This system is also known as the Great Mayan Reef and is second only to the Great barrier Reef in Australia. The Great Mayan Reef spans more than 620 miles (1000 km) and can be found just a short boat ride off the shore of Costa Maya Mexico.
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Costa Maya Snorkel TourThe water near the Meso-American Barrier Reef, among the largest barrier reefs in the Northern Hemisphere, has some of the best snorkeling spots in the Riviera Maya, but you need a boat and local know-how to reach them.
You'll find Puerto Costa Maya, or the Costa Maya cruise port, nestled on the beautiful south eastern coast of Mexico. Costa Maya is just over 200 miles south of Cancun and only a few miles north of the Belize border. It's in the Mexican state of Quintana Roo, next to the charming fishing village of Mahahual.
Just off the shores of Mahahual on a short 15-minute boat ride, you'll visit two distinct snorkeling sites: one graced with sandy patches and seagrass where hawksbill turtles roam and another near the vibrant coral reef heads bustling with tropical fish.
Snorkel MahahualIt is a great opportunity to get to know the famous “Great Mayan Reef”, that runs along the coast, and to swim among corals and species like rays, morays, turtles and tropical fishes, that gather in an area just a few minutes away by boat.
The Caribbean coast of Mexico is world-famous for its diving and snorkeling. And Costa Maya is a great place to experience the wonders of the underwater world. Whether you're a snorkel novice or a diving master, there are [snorkel and diving excursions] to suit you.
Just off the shores of Mahahual on a short 15-minute boat ride, you'll visit two distinct snorkeling sites: one graced with sandy patches and seagrass where hawksbill turtles roam and another near the vibrant coral reef heads bustling with tropical fish.
There are no bad spots in the area. There are some that are better than others though. Ask a local and they can give directions to the best drive to spots. As a very general rule, the beaches to the south of Mahahual tend to be a bit more reef protected, which means better snorkeling on rougher days.
Each year between June and November, sea turtles land on Mexico's beaches to nest, and hatching usually occurs during the months of August, September, October and early November.