessary equipment, such as snorkels, fins, and masks. Some tours may also include a light breakfast or lunch, and some may include transportation to and from your hotel.
5-in-1 cancun snorkeling tour
A 5-in-1 Cancun snorkeling tour is a tour that offers a variety of snorkeling experiences in one package. These types of tours often include several different snorkeling sites, as well as other activities such as beach time, cultural experiences, and other excursions. Some examples of activities that may be included in a 5-in-1 Cancun snorkeling tour are:
- Snorkeling in the National Marine Park of Cancun and Isla Mujeres: This tour takes you to the National Marine Park, which is home to a wide variety of marine life, including sea turtles, tropical fish, and colorful coral. You will also have the opportunity to visit the nearby island of Isla Mujeres.
- Visiting the Underwater Museum of Art (MUSA): This tour takes you to the MUSA, which is a collection of sculptures located in the waters near Cancun. The sculptures are made of special materials that promote the growth of coral and other marine life, making it a unique snorkeling experience.
- Beach break or island hopping: Many tours include a visit to some of the most beautiful beaches or islands of Cancun, such as Isla Blanca, Playa Delfines, or Isla Contoy.
- Cultural activities: Some tours may include a visit to a Mayan ruin or a traditional Mexican village, such as Tulum, Coba, or Ek Balam.
- Other activities: Some tours may include activities such as zipline, ATV, or kayak.
It’s important to check the details of the tour, including what exactly is included, and make sure it aligns with your interests and preferences.
Faq
Is Cancun good for snorkelling?
Yes, Cancun is a great destination for snorkeling! The clear turquoise waters and coral reefs provide an ideal habitat for many colorful fish and other marine life. Popular spots to explore include Chankanaab National Park, El Meco Reef, and Mujeres Island.
Where can I snorkel for free in Cancun?
You can snorkel for free in Cancun at the following locations:
Playa Delfines
Contoy Island
San Miguelito Beach
Puerto Morelos National Marine Park
Yeoman Reef
How much does it cost to snorkel in Cancun?
Generally speaking, snorkeling in Cancun can cost anywhere from $20 to $50 USD per person, depending on the location and chosen tour operator.
Can you swim with sea turtles in Cancun?
Yes, it is possible to swim with sea turtles in Cancun! You can find tours that will take you out on the open ocean to swim alongside these majestic creatures.
The Types of Snorkeling Gear
There are two main types of snorkeling gear– the full face mask and the traditional mask and snorkel combo. The full face mask is a newer invention that covers your entire face, making it easier to breathe underwater. These masks are also ideal for those who wear glasses, as they seal around your eyes and prevent water from getting in. The traditional mask and snorkel combo is more popular among experienced snorkelers, as it gives you a wider field of view. This type of gear can be cumbersome to put on and take off, but it’s worth the effort once you’re in the water.
Tips and Tricks to Make Your Cancun Trip More Enjoyable
- Plan your trip in advance: This will allow you to research the best snorkeling spots and plan your route accordingly. Cancun is a large city with many beaches, so it’s important to narrow down your options before you go.
- Go with a group: Snorkeling is more fun with friends! Not to mention, it’s always safer to go with someone else in case of an emergency.
- Pack your own gear: This way you can be sure that you have everything you need for a comfortable and enjoyable experience. Don’t forget your sunscreen, hats, and towels!
- Be prepared for crowds: Cancun is a popular tourist destination, so expect to see plenty of people on the beaches. If you’re looking for a more secluded experience, try snorkeling early in the morning or late at night when there are fewer people around.
- Follow the rules: Remember to respect the environment and other people while you’re snorkeling. Don’t touch anything or stand on coral reefs, and be aware of your surroundings at all times.
A Quick History on Snorkeling in cancun
Snorkeling in Cancun, Mexico, has a relatively short history as the city of Cancun itself was founded in the 1970s as a tourist destination. The clear turquoise waters and vibrant coral reefs surrounding the island have attracted visitors looking to explore the underwater world since the early days of Cancun’s tourism industry.
In the 1980s and 1990s, snorkeling and scuba diving excursions became more organized, and tour companies began offering snorkeling trips to popular reefs such as El Rey, Manchones, and Punta Nizuc.
As Cancun’s tourism industry continued to grow, so too did the number of snorkeling and diving operators, and the range of snorkeling sites and experiences available to visitors. Today, Cancun is a popular destination for snorkelers and divers from around the world, and the city’s waters are home to a wide variety of marine life, including tropical fish, sea turtles, and colorful coral.
Conclusion
Cancun is a great destination for snorkeling due to its clear waters and abundant marine life. With so many beaches, it can be hard to decide which ones are the best for snorkeling, but we have compiled this list of the 13 best places in Cancun where you can have an unforgettable time exploring the colorful underwater world. Whether you are looking for shallow reef sites or deep-water dives, one of these beaches will surely provide an amazing experience. So gear up and get ready to explore all that Cancun has to offer!
