Best Snorkel Experiences in Cancun

The diversity of things to see and do in Cancun during your holiday is enormous. For that reason, you are sure to have an itinerary full of unforgettable activities and experiences. Whether you are looking for partying, tranquillity or both, you will find everything you are looking for in this destination.

The amount of tours and activities in Cancun makes it an ideal place for group holidays, family holidays, couples and also for solo travellers, as there is always something entertaining to do. If you like snorkelling, Cancun is the place for you.

In this type of excursion you will drive your own boat through the bay of Cancun until you reach the Nichupte lagoon, where your guide will take you to the Mayan mangroves. After about 35 minutes of sailing you will arrive at the Punta Nizuc reef.

The coral reef of Punta Nizuc is one of the best places to snorkel in Cancun. While snorkelling you will be able to see and interact with the amazing marine fauna of the region, in total safety thanks to the professional team that will accompany you. This type of excursion includes the rental of the necessary snorkelling equipment, the rental of the boat and a bilingual guide.

The price does not usually include food and drinks (except for a bottle of water per person) and the "dock fee", which costs around 12 euros per person.

If you enjoy sailing, but prefer to have someone else drive the boat for you, you can opt for a Cancun boat trip that includes the option of snorkelling.

Interesting details

• Price: from 58 euros per person plus dock fee of 12 euros.
• Duration: around 2 hours.

In this type of tour you will be able to live an adrenaline-filled experience, as it includes a ride in an off-road vehicle through the Mayan jungle, snorkelling, zip-lining and swimming in a cenote.

They are usually done in the Cenotes Route in Puerto Morelos, since it is considered the best area for this type of activities.

The cenotes of Cancun were considered sacred places by the ancient Mayans and diving in their waters is a magical experience that you will remember all your life.

On the other hand, if you like heights, I recommend you to go on a zip line through the jungle trees. It's an experience you'll love and is the perfect complement to a day of diving and adventure.

Some of these tours include a typical Mexican lunch in the price and water, but only one bottle per person. For this reason it is advisable to bring your own water supplies.

Cancun ATV tours also take in other areas, such as the Puerto Morelos Reef National Park, which is also ideal for snorkelling.

Details of interest

• Price: around 122 euros per person.
• Duration: approximately 7 hours.

On these snorkelling tours, you will do several different snorkelling stops, between 3 or 4 depending on the options available. These include snorkelling through the wreck of a shipwreck.

Before going out to sea, you'll be given a safety briefing by the activity leaders.

One of the stops you will make is to swim with turtles among the colourful coral reefs. The turtle sighting is not insured, but the great variety of fish is equally attractive, and the company offers insurance included in the price for this type of tour.

If this activity has left you wanting to know more about the life of the reefs, I recommend you to visit the Puerto Morelos Reef National Park.

Details of interest

• Price: from 72 euros per person plus the "dock fee" of approximately 12 euros.
• Duration: 3 and a half hours.

Snorkellingwith sharks is not for everyone, as it takes, from my point of view, a lot of courage. If you are one of the brave travellers, this experience will fascinate you.

You will actually dive with whale sharks, gentle giants of the Yucatan peninsula that are not dangerous. Your guide will be a marine biologist who will explain everything you need to know about this species.

You will also see dolphins, turtles and manta rays. My advice is to take advantage of your guide's professional knowledge to learn about these marine species and their environment.

This activity is available for children from 8 years old, so you can do it with your children if they are already that age and are not scared of these large aquatic animals.

Interesting details

• Price: from 134 euros per person, including lunch and transfers. You have to pay the dock fee separately.
• Duration: about 7 hours.

On this type of experience, you will travel by boat, sailboat or catamaran (depending on what you have booked) to Isla Mujeres.

Many of the options include breakfast, lunch and an open bar throughout the trip. In fact, Cancun catamaran tours and boat excursions offer a wide variety of extra services from snorkelling to on-board parties.

You will have the opportunity to snorkel around the island and then explore it at your own pace. If you want more time to explore the island in more depth, I recommend a trip to Isla Mujeres where you can visit the main attractions of the area.

These tours include snorkelling equipment hire and, depending on the option, also a visit to the interesting Underwater Museum of Art.

Finally, some of these excursions also include food, drinks and, in some cases, pick up and drop off at your hotel. What is rarely included is the dock tax.

Details of interest

• Price: from 46 euros per person for the most basic options, plus dock tax of around 12 euros.
• Duration: approximately 7 hours.

If you decide to take this snorkelling excursion, you will be one of the few privileged to visit the beautiful Cantoy Island and you will also have the opportunity to dive in the Ixlaché reef.

These tours go through the national park where several turtles and more than 150 species of birds live protected. The entrance fee to Cantoy Island National Park is included in the price of the tour.

The best thing is that you will be accompanied by a specialised guide who will teach you all about the species that inhabit the island. After diving, you will have enough time to go hiking if you wish.

Diving equipment rental is included in the price. A continental breakfast and lunch is usually served during the trip and there is an open bar. You will also be picked up and taken back to the hotel at no extra cost.

Details of interest

• Price: from 132 euros per person plus dock fee.
• Duration: around 8 hours.

During these excursions you have the opportunity to visit two of the most beautiful cenotes of the Yucatan Peninsula: Sac Actun and Nohoch Nah Chich, where you can snorkel.

The excursions to the cenotes in Cancun are very popular activities among visitors, as the best cenotes in the world are found in this region.

After snorkelling, the excursion continues with a zip-line adventure. You can also rappel through the jungle vegetation and the cenotes themselves. In addition, you will experience the mysticism of a Mayan purification rite before lunch, an activity only available on these tours.

This type of excursion usually also includes a buffet lunch and drinks. The transfer to and from the hotel is also included in the price.

Details of interest

• Price: from 103 euros per person plus dock fee.
• Duration: about 7 hours.

This is one of the many activities to do in Cancun with children, as it is an amazing experience.

With these tours, it is possible to combine an exciting mangrove tour with a ride on a glass bottom boat in the style of a submarine.

After spending some time sailing and observing the marine life in the submarine, you will have the opportunity to snorkel safely on this family friendly tour.

For this option the snorkelling tour has to be selected at the time of booking. No transfers, meals or drinks are included. The departure point is Aquaworld, located in Cancun's marina, easily reached by taxi.

Details of interest

• Price: from 45 euros for the basic option plus dock tax.
• Duration: about 4 hours.

The activities start at the beautiful Akumal beach, one of the best beaches in Cancun. This is where the preparation begins before entering the sea.

On these sea turtle watching and cenotes snorkelling tours you will be able to swim with 3 different species of sea turtles in their natural habitat. You will also have the opportunity to observe a great variety of tropical fish and rays.

Lunch is not included in the price, but snacks, fruits and empanadas will be provided depending on availability. Transfer to and from the hotel is usually included in the price, but you will have to pay a separate dock fee of approximately 12 euros per person.

In my opinion, if your trip to Cancun is short, this is one of the things to see and do on a 3-day itinerary.

Details of interest

• Price: from approximately 92 euros per person plus dock fee.
• Duration: about 5 hours.

This snorkelling tour option is very complete because it also includes a visit to the Tulum Ruins and some cenotes. The site is one of the most important archaeological sites in Mexico.

During this tour you will be able to snorkel in the coral reefs of the Caribbean and, after lunch, visit the cenotes and caves of the region. This type of tour is ideal to include in your itinerary of things to see and do in Cancun in 5 days, or in three days because in one tour you get to do three of the most popular activities.

Meals, drinks, entrance fees to the different places you will visit and transfers to and from the hotel are included in the price. You have to pay a separate dock fee of around 12 euros per person.

If you have enough time to spend in Cancun, I recommend you to make a specific excursion to Tulum, because the place is really worth it.

Details of interest

• Price: from around 95 euros per person plus the dock fee of 12 euros.
• Duration: about 8 hours.