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Looking for Playa Del Carmen snorkeling tours, but feeling a bit overwhelmed by all the options? I got you covered!
Playa Del Carmen is one of the best places for snorkeling in Mexico because of its location at the doorstep of the Great Meso-American Barrier Reef, the second-largest barrier reef in the world. Snorkeling in Playa Del Carmen is one of the most amazing experiences you can have in Mexico’s Riviera Maya, and you can do it by joining one of the best Playa Del Carmen snorkeling tours.
Unlike scuba diving, snorkeling doesn’t require a special certification or training – all you need to do is put on your goggles, put a snorkel tube in your mouth, slip on a life vest, and jump in the water to enjoy the mesmerizing view of the sea world below you.
Most snorkeling tours provide the necessary gear and transportation to and from your hotel, so all you need to bring is your swimsuit, reef-safe sunscreen, and plenty of good mood!
➡️ Planning more adventures? Check my guide to the best Chichen Itza tours from Playa Del Carmen
Best Playa Del Carmen snorkeling tours: a complete overview:
Half-day turtle and cenote snorkeling from Cancun or Riviera Maya
Top rated – 526 reviews
This fun half-day tour snorkeling tour from Cancun allows snorkeling in the Caribbean and enjoying a freshwater cenote on a half-day tour. Begin by jumping in a snorkeling spot in the Caribbean to look for sea turtles and colorful tropical fish, and continue to a nature park with an extensive underground river system.
➡️ Read my guide to the best rated Cancun tours
There you can swim in the crystal-clear waters of the cenote, a sinkhole with crystal-clear fresh waters.
PICK-UP TIME: Pick up from Cancun between 06:00 a.m. -07:00 a.m. Pick-up from Riviera Maya, Playa del Carmen between 07:00 a.m.-08:00 a.m. and pick-up from Tulum around 09:00 a.m.
What’s included:
- Bilingual guide
- Round Transportation with AC (From Playa del Carmen or Cancun Hotel Zone)
- Equipment required for both water activities
- A light snack: Pastries, refreshments
- Vegetarian or Gluten Free Options are available upon request.
- Bottled water
What’s not included:
- 13 USD conservation fee that you have to pay in cash on the day of the tour
What travelers say:
Our travel guide Inez was wonderful, very knowledgeable, and friendly. This tour was the highlight of our trip, swimming with sea turtles and swimming in the caves. It was a once-in-a-lifetime experience I will never forget. This is a MUST-do experience if you come to playa del Carmen – Monika N
✅ CLICK HERE TO BOOK A HALF-DAY CENOTE AND TURTLE SNORKELING TOUR
Mayan adventure snorkeling tour from Playa del Carmen or Riviera Maya
Top rated – 219 Reviews
One of the most popular Playa Del Carmen snorkeling tours is a full-day trip that’s ideal if you’re a fan of snorkeling. The tour will take you to three different ecosystems as you discover an ocean inlet, an underground river, and a Mayan cenote.
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From the turquoise waters of the Caribbean to the mysterious rivers in the Riviera Maya jungle, you will have a chance to spot a stunning array of biodiversity. The tour also offers delicious buffet lunch between the two snorkeling stops.
What’s included:
- Local taxes
- Lunch
- Beverages
- Driver/guide
- Professional guide
- Hotel/port pickup and drop-off
- Use of Snorkeling equipment
What’s not included:
- Gratuities
- Souvenir photos (available to purchase)
What travelers say:
We had a blast, lunch was excellent, the tour was wonderful, and our tour guide Nacho was amazing. Will be a returning customer. – Alan
✅ CLICK HERE TO BOOK MAYAN ADVENTURE SNORKELING TOUR
Whale Shark all-inclusive tour from Riviera Maya
Swimming with whale sharks is one of the most fun Playa Del Carmen snorkeling tours that allow you to swim alongside these marine giants and soak up the sun on Isla Mujeres.
A tour takes you to a prime viewing location, where you slip on snorkel gear and hop into the water.
Do NOT get close to whale sharks. Although these animals are harmless, you should touch or pester them in any manner. Seeing whale sharks is never a guarantee. Your tour guide will give you detailed instructions before the tour and explain what distance you need to maintain when swimming with whale sharks.
Following your adventure, you can relax on the white-sand shores of Isla Mujeres’ Playa Norte (North Beach).
DID YOU KNOW? Another great place to see whale sharks is Isla Holbox. Located off the northern coast of the Yucatan Peninsula, this island has some of the best beaches in Mexico.
What’s included:
- Breakfast and lunch
- Vegan, vegetarian, and gluten-free food are available on request.
- Beverages (Water and soft drinks)
- Professional guide
- Use of snorkeling equipment
- Another stop for snorkeling on the way back near Isla Mujeres
What’s not included:
- National Park Fee and port tax USD 13
What travelers say:
Our guide, Paula, the driver, the captain, and his crew mate were all friendly and helpful. They were extremely knowledgeable about the area, snorkeling, and the whale sharks. You will 100% snorkel alongside a whale shark, and they are so big and beautiful. – Tamara G
✅ CLICK HERE TO BOOK A WHALE SHARK TOUR
Isla Contoy and Isla Mujeres snorkeling tour
Isla County makes a perfect day trip from the busy tourist zones of Playa Del Carmen and Cancun.
Spend the day snorkeling Isla Contoy’s coral reef, where you’ll find bright tropical fish, swaying fans, and sea stars. After that, explore the island on foot to see its flora and fauna. The island has been a protected natural reserve since 1961, and a National Park since 1998.
This tiny island is just over 5 miles (8.5 km) and is one of the most important bird sanctuaries along the Caribbean Coast of Mexico. During your tour of Isla Contoy, you can explore its sandy trails, watch the migratory birds and enjoy an outdoor buffet lunch with an open bar.
What’s included:
- Breakfast Drinks (water, soft drinks, and beers)
- Life vest and snorkel equipment (snorkel tube is new)
- Guided visit to the Island of Contoy
- Shopping time in Isla Mujeres
- Round-trip transportation from Cancun and Playa del Carmen Hotels
What’s not included:
- USD 15 was paid directly at the dock to maintain and preserve the National Park of the island
- Gratuities
- Transportation from Tulum Area ($50 per person. Minimum 2 people)
What travelers say:
Amazing island tour with such a great staff. The food was also very good and tasty. My mom and I had a lot of fun. I recommend it a 100% – Anna S
✅ CLICK HERE TO BOOK A TOUR OF ISLA CONTOY
Playa del Carmen Tour: Tulum, Cenote Snorkeling, Zip-lining and Lunch
One of the best snorkeling tours in Playa Del Carmen for adrenaline junkies, this fun day trip offers a mix of culture and adventure.
The tour begins with a visit to Tulum, a former fishing village famous for the spectacular Mayan ruins overlooking the turquoise waters of the Caribbean and white sand beaches. Visit the local Maya community to learn about the Mayan culture before venturing into the jungle to snorkel in the underground rivers.
The tour ends with a traditional Mayan buffet lunch where you can try local specialties from the Yucatan cuisine. The Yucatec cuisine boasts yummy dishes like salbutes, panuchos and other delicacies that are made from fresh, locally grown ingredients.
➡️ Check my guide to the best private tours in Tulum
What’s included:
- Professional guide
- Lunch
- Beverages
- Use of all necessary equipment
- Use of towels and showers
- Hotel pickup and drop-off
What’s not included:
- Gratuities
- Alcoholic beverages
What travelers say:
Zipline into the cave was the greatest time. The guides were great to hang out with. I would recommend doing this to all adventurous people. – Shannan F
✅ CLICK HERE TO BOOK CENOTE SNORKELING TOUR FROM PLAYA DEL CARMEN
Cozumel snorkeling tour from Playa del Carmen
Explore the coral reefs of the Cozumel Reefs National Marine Park on this popular Cozumel snorkeling tour from Playa Del Carmen. Located off the southern coast of Cozumel, this protected area is home to incredible marine animals like snappers, stingrays, turtles, and parrot fish.
What’s included:
- Professional guide
- Snorkeling gear
- Snorkeling at different reefs
- Buffet lunch and refreshments
- Ferry to Cozumel
What’s not included:
- Alcoholic Drinks
- Photos and Videos
- Souvenirs
- Air-conditioned vehicle
✅ CLICK HERE TO BOOK COZUMEL SNORKELING TOUR FROM PLAYA DEL CARMEN
4-Hour private luxury catamaran tour with lunch and snorkeling
This popular Catamaran snorkeling tour from Playa Del Carmen can accommodate up to 15 people and is perfect if you are looking for a small group tour.
This tour lasts half a day and allows you to snorkel in the clear waters of the Caribbean before sailing into the bay, where you can swim to hang out at the beach.
You can also enjoy an open bar with unlimited drinks, and lunch is provided.
What’s included:
- Towels
- Snorkel gear and life jackets
- Open Bar with unlimited drinks (alcoholic & non-alcoholic)
- Lunch
- Restroom on board
What’s not included:
- Gratuities
- Private transportation
- $10 USD per person dock fee
✅ CLICK HERE TO BOOK A LUXURY CATAMARAN TOUR FROM PLAYA DEL CARMEN
Private turtle snorkeling tour from Playa Del Carmen
One of the best private snorkeling tours from Playa Del Carmen offers a perfect opportunity to explore the calm waters of Akumal Bay, where you can swim with friendly sea turtles.
Your guide will tell you about the area and provide snorkeling instructions. Always keep at least 15 feet between you and a sea turtle. The ever-increasing growth of tourism has affected many species in the Mexican Caribbean, so take steps to minimize your impact on sea life.
Wear only a reef-safe sunscreen and avoid using any perfume or other cosmetic products before heading into the water. Do not touch or follow any marine creatures that you might see on a tour.
What’s included:
- Round-trip transportation from the meeting point
- Air-conditioned vehicle
- All Fees and Taxes
- Use of Snorkeling equipment
What travelers say:
Well worth the money. Our guide Claudia and her assistant Tan were fantastic. Nikki, our swim guide was also great. Saw 5 turtles, a couple of Rays, and various fish. Totally enjoyable tour. Highly recommend – Rob B
✅ CLICK HERE TO BOOK AKUMAL SNORKELING TOUR
Río Secreto tour from del Carmen
Rio Secreto is one of the best natural reserves in Mexico and named one of the world’s top 10 Mayan activities by National Geographic that allows you to learn about the complex ecosystem of the Riviera Maya and learn about the Mayan culture.
I’ve taken a tour of Rio Secreto from Playa Del Carmen, and had the best time! After arriving at the entrance, we were paired with a tour guide, who provided a detailed briefing and explained how the tour works.
During the tour, you will have a chance to swim and walk through a semi-flooded cave system, where you’ll walk and swim through caverns and pools filled with crystal-clear water. The tour provides all the necessary equipment and gear for swimming and wading through the caves.
The tour ends with an authentic Mayan lunch.
What’s included:
- Access to the Natural Reserve
- Specialized guide
- Lockers, wetsuit, life jacket, helmet with lamp and towels
- Round-trip transportation
- Buffet lunch and non-alcoholic beverages
What’s not included:
- Photos
- Souvenirs
- Alcoholic beverages, canned soda, and bottled water
What travelers say:
This experience was a surprisingly excellent part of my trip. My tour guide was Daniele and he was an absolute joy. Extremely knowledgeable, fun, excited, and a great guide who taught our group many things and made sure everyone was having a great time.
✅ CLICK HERE TO BOOK A TOUR OF RIO SECRETO FROM PLAYA DEL CARMEN
Cozumel sailing and snorkeling with lunch and open bar
This luxury catamaran snorkeling tour from Playa Del Carmen is a perfect option to avoid small boats and enjoy a more comfortable ride. On this tour, you will snorkel among the incredible sea life and paddle board. If you get hungry, a light lunch, cocktails, and soft drinks will be available on board, so you won’t have to worry about bringing your provisions.
What’s included:
- Air-conditioned vehicle
- Use of Snorkeling equipment
- Lunch
- Soda/Pop
- Alcoholic Beverages
What’s not included:
- Ferry tickets
- Gratuities
What travelers say:
I can’t pick a favorite part of this excursion because it was ALL amazing! The snorkeling along the coral reef in Cozumel was incredible, we saw a lot of fish and had plenty of time to explore the reef. The catamaran was so relaxing, the drinks were endless and the lunch was very good. – Carla
✅ CLICK HERE TO BOOK LUXURY COZUMEL SNORKELING TOUR
4-Hour private yacht tour with food, open bar and snorkeling
One of the most fun private snorkeling tours in Playa Del Carmen, this 4-hour tour takes you In-Ha’s remarkable reefs on a luxurious yacht.
You’ll sail on the spectacular Caribbean Sea and snorkel with turtles and manta rays in a protected reef accompanies by your tour guide. Also during this tour, you will have a chance to try flavorsome ceviche on board your yacht before arriving at a pristine white-sand beach and relaxing on the sundeck.
The tour offers unlimited drinks from an open, on-board bar.
What’s included:
- Private tour
- Open Bar w/ unlimited drinks (alcoholic and non-alcoholic)
- Snorkel gear and life jackets
- Restroom on board
- Snacks
- Towels
What’s not included:
- Gratuities
- Private transportation
- $10 USD per person dock fee
What travelers say:
Great trip and experience. The entire staff was outstanding. You just show up ready to have fun and they handle everything else. You don’t lift a finger. Would do again – Christopher
✅ CLICK HERE TO BOOK A PRIVATE SNORKELING TOUR FROM PLAYA DEL CARMEN
Private Reef Snorkeling + 3 Cenotes + 5 Zip-lines + Mayan Lunch
This fun tour allows you to adventure in Puerto Morelos, a hidden gem of Mexico’s Rivera Maya a short distance from Playa Del Carmen. During this outing, you will have a chance to snorkel in the reefs of the Puerto Morelos National Marine Park.
Following your snorkeling session, you will visit several cenotes along the Ruta de Los Cenotes, where you can jump into the water from platforms or rope swings into the crystal clear waters.
Soar above the Mayan jungle on a zipline to round up your adventure and savor a delicious Mayan lunch before heading back.
What’s included:
- Air-conditioned vehicle
- All Fees and Taxes
- Bottled water
- Use of Snorkeling equipment
- This is an all-inclusive tour – No hidden costs or upsell!
What’s not included:
- Tips
What travelers say:
We had an absolutely fantastic experience on our private excursion with just our family of 6. We had very minimal contact with other vacationers during our excursion of the cenotes, snorkeling, or zip lines. Our guide Hisael was knowledgeable and friendly making and went out of his way to make my family feel comfortable. – Justin
✅ CLICK HERE TO BOOK A PRIVATE REEF SNORKELING TOUR
Playa Del Carmen Snorkeling Tours: FAQs
Is there good snorkeling in Playa del Carmen?
There are plenty of great snorkeling spots near Playa Del Carmen where you can spot colorful marine life and coral reefs. Some of the best snorkeling spots near Playa Del Carmen are Cozumel, Akumal, and Puerto Aventuras.
Is snorkeling better in Playa del Carmen or Cozumel?
Although Playa Del Carmen has many great snorkeling spots, Cozumel is better for snorkeling if you are looking to see more animals like turtles, manta rays, and colorful coral reefs. Cozumel is one of the top destinations in Mexico for snorkeling and diving that attracts travelers from all over the world.
Where can I snorkel with turtles in Playa del Carmen?
Akumal is the top destination for snorkeling with turtles near Playa Del Carmen. The calm waters of Akumal Bay are home to many sea turtles and you can spot them by taking a guided snorkeling tour.
Playa Del Carmen Snorkeling Tours: Final word
One of the most popular destinations in the Yucatan Peninsula, Playa Del Carmen is a getaway to some of the best snorkeling in Mexico’s Caribbean. Whether you want to snorkel with gorgeous sea turtles in Akumal, sail across the Caribbean on a luxury catamaran, or enjoy a getaway to Isla Contoy, you can choose from a variety of snorkeling tours for all tastes and budgets!