Snorkeling: A Complete Guide to Go Snorkeling in the Riviera Maya and Enjoying It to the Fullest

Snorkeling is a water activity that consists of swimming on the surface of the water using a mask and a snorkel tube to observe marine life without the need for scuba diving. Here you’ll find everything you need to know: what snorkeling equipment to use, where to go snorkeling in the Riviera Maya, and tips to make the most of this experience.

Xpress Summary

The most important points at a glance:

• Snorkeling is a recreational activity that can be done in the sea, near reefs, and even in cenotes, with the purpose of observing aquatic biodiversity.
• To snorkel, you need equipment that includes a mask, snorkel tube, goggles, fins, and a life vest.
• There are many ways to snorkel in the Riviera Maya, whether on your own at public beaches, by booking a snorkeling tour in different destinations throughout the region, or in natural parks.
• In general, it is a safe, calm, and highly recommended activity. By following basic tips and avoiding common mistakes while snorkeling, this is without a doubt a must-do experience when visiting the Riviera Maya.

What Is Snorkel And What Does Snorkeling Mean?

A snorkel is, in general terms, a tube that allows the flow of air. Snorkeling, used as a verb, refers to a water activity that consists of swimming face down on the surface of a body of water (sea, cove, cenote, inlet) using special snorkeling equipment.

In this way, you can explore marine life in coral reefs, freshwater cenotes, inlets, and lagoons connected to the sea, which are the most common places for snorkeling. This makes it easy to observe the wide variety of fish species and aquatic plants, depending on where you choose to go snorkeling.

Why Choose Snorkeling as a Recreational Activity?

Snorkeling has become a popular activity due to how easy it is to practice. It is very common to find locations and tours that offer snorkeling experiences in the Riviera Maya. Later on, we’ll share recommended places to snorkel.

Compared to scuba diving, which requires heavier and more complex equipment, snorkeling becomes an attractive alternative for travelers who love spending time in the water and want to learn more about wild aquatic life.

Snorkeling Equipment: What Gear Do You Use to Snorkel?

To go snorkeling, there is essential equipment that allows you to fully enjoy this water experience.

Snorkel Tube

The main part of the snorkeling gear is the tube. It has a rubber mouthpiece at one end, which you hold in your mouth to breathe through. At the other end, it has an opening where air flows in and out. The tube must always remain above the surface to prevent water from entering and blocking airflow.

Snorkeling Mask

This consists of goggles that cover the eyes and nose, with an elastic strap that adjusts around the head. Its function is to allow you to see underwater while preventing water from coming into contact with your eyes and causing irritation. The snorkel tube is usually attached to the mask with an elastic band.

Full-Face Snorkeling Mask

A good alternative that combines the snorkel tube and the mask is the snorkeling mask or full-face mask. This equipment offers the convenience of having both components in a single piece, as well as the ability to breathe through your nose or mouth.

Snorkeling Fins

These are worn on the feet, ideally right before starting the snorkeling activity. Thanks to the fins, you can swim faster, making them a perfect snorkeling accessory for swimming in open water or in areas with a light current.

Life Vest

This is a special type of vest that helps you stay afloat in the water. It is a fundamental part of snorkeling equipment, as it helps prevent accidents and keeps you safe at all times during the activity.

How Does Snorkeling Work?

The function of snorkeling equipment is simple: once you put on the full set of gear, you enter the water and adopt a face-down swimming position with your body extended along the surface. Your face should be submerged in the water so you can see the bottom, while the snorkel tube remains above the surface, allowing you to breathe.

Move your fins to move forward and use your arms to control direction. Breathe through your mouth at a steady rhythm. This is how snorkeling works.

If, for any reason, water enters the mask or the snorkel tube, stop for a moment and remove the equipment. Adjust it comfortably to prevent water from entering again, then return to the same position.

How to Snorkel: 3 Ways to Go Snorkeling

Depending on your time, plans, and budget, there are three different ways to go snorkeling: on your own, by booking a tour, or by visiting parks in the Riviera Maya.

1. Snorkeling on Your Own

The first way to snorkel is on your own. Public beaches are usually a good place to snorkel. You can also snorkel in cenotes and lagoons.

The cost of snorkeling on your own is usually minimal. Keep in mind that you will need to invest in snorkeling equipment or rent it, and that in some places you may have to pay an entrance fee.

2. Snorkeling Tours

Another way to snorkel is by booking a snorkeling tour, where you are taken to strategic spots where snorkeling is easier and where you can see more flora and fauna. These tours have a cost that varies depending on the location and the season. They are usually done in the sea, near coral reefs.

In some cases, extra costs such as permits to enter snorkeling areas or snorkeling equipment rental may not be included. For this reason, consider looking for an all-inclusive snorkeling tour if you plan to enjoy this experience during your next vacation.

3. Snorkeling in Parks

You can also choose to snorkel in water parks such as Xel-Há or Xcaret. This option can be the most complete, as in addition to the snorkeling experience, you can enjoy other benefits and amenities offered by the parks, such as spectacles, attractions, and other recreational activities.

Where to Go Snorkeling in the Riviera Maya

Considering that there are different ways to snorkel, there are also different places where you can do it while in the Riviera Maya. Here are recommendations from north to south in the state of Quintana Roo.

Snorkeling in Cancún

For those who are just starting their vacation or are about to end it and are staying in Cancún, snorkeling is a perfect option. This is because it does not take much time and can be done from early morning until sunset. Here, beaches stand out as ideal spots for snorkeling, mainly located in Cancún’s Hotel Zone.

Snorkeling in Isla Mujeres

Isla Mujeres is one of several islands located around the state of Quintana Roo in Mexico and can be reached from Cancún by ferry or catamaran. When it comes to snorkeling in Isla Mujeres, you’ll find several options.

Catamaran Tours

A highly recommended option for snorkeling in Isla Mujeres is a catamaran tour. This experience combines the comfort of water transportation from Cancún to Isla Mujeres with stops at key locations where you can get off and snorkel.

Boat Tours

Another way to snorkel in Isla Mujeres is by booking boat tours. Just make sure you understand what the tour includes and what it does not. Some may require you to rent snorkeling equipment or pay additional fees for access to snorkeling areas.

Public Beaches

If you arrive in Isla Mujeres on your own and prefer not to book a tour, you can also snorkel at public beaches located on the north side of the island. To get around, you can take a taxi, rent a golf cart, or even walk from the ferry dock.

Snorkeling in Puerto Morelos

Puerto Morelos is a small town between Cancún and Playa del Carmen, known for its leaning lighthouse. Although snorkeling is possible on public beaches and through tours similar to those in Cancún and Isla Mujeres, Puerto Morelos offers another type of snorkeling location: cenotes.

Cenote Snorkeling Tours

If you have already tried snorkeling in the sea or want to experience something different, a cenote snorkeling tour is ideal. The main difference between snorkeling in cenotes and in the sea is that there are no waves. In addition, freshwater is home to different species of animals and plants that are just as striking as those found in coral reefs.

Snorkeling in Playa del Carmen

Another tourist destination where snorkeling is easy to enjoy is Playa del Carmen. Here, you can also take advantage of the beaches along Fifth Avenue to enter the water and observe marine life.

Snorkeling in Cozumel

By taking a ferry or catamaran from Playa del Carmen, you can reach Cozumel, another island located in Quintana Roo. Famous for its crystal-clear waters, Cozumel offers an ideal setting for snorkeling.

Snorkeling in Xcaret

A must-see when visiting the Riviera Maya is the eco-archaeological park Xcaret. Located in Playa del Carmen, snorkeling is one of the activities you can enjoy at Xcaret. The main difference compared to the other destinations mentioned above is that Xcaret offers many more experiences beyond snorkeling.

As one of the Riviera Maya’s most iconic destinations, Xcaret offers a full-day experience designed to be truly lived. In a single place, you can explore a coral reef aquarium, an aviary, a butterfly pavilion, and interact with a wide variety of wildlife— all seamlessly and respectfully integrated into the natural environment. In addition, it combines cultural activities with the Xcaret México Espectacular spectacle, making it a must-stop destination.

Adding to this are cultural activities, underground rivers, nature trails, and the iconic Xcaret México Espectacular spectacle, a unique production that brings together the country’s history, music, and traditions in a powerful live performance.

For this reason, Xcaret is more than just a park where you can go snorkeling. It is one of the best ways to experience the essence of Mexico in a single day: nature, culture, and entertainment come together to offer something for everyone—families, couples, curious travelers, and adventurers alike—making it a must-visit for those seeking a complete, authentic, and memorable experience.

Snorkeling in Akumal

Akumal is a beach located just a few kilometers from Playa del Carmen, where snorkeling tours in the sea are commonly offered.

However, just a few minutes from Akumal Beach, there is another enigmatic location rich in marine biodiversity where snorkeling is a must. This place is Yal-Kú, a cove/lagoon connected to the sea, making it an ideal spot for observing a wide variety of aquatic species.

Snorkeling in Xel-Há

We couldn’t make a list of the best snorkeling spots in the Riviera Maya without mentioning Xel-Há. It is a water park and hidden natural wonder that features a cove and a river where you can snorkel safely across more than 8 hectares and see over 70 different species of fish.

One of the best things about snorkeling in Xel-Há is that the complete equipment is included, even a towel. You also have access to lockers to store your belongings while you snorkel in the cove and enjoy the experience.

And if you want to do more than just snorkel, Xel-Há offers additional attractions to enjoy a full day, such as climbing the lighthouse for a panoramic view, exploring the cove on foot along surrounding trails, and taking a bike ride through the jungle.

Snorkeling in Tulum

Finally, another place where you can snorkel in the Riviera Maya is Tulum. In addition to its Archaeological Zone, Tulum offers a large number of beaches and cenotes for snorkeling. You can also find tours that combine a visit to the Tulum Archaeological Zone with snorkeling on the same day.

Snorkeling Tips

Tip #1: Protect Yourself from the Sun

Since snorkeling is an activity done during the day, sun exposure is highly likely, even on cloudy days. To protect your skin, we recommend using biodegradable sunscreen or, even better, swimwear that covers most of your body. Long-sleeve swim shirts and swimsuits that cover from the waist to the ankles can be very helpful.

Find more information here about responsible sun protection.

Tip #2: Respect Designated Snorkeling Zones and Limits

To ensure both your safety and the well-being of local flora and fauna, it is important to follow activity guidelines. While these vary by location, as a general rule, always wear your life vest and stay within designated safe swimming areas.

Tip #3: Explore and Enjoy at Your Own Pace

One of the greatest advantages of snorkeling is that there is no ideal pace for doing it. You can snorkel as calmly as you like, allowing yourself to explore as far as you wish while staying within designated limits. So, all you need to do to make the most of snorkeling is relax and swim at your own pace while observing all the marine life beneath you.

Common Snorkeling Mistakes

Mistake #1: Submerging the Entire Snorkel in the Water

This is one of the most common mistakes when snorkeling. Submerging the entire snorkel in the water causes water to enter the tube, blocking airflow. If this happens, don’t worry and stay calm. Simply lift your head out of the water, release the snorkel tube, and let the water drain out on its own.

Mistake #2: Not Wearing a Life Vest

Another mistake you should avoid is not putting on a life vest before snorkeling. It is common to underestimate the risk this involves. However, even if you know how to swim, the most important recommendation when snorkeling is to wear a life vest at all times until you finish the activity.

Mistake #3: Putting on Fins Too Early

A mistake that many people make when snorkeling for the first time is putting on their fins long before entering the water. This can be uncomfortable, complicated, and can even cause an accident. The key is to put on your fins right when you are about to enter the water, for example, while sitting on steps.

Mistake #4: Not Properly Adjusting Your Snorkeling Equipment

More common than it seems, this is a very easy mistake to make while snorkeling. Fortunately, the solution is just as simple. When putting on all your snorkeling equipment (mask/full-face mask, snorkel tube, fins, life vest), make sure to adjust the straps and elastic bands properly. They should not be so tight that they cause discomfort, nor so loose that they come off.

Have Fun Snorkeling!

In the end, snorkeling isn’t about going fast, but about letting the water carry you and enjoying every moment. Whether on beaches, coves, reefs, or in natural parks, the Riviera Maya offers unique snorkeling experiences for all skill levels.

If you want more snorkeling tips based on your level of experience, here you’ll find more information on how to snorkel in Cancún and the Riviera Maya.

Snorkeling – Frequently Asked Questions

When Is the Best Season for Snorkeling?

Snorkeling is best enjoyed outside the rainy season, as sunlight fully illuminates the seabed and improves visibility. However, the reality is that even on rainy or cloudy days, you can still enjoy this experience in a different way.

Is Snorkeling Dangerous?

By following safety guidelines and respecting designated limits, snorkeling is a calm, safe activity that can be fully enjoyed.

Do You Need to Know How to Swim?

You do not need to know how to swim to practice snorkeling. As long as you use proper snorkeling equipment (mask or full-face mask, snorkel tube, life vest, and fins), you can do and enjoy this activity even if it is your first time snorkeling.

What Can You See While Snorkeling?

This varies depending on the area and the season in which you choose to snorkel. In general, while snorkeling you may see:

• Fish of different species, such as sergeant majors, parrotfish, and surgeonfish
  
• Sea turtles
• Crustaceans and mollusks
• Algae, anemones, and sea lilies
• Coral colonies and microfauna
• Rays and starfish

Here we explain in detail which fish you can see while snorkeling on the reef.