Snorkeling: A cheap way to explore the expansive ocean to discover the wonders of Playa del Carmen – Riviera Maya, Mexico

One of the most successful sports in the Riviera Maya is snorkeling, which is a type of diving that is within everybody’s reach and is practiced all along the Mexican Riviera. You only need a diving mask that has a breathing tube attached to try it out. This tube must be open, so you can’t submerge, but it must also have a locking system to enable you to use the capacity of your lungs to submerge and go closer to the bottom. You also should wear flippers in order to feel more comfortable and for better propulsion.

There are hundreds of places where you can snorkel. Experienced snorkelers say that it is better to bring along at least two glasses and a tube with you, because the rental places normally issue used ones. They are washed, but overused. In any sports equipment store you can find good equipment for 12 or 20 Euro/USD. Carrying your flippers is a nuisance, and depending on the place, they can be borrowed or rented. However, if you intend on trying this sport regularly, it is better to bring them along with you; they generally take up a lot of space but some people say that they serve as a good container for carrying things in your suitcase. This information is courtesy of travelers’ inventiveness.

It is one of the most interesting activities of the Riviera Maya, and the bottom of the ocean is the ideal place to observe the flora and fauna of all the sizes and colors. It is an experience that undoubtedly will take you very close to beauty.

Generally, the hotels have lists of places where to snorkel. Additionally, many of the organized trips also include them. However, you can also go out on your own if you know where the good places are by asking around.

The beaches of Playa del Carmen are ideal places for snorkeling, in which the hotel staff and other vacationers will have a good idea of the best snorkel areas; you will be able to discover a great variety of underwater spots. You can also discover other opportunities if you just look around a bit.

The theme parks in the Riviera Maya welcome many visitors and have excellent planned activities. Xcaret (only 3.73 miles from Playa del Carmen or Xel-Ha (some 33.55 miles away) offer these activity, although they are often overcrowded and visitors routinely complain about the muddy waters. The advantage of these parks is that the snorkel equipment that is necessary is included in the price of the tickets, so you only need to leave a deposit to get started.

Some of the most appreciated beaches, as perceived by travelers, for snorkeling are the ones in Akumal, which is located 23 miles from Playa del Carmen and the ones in Tulum, 29 miles away. We can access both cities by public transportation or a private car. Only some 43.50 miles away is a nature reserve called Sian Kaan, wherein you can also snorkel. However, it goes without saying that this activity is more regulated.

Of course, there are other ideal destinations to practice this wonderful water sport, such as Islas Mujeres (48.47 miles) and Cozumel (11.18 miles) via a good ferry connection. There are also coral reefs that can be seen nearby. They are strictly protected areas, however, you can only reach them per organized trips from hotels in Riviera Maya in order to control the number of visitors as a precaution to best protect the reef.

Our recommendation is to respect the environment when you are snorkeling, and to not destroy what you see. Never take anything with you from the ocean. This is an area of high ecological value, in which protecting it means protecting our future and the future of the people who live there.

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Francisco Cenamor

The Fives USA blog about Playa del Carmen & the Riviera Maya, Mexico

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