Best Cancun snorkeling spots

Cancun, Mexico is home to the Great Mayan Reef and the coastal waters offer some of the best snorkeling anywhere on Earth. Check out some of our fave locations!

Published: July 18, 2024
Cancun snorkeling

Interested in snorkeling in Cancun but not sure where to go or what there even is to see underwater? Read on for our suggestions of some great spots and what you can expect from a visit to the crystal waters. Stick around until the end to see how you can save money on your next unforgettable snorkeling adventure with Go City!

Puero Morelos

Child snorkeling

A visit to Puerto Morelos beach is a snorkel trip of a lifetime, with luminescent fish, bright coral, and a breeding spot for sea turtles! Enjoy a tranquil backdrop for any activity that strikes your fancy. Take a walk through the lovely village of Puerto Morelos, with its beach and its charming cantinas, or dive into the crystal blue waters for a swim or a snorkel. 

Tip: the leaning lighthouse is the backdrop for selfies!

Punta Nizuc

This site is at the southern tip of the Cancun Hotel Zone and is a fantastic spot for snorkeling.

Head to the MUSA – an underwater museum with submerged sculptures that create an eerie and beautiful artificial reef – for a truly unique and surreal experience. Elier Amado Gil, a local artist, founded this quirky collection and dedicated it to the sustenance of the Great Mayan Reef and its living communities.

Not a fan of creepy underwater statues? We don’t blame you. There’s plenty more to do here! Visit some of the best sea turtle hangouts along the Mayan coast, snorkel to your heart's content and catch glimpses of the wide range of sealife, or take it easy in the shallow waters of El Cielo to meander through the places where starfish congregate.

Nizuc

Or how about a bit of nautical mystery to top things off? Explore a shipwreck (well, more like a small sunken boat, but you get the idea), and meet the fish who dwell inside as their coral habitat slowly takes over the ruins.

If you want a break from snorkeling but still want to experience the beauty of the sea, then submarine tours are available! Marvel at sea life and the Underwater Museum from a totally different perspective – you're dry, moving through the waters in a transparent enclosure.

 

Meco Reef

Snorkeling family

North of downtown Cancun, El Meco Reef is part of the larger Great Mesoamerican Reef System—aka the second-largest barrier reef in the world. A fabulous spot to explore different places to swim, snorkel, and admire the timeless Caribbean.

You’ll need to take a boat tour to get there as there’s no shore access, but it’s totally worth for one of the best snorkel spots to view Mexico's aquatic life. It’s not a super touristy location so you can enjoy the vibrant, healthy coral formations and tons of marine life – expect to see angelfish, butterflyfish, snappers, and parrotfish.

Garrafon Natural Reef Park (Isla Mujeres)

Isla Mujeres

Isla Mujeres is a four-mile long island home to the Garrafon Natural Reef Park. This eco-park offers well-maintained facilities, making it a great choice for families or those who want a mix of nature and convenience. 

Tip: try the pre-Hispanic steam bath known locally as the temazcal. It's an indigenous sweat lodge – Mayan style.

The natural reef itself is bordered by cliffs and runs right along the shore, with rental gear and guides available on-site. From the beach, you can take a kayak out to the Isla Mujeres reef and snorkel in the sparkling waters. Or you might opt to spend your time taking a walk to the breathtaking cliffs, where you'll find an unforgettable island and coastal vistas.

Got a history buff with you? Take a snorkel break and visit the Mayan ruins! About a 25-minute drive from Isla Mujeres, El Meco is a small but significant Mayan archaeological site.

Up for some snorkeling?

Young woman in snorkeling gear sitting on the side of a speedboat.

If these spots have inspired you for a Cancun snorkeling vacation, then we have some great news for you. What’s better than just snorkeling? An added jungle speedboat tour! Take a 2-in-1 tour and captain your own speedboat through the Nichupté Lagoon, admire the wildlife and lush greenery, then head to the sea, and the second-largest coral reef in the world, for some snorkeling. Enjoy the aquatic creatures and the vibrant coral formations, and experience the underwater museum yourself.

Sound good? Then grab yourself a pass with us and have a nautical adventure to remember!

Wanna stretch those legs even more? Check out our suggestions for the best time to visit Cancun, or discover our top 10 picks for free and affordable things to do.

Step up your sightseeing with Go City®.

We make it easy to explore the best a city has to offer. We’re talking top attractions, hidden gems, and local tours, all for one low price. Plus, you'll enjoy guaranteed savings, compared to buying individual attraction tickets.

See more, do more, and experience more with Go City®.

 

Casey Makovich
Go City Travel Expert

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Top 10+ Things to Do in Cancun for First Time Visitors – Must See & Do Attractions

Cancun has more to offer visitors than just stunning beaches and wild nightlife (though those are great, too). We put together a list of the top things to do in Cancun, including water activities, beaches to explore, and much, much more. If you and your family are looking for the top things to do in Cancun during your trip, check out our list of the best local attractions, including... Royal Swim VIP in Isla Mujeres Xplor Fuego Park Xcaret Park Extreme Adventure ATV Rides Tulum - Tankah Cenotes Adventure Columbus Lobster Dinner Cruise Parasail Cancun Get Up & Go Catamaran Sail Extreme Adventure Snorkel Puerto Morelos 90 Minute Surf Lesson with 360 Surf School Jungle Tour Speedboat Adventure and much more Save on Admission to Top Attractions Many of these top attractions are available on the Go Cancun Card All-Inclusive Pass. Choose as you go from many of the most popular Cancun attractions and save up to 45% off combined admission vs. paying at the gate. For all available passes, attractions, and prices – Learn more. 1. Royal Swim VIP "Plus" in Isla Mujeres by Dolphin Discovery Get in the water and interact with friendly dolphins, sea lions, and manatees at Dolphin Discovery Isla Mujeres - one of the most popular experiences in Cancun. You'll get to do fun activities with the dolphins, like foot pushes, dorsal tows, kisses, hand targets, and more. Watch playful sea lions walk and interact with their human companions and then head over to the manatee habitat where you can feed the large mammals lettuce and learn all about their nutrition, habitats, and manatee conservation efforts. This experience includes roundtrip ferry transportation to Isla Mujeres from Cancun, interactive experiences with dolphins, sea lions, and manatees, access to the VIP lounge, continental breakfast, and an all-you-can-eat lunch buffet with open bar. Getting in: Royal Swim VIP Plus at Royal Garrafon Park tickets are included on Go Cancun Card as a premium option on All-Inclusive Passes of 3+ day durations. 2. Xplor Fuego (Night) All-Inclusive Admission Head to Xplor Fuego after sunset and enjoy a night full of extreme adventure. Explore illuminated caves, zipline in the dark, and explore the rainforest - all after dark - for a nighttime rush of adrenaline. The entire park is lit up by sparklers and fire to create a nighttime adventure for thrill-seekers. Be sure to pack or wear a swimsuit - you won't want to miss the underground water adventures! While you're there, enjoy the buffet with unlimited drinks. This attraction includes roundtrip transportation from Base Xcaret, unlimited access to ziplines, amphibious vehicles, underground caves and rivers, rafts, safety equipment, lockers, and more. Getting in: Xplor Fuego Park All-Inclusive Admission tickets are an included attraction option with Go Cancun Card All-Inclusive Passes of 3+ day durations. 3. Xcaret Park Admission Experience over 40 attractions while surround by a natural paradise at Xcaret Park. From picturesque beaches to clear waters teeming with sea life, Xcaret Park has all the best Cancun has to offer in one, convenient location. Explore the Mayan village and temples, float down Paradise River, take a tour of underground rivers, and more. Your Xcaret Park Admission ticket includes access to all shows, attractions, cultural tours, exhibits, beaches, and pools, roundtrip transportation to and from the park, necessary safety gear, and more. Just pack swimwear and sunscreen! Getting in: Xcaret Park Admission tickets are an included attraction option with Go Cancun Card All-Inclusive Passes of 3+ day durations. 4. Extreme Adventures Combo All-Day Pass (private ATV) including roundtrip transportation Spend the day exploring all the adventures at Extreme Adventure Park, complete with access to your own private ATV (all-terrain vehicle) for a fun-packed day of adventure in Puerto Morelos. Puerto Morelos is home to the second largest great barrier reef in the world and some of the most famous cenotes (naturally-formed sinkholes filled with groundwater). Start your day with snorkeling in the clear blue waters and explore the coral reef. You'll get to see a variety of colorful sea life including fish, starfish, anemones, and more - you might even spot a turtle. After snorkeling, you'll have almost an hour of 'free time' to enjoy the picturesque beaches or oceanfront restaurants before beginning your ATV adventure zipping through the jungle. When you're done with your ATV ride, put on a harness and glide across the treetops on one of six zip lines. End your day with a dive into a natural Mayan cenote filled with clear water and surrounded by nature. Getting in: Extreme Adventure Park All-Day Combo Tour tickets are an included attraction option with Go Cancun Card All-Inclusive Passes of 3+ day durations. 5. Tulum-Tankah Cenotes Eco-Adventure Park Excursion by Mayaland Enjoy the beauty and history of Tulum on the Tulum-Tankah Cenotes Eco-Adventure Tour - the perfect way to learn more about Mayan history and culture and visit some iconic spots like the historic pyramids and breathtaking cenotes. You'll get transportation to and from Cancun to the sights and attractions in Tulum. Your guide will provide context to everything you see along the way, making sure you don't miss a thing. You'll also get access to the Tankah (Mayan word for "town center") Eco-Adventure Park where you can visit four cenotes (naturally-formed sinkholes filled with groundwater) and even go swimming in them. Your Tulum-Tankah Cenotes Eco-Adventure Tour tickets also include a zip line adventure, kayaking, and a buffet-style lunch. Getting in: Tulum-Tankah Cenotes Eco-Adventure Tour tickets are an included attraction option with Go Cancun Card All-Inclusive Passes of 3+ day durations. 6. Columbus Lobster Dinner Cruise Get out on the water and enjoy a 2.5-hour sunset dinner cruise aboard a classic Spanish Galleon. You'll get to see stunning views of the sunset while enjoying a three-course meal (choose from lobster, steak, or vegetarian dishes) and a lively atmosphere complete with a live saxophone band and an open bar. It's the perfect way to spend a romantic evening together on your Cancun vacation. Getting in: Columbus Lobster Dinner Cruise tickets are included with all Go Cancun Card All-Inclusive Passes. 7. Parasailing Adventure in Cancun Get sweeping views on Cancun's picture-perfect shorelines as you whip through the air on a parasailing adventure. You'll get 10-12 minutes of air time and some of the best views in Cancun of Isla Mujeres, Nichupté Lagoon, and the Cancun Hotel Zone. While you're in the air, you'll have a walkie-talkie so you can talk to the boat crew and let them know how high or low you want to go. Getting in: Parasailing Adventure in Cancun tickets are included with all Go Cancun Card All-Inclusive Passes. 8. "Get up and Go" Catamaran Adventure with Albatros Sailing Set sail aboard a luxury catamaran for a fun sailing tour of El Farito - the colorful reef you can hop off at and snorkel around. After snorkeling, hop back on board and enjoy the ride to Isla Mujeres, a small island where you can explore the little downtown area, beaches, and cliffs. Your Catamaran Sailing Tour tickets include access to the Beach Club on Isla Mujeres and the Spinnaker Ride, too, if you want. On your way back, enjoy a buffet-style lunch and domestic bar with an exclusive drink special. Getting in: "Get up and Go" Catamaran Adventure with Albatros Sailing tickets are included with all Go Cancun Card All-Inclusive Passes. 9. Extreme Adventure Puerto Morelos Snorkel Snorkel at the world's second largest great barrier reef, right in Puerto Morelos, and get up close to vibrantly colored tropical fish, lively corals, and lots of marine life. You'll get to snorkel at two different locations, with about 50 minutes at each location. See tropical fish, giant sea turtles, and gorgeous anemones lining the ocean floor as you float over them and explore the sea. After snorkeling, you'll have time explore Puerto Morelos' downtown and beachfront areas. Getting in: Extreme Adventure Puerto Morelos Snorkel tickets are included with all Go Cancun Card All-Inclusive Passes. 10. 90 Minute Surf Lesson at 360 Surf School Get the full Cancun experience with a 90-minute surf lesson at 360 Surf School and enjoy one of the locals' favorite activities - surfing. Your experience starts with an informative lesson, so you can enjoy your experience no matter what experience level you are, from beginner to expert. You'll get a surfboard, board wax, leash, and even a lycra top for extra sun protection so you're fully prepared to hit the waves. While you're in the water, experienced instructors will be in the water with you offering tips and guidance to help you get up and surfing in no time! Getting in: 90 Minute Surf Lesson tickets are included with all Go Cancun Card All-Inclusive Passes. 11. Dancer Cruise Cancun with Snorkeling Dancer Cruise Cancun is catamaran cruise that boasts snorkeling adventures, dancing lessons, food and beverages on board, games, and more. It's a one-of-a-kind cruise party. Enjoy a full day of fun on the water with activities that will keep you and your family entertained in between three stops your cruise will make: Meco Reef where you can snorkel around the vibrant coral reef and see tons of sea life, a calm water stop where you can hop off the boat's diving board or ride the two-story slide into the water, and Isla Mujeres where you can explore local shops or relax on the picturesque beaches of the little island. Getting in: Dancer Cruise Cancun with Snorkeling tickets are included with all Go Cancun Card All-Inclusive Passes. 12. Jungle Tour Speedboat Adventure Get behind the wheel of your own personal speedboat and snorkel the waters of Nichupté Lagoon with Jungle Tour Speedboat Adventure tickets. You'll get to captain a two-person speedboat and zip around the waters while following your tour guide towards Punta Nizuc where you can drop anchor and gear up for a snorkeling adventure where you'll see tons of sealife, from fishes to turtles, before hopping back in your boat and returning to land. Your whole adventure will last around 2.5 hours. Getting in: Jungle Tour Speedboat Adventure tickets are included with all Go Cancun Card All-Inclusive Passes. 13. Tulum Express Tour Don't miss out on the Mayan ruins of Tulum. Enjoy a fully-guided express tour through the old commerce town of Tulum and learn all about ancient Mayan culture. You'll get entry to the Mayan ruins of Tulum, roundtrip transportation from Cancun, and an expert guide who will take you to Tulum's highlights. Visit the pyramids, take a swim, and relax on the beach with a little bit of free time built into the day - all on this comprehensive Tulum tour. Getting in: Tulum Express Tour tickets are included with all Go Cancun Card All-Inclusive Passes. 14. Paradise Snorkel at Paraiso Nizuc with Underwater Museum What's on every traveler's bucket list? Snorkeling in the Underwater Museum at Paraiso Nizuc. Check this one off your bucket list with this snorkeling adventure. You'll get to enjoy a motorboat ride to Punta Nizuc reef where you can snorkel for as long as you want in the crystal clear waters. Make your way over to the Underwater Museum where you can view 16 eerie underwater statues, designed by local artist Elier Amado Gil, and the sea life that they have helped support. Getting in: Underwater Museum Snorkel at Paraiso Nizuc tickets are included with all Go Cancun Card All-Inclusive Passes. Let’s Recap There you have it – our picks for some of the most fun and most popular things to do in Cancun. Plan to add a few of the attractions above to your vacation itinerary to make the most of your trip to Cancun. Remember, you can save up to 45% on admission to a number of these popular attractions and more with a Go Cancun Card.
Casey Makovich
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One Day in Cancun Itinerary – Experience Cancun in a Day for Under $100

If you find yourself with a quick layover in Cancun – perhaps only a day to explore – then you’re probably looking to make the most of your short time in paradise. To help you plan your one day in Cancun itinerary, we’ve put together a suggested list of what we’d do during our limited time in this delightful city. This one day in Cancun itinerary includes: Extreme Adventure Park Snorkel Parasailing Adventure Mercado 28 (free!) Sunset Dinner Cruise Spending more time in Cancun? Check out our weekend in Cancun and three days in Cancun itineraries for more inspiration. Save on Attraction Admission With a Go Cancun Card attraction pass, you can visit these exciting attractions and save up to 45% on combined admission fees to these and other great Cancun attractions. Of course, this one-day itinerary is only one of many ways to enjoy your limited time in Cancun. The Go Cancun Card gives you the flexibility to totally customize your vacation – just pick and choose what you want to see during your one day in Cancun and save on admission. It’s that easy! Stop #1: Extreme Adventure Park Snorkel Stop #2: Parasailing Adventure Stop #3: Mercado 28 Stop #4: Sunset Dinner Cruise   Finally, you’ll want to end your one day in Cancun on a memorable dinner cruise. Enjoy a delightful evening sailing around the azure waters off the coast of Cancun, with two and a half hours to enjoy the sights and your meal. Savor tasty appetizers, a delicious surf-and-turf dinner, and delectable desserts on this relaxing sunset cruise. There’s also a bar on board, should you want to enjoy a few adult beverages while you watch the sun set. Plus, you’ll get to enjoy a live saxophone band while soaking up the sights – what’s not to love? Getting In: Cancun Lobster Dinner Cruise are included with the Go Cancun Card. Let’s Recap If you follow this one day in Cancun itinerary with the Go Cancun Card, you’ll save on admission versus paying at the gate. Consider adding a few, or all of these attractions to your next Cancun adventure, and we’re sure you’ll make memories to last a lifetime. Happy travels!
Casey Makovich

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