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Home > Cancun Travel Guide > Things to Do > Scuba & Snorkeling

Scuba & Snorkeling

Cancun and surrounding areas are  home to some of  the world's most acclaimed diving and snorkeling.  The waters surrounding Cancun are legendary for their clarity and diversity.

Famous dive spots like Palancar, El Bajito, Manchones and Chitales are all nearby. There is also the Cave of the Sleeping Sharks near Isla Mujeres where divers can sometimes "pet" the sharks. Nearby Cozumel offers world-class diving.  And nearby Isla Mujeres is one of the most scenic place in the area for diving & snorkeling. A popular dive site is the Manchones Reef, which is about 5 mi/8 km northeast of Cancun —close to Isla Mujeres. Divers and snorkelers also may want to explore the starting point of the Belize Barrier Reef at Punta Nizuc, near the Club Med at the southern end of Paseo Kukulcán.

 

"Buoyed by water, he can fly in any direction-up, down, sideways-by merely flipping his hand.
Under water, man becomes an archangel."

-Jacques Costeau

 

Scuba Diving

Underwater enthusiasts come to Cancun, Cozumel, Puerto Morelos and other parts of the Mexican Caribbean coast for its clear turquoise waters, colorful tropical fish, and exquisite coral reef.

Currents allow for drift dives, deep dives, night dives, wall dives and shore dives while the abundance of offshore wrecks make exploration dives safe enough for neophytes. The peninsula's cenotes, or natural sinkholes, also provide unusual dive experiences.

 

Cavern Diving

Divers come to Mexico's Mayan Riviera from all over the world for cenote cavern diving. The Yucatán Peninsula is a limestone shelf with no rivers.  Rainwater seeps through the limestone rock and runs in underground rivers to the Caribbean Sea. Over the centuries, weaknesses in the caves collapsed sections of the roof, leaving sinkholes open to the surface. In the Mexican Caribbean, these cavern openings are called cenotes

Cenote cavern dives are a unique experience. The water is crystal clear and fresh, and divers can see the beautiful mineral formations in the cenote cavern. Unlike cave systems in most of the world, the Yucatan's underground rivers are close to the surface. This means longer diving times in the shallower depth. Cenote cavern dives are not effected by the ocean's temperament, so the water is always calm and clear. 

Caution:  Don't go cavern diving without a guide.  The "cavern" dive is an advanced dive in an overhead environment and should be done only under the supervision of a qualified professional guide.  If you are a certified open water diver, you can dive in a cenote cavern with a qualified guide. 

 

Dive Trips, Instruction and Certification

For those who are beginners, there are a number of courses offered to get you started. The weekend course or PADI resort course qualifies you to dive with an experienced dive master and has become a standard feature in most all-inclusive packages. The PADI Open Water Certification is valid worldwide and allows you to scuba dive anywhere in the world.
Certified Diving Marina Punta del Este
Location: Cancun. Transportation not provided.
Admire and enjoy the Caribbean Sea’s natural wonders, sailing on board the Marina Punta del Este's fully equipped boats and practice certified diving in open waters, with depths ranging from 35 to 60 feet in ten different coral reefs. If you are a certified diver, you can be sure this will be an amazing and unforgettable experience!
Cozumel Certified Scuba Diving
Location: Cozumel. Transportation not provided.
Cozumel has the second largest coral reef in the world. The waters surrounding Mexico’s largest island often exceed 200 feet of superbly clear visibility. The sea life and the deep ocean walls are impressive in the waters of Cozumel. Come practice certified scuba diving in Cozumel and experience an unparallel adventure in the Mexican Caribbean.
Learn Scuba Diving - Aquaworld
Location: Cancun.
Learn Scuba Diving with Aquaworld! Take your first diving lesson in a pool with a professional instructor for 90 minutes. After a thorough lesson in the pool, you will visit the second largest coral reef in the world. Come to Aquaworld and learn Scuba diving!
Learn Scuba Diving - Punta del Este
Location: Cancun.
Discover the fascinating experience enjoyed by certified divers when exploring the fabulous and interesting submarine world; learn how to dive in just two hours! PADI instructors will teach you step by step, in a simple and funny way, all that you need to know to start practicing this amazing sport. This diving lesson is featured by Marina Punta del Este and it's divided into three stages. First, you will receive theoretical training, then you will practice what you’ve learned in a swimming pool, and finally, and this is the best part of the whole tour, you will dive in open waters!
PADI Open-Water Certification-Aquaworld
Location: Cancun.
If you enjoy Scuba diving and you are looking for a professional course, the PADI open water certification is the best course you will find and your certification card will be valid for a lifetime. The best instructors will give you the PADI open water certification course in a matter of four or five days. Come to Aquaworld and get your diving course for open waters and then enjoy practicing your diving in the turquoise waters of Cancun or in the coral reefs of Cozumel.
 

Snorkeling

Snorkeling is an easy way to see the underwater sights since you don’t need a lot of equipment or training.  There are a number of excellent snorkeling trips offered in Cancun and along the Riviera Maya coast. Favorite spots include Isla Mujeres, Puerto Morelos, Cozumel, Xel-há, Xcaret and Akumal. Snorkeling tours should provide you with good quality mask, fins and a lifejacket.

Snorkeling Tours & Trips  Your snorkeling guide will offer you tips to help make the whole experience go smoothly and will stay with your during the tour,  pointing out interesting sights on the reef. Most tours include transportation, lunch and drinks.

There are snorkeling tours that go to Isla Mujeres and Cozumel, both islands near Cancun. You can go to both of these places by yourself for much less money, and if you are a sightseer rather than a serious snorkeler, or if you are already going on several other tours, you might just want to go on your own.

There are a variety of Jungle Tours in the Cancun lagoon. You can either pilot your own jet-ski, or cruise on a boat. You sail through the twisty passages in the swamp until you reach a spot where you can snorkel the rest of the afternoon.

You can also snorkel off the beach in the southern part of the hotel zone. Get off the bus at the Westin Regina hotel and head towards the Club Med.  There is also great snorkeling at Xel-Ha, which is often combined with a tour of the nearby Tulum ruins, and at Xcaret.

Aquatic Expedition
Location: Riviera Maya. Departs From: Playa del Carmen, Riviera Maya.
In the Aquatic Expedition you will be able to discover the beauty of the cenotes (natural sinkholes) along the Riviera Maya. Visit cenotes in one of the few places in the world with the appropriate geological conditions for their development. Snorkeling is incredible, you will see sub-aquatic stalagmites and marine fauna.
Contoy Island Asterix Tours
Location: Isla Contoy. Departs from: Cancun
Enjoy an unforgettable experience crossing the majestic Caribbean Sea to get to a place few have had the privilege to discover: Isla Contoy. This unspoiled island, which measures barely 5.2 miles long and only 70 ft. at its narrowest point, is located about 45 minutes north of Isla Mujeres, on one end of the second largest coral reef in the world. Its shallow, clear and calm beaches, with an abundance of underwater life that will thrill any snorkeler, make of Isla Contoy a spot no nature lovers should miss. Moreover, Contoy is famous for its flora and fauna, specially for its birds of which more than 90 species are considered either resident or migratory, turning the island into a delight for people that like to do bird watching. The tour to Isla Contoy aboard the Asterix boats is a unique experience and the most comfortable way to get to know this amazing natural haven. Choose from Contoy-only or the Contoy plus Isla Mujeres option.
Contoy Island "Kolumbus Tours"
Location: Isla Contoy. Departs from: Punta Sam near Cancun
Embark on a journey of discovery and explore the natural wonders of the most unspoilt place in the Mexican Caribbean, the Isla Contoy National Park. Enjoy the numerous species of birds and beautiful white sand beaches and visit the new museum of nature. Enter the magical underwater world with the help of your snorkeling equipment and see the amazing fauna in the sea depths; also, watch and learn about the diverse birds in their natural habitat with the help of an experienced guide. This wonderful trip is done onboard the “Corsario” or the “Pinta”, both replicas of famous discovery vessels, which will transport you back in time. Finish it with a feast of delicious "Tikinxic" fish (Maya-style grilled fish) prepared by your own captain.
Cozumel Reef Snorkel
Location: Cozumel. Transportation provided from: Cancun.
The island of Cozumel is legendry among divers and snorkelers. The waters surrounding Mexico’s largest island often exceed 200 feet of superbly clear visibility. The sea life, the coral reefs, and the deep ocean walls are impressive. This is a full day of adventure in the Caribbean Sea.
Cozumel Snorkel Aquaworld
Location: Cozumel. Transportation not provided.
Enjoy a fabulous coral reef snorkel tour with the amazing Cozumel Snorkel program offered by Aquaworld. Spend an unforgettable day with this 40-minute tour which will provide you with a professional guide, snorkeling gear, buffet lunch, beer, sodas and water, and a shopping trip to downtown Cozumel.
Jungle Tour-Sunrise Marina 
Location: Cancun.
Jungle Tour is an unparalleled adventure. Experience the excitement of driving your own two-person speedboat through the second largest coral reef in the world. This adventure will take you across the Nichupte lagoon, allowing you to get in touch with the beauty of the mangroves and get to know the diverse fauna and flora of these complex ecosystems. Come and experience the great variety of activities you can experience in the waters of the Caribbean Sea.
Nohoch Jungle Crossing
Location: Riviera Maya. Transportation available from: Riviera Maya, Playa del Carmen.
Nohoch Jungle Crossing is an unparalleled tour that will take you deep into the tropical jungle of Quintana Roo.  During this tour you will also get the chance to practice your snorkeling in one of the world’s largest discovered subterranean river systems. Come and get in touch with all the beauty the Riviera Maya has for you.
Snorkeling Adventure  
Location: Riviera Maya. Transportation provided from: Cancun, Playa del Carmen, Riviera Maya.
This snorkeling adventure consists of two guided tours; the first one in the morning will take you to a shallow reef where you will have your first contact with an amazing marine ecosystem for 40 minutes. Afterwards, you will sail further to reach a second and deeper reef with a totally different habitat, for another 40 minutes. After this expedition, you will go back to the beach club to enjoy a delicious gourmet meal and rest or engage in an exciting volleyball game. For this adventure's grand finale, a second guided visit to the reef departs later in the afternoon, when the light and temperature's conditions have changed, which means you will find a totally different and unique view that will astound you. The tour, highly recommended for snorkeling enthusiasts, takes place at Petempich Bay's national park, in front of the second largest coral reef in the world, surrounded by stunning flora and fauna.
Tulum and Xel-Ha
Location: Riviera Maya. Transportation optional from: Cancun, Playa del Carmen, Riviera Maya. All-Inclusive optional.
Discover one of the most beautiful archeological sites of the Riviera Maya, the only one overlooking the Caribbean Sea and its turquoise waters as a walled fortress. Let yourself be taken into the temple of the frescoes, the one of the descending god and "El Castillo" an amazing temple built on a cliff with splendid views of the coast. From here you will be taken to Xel-Ha, the perfect spot for snorkeling and relaxation.
Tulum Caribbean Wonders 
Location: Riviera Maya. Transportation available from: Playa del Carmen, Riviera Maya.
Tulum is a gorgeous archaeological zone located in the Riviera Maya, right by the Caribbean Ocean. It is a place where you will not only explore the fascinating Maya ruins, but you will also get the chance to practice snorkeling in its turquoise waters, or lay on the white sands and top up your tan. Walk around Tulum’s temples and learn about its cosmic and religious purposes.
Xcaret
Location: Riviera Maya. Transportation available from: Cancun, Playa del Carmen, Riviera Maya.
“Nature's sacred paradise”, Xcaret is the world’s most famous eco-archaeological park. Here you will find: archaeological ruins, dolphins show, horses, a farm with tropical birds, butterfly caves, bat caves, beach; you can practice your snorkeling abilities in its famous crystal caves and the well known underground river. With its 53 activities to enjoy, Xcaret is an experience for all your senses. This ecological park was once one of the Maya civilization's most important ports. Come to the unparalleled ecological park of Xcaret, located in the Riviera Maya, and spend an unforgettable day with your family.
Xel-Ha
Location: Riviera Maya.  All Inclusive optional.  Transportation not included.
Xel-Ha is the perfect spot for snorkeling and relaxing. This natural aquarium is famous for its thousands of brightly colored tropical fish and the dramatic limestone formations. Here you will be able to explore creeks, lagoons and caves fed by subterranean rivers. In Xel-Ha you can experience the adventure of swim with dolphins. Xel-Ha is a living invitation to enjoy sustainable tourism and recreation in a preserved natural environment.
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