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
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.
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
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 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?
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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.
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