Discover the best places to snorkel in the Riviera Maya!

The best tips to do it!

If I ask you, what is the most beautiful way to know the sea? Surely more than one comes to your mind, but today I'll give you the best tips for my favorite one: Snorkeling; is an activity that not only allows you to explore the beauty of the ocean but also to do it in a sustainable and environmentally friendly way.

One of the best places to do it is by exploring the crystal clear waters of the Mexican Caribbean, in this blog you will accompany me on a tour of my favorite destinations to discover where to marvel at the underwater life.

If you still need to become more familiar with this activity let me tell you....

What is snorkeling?

Snorkeling is an aquatic practice that is done in shallow water and is a great advantage for all people who swim little and of all ages.

If you are new to this aquatic practice, you must practice in a group or with a guide to avoid mishaps. It is also highly recommended that when snorkeling you leave your fears and insecurities away from the water to feel safe, and comfortable and enjoy the activity to the fullest.

What do I need to snorkel?

The provincial equipment is a snorkel with a mask that protects the eyes, nose and mouth, fins.

I will also share with you the best tips according to your level of practice in this activity.

Tips if you are a beginner

1. Choose the right equipment: make sure you have snorkeling gear that fits comfortably and is in good condition. A mask demister and a snorkel with a purge valve can make your experience much more comfortable.

2. Practice breathing techniques: Before diving, familiarize yourself with proper breathing techniques. Breathe slowly and deeply through the tube, keeping calm and avoiding rapid, shallow breathing.

3. Stay calm and relax: it is normal to feel a little anxious at first, but try to stay calm and relax. Float on the surface of the water and take your time to get used to the underwater environment before diving deeper.

4. Observe marine life from a distance: Avoid touching or disturbing marine life. Observe from a respectful distance and remember that you are visiting the home of aquatic animals.

5. Don't force yourself: If you feel uncomfortable or tired, don't force yourself to continue. Get out of the water and rest if necessary. Safety comes first, so don't push yourself beyond your limits.

Tips for intermediate-level snorkelers:

1. Explore new places: Go beyond the usual snorkeling spots and discover new sites. Check out lesser-known reefs or protected areas where you can find a greater variety of marine life.

2. Improve your swimming technique: Work on enhancing your swimming technique so you can move more efficiently and comfortably in the water. This will help you explore larger areas and have a more fulfilling snorkeling experience.

3. Learn about marine life: Take the time to learn about the marine species you might encounter during your dives. Having more knowledge about marine life will help you appreciate it more and understand its behavior better.

4. Experiment with underwater photography: If you're interested in photography, consider getting a waterproof camera and experimenting with underwater photography. Taking pictures of marine life and underwater landscapes can add an extra dimension to your snorkeling experience.

5. Try new related activities: Explore other snorkeling-related activities, such as free diving (freediving) or snuba, to broaden your skills and experiences in the water. These activities can provide a new perspective on the underwater world and allow you to go deeper than traditional snorkeling.

Tips for advanced-level

1. Research currents and tides: As you advance in your experience, it is important to understand sea conditions better. Learn about local currents and tides to plan your dives safely and efficiently.

2. Explore the night: Consider night snorkeling to experience a new side of the underwater world. With the help of an underwater flashlight, you can observe how marine life changes at night and discover species rarely seen during the day.

3. Develop orientation skills: Improve your underwater orientation skills so you can explore more independently and safely. Learn to use natural landmarks and tools such as underwater compasses to navigate with confidence.

4. Consider scuba diving certification: If you're looking to take your passion for the underwater world to the next level, consider becoming certified in scuba diving. This will open up new opportunities to explore deeper places and access a wider variety of marine species.

It is a low environmental impact activity.

• Environmentally friendly: Unlike other aquatic activities that may involve heavy equipment or motors, snorkeling requires only a mask, snorkel, and fins. This minimizes the risk of damaging underwater ecosystems.
• Environmental awareness: Many snorkelers are aware of the importance of protecting coral reefs and other aquatic ecosystems. Appreciating the beauty of the underwater world often encourages greater respect and care for these fragile environments.
• Connecting with nature: Snorkeling provides a unique opportunity to connect directly with underwater nature. This connection can inspire people to care for the environment and take action to protect it.

I also want to let you know that at Xcaret since 2022, we have been using full-face masks, which has allowed us to eliminate the use of more than 600 thousand plastic tubes.

In short, snorkeling can be a sustainable activity when practiced consciously and respectfully in the marine environment.

Now for the most beautiful part of this blog, where to snorkel if you are on vacation in the Mexican Caribbean?

Xel-Ha 🐠

It is a natural water park located in Mexico's Riviera Maya, named Natural Wonder; it is known for being a popular snorkeling destination as it is home to a great variety of marine life, by snorkeling in its beautiful Cove, you will have the opportunity to enjoy the natural beauty of the ecosystem.

In addition, the waters here are known for being crystal clear, which provides excellent visibility for snorkeling.

Location

Carretera Chetumal Puerto Juarez Km 240, 77780 Q.R.

https://maps.app.goo.gl/GbeFGdATz4a3JCcv5

Hours

You can visit this park from Monday to Sunday from 8:30 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. including holidays.

Xcaret 💚

The favorite destination for those visiting the Riviera Maya, this park offers a combination of natural and cultural activities allowing visitors to explore the biodiversity of the region, enjoy subway rivers, beaches, and cenotes, as well as witness the Mexico Espectacular show, one of the most beautiful in the country that represents the cultural richness of Mexico.

It also has an aquarium, a butterfly farm, and Mayan pyramids.

Here you can visit Caleta Snorkel, a beautiful cove where you can enjoy being in contact with nature and marine life.

Snorkel Tour

This is an optional and complementary activity that you can do during your visit to the park.

You will snorkel in the INAH reef, near the coast of the park, in this reef there are different shapes and colors of coral, as well as a varied marine life among which you can admire different types of fish, this is an activity recommended for adults.

Location

Carretera Chetúmal Puerto Juárez Kilómetro 282, Solidaridad, 77710 Playa del Carmen, Q.R.

https://maps.app.goo.gl/6bsbDojS9oH96jTt6

Hours

Monday to Sunday from 8:30 am to 10:30 pm

Yal-Kú 🤿🌿

Snorkeling here offers a unique experience for nature lovers, especially if you are a fan of quiet plans and beautiful views.

This place stands out for being little known in the Riviera Maya, so you can enjoy the spaces without crowds and more comfortably. This park has a main cove where you can enjoy snorkeling, cabins with private access to it, a restaurant, rest areas, and a beautiful sculpture garden.

It has 3 types of entrance and a special price for locals.

Location

Acceso Etapa H Lote 5 Akumal Norte, 77776 Akumal, Q.R.

https://maps.app.goo.gl/ejcX36HtXhUEJujH9

Hours

Yal-Ku is open daily from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.

Exploring the impressive marine life in Xcaret, Xel-Há, and Yal-Kú is an unforgettable experience that every marine life lover should experience at least once. Each of these destinations has its particular charm, follow the tips, and don't forget to always respect the environment so that these wonderful places continue to be a paradise.

I hope these tips and recommendations will be useful for your next underwater adventure.

See you soon!