Snorkeling Around the Yucatan Peninsula

The Caribbean coast of the Yucatan Peninsula is a great destination for tourists interested in watersports.  Snorkeling is especially popular because it involves very little training and is a rewarding, and some would say magical, experience. 

Not every town in the the Yucatan Peninsula is ideal for snorkeling, but no matter where you stay, you'll typically find that you are within easy reach of some of the most stunning snorkeling sites in the world.  Conditions are almost always ideal, with visibility typically being over 60 feet and the waters never lower than the mid-70s in degrees Fahrenheit, though waters in the low 80s are more common.  

The sites you may see vary from place to place.  Though common sites include sea turtles, barracudas, rays, and hundreds of varieties of rainbow colored fish, there are some places where you might see octopus, nurse sharks, and up in the Isla Mujeres and Holbox between the months of June and September you can even snorkel with whale sharks.

Some places like Akumal and Puerto Morelos are great for snorkeling right from the beach, while Cozumel, Playa Del Carmen, and Cancun are places where you'll want to book a tour that will take you to an offshore reef.  There are even unique snorkeling opportunities, like the cenotes around Tulum where you can snorkel in fresh water sink holes. 

Though every beach may not be the best for snorkeling, you always have the opportunity to give it a try, thanks to the fact that all property is controlled by the Mexican Federal Government and open to the public.  

Snorkeling Sites

If you want to explore what's down below you might want to visit Hol Chan Marine Reserve. Part of the national park, this is a natural wonderland for snorkelers looking to explore an authentic underwater habitat. The cut is a channel that acts as a highway for fish swimming from one side of the reef to the other. This snorkeling site is located in southern the Yucatan Peninsula.

Chinchorro Bank Biosphere Reserve is another snorkeling spot you might enjoy. One of the most pristine coral reefs in the world thanks to the limited access allowed to it by the government, this site features such unique sea life as black coral and conch. You'll also be able to spot rays, eels, sponges, and a great many tropical fish.

A third site to consider is Cristal Cenote. Clear waters surrounded by lush green scenery, this picturesque site is also fun for snorkeling thanks to tons of tiny fish that swarm about.

A fourth place where you can go snorkeling is Chunyaxche Lagoon. If you're looking for a different snorkeling experience, this is the site for you. Rather than coral, it is mangroves you're peeking through in order to glimpse sightings of the fish that live here. If you're interested, you'll find this site located in the Yucatan Peninsula.

Chankannab Adventure Park is a fifth option to consider. An underwater statue called Chaak Mool rests at this snorkeling site, adding to the appeal already set forth by the diversity of sea life. Sightings might include sea fans lobster, sergeant majors, and octopus, though there is no coral.

The chart just below enables you to learn some key facts concerning 53 of the best places to enjoy snorkeling in this area.

Snorkeling Boat Trips

Some people believe the best snorkeling is experienced away from the shore.

If you're hoping to go snorkeling during a boating adventure, you might want to contact Cozumel Sailing. Cozumel Sailing offers deep sea fishing excursions, private charters, Tucan sailing adventures, and sunset sails. Some of the activities included on these trips include snorkeling, snorkel gear, complimentary lunch, an open bar, and occasional Spinnaker rides if the weather permits.

Another option to investigate is Blue Tang Tours. Half and full day snorkel trips to Hol Chan Marine Park, Shark Ray Alley, Mexico Rocks, and Caye Caulker are available along with nightly sunset sails. Snacks, soda, water, rum punch, beer, and lunch are sometimes offered. They're found within San Pedro, in southern the Yucatan Peninsula.

A third option is Yucatan F1. Travel around the Mexican coast on board speedboats that can travel upwards of 55 miles per hour. Tell the captain where you want to go or what you want to do and he will do the rest. The tour also includes lunch.

Be sure to look through the chart below for a listing of boat trip providers that offer snorkeling.

Snorkeling Services

If you looking for a place that offers snorkeling excursions, rentals, or other services, you might want to check with Portofino Snorkeling. Located at {% link_to 50020 %}, Prortofino snorkeling is in amazing location because of the cllear, warm waters of the Caribbean. They are located within southern the Yucatan Peninsula.

A second company that offers snorkeling related services is Dressel Divers Puerto Aventuras. The daily snorkeling trips from Puerto Aventuras venture to INAH Natural Reserve reef. There is an extensive coral population at this reef, including sponges and fan and brain corals. In addition to the corals, there are colorful fish like the parrot fish, angel fish, butterfly fish, Barracuda, yellow tail and grouper that populate this reef.

A third place to consider is Reef Adventures. Explore the Great Barrier Reef in all of its glory. This operator offers daily trips to Hol Chan Marine Reserve, Tres Cocos, Shark Ray Alley, and Mexico Rocks as well, so no matter what type of snorkeling you want to do, they can help you make it happen. They're located in San Pedro, in the southern part of the Yucatan Peninsula.

Be sure to look at this table for a summary of 89 companies that offer services of interest to snorkelers.

For more information concerning snorkeling, including suggestions and helpful tips for both "old pros" and beginners, check out this exhaustive discussion of snorkeling in the Caribbean.

All along the Caribbean coast, the best thing about the the Yucatan Peninsula is the variety.  Whether you prefer to take a boat out to an offshore reef, jump in and snorkel from your favorite beach, or head to the interior to explore a cenote, the snorkeling in this region of Mexico is like no where else.