5 Incredible Playa del Carmen Snorkeling Tours – Be Dazzled by What Lies Beneath the Surface

Are you a fan of snorkeling or is it something you would like to try out someday?

It’s one of my favorite activities in the Riviera Maya.

In fact, it’s one of the reasons why I chose Playa del Carmen as my home.

I love slipping on the mask and marveling at the fascinating universe hidden beneath the surface of the Caribbean Sea.

As I swim along, I always wonder what I’m going to see next… a sea turtle? A barracuda? A manta ray? Maybe even an eagle ray?!

Luckily for me, I live in a place where I can travel anywhere north or south for hours and still find a great place to snorkel.

Why’s that?

Top 5 Snorkel Tours in the Riviera Maya (Mexico)

1. 1. Snorkel Adventure
   2. Snorkel Xtreme
   3. Turtles and Cenotes
   4. ATV and Snorkel
   5. Turtles and Tulum

Top 5 Playa del Carmen Snorkel Tours

It’s not just because we live so close to the Caribbean Sea.

Rather, it’s something even more amazing than just those mesmerizing blue hues.

You see, right off the coast of the Riviera Maya stretches the second longest barrier reef on the entire planet: the Mesoamerican Reef.

Teeming with marine life and spectacular colors, the coral formations are not only a vital part of the local ecosystem, but they’re also the ideal spot for snorkelers and scuba divers to experience the fascinating underwater world of the Caribbean Sea.

So without further ado, here are some of my favorite snorkel tours in Playa del Carmen.

1. Snorkel Adventure

Snorkel at three distinct eco-systems and discover different species of underwater flora and fauna on this Snorkel Adventure.

First, you’ll dive into the turquoise waters of the Caribbean Sea and snorkel at the barrier reef.

Then, you’ll venture into a cenote hidden in the middle of the jungle where you’ll swim in the crystalline waters surrounded by stunning stalactite and stalagmite rock formations.

Finally, you’ll finish with a splash at the amazing Yal-Ku, a gorgeous bay where fresh water and salt water meet.

1. 1. • Price = $89 .00 USD per person
      • Duration: +/- 6 hours
      • Includes: Round-trip transportation from your hotel, professional guide, entrance fees, snorkel equipment, lunch and non-alcoholic drinks.
      • Book your tour online and save 10% : Snorkel Adventure

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2. Snorkel Xtreme

Combine some of the greatest underwater highlights in the Riviera Maya on this Snorkel Xtreme extravaganza!

Zip line through the jungle canopy and rappel down into a stunning cenote filled with stalactites, stalagmites, and crystal-clear waters.

Then, follow it up with snorkeling in the tranquil waters of beautiful Yal-Ku Lagoon. Definitely one of our faves!

Definitely one of our faves!

1. 1. • Price: $ 126.00 USD per person
      • Duration: +/- 8 hours
      • Includes: Round-trip transportation from your hotel, professional guide, entrance fees, snorkel equipment, lunch and non-alcoholic drinks
      • Book your tour online and save 10%: Snorkel Xtreme

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3. Turtles & Cenotes

The Turtles & Cenotes tour lives up to its name and offers a wonderful combination of swimming with sea turtles in Akumal Bay and a fascinating exploration of Riviera Maya cenotes.

The tour stops at the Chikin Ha cenotes; a series of three amazing ancient sinkholes that will leave you in awe of the beauty of these stunning natural formations.

You’ll be able to marvel at the stalactite and stalagmite rock formations in a closed cenote, snorkel and swim in the waters of an open cenote, and explore a dry cenote.

 See our blog to learn more about what are cenotes.

Important Update: As of February 15 2017, the Mexican Environmental Protection Agency has temporarily closed Akumal Bay, where this tour normally goes, to all guided snorkel activity until further notice. In the meantime, all Akumal snorkel tours will take place in the stunning Yalku Lagoon where there is still a 50% chance of seeing the beautiful and giant sea turtles.

1. 1. • Price: $79.00 USD per person
      • Duration: +/- 6 hours
      • Includes: Round-trip transportation from your hotel, professional guide, entrance fees, snorkel equipment, snacks and non-alcoholic drinks
      • Book your tour online and save 15%: Turtles & Cenotes

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4. ATV & Snorkel

Ride over 20 kilometers (15 miles) through the jungle pathways on a Can-am ATV to a mesmerizing cenote of beautiful rock formations and crystal clear waters on the ATV & Snorkel Expedition.

Afterward, slip into your snorkel gear and head out into the tranquil waters of Yal-Ku for some amazing snorkeling.

1. 1. • Price: $138.00 USD per person for single riders; $107.00 USD per person for double riders
      • Duration: +/- 6 hours
      • Includes: Round-trip transportation, professional guide, ATV, helmet and goggles for passengers, snorkel equipment, lunch, non-alcoholic beverages
      • Book your tour and save 10%: ATV & Snorkel Expedition

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5. Turtles & Tulum

The Turtles & Tulum Tour Riviera Maya excursion takes you to an ancient Mayan fortress overlooking the Caribbean Sea before inviting you to submerge into her tranquil waters at Akumal Bay for an amazing swim with giant sea turtles.

You’ll first visit the fascinating ruins of Tulum, where a guide will tell you all about the history and culture of the Mayan people who once called this place their home.

Then, it’s sea turtle time as you not only get to visit one of the more attractive beaches in the Riviera Maya but also get to snorkel off her shore as you observe giant sea turtles up close!

1. 1. • Price: $89.00 USD per person
      • Duration: +/- 4 hours
      • Includes: Round-trip transportation in air-conditioned vehicles, expert tour guides in Tulum and Akumal, Entrance to the Tulum ruins, snorkel equipment, guarantee of being able to sea turtles, bottled water and juice, snacks.
      • Book your tour and save 15%: Turtles & Tulum

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Important Update: As of February 15 2017, the Mexican Environmental Protection Agency has temporarily closed Akumal Bay, where this tour normally goes, to all guided snorkel activity until further notice. In the meantime, all Akumal snorkel tours will take place in the stunning Yalku Lagoon where there is still a 50% chance of seeing the beautiful and giant sea turtles.

Additional Resources You May Find Useful

1. 1. 1. Guide to Akumal
      2. Isla Contoy Review
      3. How to make new friends in Playa del Carmen

Looking to plan your next Riviera May snorkeling adventure?

Our travel specialists will make sure you choose the tour that’s right for you!

Call them today toll-free at 888-537-9797!