Looking For Underwater Adventure? Explore Cancun Snorkeling Hotspots

From Mayan ruins to stunning beaches; Cancun is home to some of the most popular tourist attractions in all of Mexico. Want to know what else this place is famous for??? Well, its rich and exotic underwater flora and fauna… So, if you are someone who loves snorkeling and exploring marine animals, you will love Cancun. This blog post sheds light on some of the most popular snorkeling spots around the water of Cancun.

Popular Snorkeling Spots in Cancun

1- Punta Nizuc

One of the most popular tourist destinations in Cancun is Punta Nizuc. Away from the hustle and bustle of the city, Punta Nizuc offers the opportunity to explore Cancún's rich underwater ecosystem in a very tranquil environment. From colorful fish species to rays and turtles; the place is home to abundant marine life. Whether you are a beginner who has just started his snorkeling journey or an experienced snorkeler; snorkeling at Punta Nizuc is worth a try.

2- Underwater museum

Another place worth snorkeling in the waters around Cancun is the Underwater Museum of Art or MUSA for short. There is an interesting story about how MUSA came into existence. The museum is said to be planned by Jaime Gonzalez Canto; who aimed to save Cancun’s precious coral reef by diverting divers to an alternator diving destination. The museum is home to over 500 sculptures of various shapes and sizes. Snorkeling around these sculptures gives a very unique experience.

3- Shipwreck snorkeling

Another popular thing among divers in Cancun is exploring shipwrecks. Between 1980 and 2000, several ships were deliberately sunk off the coast of Cancun. Most of these ships are World War II-era naval ships of the United States Navy. The Mexican government intended to attract snorkelers and scuba divers from all over the world to boost the country's tourism sector and if you look at the results, it is a successful strategy. Because of these shipwrecks, Cancun has become a mecca for snorkelers and is attracting thousands of people from all over the world.

4- Mesoamerican barrier reef

Located off the coast of Cancun, the Mesoamerican Barrier Reef is another popular snorkeling and scuba diving site. It is a very long reef spanning 1126 kilometers or 700 miles; touching the coasts of Mexico, Belize, Guatemala, and Honduras. It is home to all sorts of sea turtles like green sea turtles, loggerhead sea turtles, leatherback turtles, and hawksbill turtles. Plus, the place is home to some exotic fish species. So, if you are in Cancun, you should consider snorkeling at the Mesoamerican Barrier Reef. The memories you make there will last forever.

5- Cenote dos ojos

Another place close to Cancun where you can go snorkeling is Cenote dos Ojos. The place is also known as Two Eyes Cenote and is counted among the largest flooded caves. The place is ideal for scuba diving but if you want to explore the cave with basic snorkeling devices, no one will forbid you. Just so you know, visitors have to pay an entrance fee which is around $14. Plus, you can also rent snorkeling gear by spending a few extra bucks.

Apart from these sites, there are many other places in Cancun where you can go snorkeling such as Garrafon Natural Reef Park, Manchones Reef, Xcaret Park xel ha, etc… And, yes Cancun is one of those unique locations where you can go snorkel with whale sharks.

Snorkeling With Whale Sharks

The whale shark, the largest fish species roaming in the sea, is a creature worth seeing. These are filter feeders and are counted among the calm-natured animals. And, Cancún is the perfect destination when it comes to snorkeling with these gentle giants. Just so you know, whale sharks are migratory animals. So, if you want to go dive with these creatures in Cancun, you should plan your trip between June and September.

Key Takeaways

If you are an adventure lover and have a weakness for snorkeling, you will love Cancun. The place is home to many snorkeling hotspots like Punta Nizuc and MUSA. Apart from being a famous snorkeling destination, the place is also known as a resting place for whale sharks, a migratory shark species. Well, whale sharks are the largest fish species, and swimming with these creatures can be pretty amazing.