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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Xcacel, 5 miles south of Akumal, and Xpuha, near Puerto Aventuras, are some of the best reef snorkeling options. Both are accessible from the beach. It is also possible to get into the water at Tankah Bay, at Bahia Principe, or at Tulum Reef (which can only be reached by boat).
The best time to visit is between December and March when the weather is most settled. The hottest month of the year is May with an average daily maximum of 36 C and an average low of 23 C. The coolest month of the year is December with an average daily maximum of 28 C and an average low of 20 C.
Once a sleepy enclave of fishing villages nestled between the Caribbean Sea and the Gulf of Mexico, today Costa Maya is a gateway to incredible natural wonders, ancient Mayan ruins, and some of Mexico's best diving. There are activities for every traveler's pace in Costa Maya.