Sí Playa Del Carmen Snorkeling
Playa Del Carmen has some of the best snorkeling in the Caribbean
Where fantasy becomes reality…
Playa Del Carmen
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Playa Del Carmen
Playa del Carmen is the perfect retreat for snorkelers. Snorkeling here is possible at a multitude of sites just offshore. In fact, you should be able to walk into the water and snorkel at most of the area’s resorts. If you have the chance, take a small trip to dip your head into a fascinating cenote or visit Isla Mujeres where you can snorkel with whale sharks from June to September.
Whether you’re looking for vibrant coral reefs, extreme cave exploring, cool freshwater pools, gigantic sea turtles or sweet little schools of tropical fish, Playa del Carmen has you covered.
Playacar Beach
This is my personal favorite of all the beaches in Playa del Carmen.
It’s part of a residential area, so it’s quiet, clean, there are no sneaky rocks under the waves, waiting to stub your feet.
As this stretch of brilliant white sand is wishing the protected confines of Playacar, it is generally better managed than some of the other public beaches in Playa.
Playacar beach is also dotted with cute little palm trees, that offer some much-needed shade throughout the day. But get there early, the locals know this little trick, and take full advantage of it. It’s part of a residential area, so it’s quiet, clean, there are no sneaky rocks under the waves, waiting to stub your feet.
Parque Fundadores
This is probably the most iconic beach in Playa del Carmen.
Simply walk down Juarez until you reach 5th Avenue, and you will see the gigantic ‘Playa del Carmen Arch’ right in front of you.
Here you’ll find a real mix of people, from tourists to local families.
As it’s so well known, this area can get pretty busy and a little noisy. However, as this beach is the widest in Playa del Carmen, it can fit all those extra beach towels and loungers, while still having nice quiet spaces to relax.
The extra room also makes space for a full-sized volleyball court, which anyone can rock up and use. Create your own game, or join in with some of the locals, it’s a great way to meet new people.
The most unusual thing about this stretch of beach is that there are no beach clubs, so you get a true community feel, with everyone spreading out onto the sand.
Akumal
Is definitely the place to visit if you want to experience swimming alongside gigantic green sea turtles.
You can swim straight off the white sand beaches and you will be greeted by spotted eagle rays, manta rays and even a few needle fish.
Puerto Morelos
Under the waves, there’s a bright and bustling world of life and color. A few meters offshore is the famous Mesoamerican Barrier Reef system, the second largest reef system in the world.
Puerto Morelos is such a unique snorkel site, because here, the reef stretches closer to the shore than in any other area of the Riviera Maya. It’s your underwater dream world full of barracudas, manta rays, seahorses, bright fire coral and even a lobster or two because of its close proximity to the Mesoamerican Barrier Reef.
Puerto Aventuras
What really sets this snorkel site apart from the rest, is that the government has built a collection of faux reefs for the local fish. These large rock formations attract countless numbers of bright tropical fish, crabs, interesting coral species and even octopi that are home to fantastic marine life.
Playa del Carmen Snorkel Highlights
- PlayaCar Beach
- Calle 10 Beach
- Parque Fundadores
- Snorkel with Whale Sharks
- Akumal
- Puerto Morelos
- Puerto Aventuras
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Fun & Adventure
- Coco Reef
- Calle 2 Beach
- Mamitas Beach
- Xel Ha
- Yal Ku Lagoon
- Tulum Reef
- Cenotes
Coco Reef
Is the only beach in Playa del Carmen that you can describe as secluded.
There are no restaurants, no beach clubs, and no bars. Just the sound of the waves lapping against the shore, and the birds singing in the nearby jungle. Paradise.
Xel Ha
Snorkel Park-the mother of all snorkeling
Xel Ha is a huge park where you can snorkel all day. The park is an inlet from the ocean where the fresh ground water flows into the ocean. Here you can see tropical fish and snorkel all day! This area is huge. You start at the beginning the of the “river” in a mangrove area and then have the entire inlet, caves and other places to explore.
Yal Ku Lagoon
Yal Ku Lagoon is a small inlet from the ocean that is like a mini Xel Ha. This natural area is open to the public in Akumal.
Tulum Reef
Tulum has a beautiful reef just off the coast. Most people don’t know this because there are not large tours that go there. So this is something of a hidden gem. The snorkeling is good and you will see a lot of coral and fish here. It took us a while to discover it and it was only because of a private tour we went on.
Playa Del Carmen
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Explore Your Adventure Destination
Your Playa del Camen vacation is sure to consist of plenty of fun and excitement, but how about adding a touch of adventure as well? For those who can’t shake that adrenaline bug, consider booking exciting excursions, such as zip-lining through the jungle, setting sail on a catamaran cruise or snorkeling and diving, to make the most out of your destination.
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