The Best Snorkeling in Mexico – Top 7 Spots to Snorkel

Mexico has some amazing snorkeling that rivals other spots in the Caribbean, and the rest of the world. To find the best snorkeling in Mexico, check out our list of our favorite spots below. Whether you want to see sea horses or turtles, an underwater museum or rock formations, there are places for everyone to snorkel in Mexico.

Best Snorkeling in Mexico

Cozumel

Cozumel is an all-around awesome experience. It made our list of 15 Best Things to Do in Playa del Carmen, and is one of the best snorkeling spots in the country (and Scuba diving too). Although the 2005 hurricanes caused significant damage to the area, the coral reef is recuperating well. It remains one of the best snorkeling and SCUBA spots in all of Mexico. You can get to Cozumel via an easy ferry ride. The island has quite a few dive shops and places to rent gear, and you should have no problem getting gear and a guide if you want one! You can check out some different guided tours to find what fits your needs! You can also check out our post 11 Exciting Things to Do in Cozumel for more things to do while you’re visiting.

Akumal

Akumal bay is hands-down one of my favorite places I have ever snorkeled. It’s busier these days than it was ten or fifteen years ago, but the wildlife is still there. Known especially for the sea turtles, snorkeling in Akumal gives you the opportunity to see some bigger creatures like eagle rays, manta rays, and needle fish. Akumal bay is crowded, but you will have the opportunity to rent gear yourself or go on a guided tour. The bay is calm, clear, and sure to provide one of the best snorkeling experiences in Mexico, and one of our favorite places on the Yucatan Peninsula.

Underwater Musuem

The Cancun Underwater Museu, or MUSA, is truly a site to see. It’s on our list of 11 Awesome Things to Do in Cancun (Other than Partying), and offers a truly unique experience. Although this may not be your traditional idea of snorkeling, you will surely enjoy yourself. MUSA has hundreds of sculptures on the ocean floor, built from eco-friendly material that supports reef life. You can view the pieces of art, see the wildlife living among the statues, and get some culture while enjoying your time in nature!

Huatulco

Huatulco is on the Pacific side of Mexico in the state of Oaxaca. The bays along Huatulco are completely undeveloped, and you can swim from beach to beach. Although there isn’t a coral reef like you will find on the Atlantic side, there is excellent snorkeling here. The water is crystal clear, and the bays offer safety to fish and animals. In addition, you may also find interesting tide pools on the beaches when the tide is right. The beaches face south, and the land is National Park land.

Isla Mujeres

Isla Mujeres is a beautiful island just off the coast of Cancun. Isla Mujeres offers quite a few things to do, and snorkeling definitely makes the list. You can snorkel with the Mexican reef life, see sharks and rays, and enjoy the sunshine and clear Caribbean waters. If you’re in the Riviera Maya, take the time to go out to Isla Mujeres and snorkel in the reefs here. There are places to rent snorkeling gear, and many guides on the island. You can also bring your own gear from the mainland.

Jardin del Edin

There are many cenotes in Mexico, especially along the Riviera Maya. Jardin del Eden is an open cenote just twenty minutes from Playa del Carmen, and is one of the most popular ones in the area. Visiting Jardin del Eden, you have the opportunity to snorkel in some fresh water. Right next to other cenotes like Cenote Azul, this is a great place to visit. There are not as many fish as you may find in the Caribbean, but the snorkeling is great. You can see beautiful rock formations, small fish, and new wildlife you won’t find in salt water!

Puerto Morelos

Puerto Morelos is a little town about halfway between Cancun and Playa del Carmen. Just off the coast is the famous Mesoamerican Reef. Unlike other spots in Mexico, this reef (the world’s second largest barrier reef) is just a few meters from the beach. It’s advisable to do a tour here rather than going by yourself. Tour guides can take you out on a boat to the best spots in the reefs where you may see barracudas, manta rays, sea horses, and more. For a great tour during your trip, check out these guides here. You can also read our post Snorkeling in Puerto Morelos for more information.

For other great places to visit in Mexico, check out our post 13 Best Places to Visit in Mexico this Year.

Looking for a place to stay in Mexico? Check out our list of the Best Hotels in Mexico!