13 Best Cancun Snorkeling Tours You Must Do in 2023

Whether you are an avid snorkeler or want to try it for the first time, in this post you will find some of the best Cancun snorkeling tours to join on your next visit.

I live in Cancun and snorkeling in those pristine waters is one of the things I love the most!

Everyone knows how beautiful the beaches are in Cancun, with white sand and turquoise waters, but many people do not realize how beautiful what lies beneath the water is too.

The waters off the coast of Cancun are home to part of the world’s second-largest barrier reef- here you will find coral, sponges, and a ton of different marine animals.

The crystal clear water in Cancun makes it a great spot to snorkel because you can easily see the life below you.

You do not want to miss out on seeing this, so keep reading to learn about the best Cancun snorkeling tours. 

Best Cancun Snorkeling Tours

Booking a tour is a great way to go snorkeling. Some of the best coral reef snorkeling is located off the coast, and you need a boat to take you there.

Snorkeling off a boat is a safe way to snorkel because you will have a guide in the water with you and the captain and boat stay close, in case you need assistance or want to get out of the water.

Plus, snorkel guides are experts at spotting sea life and know the best places to take you- so you will see more than if you snorkel alone!

Some of the best snorkeling tours in Cancun combine snorkeling with other great activities, such as visits to the ruins, trips into the jungle to check out cenotes, and ziplining!

These tours help you make the most of your time by combining several fun activities into one! Here are the best Cancun snorkeling tours: 

1. 5-in-1 Cancun Snorkeling Tour: Swim with turtles, reef, Musa, shipwreck, and cenote

4.5 ⭐️ 944 Reviews

See it all with this five-stop snorkeling tour. You will go to a shallow coral reef, check out the underwater statues at MUSA- the underwater museum, go to an area known for having sea turtles, swim over the top of a shallow shipwreck full of life, and snorkel in a cenote!

This tour is great for both experienced snorkelers and nervous, or first-time snorkelers. The patient guides will help everyone have a great time. This tour lasts 3 and a half hours. 

Oscar was a great guide! He was kind and attentive. Best snorkel experience we have had. We were with a small group. The face masks were high quality.

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ erin_e, april 2023

2. Luxury Catamaran and Snorkeling Tour: Lunch & Open Bar Onboard and Visit to Isla Mujeres

4.5 ⭐️ 2,010 Reviews

Enjoy a relaxing day on this luxury catamaran tour. You will board the catamaran and cruise along the beautiful Cancun coast to Isla Mujeres.

On your way, you will stop at a coral reef to go snorkeling to see colorful fish and marine life. Back onboard you will enjoy an open bar and gourmet lunch before arriving at Isla Mujeres.

There you can take a guided tour or explore on your own. You do not want to miss visiting the famously beautiful beaches there, plus the best places for shopping and the best restaurants in Cancun.

Your tour ends with a relaxing sail back to Cancun. This tour lasts 5 and a half hours. 

Great guide and activity arrangement. There is relax time and water activity time. Gave you enough time to tour around the Isla Mujeres by yourself – and it’s a beautiful island. Crew are very friendly and informative. The photographer took great pictures underwater (if you dare to dive in) – pleasant surprise.

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Henry_H, March 2023

3. Viator Exclusive Combo Tour: Tulum Ruins, Reef Snorkeling Plus Cenote and Caves

5 ⭐️ 2,784 Reviews

Experience some of the best attractions in the Cancun area on this exclusive combo tour. You will start your day with a visit to the seaside Tulum ruins.

There you will enjoy learning about the ancient Mayan site that overlooks the turquoise Caribbean waters.

Next, you will head to the beach where you will hop on a boat to take you to a nearby coral reef.

There you will have time to leisurely snorkel while looking for turtles, rays, and tropical fish.

You will then head deep into the jungle to a cenote where you will get to swim in the freshwater and check out the rock formations.

Your tour includes all transportation, and a buffet lunch, and lasts about 8 hours. 

Our family of 11 had an amazing day with Alejandro. Snorkeling in the caves was excellent would recommend their tour company.

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ bobbie_b, april 2023

4. Jungle Tour Adventure: Speed Boat Tour and Snorkeling (Shared Speed Boat)

4.5 ⭐️ 1,006 Reviews

Enjoy two water adventures on this speed boat and snorkeling Cancun tour.

Before driving the two-passenger speed boat you will get a safety briefing and instructions from your guide.

You will then drive through spectacular mangrove canals and the Nichupte Lagoon.

You will then slow down the pace with a relaxing snorkel at Punta Nizuc. There you will see colorful marine life and underwater statues.

Your tour includes all snorkel gear and bottled water and lasts 2 hours.

Wonderful experience. Mr. Roy was our guide and did a wonderful job in explaining details about the Boat and Snorkeling process as it was first time for me.

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Hardik_G, Mar 2023

5. Reef and Shipwreck Snorkeling Tour in Cancun 

4.5 ⭐️ 884 Reviews

See the best of the underwater world of Cancun on this snorkeling tour.

You will receive your snorkel gear and a full safety briefing, including tips to make sure you have fun, before heading out of the marina.

On this small group tour, you will visit four different snorkel spots: a shallow coral reef full of marine life, a subaquatic art gallery with statues, an area that is popular for turtle sitings, and a shipwreck full of sea life.

On your tour, you will have the chance to see corals, turtles, rays, and lots of colorful fish.

This tour is great for beginner or nervous snorkelers, as well as experienced snorkelers, and lasts 3 and a half hours. 

We had a great time snorkeling. Very beginner friendly. Saw tons of fish and 2 turtles, including 1 HUGE turtle. Moises was a great guide and would definitely recommend him!

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Steve_J, Apr 2023

6. Small-Group Snorkeling with Whale Sharks tour in Cancun & Riviera Maya

4.5 ⭐️ 589 Reviews

Enjoy the chance to swim next to a whale shark – the world’s biggest fish! You will depart from the marina and explore the waters off the coast of Cancun looking for whale sharks.

Once your captain spots them, you will have the chance to snorkel next to them while they feast on plankton in the water.

The plankton also attracts dolphins, turtles, and manta rays, so you may get lucky and see them too!

After snorkeling, you will stop at the famous Playa Norte beach on Isla Mujeres to relax and eat lunch.

Your tour includes a naturalist guide who will teach you about whale sharks and two jumps in the water to swim next to them.

It is a small group tour with no more than 10 people in a group and lasts 7 hours. 

This trip was amazing and the whale sharks did not disappoint they are so big and carefree our tour guide and captain were amazing I highly recommend we also paid for the picture package and I am so glade I did they got all of our memories on file for us without me having to worry about it.

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Miguel_O, Sep 2022

7. Half-Day Sailing Trip to Isla Mujeres from Cancun

4.5 ⭐️ 324 Reviews

Spend time snorkeling and exploring Isla Mujeres on this half-day sailing adventure. You will leave from the Cancun marina and head to a coral reef to snorkel.

There you will get to float in the water and look for colorful fish and creatures.

You will then continue sailing to Isla Mujeres while enjoying snacks and drinks.

Once you arrive at Isla Mujeres you will have free time to explore the island. You will then enjoy great views while you sail back to Cancun. This tour lasts 5 hours. 

Best bachelorette day of the whole trip. We ended up having a private tour and the crew was so attentive, kind, and went above and beyond to make the trip great. It would be a good idea to bring cash- for the dock fee, the tip, the pictures, the golf carts on Isla Mujeras, and any shopping you do. Also- it’s a late lunch so eat a big snack before you go!

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Austen_Z, Feb 2023

8. Whale Shark Tour from Cancun, Playa del Carmen, Tulum, and Riviera 

5 ⭐️ 495 Reviews

Experience the thrill of snorkeling next to a whale shark.

You will start your day with a light breakfast before heading out into the waters off the coast of Cancun looking for whale sharks.

On the way, you may spot turtles, dolphins, and manta rays!

You will then get to swim next to these amazing creatures as they slowly move through the water feeding on plankton.

After snorkeling with the whale sharks, you head to coral reefs where you can snorkel.

You will finish your day with a stop at Isla Mujeres to relax and eat lunch before returning to Cancun. This is a seasonal tour from May to September, it lasts 8 hours. 

I will come back to Cancun JUST to do this tour!!! It was INCREDIBLE!! And the tour guide, captain, and first Mate were all top notch!! We had the most amazing time! Our guide was so knowledgeable and informative about the whale sharks. […] We can’t wait to come back and do this tour again!

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Alex_S, Sep 2022

9. Jungle Tour & Snorkel at Punta Nizuc Reef, Underwater Museum

4.5 ⭐️ 138 Reviews

Explore the mangroves on a high-speed boat and experience Punta Nizuc snorkeling on this jungle tour in Cancun. You will get to drive yourself through lush mangroves in a speed boat.

Then you will get to hop into the water and snorkel at Punta Nizuc. There you will see coral reefs, marine life, and the underwater museum. This tour lasts 2 and a half hours. 

Our tour guide Jose was awesome and personable. Bradley-the gentleman taking pics and video was fun and creative. The entire crew was professional and welcoming. We had a great time.

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Jonathan_M, Mar 2023

10. Combo Adventure Tour: Snorkel, Zipline, ATV, and Cenote with Transportation

4.5 ⭐️ 122 Reviews

Enjoy a day of adventure with this combo tour. Your first stop on the tour is at the Puerto Morelos Reef National Park.

You will take a short boat ride out to the coral reef where you will see colorful coral and lots of marine life.

From there you will head into the jungle where you will get to drive a 4-wheeler ATV perfect for adventure lovers through a jungle path.

You will then fly over the trees on six ziplines and walk across three interactive bridges.

Lastly, you will splash down into the refreshing cenote water and get to swim around and see the rock formations. The tour includes snacks and bottled water and lasts 7 hours. 

The whole experience was amazing and well worth it ! I would definitely do it again and recommend it to anyone visiting Cancún. Roy was the best adventure guide !!

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Kristen_N, Feb 2020

11. Tulum Ruins Cenote and Swimming with Turtles

4.5 ⭐️ 177 Reviews

Experience the best of the Riviera Maya with this tour. You will start your day at Tulum’s beachfront ruins where your expert guide will teach you about this ancient walled city.

From there you will go into the jungle to visit Cenote Zemway.

There you can swim in the refreshing, crystal water. Your last stop will be at Akumal Bay, an area famous for its sea turtle population.

There you will snorkel in the calm waters above the sea grass where turtles live. Your tour includes a box lunch and lasts 11 to 12 hours. 

Micheal was an excellent tour guide and the crew as well! Beware it is a long day. I would recommend wearing tennis shoes and bringing water shoes/ tennis shoes because there was a lot of walking at Talum. Enjoy the ride. Also the food was good for lunch. It felt like an authentic Mexican dinner.

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Christina_R, Mar 2023

12. Jet Skiing, Snorkeling, and Parasail

4.5 ⭐️ 74 Reviews

Enjoy some of the best water activities the area has to offer with the combo tour. Your tour begins on a snorkel boat where you will visit several different spots.

You will have the chance to see coral reefs, the underwater museum, and a shipwreck surrounded by marine life.

Next, you will go parasailing and sail high in the air, enjoying views of Cancun. You will finish your tour with a fun ride on a shared jetski. This tour lasts 4 and a half hours. 

Had an excellent trip to Cancun, and the staff here made it even better. Ricardo was our guide for snorkeling and showed us some incredible stops – and it was amazing soaring around the coast on jet skis and parasails!

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Emerson_C, Jul 2022

13. Isla Contoy Eco Adventure

4.5 ⭐️ 108 Reviews

Visit the pristine beaches of Isla Contoy through this adventure tour. You will depart from the marina in Cancun and make a quick stop at Isla Mujeres.

There you will have free time to stroll around or visit the beach before sailing to Isla Contoy.

Isla Contoy is an ecological reserve that is strictly protected by the Mexican government.

Off the shores of the island, you will snorkel at Ixlache Reef where you can see turtles, rays, and tropical fish.

On the island, you will have time to relax, go on a nature hike and eat a grilled lunch before returning to Cancun. This tour lasts 8 hours. 

Staff were friendly, helpful and entertaining. We were impressed by the whole operation. We would highly recommend

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Brian_M, Feb 2023

Best Cancun Snorkeling Spots

There are countless great snorkeling spots near Cancun. You will be amazed by what is underneath the water- the area is filled with coral reefs and sea life!

The ideal snorkel spot is shallow, so you can get a close-up view of the sea life and have clear water.

Combine these two things with a sunny day, and you will have a great time snorkeling. Here are some of the best snorkeling spots in the Cancun area:

👉🏽 MUSA – The Museo Subaquatico de Arte is an underwater museum in Cancun. It is made of hundreds of sculptures that were sunk in 2010 to create an artificial reef.

These structures sit on a shallow, sandy bottom, making them ideal for snorkelers to visit.

Today the structures have a substantial amount of coral and sponge growth on them which attracts fish and wildlife. It is a great spot for snorkelers of all skill levels! 

👉🏽 Punta Nizuc – Located off the coast of the southern part of the Cancun hotel zone, Punta Nizuc has coral reefs as well as some statues that are part of the underwater museum.

Punta Nizuc is a short boat ride from the coast and full of sea life. You can spot different corals and sponge species, sea turtles, and fish! 

👉🏽 Manchones Reef – Manchones Reef is located in the calm waters off the coast of Isla Mujeres. You can get there on a boat tour leaving from Cancun or Isla Mujeres.

There you will find colorful coral reefs that are filled with wildlife- keep your eyes open for shiny barracuda that frequent this area! Manchones Reef is near the underwater museum so you will also see some statues while snorkeling there. 

👉🏽 Dos Ojos – Great snorkeling in Cancun is not limited to the ocean. You will be amazed at the rock formations when you snorkel in cenote Dos Ojos.

This cenote is ideal for snorkeling, you will swim in semi-dark tunnels where you can appreciate the sun shining through cracks in the ceiling.

If you want a snorkeling experience that is unique to the Yucatan Peninsula, you do not want to miss this. 

👉🏽 Akumal – Located between Playa del Carmen and Tulum, Akumal is famous for snorkeling to visit the sea turtles that live off its shores.

When you snorkel there you will follow your guide into the calm water from the beach and look for the resident turtles that live in the grassy areas. 

👉🏽 Cozumel – If you are serious about snorkeling, you should consider taking a day trip to Cozumel. There you will find crystal-clear water and impressive coral formations.

You can take a boat tour to snorkel on the famous Palancar and Colombia reefs where you can see turtles, rays, and sharks as well as colorful fish. 

Preparing for a Cancun Snorkeling Tour

Want to take a snorkel tour on your next Cancun visit? Here are a few things to consider when signing up! 

📌 What is the best time to snorkel in Cancun?

You can snorkel all-year round in Cancun. The winter months of November to April have consistently sunny weather, making them great for snorkeling.

These months are the most popular with tourists, so expect to share the boat/reef with other visitors. You will want to book your snorkel tours in advance to make sure they do not sell out. 

The summer months of May to October are considered the rainy season, and the chance of getting rained on goes up.

Thankfully, a little rain will not ruin your snorkel tour. Firstly, you will already be wet!

Second, the darker skies that come with a rainshower can help you see aquatic animals that are usually more active at night.

You will have a better chance of seeing lobsters and crabs moving around during the day if it is raining! 

📌 What to bring for a Cancun snorkeling day trip?

Your tour operator will provide all the snorkeling equipment you need for your tour. If you are a serious snorkeler and have your own gear, you are welcome to take it with you.

You will also want to take sunglasses, a hat, and clothing to protect yourself from the sun.

A rashguard is a great idea while you are in the water to keep the sun from burning your back.

If you have a small waterproof bag it is a great idea to take it on the boat to protect your phone and wallet from splashes.

If you are doing a day tour that includes other stops, you may want to take a towel and dry clothes to change into. Lastly, you will need to take some cash with you to tip your guide at the end of the tour. 

📌 How much does a Cancun snorkeling tour cost?

It depends on what else your tour includes. If you sign up for a half-day boat tour that will take you to different snorkel spots, you can expect to pay around $70.

If you want to go on a luxury catamaran cruise or a tour that combines snorkeling with an adventure park, Mayan ruins, or other aquatic activities, you can expect to pay more.

These tours often include transportation, food, and entrance tickets to several sites and can cost around $130 or more per person. 

Frequently Asked Questions about Snorkeling in Cancun

Final Thoughts: Cancun Snorkeling Tours

Cancun has great snorkeling, and the best way to experience it is on a snorkel tour.

You need to take a boat to get to the best snorkeling reefs, plus you will have a guide to show you all sorts of marine life.

There are snorkel tours that will take you to several different snorkel spots if you want to maximize your time in the water.

Or, you can sign up for a tour that combines snorkeling with other activities and attractions.

Whatever you decide to do, you do not want to miss the chance for some great snorkeling in Cancun.