Mexico is famous for its world-class all-inclusive resorts and breathtaking white sand beaches. Situated in a warm climate, with a rich culture and stunning scenery, it’s no wonder it’s a top-drawer vacation destination. Cancun is located in the Gulf of Mexico, where the currents are calmer, attracting beginner and experienced divers and snorkelers from around the globe. The waters in Cancun are full of life, and it’s not unexpected to come face to face with turtles, sharks, and other exotic marine wildlife.

Due to its location, Cancun is a wonderful place to visit throughout the year. Still, the peak of the tourist season is from November to February, when the temperatures are milder. However, those passionate about marine wildlife may prefer to travel here during the whale shark season between June and August because snorkeling alongside them is a unique experience.

There are many snorkeling spots in Cancun, but if you want to discover hidden underground riverways and cenotes, you may want to read about the following places. They’re some of the best Cancun snorkeling spots; you don’t want to miss them.

Puerto Morelos

The fishing village is placed in the middle of Cancun, and every tourist who visits it finds its location virtually unparalleled. The coral reef in Puerto Morelos is greatly preserved, and the entire area is a great snorkeling destination. Due to its seagrass, it’s the perfect home for exotic sea life like turtles, barracudas, and rays. The vividly colored fish make it a memorable snorkeling spot. If you swim 400 yards from the shore, your eyes are delighted with butterflyfish, triggerfish, and parrot fish that swim around you.

Tulum

The area is well-known for the stunning Mayan ruins built on a cliffside. Tulum is the place to visit if you want to take the snorkeling experience to a new level. The reefs here are some of the most beautiful in the world, especially because you can swim through a cenote. The underwater life is quite rich, and you can spot purple sea fans and sponges dancing with the currents or swim alongside fish like barracudas. Larger sea life also frequents Tulum, so be ready to see sea turtles, spotted eagle rays, and stingrays.

Isla Mujeres

Isla Mujeres is the ideal destination if you want to spend your vacation in a place with laid-back vibes. The sea wildlife is rich in sharks and turtles, and the beach glistens with white sand. The island is placed across the bay from Cancun, so you can spend the entire day exploring the place without anything else distracting your attention. Snorkeling is only one of the activities that make Isla Mujeres a great vacation destination. You can also visit ruins built by pirates, have a nice walk under the trees, or check the southern shore filled with cliffs that offer breathtaking views above the water’s edge.

Musa

This is a world-famous snorkeling destination as it hosts an underwater museum developed over the last years, since 2009. The location has been created by sinking 500 full-size sculptures (and the number is growing annually, as more are sunk) to create a mysterious sight. Besides the statues, you can also admire the coral reefs that are home to various marine life and fish species. And should we also mention that there is also a sunken Beetle Car, a Volkswagen car, a Dream collector, and Man on Fire? If you want to choose a snorkeling destination that has it all, Musa is the one.

Akumal

This is also one of the most visited places in Cancun as it’s worldwide known for its dive and snorkel areas. Akumal can keep you entertained the entire day, with its beautiful beaches, snack bars, and restaurants. You can also find a wellness resort where you can enjoy a massage session. Akumal also has a beach for inexperienced and beginner snorkelers, and the entrance is from a white sand beach. The water in all snorkel spots is clear and calm, and you can see rays and turtles.

And here are our picks for the best snorkeling spots in Cancun. Do you have other suggestions? We’d love to hear about other exciting places.