The coasts of the Mexican Caribbean, from Cancun to the Riviera Maya, are internationally recognized as one of the world’s best diving and snorkeling destinations. Coral reefs, tropical fish, sea turtles, whale sharks, barracudas, dolphins, eagle rays, sunken ships… The enormous diversity of its marine life and the incomparable quality of its crystal clear waters, which offer exceptional visibility, allows you to enjoy a breathtaking underwater show.
The Mesoamerican Barrier Reef System (MBRS), the largest coral reef in the western hemisphere and the second in the world, runs along practically the entire coast of the Mexican Caribbean. A natural wonder that makes the waters of places like Isla Mujeres, Cozumel, and Akumal, among many others, the perfect setting for an unforgettable dive. Or, simply, put on a mask, tube, and fins and enjoy the beauty of this submerged wonderland that offers all kinds of treasures at a very shallow depth.
- Snorkeling & diving in Cozumel
- Snorkeling & diving in Playa del Carmen
- Snorkeling & diving in Akumal
- Snorkeling & diving in Isla Mujeres
- Snorkeling & diving in Cancun
- MUSA – Museo Subacuático de Arte
- Snorkeling & diving in cenotes
And as if the above were not enough, the Yucatan Peninsula has other natural wonders that invite you to explore its transparent waters: the cenotes. These incredible flooded or semi-flooded cavities, which the ancient Maya considered the doors to Xibalbá –the underworld–, offer unique ecosystems and truly fascinating geological wonders.
So don’t wait any longer: set up an exciting snorkeling or scuba diving excursion with the folks at Vacaciones Barcelo and discover this incomparable underwater paradise.
Snorkeling & diving in Cozumel
One of the “classic” places to dive and snorkel in the Mexican Caribbean is the island of Cozumel, an underwater jewel internationally recognized for the richness of its depths and its excellent speed drifts. Among its most spectacular sites are the Paraíso reef, the wall and the reef of Santa Rosa, the caves and gardens of the Palancar reef, Punta Dalila, Punta Tunich… Places populated by beautiful corals and all kinds of marine fauna, from different species of tropical fish to turtles, octopuses, and lobsters. Be sure to visit the vast sandy strip of El Cielo (The Sky), called that way because of the thousands of starfish found in the area.
Moreover, in 2000, an old ship of the Mexican Navy, the Felipe Xicoténcatl C-53, was sunk expressly in the Chankanaab area to become an artificial reef. The wreck is now full of life and has become one of the attractions of this great protected maritime zone. In any case, the famous oceanographer Jaques Cousteau was not wrong in pointing out the waters of Cozumel as a true underwater spectacle.
So, set up an unforgettable expedition with Vacaciones Barcelo or, better yet, enjoy a unique vacation in Occidental Cozumel and Allegro Cozumel. The latter even offers you the only All-Inclusive Diving vacation experience on the island.
Snorkeling & diving in Playa del Carmen
And just off Cozumel, on the mainland coast, is another of the best diving and snorkeling destinations in the Riviera Maya. Along with its lively nightlife, its restaurants, shops, and galleries, Playa del Carmen is an excellent starting point for the best underwater excursions to places like the Jardines reef and the Tortugas reef, or dive spots like Barracuda, Tarpon, Cerebros, and Pared Verde, among many others.
Like the Cozumel area, Playa del Carmen also has its own sunken ship, the Mama Viña, an old shrimp boat resting on the ocean floor since 1995. In addition, the wreck is usually frequented by the imposing bull sharks that visit the area during the winter months (from November to March). Quite a rush!
Of course, you can also organize an underwater visit to Playa with Vacaciones Barcelo or by staying directly in two of the best hotels in the area: Occidental at Xcaret Destination and Royal Hideaway Playacar – Adults Only. They both have their own 5-star PADI dive shop!
Snorkeling & diving in Akumal
Following the coast to the south, you reach the “place of the turtles” because that is precisely what the name Akumal means in the Maya language. And you can already imagine what a lovely marine animal is the protagonist of a dive in this part of the Riviera Maya. Between May and September, green and hawksbill turtles, among other species, come out at night to the beach to spawn. Still, throughout the year, they feed in the underwater meadows protected by the reefs of Akumal.
There are more than a dozen diving and snorkeling spots in the area, for all levels, from beginners to advanced divers. Places that allow you to enjoy, in addition to the friendly turtles and beautiful coral reefs, spectacular sites like the Half Moon Bay and the Yal-Kú Lagoon. The latter is an incredible cove where the fresh waters of the underground rivers of the Peninsula meet with the salty waters of the Caribbean Sea.
Snorkeling & diving in Isla Mujeres
Now it’s time to explore the northern seabeds, starting with this fantastic island that has become one of the favorite places for divers from around the world. About 50 snorkeling and diving spots, such as the incredible Garrafon Natural Reef Park and four sunken ships (artificial reefs), offer all the wonders of the Mexican Caribbean. In addition, night diving is a “classic” in Isla Mujeres. Diving at night allows you to see “in action” many species that are not as active during the day, such as octopuses, moray eels, and lobsters.
Another attraction that has put Isla Mujeres on the international “underwater map” is that the island is the perfect departure point to live a truly incredible experience: swimming with whale sharks. Between June and September, these gentle giants visit the waters of nearby Isla Contoy. And, of course, with Vacaciones Barcelo, you can go snorkeling (not diving) alongside them. An absolute marvel!
Snorkeling & diving in Cancun
Fortunately, the extensive tourist development of Cancun has not made its underwater treasures disappear. Just in front of Punta Cancun, there are diving points such as the Chintales and El Bajito reef. Or, a bit further away, El Grampín, Barracas, Sara’s wall, the Afuera Caves, San Toribio, and La Perdida. Places that offer everything a good day of snorkeling and diving needs: flora, fauna, rock formations, excellent visibility…
Of course, the fact that Cancun is a great diving destination is no coincidence; the Western National Park of Isla Mujeres, Punta Cancun, and Punta Nizuc comprise three protected areas of great ecological value that are part of the Mesoamerican Reef System. Two of them are located north (Punta Cancun) and one south (Punta Nizuc) of the Cancun Hotel Zone. Very close to the Occidental Costa Cancun and the Occidental Tucancun, two fantastic hotels that offer you everything you need to enjoy this underwater paradise.
MUSA – Museo Subacuático de Arte
Diving in Isla Mujeres and Cancun allows you to discover the abundant marine life of the Mexican Caribbean. Still, it also offers you such unique experiences as visiting an authentic contemporary art museum under the sea, the MUSA. Born in 2010 and distributed between the waters of both destinations, this project allows you to discover a collection of large sculptures created by various international artists.
More than 500 works of art have been installed at the bottom of the ocean to become home to different marine species, creating an impressive artificial reef. Art and nature go hand in hand to offer you a truly spectacular place. Visit the MUSA with Vacaciones Barcelo and live a truly extraordinary experience!
Snorkeling & diving in cenotes
The Yucatan Peninsula is crossed by a massive network of underground rivers that surface in different parts of the region. These incredible sinkholes and semi-open or underground caves, totally or partially flooded, are called cenotes. Extraordinary places, both from an ecological and geological point of view, where you can swim, snorkel and dive.
Anyone can snorkel in the cenotes that allow visitors to do so. It’s pretty easy and a beautiful experience. As for diving, obviously, it’s necessary to have specific training and knowledge to do so. Of course, Vacaciones Barcelo can open the door to this incredible world in Cancun and the Riviera Maya. The Siete Bocas cenote, in the Puerto Morelos area; the Ponderosa cenote, very close to the Barceló Maya Grand Resort; the Dos Ojos cenote, in the Xel-Há Park area, or the Gran Cenote, near Tulum, are only some of the places that you just can’t miss.
