You probably know the coastal town of Playa del Carmen for its stunning white sand beaches and blue waters that offer some of the best snorkeling opportunities in the world, among other reasons.
The marine life is so rich, and the corals so beautiful, that I think snorkeling in the Caribbean Sea is one of the best excursions you can choose from Playa del Carmen.
But what makes Playa del Carmen and the whole Riviera Maya area stand out is that the sea is not your only option when it comes to snorkeling! You can also snorkel in cenotes, underground rivers, and lagoons… all a stone’s throw from Playa del Carmen.
The best season to enjoy great visibility for snorkeling is between November and March, which also coincides with the high season in the area, but the activity can still be enjoyed year-round.
On this list, we’ve compiled the best snorkeling tours in Playa del Carmen to help you pick a great excursion. Each offers a unique experience in different locations, and some combine two or more.
We’d like to highlight that here at Every Steph we don’t support snorkeling with turtles in Akumal anymore. This decision was made due to concerns about the sustainability of the experience and the animals’ welfare. Thus, you won’t find any tours that include this activity in our list. Our goal is to promote responsible and sustainable tourism practices that focus on the preservation of the natural environment and the welfare of the animals that inhabit it.
I hope that this list will inspire you to explore the beauty of the Caribbean Sea while promoting responsible tourism practices. So, put on your mask, take a deep breath, and let’s dive into these amazing snorkeling tours.
➥ Why can you trust me with your snorkeling experience? With over 6 months of exploring Mexico and 7 years of full-time travel under my belt, I know what sets a good snorkeling tour apart from the rest. It’s not just the colorful fish and coral. It’s about safety, knowledgeable guides, and respect for marine life. All the tours on this post were carefully selected to offer you just that.
I use and recommend Viator when booking tours around the world. I particularly love their cancelation policy. If your plans change, you can cancel most activities up to 24 hours in advance and get a full refund.
Limited time? These are the best tours:
| THE BEST TOUR | Mayan Adventure Snorkeling Tour |
| REEF SNORKELING | Luxury Catamaran and Snorkeling |
| CENOTE SNORKELING | Tour 4 Cenotes + Zipline |
| SNORKEL AT ADVENTURE PARK | Priority Access: Xcaret Day Trip |
| SIAN KA’AN TOUR | Sian Ka’an Adventure |
OUR PICK: The Most Comprehensive Playa del Carmen Snorkeling Tour
Dive into three different aquatic worlds on this Mayan Adventure Snorkeling Tour from Playa del Carmen. From ocean inlets to underground rivers and Mayan cenotes, you’ll explore the best of the Riviera Maya’s marine life.
First, you’ll snorkel in the Yal Ku Lagoon, an ocean inlet that boasts tropical fish and vegetation. Later you’ll take a dip in an open cenote in the heart of the jungle, and finally, you’ll explore a striking underground river. You’ll always have your snorkeling gear on hand to explore the wonders underwater.
Not a snorkeling pro? No worries, the tour is beginner-friendly, and you’ll also get a break between swims to indulge in a hearty buffet lunch. Plus, hotel transport from Playa del Carmen and Tulum is included.
➤ Why is this the best snorkeling tour? One of the unique details about this full-day trip is that it allows you to gain insight into three different ecosystems, accompanied by a knowledgeable guide. If you can’t choose between reefs, cenotes, or lagoons, well, here you can have it all!
Read what the reviews say:
”My girlfriend and I loved this excursion. We saw a lot of fish as well as a sea turtle just casually swimming past us. We loved the open cenote where we could zipline into the water multiple times. Our tour guide/DJ/Comedian Ignacio was by far the best tour guide we ever had.”
Nick_R – Read more reviews
This tour includes: Hotel pick-up and drop-off, lunch, snorkel equipment, a guide, and beverages. ➥ BOOK IT HERE
Best Snorkeling Tours in Playa del Carmen Reef
▶️ Join the Riviera Maya Luxury Snorkeling Cruise with Lunch and Drinks to spend half a day sailing in the Caribbean Sea. You’ll set sail toward Inah Reef in a spectacular vessel, and snorkel with colorful schools of fish and stunning coral formations.
Then, try your hand at stand-up paddleboarding, and enjoy a gourmet lunch with unlimited drinks aboard. You can choose a morning or afternoon departure, and let the rest of the planning to the amicable crew.
This tour includes: Hotel pick-up and drop-off, an open bar, lunch, snorkeling gear, paddle boards, and the sailing experience. ➥ BOOK IT HERE
▶️ Experience the best of Yucatán with this all-inclusive Viator Exclusive: Tulum Ruins, Reef Snorkeling, Cenote, and Caves. The tour departs from Playa del Carmen and heads to Tulum, where you’ll enjoy a guided tour of the famous Mayan ruins.
You’ll then sail to a coral reef to snorkel among colorful reef fish and impressive formations. Finally, visit a local cenote for a relaxing dip. Lunch and water are included, and you’ll be accompanied by a friendly bilingual guide.
This tour includes: Hotel pick-up and drop-off, entrance fee to the Tulum Ruins, lunch, bottled water, a guide, and snorkeling gear. ➥ BOOK IT HERE
▶️ Sail away into paradise with this breathtaking Riviera Maya: Catamaran at Maroma Beach & Reef Snorkel. You’ll be transferred to Maroma Beach Club in an air-conditioned vehicle. There, board a catamaran to discover the Great Mayan Reef from up close.
You’ll get to snorkel in the crystal-clear waters of the Caribbean Sea, witness underwater life near the reef, and then swim near the beach.
This ultimate escape from city life ends with a return trip to your hotel in Playa del Carmen (or to Cancun/ Riviera Maya).
This tour includes: Hotel pick-up and drop-off, admission to Maroma Beach Club, snorkel gear, drinks, a guide, and insurance. ➥ BOOK IT HERE
Snorkeling Tours in Cenotes
▶️ On this Tour 4 Cenotes Includes Pick Up Service you’ll join a small group to explore amazing sinkholes in the Riviera Maya Region. You’ll get to swim, snorkel, and have a blast in four different types of cenote.
You’ll be led by a bilingual guide and provided snorkel equipment, as well as time to enjoy each cenote at your leisure. Lunch is included, so you don’t need to take anything except your swimming suit and enthusiasm. You’ll also have the chance to add ziplining to your tour!
This tour includes: Transfers, lunch, bottled water, snorkel gear, and a guide. ➥ BOOK IT HERE
▶️ Explore the world’s third-longest underground river system on this Magical Cenote and Paradise Lagoon Snorkeling Adventure. Swim in crystal-clear cenotes and snorkel in Yal Ku lagoon.
This is where seawater and freshwater merge to create a unique underwater world with caves and passages – a real treat!
You’ll marvel at stunning rock formations, and learn about said formations from your informative guide. Cenotes are usually great spots for cave scuba diving, but snorkeling in a sinkhole is a fascinating experience.
This tour includes: Roundtrip transportation, snorkel gear, bottled water, and a professional guide. ➥ BOOK IT HERE
▶️ This Río Secreto Nature Reserve from Playa del Carmen Entrance or Tour offers a remarkable experience. It starts with pick-up at your hotel, and entrance fees to the cave system of Rio Secreto, which you’ll explore with an expert.
You’ll trek through underground tunnels, swim in cenotes, and learn about the fascinating geology and formations of the caves.
Cap off the trip with a delicious Mayan lunch and a visit to the jungle before returning to Playa del Carmen.
This tour includes: Hotel transfers, a professional guide, entrance fees, all equipment, and lunch. ➥ BOOK IT HERE
Snorkel at Xel Ha and Xcaret
▶️ Ready to dive into a world of wonder? Xel-Ha has got you covered – all you need to do is join the Xel-Ha Tickets Food & Beverages and Transportation All-Included. You’ll have access to all the attractions!
Besides snorkeling in a beautiful lagoon, you’ll glide down a river, cliff-jump, swim in a cenote, explore caves, and walk on hanging bridges. Relax on Hammock Island with a cocktail in hand, or chill by the beach in between adventures.
You’ll also discover Mayan culture and take advantage of unlimited food and an open bar. There’s also plenty of fun for the little ones, and there’s a children’s playground with swings and slides.
This snorkel tour includes: Transfers, Xel-Ha entrance fee, access to all the activities plus equipment, and lunch with unlimited drinks. ➥ BOOK IT HERE
▶️ Looking for a modern-day Garden of Eden? With over 40 attractions, Xcaret Park is the perfect option. And the best way to enjoy its terrific activities is with the Xcaret Park Day trip, Transportation, and Cultural Night Show.
On a full-day excursion, you’ll get to enjoy everything from jungle walks to underground river swims, beach time, and culture. Swim in a lagoon, and go snorkeling in the Caribbean Sea, getting close to the reef’s colorful inhabitants.
You shouldn’t miss the Xcaret Night Show – Mexico Espectacular – for a fabulously educational journey through Mayan history. A delicious buffet lunch with coffee and beer is included with your ticket.
This tour includes: Transportation, access to Xcaret Park, all activities, a buffet lunch, equipment, and the use of showers and lockers. ➥ BOOK IT HERE
Join a Snorkeling Tour to Sian Kaan
Explore the wonders of Sian Ka’an Biosphere Reserve on this thrilling Sian Ka’an Adventure Full Day Trip to Punta Allen. Sian Ka’an is one of the most pristine, unique ecosystems in the country, and among my absolute favorites.
Your knowledgeable guide will introduce you to the area’s abundant biodiversity and rich marine life. With some luck, you’ll be able to spot the elusive manatees!
Snorkel on the Mesoamerican reef, which is the world’s second-longest barrier reef, and discover the beautiful creatures that live in it. You’ll cap off the tour with a tasty Caribbean lunch in Punta Allen.
The trip departs from Tulum, and there’s an extra charge if you want to be picked up at Playa del Carmen.
This tour includes: Transfers, a local guide, snorkeling activities, gear, lunch, water, and snacks. ➥ BOOK IT HERE
Snorkel in Playa del Carmen with Whale Sharks
Book this Whale Sharks Small-Group Tour in Riviera Maya for an absolutely unforgettable snorkeling excursion. You’ll sail off the Yucatan Coast and get to snorkel, under the guidance of an expert, with the ocean giants.
As a bonus, learn about the area’s wildlife from a biologist, and get all your whale shark-related questions answered. Be on the lookout for other marine creatures along the way, such as turtles, sting rays, and dolphins!
After a few hours of snorkeling, cap off the adventure with a delicious lunch at Isla Mujeres.
This tour includes: Hotel pick-up and drop-off, lunch, soft drinks, snorkel gear, and an expert guide. ➥ BOOK IT HERE
Isla Mujeres & Isla Contoy Snorkeling Tour from Playa del Carmen
Check out this Beach Escape: Isla Contoy and Isla Mujeres with Snorkeling. It’s a full day of adventure and relaxation that starts with a tasty breakfast and a trip to Isla Contoy.
You’ll snorkel in its crystal waters, and discover the island’s natural sanctuary with a bit of birdwatching. You’ll also enjoy a guided reef snorkel tour to admire the coral reef and swim with plenty of colorful fish.
Refuel with lunch on a Mexican palapa, and then set sail toward Isla Mujeres. There, you can explore the shops and attractions at your own pace, or lie down to sunbathe on the beach until it’s time to get back.
This tour includes: Round trip transportation, a professional guide, breakfast, lunch with beer and soft drinks, a life jacket, and snorkel equipment. ➥ BOOK IT HERE
Snorkeling & ATV Combo (Perfect For Adrenaline Lovers)
Get ready for the ultimate adventure-packed day trip in Puerto Morelos with this ATV Adventure Combo with Snorkeling, Ziplines, Cenote, and Lunch.
First, you’ll enjoy prime Playa del Carmen reef snorkeling, swimming among the most colorful fish and corals. A true delight for snorkel lovers!
The water session is followed by a beach club meal to refuel, and then you’re off to the jungle for some serious ATVing through dirt tracks and off-road. Soar above the treetops on an exhilarating zipline course, and relax in a gorgeous cenote.
Then it’s off to the jungle for some serious ATV-ing through dirt tracks and ziplining above the treetops. Finally, take a dip in a gorgeous cenote to cool off.
This tour includes: Hotel pick-up and drop-off, admission to Natural Reef Park, all activities, a meal, bottled water, and all equipment. ➥ BOOK IT HERE
