Playa del Carmen sits along the Caribbean coast where the second-largest coral reef system in the world brushes the shore.
While the downtown beaches themselves don’t always offer the richest coral life, the region is within easy reach of several world-class reefs, marine parks, and cenotes — giving snorkelers a great range: from shallow reefs and calm coastal waters to cenote caves and underwater sculptures.
🌊 Coco Beach (Playa del Carmen) — Snorkeling at the Reef Off-Shore
✅ What & Where
- Coco Beach lies at the north end of Playa del Carmen, just past CTM (also known as 46th Street) / the part of town where the “new Quinta” meets the beach.
- The reef associated with this spot is often called Chun-Zumbul Reef (or a reef “just outside” Coco Beach).
🔎 What you can see / expect
- The reef features coral beds, sea fans, and is home to a variety of reef fish: surgeonfish, trunkfish, needlefish, four-eye butterflyfish — and sometimes more striking species like the French angelfish.
- Because the reef is relatively far from shore (about a 200 meter swim, according to some guides), it tends to be deeper — roughly 6 to 13 meters — so this spot is better for intermediate or stronger snorkelers rather than first-timers.
🏝️ How to snorkel from Coco Beach
- The entry point is around where fishing/boat moorings are often located — often near the beachfront in front of the resort area (i.e. around the Reef Coco Beach Hotel).
- From that point you swim out towards the reef — but because it’s a long swim and boats may be around, it’s highly recommended to use a float or snorkel vest for visibility and safety.
- It is possible to snorkel here without a tour or boat (i.e. free shore-access).
⚠️ Who it’s good for — and what to watch out for
- Not ideal for first-time snorkelers. Because of the distance, depth, and boat traffic, you should be confident swimming and aware of safety precautions.
- Visibility & safety gear matter. A float or life-jacket helps, especially if boat traffic is present.
- Less predictable than protected reefs or parks. Coco Beach reef isn’t a marine-park like some other snorkeling spots, and water/sea conditions (visibility, currents) may vary.
🎯 How Coco Beach Compares — Quick Take
| If you want… | Coco Beach is good for… |
|---|---|
| A free, walk-out snorkeling experience directly from beach / hotel | Coco Beach (with gear, confidence swimming) |
| Coral, reef fish, and a bit of adventure — but are experienced snorkeler | Coco Beach reef (Chun-Zumbul) |
| A calm, easy snorkel, or a reef-protected, guided experience | Better to pick guided reef spots (e.g. near Puerto Morelos Reef National Park or Akumal Bay) |
🐠 Top Snorkeling Destinations Nearby
Xel-Há
- Xel-Há functions like a natural aquarium — with calm, sheltered waters, plenty of fish, and a very accessible, family-friendly vibe.
- Inside the park you can snorkel among colorful fish, rays, and even protected species such as queen conch.
- Beyond snorkeling, Xel-Há offers other activities (cenotes, mangroves, maybe even a river swim), making it ideal for travelers who want a packed but relaxed day in the water.
- Getting there is straightforward — it’s roughly a 40- to 45-minute drive from Playa del Carmen.
Best for: Families, beginners, or anyone wanting a no-stress snorkel + fun water-park vibes.
Puerto Morelos
- The main reef off Puerto Morelos lies within a protected marine-park — and you must use a registered guide to snorkel the reef. Swimming independently from the shore out to the reef is not allowed.
- reef tours involve a boat ride from the marina, snorkel gear and life jackets provided, plus a guide to navigate to healthy coral formations and marine life.
- For those only snorkeling from shore (without a boat/guide) — that’s still allowed, but you’re limited to a shallow inner-reef / seagrass-covered seam near the beach. Marine diversity is lower and reefs are smaller there.
- Because the reef is protected, tours help regulate number of visitors and minimize impact — benefiting both snorkelers and the health of the reef.
🏖️ Best For: Anyone interested in exploring healthy coral formations, reefs, colorful fish, perhaps rays or turtles — and who appreciates regulated, environmentally responsible snorkeling.
Other Notable Spots (Easy Day Trips or Variety!)
Akumal & Turtle Snorkeling
- In Akumal Bay, swimming with sea turtles is a major draw — but you cannot snorkel with the turtles unless you join a guided tour.
- The protected turtle-sighting zones are marked by buoys and ropes, and only small groups (max ~ 6 people + an authorized guide) are allowed in.
- Guides ensure snorkelers maintain distance, don’t disturb the turtles or seagrass, and satisfy local regulations — which also helps protect the turtles’ habitat.
- Tours typically include snorkeling gear (mask, snorkel, fins, life jacket) and cost around 350–550 MXN (~20–30 USD) per person — sometimes more if transport or extras are included.
- If you snorkel on your own without a guide: you’ll be limited to the shallow public-shore area outside the restricted turtle zones. That might get you fish or rays — but almost no turtles.
- 🏖️ Best For: People whose main goal is to see turtles — or who value safety, local rules compliance, and a better chance for a quality experience.
Playa Xpu-Ha (and other “less touristy” beaches)
- Xpu-Ha is often described as a “hidden gem” — the reef there sits quite close to shore (just a few dozen meters), making coral and fish relatively easy to reach even by swimming out from the beach.
- Because it’s less developed and less crowded compared to major tourist beaches, the vibe is more relaxed and natural.
Cenotes & Freshwater Snorkeling (nearby inland)
- If you want a different kind of snorkeling — calm freshwater, dramatic light/shadow play, underground caverns or rock formations — the region’s cenotes (sinkholes) offer a magical alternative to reef snorkeling.
- For example, Cenote Jardín del Eden is often recommended because of its size, water clarity, and variety of underwater scenery — a great escape from crowded beaches.
💡 Tips for a Great Snorkeling Trip
- Bring or rent proper gear — mask, snorkel, fins. Some places (like Akumal, Puerto Morelos, and Xel-Há) will rent gear if you don’t bring your own.
- Go with a guide or boat tour when appropriate — especially for reef snorkeling (Puerto Morelos reef, deeper coral zones, or if you don’t know local currents). Boats also make it safer and easier to access the best areas.
- Respect the reef and wildlife — avoid touching coral, don’t chase or feed fish, use reef-safe sunscreen if possible. (This helps keep the reef healthy for future generations.)
- Time of year & sea conditions matter — for calmer water and better visibility, consider traveling during drier months; always check local conditions before heading out.
📞 Recommended snorkel-tour operators & contact info
Riviera Maya Snorkeling
4.6•Boat tour agency•Open
- Phone / WhatsApp: +52 998 980 3458 or +52 998 195 4408
- Email: info@rivieramayasnorkeling.com
- They run boat-based snorkeling tours from Puerto Morelos pier, with snorkel gear, pick-ups from accommodation (depending on location), and trips out to the reef.
Snorkel Adventuring
5.0•Playground
- Phone / WhatsApp: +52 998 249 0003
- Email: info@snorkeladventuring.com
- Website: snorkeladventuring.com
- They offer reef-snorkeling tours from Puerto Morelos with transportation, guides, snorkeling gear and life jackets included.
Cancun Snorkeling
4.9•Tour agency•Open
- Phone (Mexico): +52 998 400 8543
- WhatsApp: +52 998 195 4408
- They run snorkel tours out of Puerto Morelos, offering snorkeling gear, reef access, and often a beach-club/break option afterward.
Edventure Tours (for turtle-bay snorkelling in Akumal)
4.8•Tour operator•Open
- Phone: +52 984 871 2209
- WhatsApp: +52 984 806 4102
- Email: info@edventuretours.mx
- They offer guided snorkel tours in the Akumal area (including turtle-bay snorkelling).
✅ What to check when you contact them
- Confirm meeting point / pick-up — some tours pick up from hotels/resorts; others meet at the pier or a beach-club.
- Ask what’s included: gear (mask, snorkel, fins, life jacket), transport to reef, park fees (reef-preservation fee, if any), return transport.
- Confirm group size and whether the guide speaks your language (many list “bilingual guide”).
- Ask about scheduling (start times) and availability — reef-tours fill up fast, especially in high season.
- For reef-protection, confirm that they follow regulations: life jackets required, no touching corals, etc.
🎯 Which Spot for What Kind of Snorkeler?
| If you want… | Head to… |
|---|---|
| Easy, family-friendly snorkeling + amenities | Xel-Há |
| Vibrant reefs, lots of marine life, protected reef system | Puerto Morelos |
| Swimming with turtles, shallow water, laid-back vibes | Akumal |
| Low-key beach + close reef access, fewer crowds | Playa Xpu-Ha |
| Freshwater caves, clear cenote water, tranquil experience | Nearby Cenotes (e.g. Jardín del Eden) |
Final Thoughts
Whether you’re dipping beneath the surface for the first time or already calling yourself a snorkel pro, the area around Playa del Carmen is packed with options: from protected reefs and snorkeling parks to quiet beaches and mystical cenotes.
For a one-day adventure, Xel-Há gives a little bit of everything — bright fish, calm water, and convenience. For something more “reef-real,” Puerto Morelos delivers — its healthful reef and marine-park protection make it a standout. And if you’ve got a bit of flexibility, combining a reef day with a cenote excursion can give you two very different but equally magical snorkeling experiences.
About the Author
Hi, I’m Matt from Nasplaya, your go-to guide for living, investing, and thriving in Playa del Carmen and the Riviera Maya. In 2008 my husband and I quit our jobs in Boston, Massachusetts, sold everything we owned and drove to Playa del Carmen, Mexico to start North American Standards (Nasplaya), our property management, vacation rental and real estate company. Now 17+ years later, I am sharing our experience helping expats and property owners navigate the local market. I share honest insights, practical tips, and insider knowledge to make your move—or your investment—a success.
From finding the best schools and maximizing rental income to understanding local regulations and uncovering hidden gems, my goal is to give you clear, actionable advice you can trust. When I’m not exploring the beaches or scouting the newest rental opportunities, I’m sharing stories, guides, and strategies that help you make the most of life in paradise.
Follow along for expert tips, local updates, and everything you need to live, invest, and enjoy the Riviera Maya to the fullest.
North American Standards (NAS Playa)
Property Management • Rentals • Real Estate
📍 Playa del Carmen, Mexico
🌐 www.nasplaya.com 🔑 Rentals: rentals@nasplaya.com
📊 Sales: buy@nasplaya.com 🏘 Property Management: bookings@nasplaya.com
✏️ Read the Latest from our Blog
- How to Get Mexican Health Insurance: Public vs. Private (2025 Guide for Expats)
- How to Receive Social Security in Mexico: A Complete Guide for Expats
- Building Credit in Mexico: A Step-by-Step Guide for Expats
- Driving to Mexico: Safety Tips and Border Crossings (What You Need to Know Before You Go)
- Understanding Mexican Etiquette & Customs: What Every Visitor & Expat Should Know