Where to Go Snorkeling in Playa del Carmen?

Snorkeling in Playa del Carmen is always an extraordinary experience, offering different options depending on your preferences.

This activity, which involves swimming with a mask and snorkel, is accessible to everyone, whether you’re a first-timer or an experienced snorkeler.

Snorkeling in Mexico’s Yucatán Peninsula will constantly amaze you with the variety of locations and marine species you can encounter.

Playa del Carmen is full of incredible snorkeling spots, whether in the open sea, cenotes, or underground caves.

If you’re looking to explore the best snorkeling spots in Playa del Carmen, follow my guide to discover all my top recommendations!

Snorkeling in Playa del Carmen is perfect for exploring the world’s second-largest coral reef, located just off the coast of this beach town.

In addition to admiring corals of all shapes and colors, you’ll encounter schools of vibrant, multicolored fish swimming by the dozens.

1. Cozumel Spot

The island of Cozumel is located right across from Playa del Carmen, in the heart of the turquoise waters of the Caribbean Sea.

Just a 40-minute ferry ride away, you’ll find stunning snorkeling spots off the coast of Cozumel.

Cozumel is globally renowned for its exceptional underwater world, home to breathtaking coral formations.

Tropical fish, sea turtles, sharks, starfish, and rays are abundant in the waters surrounding Cozumel, making it a paradise for snorkeling enthusiasts.

❤️ If you want to experience the most complete snorkeling adventure departing from Playa del Carmen, I highly recommend booking this Cozumel snorkeling excursion. The tour offers the chance to spot starfish, stingrays, sea turtles, and nurse sharks.

📝 The main snorkeling spots in Cozumel include:

• Colombia Reef
• Palancar Reef
• El Cielo
• El Cielito

📝 Some marine animals you might encounter while snorkeling in Cozumel:

• Sea turtles
• Nurse sharks
• Stingrays
• Leopard rays
• Lobsters
• Dolphins (rare)
• Hammerhead sharks (rare)
• A wide variety of tropical fish

2. Puerto Morelos Spot

Puerto Morelos is a charming fishing village located near Playa del Carmen.

The snorkeling spots off the coast of Puerto Morelos are among the most beautiful in the Yucatán Peninsula!

Here, you can marvel at corals of all shapes and colors, offering a vibrant underwater landscape that’s perfect for exploration.

Additionally, a snorkeling session here lets you observe hundreds of colorful fish swimming among the corals.

If you’re lucky, you might also spot a nurse shark or sea turtles gliding through the reef.

To swim along the Puerto Morelos reef, you’ll need to take a boat to reach the site.

A snorkeling activity in Puerto Morelos typically includes two 45-minute snorkeling sessions at two different spots on the reef.

I highly recommend the fishermen’s cooperative, located between the main square and the leaning lighthouse.

The cooperative offers snorkeling sessions at more affordable prices compared to the city’s tour agencies.

Expect to pay 350 MXN per person at the fishermen’s cooperative, compared to 600 MXN at most other agencies.

Head to the blue house for an unforgettable snorkeling experience!

How to get to Puerto Morelos from Playa del Carmen?

The most affordable way to travel from Playa del Carmen to Puerto Morelos is by colectivo.

To catch a colectivo, head to the Chedraui supermarket at the corner of Avenida 45 & Calle 1 Sur in Playa del Carmen. The colectivo will be heading toward Cancun.

Ask the driver to drop you off in Puerto Morelos (around 30 pesos MXN).

Once you reach the corner, take a second colectivo heading to the beach, which is only a 5-minute ride for just 10 MXN.

3. Playa Xpu-Ha Spot

Playa Xpu-Ha is my favorite snorkeling spot near Playa del Carmen.

Although it’s not located in the city center, it’s still easily accessible in under thirty minutes from Playa del Carmen and Tulum.

Playa Xpu-Ha is a paradise for snorkeling enthusiasts, but it offers much more than just that!

Indeed, Xpu-Ha is a beautiful white sand beach lined with palm trees and the turquoise waters of the Caribbean Sea, making it the perfect spot for both relaxation and underwater exploration.

The coral reef is just a few dozen meters from the beach, so you’ll have no trouble reaching the first corals by swimming.

The quantity and diversity of corals at Playa Xpu-Ha are impressive, with corals of all colors and shapes, creating a stunning underwater landscape to explore.

The underwater wildlife here is also exceptional. It’s not uncommon to encounter schools of over 50 tropical fish!

In the five snorkeling sessions I’ve done at Xpu-Ha, I was lucky enough to spot a nurse shark during one of them.

How to access the reef?

The majority of the Playa Xpu-Ha reef is located just in front of the beach restaurant, about 200 meters from the shore.

Don’t worry, the area is very shallow, making it easy to reach and explore the reef without going too deep.

The first sections of the reef are just a few meters from the beach, right in front of the massage stand, which is about twenty meters to the left of the restaurant.

Grab your mask and snorkel, head to the massage stand, and swim straight ahead. You’ll quickly encounter the first corals and schools of fish.

How to get to Playa Xpu-Ha from Playa del Carmen?

From Playa del Carmen, head south on the road toward Tulum. You’ll reach Playa Xpu-Ha in less than 30 minutes.

If you prefer to take a colectivo (shared minivans), catch a van heading toward Tulum and ask the driver to drop you off at Playa Xpu-Ha.

The cost of the colectivo ride from Playa del Carmen to Playa Xpu-Ha is 40 MXN.

Playa Xpu-Ha is a private beach, and the entrance fee is 50 MXN.

Make sure to choose the entrance by the Xpu-Ha Beach Restaurant—other entrances lead to beach clubs or hotels.

4. Playa Coco Beach Spot

To reach the snorkeling spot in Playa del Carmen, head to Playa Coco Beach, located in front of the Reef Coco Beach Hotel.

A small coral reef lies offshore from this peaceful, beautiful beach. Playa Coco Beach is a stunning stretch of white sand, with a few fishing boats anchored near the beach entrance.

How to access the reef?

The reef is about 200 meters from Playa Coco Beach, just behind the fishing boats.

To reach the reef from the beach, enter the water near the boats and swim between them until you reach the reef.

Always proceed with caution when swimming between the boats. Stay alert, and it’s best to have a safety float to make yourself visible to the boats as you swim.

Once you reach the reef, you’ll be able to admire well-preserved corals and numerous species of fish that have made the reef their home.

This snorkeling spot in Playa del Carmen is relatively small but still in excellent condition, especially considering its location in front of a highly urbanized area.

Always be cautious of the nearby boats navigating around the reef while you explore the underwater world.

Free and close to the beach, the reef in Playa del Carmen is well worth a visit on a sunny day for an easily accessible snorkeling session.

How to get to Playa Coco Beach?

From downtown Playa del Carmen, head north along Quinta Avenida until you reach Avenida CTM.

From there, head toward the sea, pass in front of the Reef Coco Beach Hotel, and take a small path around the hotel that leads directly to the beach.

You’ll arrive right at the reef, where the fishing boats are anchored.

5. Snorkeling in a Cenote

Another snorkeling experience to try in Mexico, and especially in Playa del Carmen, is snorkeling in a cenote.

Cenotes are geological formations unique to the Yucatán region.

These underground water pockets were formed over millions of years by rainwater infiltration. The collapse of fragile rock ceilings then created open lakes, known as open cenotes.

This type of cenote is ideal for snorkeling, as local wildlife has thrived here, and you can observe a variety of fish.

In Playa del Carmen, you can visit several cenotes for snorkeling.

I particularly recommend Cenote Azul, Cenote Cristalino, and Cenote Jardin del Eden. These three cenotes are located close to each other, so you can visit multiple cenotes in a single day.

1. Cenote Azul

Cenote Azul is probably the most popular cenote near Playa del Carmen, and for a good reason: its stunning turquoise-blue water.

At Cenote Azul, you’ll find many fish swimming around, and you might even spot small turtles.

If you don’t have your own snorkeling gear, you can rent it on-site for 70 MXN.

The two small pools at the entrance of the cenote are incredibly beautiful with electric colors. Don’t forget to stop there—it’s the perfect spot for unforgettable souvenir photos!

💰 Entrance Fees:

• Adults: 180 pesos MXN
• Children (ages 4 to 7): 120 pesos MXN

🕐 Opening Hours:
Open daily from 8:30 AM to 5:00 PM.

2. Cenote Jardin del Eden

Cenote Jardin del Eden is a paradise for both snorkeling and scuba diving.

In addition to its rich marine life, you can also admire the incredible geological formations that make up the cenote’s floor.

If you don’t have your own snorkeling gear, it’s available for rent at 50 pesos MXN.

Near the bottom of the cenote, you can venture between the walls to reach small hidden areas where the sun’s rays play with the water’s color, creating a magical effect.

During my visit to Cenote Jardin del Eden, I saw many fish, a small turtle swimming by, and even two crayfish.

Don’t forget to visit the second part of the cenote, located at the back.

Here, you’ll discover a long stretch of water between vertical, parallel walls, allowing you to explore this lesser-known section of the cenote. The dense vegetation and the fish in the water make this place unique!

For the more adventurous, it’s even possible to jump from the top of one of the walls or from a tree located about 7 meters above the cenote!

Scuba diving is also available at this cenote. Many introductory dives are organized at Cenote Jardin del Eden for those interested in exploring the underwater world.

💰 Entrance Fees:

• Adults: 200 MXN
• Children (ages 4 to 11): 100 MXN

🕐 Opening Hours:
Open daily, except on Saturdays, from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM.

3. Cenote Cristalino

Cenote Cristalino is the third cenote in the area where you can snorkel to observe the fish that call it home.

This cenote consists of a main pool and a second, quieter pool located at the back of the cenote. If you’re looking for a more peaceful experience, I recommend heading toward the second, calmer pool.

Here, you can also enjoy a natural pedicure provided by the small fish, set in an exceptional natural setting.

There’s also a small section that passes through a cave, where you’ll find some stalactites hanging from the ceiling.

💰 Entrance Fees:

• Adults: 200 pesos MXN
• Children: 150 pesos MXN

🕐 Opening Hours:
Open daily, except on Saturdays, from 8:00 AM to 6:00 PM (last entry at 5:00 PM).

4. Cenote Nicte-Ha

Cenote Nicte-Ha is a beautiful open-air cenote, surrounded by hundreds of water lilies and home to many fish, creating a paradisiacal setting.

Snorkeling at Cenote Nicte-Ha allows you to observe the water lilies underwater, watch the fish, and even glimpse the entrance to an underground cave.

The sun’s rays create fascinating light patterns underwater, especially in the cenote’s subterranean section.

💰 Entrance Fees:

• Adults: 300 MXN
• Children: 150 MXN

🕐 Opening Hours:
Open daily from 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM (last entry at 4:00 PM).

How to Get to the Cenotes from Playa del Carmen

It’s very easy to get to these three cenotes from Playa del Carmen, whether you have a rental car or not.

The cenotes are located about 25 minutes from Playa del Carmen. By car, head towards Tulum and stop at the cenote of your choice.

Signs along the road will guide you to each cenote’s entrance, which are located along the route connecting these two towns.

If you prefer to take a colectivo (shared minivan), go to the Chedraui supermarket at the corner of Calle 1 Sur and Avenida 45.
From there, take a colectivo heading to Tulum and ask the driver to stop at the cenote you want to visit. The ride costs 35 MXN.

Cenotes Cristalino and Azul are right along the road. For Cenote Jardin del Eden, you’ll need to walk for about 10 minutes to reach the entrance.

✍️ Read my COMPLETE guide on using colectivos!

Snorkeling in an Underground River

Another extraordinary way to experience snorkeling in Playa del Carmen is by exploring an underground river.

Wandering among the stalactites and stalagmites to discover geological formations that have existed for millions of years is a magical and awe-inspiring experience.

Afterward, you can put on your mask and snorkel to catch a glimpse of the entrances to underwater caves.

❤️ If you’d like to try the adventure of exploring an underground river in Playa del Carmen, I highly recommend this excursion.

You’ll be accompanied by a guide who will explain the history of the area, its geological formations, and guide you through this breathtaking underground maze.

How to Protect the Reef and Cenotes

While snorkeling in Playa del Carmen, it’s crucial to protect the Mesoamerican coral reef.

Here are some essential guidelines to follow to help conserve the coral reef and cenotes:

• Don’t touch the corals: Corals are living organisms that are very fragile, so it’s important to leave them undisturbed.
• Watch your feet: If you’re using fins, make sure to be careful with your movements. Always try to stay horizontal when swimming above the reef to avoid accidentally damaging it.
• Avoid sunscreen: Even biodegradable sunscreen accelerates coral bleaching and the development of diseases. It’s best to apply sunscreen well before entering the water.
• No insect repellent in the cenotes: While mosquitoes may be present, they won’t bite when you’re in the water. Avoid using repellent to protect the delicate ecosystem of the cenotes.
• No eating or drinking in the water: Don’t consume food or beverages while snorkeling to prevent pollution of the water.
• Don’t feed the fish or animals: It’s essential to respect wildlife. Feeding them disrupts the natural balance and can destabilize the ecosystem.

By following these simple rules, you can help ensure that these beautiful and unique ecosystems remain protected for generations to come.

Is Snorkeling Safe in Playa del Carmen?

Snorkeling in Playa del Carmen is generally a safe activity. However, there are a few things to keep in mind to ensure your safety:

• Boats: The main danger while snorkeling in open waters comes from nearby boats, as they may not see you. To stay safe, I recommend using a safety buoy to make yourself visible to boat operators.
• Cenotes: Snorkeling in cenotes is safe as long as you avoid areas under diving platforms, where there may be stronger currents.
• Travel Insurance: It’s always a good idea to have travel insurance when visiting Mexico. This will ensure you’re covered in case of an emergency.

What to Bring for Snorkeling in Playa del Carmen?

To make the most of your snorkeling experience, here’s the essential gear to bring:

• Swimsuit
• Towel
• Mask and snorkel (or full-face mask for added comfort)
• Waterproof phone case or waterproof camera: To capture underwater moments and animals you’ll encounter.

For open-water snorkeling, consider adding:

• Safety floatation device: This is essential to stay visible and safe in open water.
• Wetsuit: If you’re snorkeling in cooler waters or want extra protection, a wetsuit can be helpful.

Being well-prepared with the right equipment ensures a safer and more enjoyable snorkeling experience.

I also recommend bringing a wetsuit if you tend to get cold.

Indeed, prolonged snorkeling sessions can chill you if you go deeper into the sea, which could ruin the end of your experience.

A neoprene wetsuit will prevent you from getting cold and allow you to enjoy the experience for longer.

👉 If you plan to snorkel in cenotes, you can also bring:

👟 Water shoes

Where to buy snorkeling gear in Playa del Carmen?

Know that snorkeling equipment is not cheaper in Mexico than in other countries.

If you haven’t had the chance to bring your equipment, you’ll find snorkeling gear in Playa del Carmen at supermarkets like Chedraui or Walmart.

While these masks and snorkels are not of the highest quality, they will do the job for your trip. Expect to pay around 300 pesos MXN for a kit containing a mask and snorkel.

For a specialized snorkeling store in Playa del Carmen, I recommend Scubaprice, located at the entrance to the Playacar hotel zone, south of the city center.