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Playa del Carmen Snorkeling

Our most recommended Playa del Carmen Snorkeling

Xcaret Park: Plus Full-Day Admission with Night Show & Lunch

1. Xcaret Park: Plus Full-Day Admission with Night Show & Lunch

Enjoy full-day admission to Xcaret Park, a paradise theme park on the Maya Riviera, where you can enjoy more than 40 activities and attractions. Your ticket includes access to all the facilities, including showers, dressing rooms, and snorkeling equipment for your convenience. Once inside the park, choose the activities that suit. Highlights include the Coral Reef Aquarium and Marine Turtles Area. Admire the manatees of the Manatee Lagoon, or be dazzled by colorful butterflies in the Butterfly Pavilion. See howler monkeys at Spider Monkey Island, or explore how mushrooms are cultivated at the Mushroom Farm. The Living Museum of Orchids displays Mexican orchids in all their glory. Wander a jungle trail to visit the Regional Wildlife Breeding Farm. Ascend the Rotating Scenic Tower for spectacular views, and watch cultural performances of Mayan and Mexican music and dance. You can even visit a Mayan Village! Colonial history is not neglected at the St. Francis of Assisi Chapel, while folk art is displayed at the Hacienda Henequenera. Watch the sky turn a rainbow of colors at the Stained-Glass Plaza, or discover a pre-Hispanic ball court to learn about the Maya sports events. Between October 30th and November 2nd, you'll be able to enjoy activities that are part of the Life and Death Festival.

From Cancun or Riviera Maya: Isla Contoy & Mujeres Day Trip

2. From Cancun or Riviera Maya: Isla Contoy & Mujeres Day Trip

Explore Isla Contoy and Isla Mujeres on a day trip from Cancun or Riviera Maya. Experience rich cultural heritage and history, have fun snorkeling, relax on beautiful beaches, and enjoy a delicious lunch. Begin with pickup from your hotel in the Cancun area, passing through Playa del Carmen, and arriving at the new private marina, located at the Punta Sam Ferry Terminal. Benefit from fast check-in and enjoy a light breakfast that includes sweet bread, fruit, cereal, coffee, and juice. After breakfast and check-in, board the boat and head toward the Ixlache Reef. The reef is located off the coast of Contoy and right at the beginning of the Mesoamerican Barrier Reef System, the second-largest reef system in the world. Then, try snorkeling with your guide before boarding the ship and heading to Contoy Island. In the event of bad weather, you will do the snorkeling activity on the island in the safety of its shallow waters. Disembark on Contoy Island and have the chance to sightsee with a guide and visit the museum, observatory, and lagoon. Go to the dunes and learn about the flora and fauna species of the island. Alternatively, choose to relax on the beautiful beach or do some more snorkeling in the Caleta area. Next, enjoy a lunch of Pescado Tikinxic, a broiled fish with achiote and other local species as well as broiled chicken, rice, and salad, accompanied by your favorite drink with access to an open bar. Finally, enjoy free time on the beach before boarding the boat and heading to Isla Mujeres. Visit the fishermen’s village or do some shopping, then head back to Cancun.

From Riviera Maya: Isla Contoy & Isla Mujeres Full-Day Tour

3. From Riviera Maya: Isla Contoy & Isla Mujeres Full-Day Tour

Head out to sea and visit two of the most beautiful islands off the coast of the Yucatan Peninsula. Enjoy a 1-hour snorkel and see the vibrant underwater world of the reef. Stop at Isla Contoy, a nature reserve known for its variety of tropical bird species. Wander the colorful streets of Isla Mujeres and see its world-famous beaches. After being picked up from your hotel, transfer to the jetty in Cancún, where you will board a comfortable speedboat to travel about 40 minutes to Isla Contoy. Your first stop is a guided 1-hour reef snorkel tour where you will enjoy spotting brightly colored corals and the plentiful tropical fish. Next, visit the protected nature reserve of Contoy Island which boasts an incredible population of bird species, and clear shallow water perfect for snorkeling, swimming, or just relaxing Caribbean-style. After a delicious lunch on the beach, you will have some free time on the island before we leave for Isla Mujeres. Once at Isla Mujeres, enjoy one hour of free time on this charming Caribbean island to wander the colorful streets and see the postcard beaches. Then, take the boat back to the pier in Cancún and upon arrival on the mainland, you will be dropped back at your hotel.

Riviera Maya: Xel-Há Park All-Inclusive 1-Day Pass

4. Riviera Maya: Xel-Há Park All-Inclusive 1-Day Pass

Explore Xel-Há Park with a full-day all-inclusive ticket. Enjoy a variety of land and water activities for the whole family. Discover a universe dedicated to ecology and the preservation of flora and fauna, it offers constantly developing environmental programs to protect and conserve the environment. Benefit from access to all the attractions and enjoy delicious Mexican and international cuisine with unlimited drinks and an open bar throughout the day. Dive into the waters of Xel-Há, the world's most beautiful natural aquarium, and snorkel next to a variety of plants and hundreds of tropical fish in the warm Caribbean waters. Slide down the Salpichanga and fly with a vine to drop yourself in the cool waters of a “cenote” or underground river. Test your balance on the Trepachanga and walk over the river between two loose strings. Hammock Island is an ideal place to relax and indulge with the whims of the Caribbean Sea. Fabulous cocktails are served just a few steps away, and you can enjoy them with all the tranquility of the world as your company. Discover historical vestiges of the Mayan culture while enjoying a mysterious landscape in the forest. Walk along the paths of the natural reserve, where you will find a selection of phrases and thoughts printed along the route. Be amazed by the Ixchel Grotto. Carved by underground rivers for thousands of years, it crosses a small, narrowed canyon until it emerges on the opposite side. See how the light is refracted beneath the waters of the Grotto El Dorado, and renew your spirit enjoying these historic and natural formations. Take your kids to the children’s playground to enjoy the magnificent amusement park, with swings, rails, wheels and slides for the kids to keep active and have fun at the same time. Admire the mangrove forest from the footpaths of the river, taking a small diversion that leads to a platform totally surrounded by the wonderful vegetation. Breathe in the harmonious atmosphere of the paradise park, filled with typical trees of the region.

Playa del Carmen: Riviera Maya Buggy Tour with Cenote Swim

5. Playa del Carmen: Riviera Maya Buggy Tour with Cenote Swim

Get a friendly welcome from your guide on arrival, and gear up with all the necessary equipment and goggles to protect you from the dust. Drive into the heart of the jungle at the wheel of one of the amazing 4WD vehicles. Feel the breeze on your face as you zip along 18 miles (29 kilometers) of pristine jungle trails in the rugged terrain of the beautiful Riviera Maya. Take a moment to admire the stunning surroundings with a stop at a traditional ranch. Then, cool down with a refreshing swim at one of the sacred sinkholes of the Maya people. Dive into the crystal-clear waters of an underground cenote and marvel at the rock formations of a buried river in the middle of the jungle.

Cancun/Riviera Maya: Isla Mujeres All-Inclusive Snorkel Trip

6. Cancun/Riviera Maya: Isla Mujeres All-Inclusive Snorkel Trip

Experience the ultimate tour of Isla Mujeres that doesn't just show you the typical tourist spots but also all the hidden gems that make this island so special. Enjoy snorkeling, a buffet lunch, and free time to explore Isla Mujeres downtown. Check in at the activity provider's marina at the Punta Sam Terminal while enjoying some coffee and pastries. Upon boarding, head straight to the first snorkel point on the reef. Along the way, marvel at the vibrant colors of the Caribbean Sea. Once at the reef, embark on a guided snorkeling exploration for 40 minutes with all snorkeling gear provided. Admire the local marine life up close in the clear waters. Next, navigate along the island's shore on your way to the activity provider's beach club, located in the sheltered harbor also known as the "hidden Isla Mujeres". Here, savor a delicious buffet lunch while taking in the stunning view of Cancun. Continue to Isla Mujeres downtown to spend two hours of free time to explore its colorful streets and experience the charming town, or take a guided walk to Playa Norte, one of the most beautiful beaches in the world.

Riviera Maya: Sian Kaan Boat Trip Adventure

7. Riviera Maya: Sian Kaan Boat Trip Adventure

Punta Allen is a picturesque and perfect place to park yourself on a boat tour. Here explore the local lagoons and come face to face with the incredible wildlife of this region. You'll have the chance to see beautiful birds and maybe even the opportunity to see wild dolphins and sea turtles that live in these waters. On the tour, also stop at the 2nd largest coral reef in the world, where you can jump out of the boat and enjoy a pleasant snorkel adventure (subject to sea conditions). You'll be amazed at the colors of this very healthy coral reef and the varieties of fish are absolutely stunning. The reef system is home to more than 65 species of stony coral, 350 species of mollusk, and more than 500 species of fish. Then, head to the beach, where the picture-perfect sandbar awaits. Here enjoy a delicious Caribbean lunch of fresh fish and fruit before heading back out to explore a bit more. The biodiversity of the Yucatan Peninsula is essential and the aim is to share this passion with you and teach you how you can all work to keep this great natural land safe for future generations. It became a World Heritage Site in 1987 and you'll understand why.

Riviera Maya: Luxury Catamaran Sailing Trip with Lunch

8. Riviera Maya: Luxury Catamaran Sailing Trip with Lunch

Climb aboard a luxury sailing catamaran to discover remarkable offshore locations along the Caribbean coastline.  Sail to one of the most impressive reefs in the Caribbean for an unforgettable snorkeling tour. Observe marine wildlife, including a number of fish species, stingrays, and sometimes even sea turtles.  Then, enjoy a light lunch on board before exploring the pristine beaches near Puerto Aventuras on the Riviera Maya. You will also have the chance to try out stand-up paddle boarding.

Riviera Maya: Full-Day Whale Shark Encounter

9. Riviera Maya: Full-Day Whale Shark Encounter

Be picked up from your accommodation at 5 AM in Tulum, 6 AM in Playa del Carmen, or 7:45 AM in Cancun. During the drive, your guide will explain the itinerary and teach you about whale sharks and their habitat. Upon arriving at the marina, relax and eat breakfast. Depart to the whale shark area and start your search. Once you spot a whale shark, go snorkeling. There is a maximum of 1 ship per whale shark and 2 people per guide. During the trip, your guide will teach you about the fauna of this ecosystem.  Sandwiches, fruit, soft drinks, and water will be served. Then, you will return to Isla Mujeres for lunch: sandwiches and shrimp ceviche or fish with guacamole and fruit. After an hour of relaxing or swimming at the beach Playa Norte in Islas Mujeres, return to the marina at 3:30 PM.

Cancun or Riviera Maya: Whale Shark Tour & Playa Norte Beach

10. Cancun or Riviera Maya: Whale Shark Tour & Playa Norte Beach

Swim with the largest concentration of whale sharks in the world, just north of Isla Contoy, on this cruise from Cancun or Riviera Maya. Enjoy up to three snorkel or swim immersions with sharks and even spot manta rays and dolphins. Finish with a visit to Playa Norte Beach in Isla Mujeres. Start your tour with early morning pickup from any hotel or Airbnb in Cancun, Playa del Carmen, Riviera Maya, and Tulum. Head towards the all-new private marina located at the Punta Sam Ferry Terminal in Cancun for a quick check-in. Before boarding, enjoy pastries with coffee while listening to the instructions and safety briefing.  Once in the boat, get kitted out with mandatory life vests and full snorkeling gear. All boats depart at 8 AM and navigate for approximately 45 minutes to the whale shark area north of Contoy. Once you have found the sharks, begin the swimming and snorkeling. Enjoy 2 to 3 immersions per person always with 2 people and 1 guide in the water. Spend a full 2.5 hours in total with the Whale Sharks, also observing Manta Rays, Dolphins, and Turtles.  After swimming with the sharks, make a final stop in beautiful Playa Norte beach in Isla Mujeres, considered one of the 20 most beautiful beaches in the world. Here, the boats will remain for about 1 hour for you to relax on the beach or do some more snorkeling. Return to Cancun at around 1 PM where the transportation will take you back to your hotel or Airbnb.

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Frequently asked questions about Playa del Carmen Snorkeling

What are other things to do than Snorkeling that are worth visiting in Playa del Carmen?

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Other Sightseeing Options in Playa del Carmen

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What people are saying about Playa del Carmen

Overall rating

4.5 / 5

based on 409 reviews

This trip definitely needs to be on your list of things to do! We were picked up & dropped off at our hotel & were contacted prior to the trip to advise where pick up would be from. Xcaret itself is an amazing place to go to with so many activities! We opted for the standard package which in my opinion for 2 of us was the best option - the only difference in the 2 packages was that we didn’t get a free locker (but could rent one for cheap) & didn’t have the buffet included (but the buffet is around $40 per person) we payed for 2 meals for lunch and dinner and spent less than $80. The evening show doesn’t start till 8pm which makes it a very long day but well worth staying and watching if you can last that long! Extra cost to factor in: 1) They have lots of activities you can pay extra for - we did the undersea trek 2) Photos: you can buy the photo package and scan your wristband at all photo stations where it collates your photos, worth the money if you take lots of photos!

100% recommended. I took this tour which is mainly the transportation from / to hotel entrance and lunch… perfect to know the park on one day… plenty of time and remember the rodeo show at 5pm right at the entrance and from there walk to the night show , espectacular, goosebumps. Beautiful. It was my parents (79 & 89 years old) and my husband and I ( 54 & 56) .

The tour was excellent - Isla Contoy is not to be missed. A tropical paradise! So many animals, beautiful beach and clear waters. Not touristy at all as its a national park. Loved it!

The food it was amazing the view it was the most beautiful everything they did I love I recommend people to to Mexico but have to to go xcaret

Great tour!! Our guide Cindy was very kind, respectful and very knowledgeable over everything.