To truly experience the beauty of snorkeling in Isla Mujeres, youll need a great tour! To snorkel, you do not need to know how to swim since it is a very flexible activity for everyone to practice. El Meco Reef, located by the El Meco Mayan Archeological Site, is a shallow snorkeling experience with beautiful sculptures, Spanish shipwrecks, soft coral, and abundant sea life. Whether you want to swim with turtles or just in the mood for some water activities, there are plenty of great spots for snorkeling in Isla Mujeres. He said to be careful, he didn't know the English word for JELLYFISH! This is a once-in-a-lifetime experience which we 100% recommend to do if you happen to be in Isla Mujeres during this time. On this full-day tour from Cancun, cruise to the beautiful island on a catamaran and snorkel in the protected waters of a marine park. snorkeling in cancun - Acquire one of our packages are cheap The only two sites so far that I'd recommend are the (ta && ta.queueForLoad ? 7 Best Spots to Go Snorkeling in Isla Mujeres - Wanderly The reef itself isnt just beautiful; Garrafon is also part of the longest reef in the world and provides an important habitat for marine animals. These fish have been fed and will be in your face! Took a private 3-hour snorkeling charter. There will be a snorkeling spot in Isla Mujeres for everyone, whether youre with children or looking for the ultimate solo adventure! Isla Mujeres Ferry offers the best way to get to Isla Mujeres from Cancun, actually, the only way if you don't choose to join an organized tour. I'm wondering if there are any beaches where you can snorkel from shore and see some decent fish and coral - or do you need to take a boat tour to a reef for decent snorkeling? This small island is filled with gorgeous beaches and fun snorkeling spots that travelers of all ages will enjoy. After reading through them all I think I will still take my husband on a day trip to isla mujeres and try some snorkeling at the locations mentioned, and I will also look into doing another day trip farther south at Puerto Morelos or Akumal like DMartin suggested :) No reason we can't do both and it sounds like there are a lot of other activities to do on the island if we find that the snorkeling isn't great. Same fish, way cheaper. Snorkeling in Isla Mujeres : r/cancun - Reddit We had our own personal guide(Enrique) in the water, who was always pointing out sealife that we would have otherwise missed. This little island has some pretty amazing beaches and snorkeling spots, but finding them can be a challenge if you dont know where to look. Its located right on the beach, so you can step off the sand and into the water, delighting in the schools of fish. This specific tour includes a pick up from either Cancun, Tulum, or Playa del Carmen as well as lunch on a boat. Its safe to say that snorkeling in Isla Mujeres is definitely worth your time. This snorkeling spot is unique because it has a small abandoned lighthouse as its centerpiece. Garrafon de Castilla 7. It is typically more expensive than the regular snorkeling tours to the reefs, but it is definitely worth the money! Review tags are currently only available for English language reviews. :). We recommend going on this small group snorkeling tour where you get to snorkel with these gentle giants, two people at a time. Snorkel gear: Vest, Mask, New tube. When packing for a flight people usually pack their essentials, There are endless possibilities for a romantic adventure in Charlotte,, By This site features shallow waters and calm currents, making it perfect for families or inexperienced snorkelers. Enjoy lunch and an open bar on this day trip to Isla Mujeres, the quaint, relaxed island that sits on the border of the Caribbean Sea and the Gulf of Mexico. Good luck with your trip. Your guide will be very well versed in local wildlife, too, helping you identify everything you see so you can tell people once you get home with your GoPro video. Many visitors choose to explore this underwater wonder through scuba diving since it doesnt require any prior experience with the Discover Scuba Diving program, but you could also enjoy the sights at some shallow ends with snorkeling! If you go just around the corner toward the Avalon hotel there is an area with some rocks, and the shade of the bridge provides some shelter for fish. While vacationing in Cancun we took a trip over to the island of Isla Mujeres. Cooperativa Isla Mujeres Tours offers off shore, inshore and bottom fishing trips. Many of the subsections along the reef are protected wildlife areas and parks. This is a fun day tour where youll be cruising on a trimaran on the Caribbean sea. The marine biodiversity is vibrant, with beautiful coral reefs as well as turtles, rays, and loads of tropical fish. I might have identified some of these wrong, just went by what the guide said and photos I've seen. To help you plan your trip, here are all the spectacular snorkeling spots in Isla Mujeres you should add to your itinerary: The 1 Thing We Never Leave Home Without. Its best to swim and snorkel on other beaches around Isla Mujeres. Isla Mujeres Trimaran Cruise 6. It is on the #4 (ta && ta.queueForLoad ? Breakfast, lunch, and hotel transport are included. Garrafon de Castilla 5. Enjoy snorkeling in a coral reef location, watch the birds in a nature sanctuary, and work on that tan on the beach. Part of the Manchones Reef overlaps with the Cancun Underwater Museum (MUSA), so you will have the opportunity to see a couple of sculptures and reefs that belong to the museum. The entire museum is only 30 feet deep with hundreds of life-sized sculptures, making it perfect for a day of fun in the water. These fun boats take you out on beautiful catamarans for a whole day of snorkeling and cruising. After he gets his bearings on how to use his mask and snorkel you can catch a cab to Garrifon De Castillo Beach club. My children were nervous, but with Enrique next to us in the water it put them at ease. I'm going to vote for (ta && ta.queueForLoad ? You can order as many la carte dishes as you want so its technically like a buffet, but the food was so much fresher and better! Beach Clubs - Isla Mujeres Forum - Tripadvisor Here are some of the top Isla Mujeres snorkeling trips that give you the bang for your buck: One of the best snorkeling tours in Isla Mujeres is swimming with whale sharks. If you are a resident of another country or region, please select the appropriate version of Tripadvisor for your country or region in the drop-down menu. Lauren Abbott, Miami is a quintessential American beach destination located in Southern, Eureka Springs is one of Arkansass most intriguing tourist destinations., By If you havent tried the spinnaker activity before, you definitely should! Where Should I stay? Yeah, it was too rough. I have always seen lots of fish and the corals are amazing too. Theyre open Tuesday through Sunday, from 10 am to 5 pm. Calm, turquoise waters and soft white sand make them ideal for sunning, swimming and snorkeling. Sadly, Garrafon Natural Reef Park offers swimming with dolphins as a tourist attraction. Edwin Thomas, Leaf Group Updated March 15, 2018 Snorkeling on the Island of Mujeres (Photo: ) Located eight miles off the coast from Cancun, Mexico's Mujeres Island, or "Isla Mujeres" in. Another thing I really loved about this Isla Mujeres snorkeling and sailing experience is because of the spinnaker activity on the way back from the island. ), Do You Need A Passport To Go To Cozumel? We went in between the rocks where the waves were crashing over, but on the bay side, not the open water. You can snorkel over in the MIA lagoon if you are sitting on that side. 10 Magical Cenotes/Underwater Caves in Mexico. This snorkeling is not great--just what's available, for free, at that end of the island. An unforgettable day trip to Isla Mujeres Mexico [2022] - Boundless Roads Isla Mujeres Tourism Isla Mujeres Vacation Rentals Isla Mujeres Vacation Packages Isla Mujeres Photos Isla Mujeres Map Isla Mujeres Travel Guide All Isla Mujeres Hotels; Isla Mujeres Hotel Deals; Last Minute Hotels in Isla Mujeres; By Hotel Type Isla Mujeres Hostels; Romantic Hotels in Isla Mujeres; Isla Mujeres Beach Hotels; Isla Mujeres Spa . (By Land, Sea, or Air! In this paradisiacal destination you can live an unparalleled adventure thanks to the richness and beauty of its seabed and its crystal clear waters. If you want to get more snorkel time, go to the isla mujeres in the ferry ride and once you're in the other side book the same service with more snorkeling time for about the same price. Updated October 10, 2022. . Of course, as always, its best to go on a guided tour for maximum impact. One fish was green & tan and blended with the grasses & our guide called a "fox fish" or was it "squirrel fish"? Dock fees and Marine Park Federal Tax (worth US$15)Do note that the tour rate also depends on the timing. Snorkeling at about 30 feet above, youll get to see some of the most beautiful pieces of art in a truly unique setting. Playa Norte 6. Youll be on a luxurious catamaran as you sail through Cancun to the beautiful Isla de Mujeres, where youll be snorkeling in the MUSA and Mesoamerican Barrier Reef. We are off in 12 days to Puerto Aventuras and I think we will dive a couple of times around there. What many love about this fun catamaran tour isnt just the calm ride and Instagrammable photo opportunities on the boat. It is important to follow proper snorkeling guidelines and to respect the delicate ecosystem while exploring the reef. Our Top Questions (on the right, on the full site) can give you plenty of ideas on how to enjoy a day trip, which I would plan to include the beautiful sunset from Isla. Fortunately, yes, you can definitely snorkel on their beaches, though it will depend on which beach youre heading to. Location: 1 km Southwest of Isla Mujeres, Quintana Roo, Mexico | Hours: Varies on Booking | Approximate Cost: $35-$100, Manchones Reef is a beautiful snorkeling spot off the coast of Isla Mujeres, with over 2500 feet of stag horn, elk, and brain coral. 1. How to Get Out of A Timeshare Presentation Fast, Priceline Express Deals Hack to Reveal Hotel Name, 3. You can rent a golf cart (180 pesos per hour, 550 pesos per day) or take a taxi for 78 pesos each way to the south end. The problem is that Isla lies at the very northern tip of the Meso American Reef so there are very few stretches of uninterrupted reef, and very little to see that is accessible from shore. El Farito (Lighthouse Reef) 8. Bottled water. In fact, if you look closely from the island, youll be able to see the lighthouse that marks the reef out in the water. ta.queueForLoad : function(f, g){document.addEventListener('DOMContentLoaded', f);})(function(){ta.trackEventOnPage('postLinkInline', 'impression', 'postLinks-113419722', '');}, 'log_autolink_impression');Punta Sur bus route, making it cheap and relatively easy to get there from almost anywhere on the island, Plus, there are inexpensive options to access the area apart from the high-end zip line adventure packages. There's also a remnant of a pier out in the water & I've seen some bright fish hanging out over there, too. no reef close to shore, If you are an avid snorkeler who has snorkelled beautiful reefs, you will be disappointed. If you are novice snorkelers just looking for a few fish to look at, it's ok, I would say that shore snorkeling is average on Isla - it all depends on what you have experienced. Margaret Carter, We don't want to go on any sort of snorkeling tour, we like doing our own thing and exploring on our own rather than being accompanied by a guide. ta.queueForLoad : function(f, g){document.addEventListener('DOMContentLoaded', f);})(function(){ta.trackEventOnPage('postLinkInline', 'impression', 'postLinks-38372111', '');}, 'log_autolink_impression');Playa Norte great for swimming--a nice, shallow, sandy bottom--makes it boring for snorkeling. :). Book Here | Hours: Varies by Booking, 3h Duration | Approximate Cost: $84 per Adult. The ocean itself around Myrtle Beach can be dangerous for . During your time in Mexico, ensure you experience the white sands and turquoise waters of Isla Mujeres. Hi i am the son and i LOVED IT it was AWESOME! Isla Mujeres snorkeling opportunities are vast, making it an ideal destination to enjoy the stunning marine life. We dove with Pablo and team the day before, and our son trailed us snorkeling with Enrique, we felt so comfortable with Pablo that we booked the discovery dive for our son 2 days later, I was surprisingly very trusting for not knowing this team very well, however I just felt confident with Pablo. Does Cancun Have Nice Beaches (and is It Safe to Swim and Snorkel)? Who is offering a good trip ti Isla Contoy these days? Check Prices for Isla Mujeres Garrafon Natural Reef Park VIP Pass. He said we could snorkel the lighthouse if it was too rough. We've scoured the internet for the best ALL-AROUND travel shoe and Tropicfeel wins by far. MUSA is the largest underwater museum in the world, situated on the southern coast. It includes the Time Bomb, The Last Supper, and Reclamation. This tour offers some off-the-beaten-path experiences, giving you a peek inside the culture and aesthetic of Isla Mujeres that you wont find elsewhere. Playa Norte is one of the best spots to go snorkeling on your own without taking a boat. The ferry takes only about 15 minutes! Coming from someone who has been traveling the world for the last 8 years AND has been in the hospital 2x, travel insurance is something everyone NEEDS to get. Youll want an experienced guide to take you on a day trip to explore parts of the reef close to Isla Mujeres for a quick trip or further out if you charter a whole day. So can anyone give me a good opinion on spots to explore on the island or if its even worth it? It is several miles off the coast of the island and is accessible by boat only. Handyguy. After a fun afternoon of water activities, you can enjoy drinks at the open bar or shop til you drop into downtown Isla Mujeres. Let me clear up a few points, then others can chime in about the quality of snorkeling on the island. If you purchase the round trip ticket, you will have free access to theScenic Tower of Cancun(Torre Escnica de Cancun). Isla Mujeres Visitors Guide - Island Life Mexico In other areas of Myrtle Beach, the water is very murky, so it's not ideal for spotting much sea life. Sadly, I hear nobody even does the "Cave of the Sleeping Sharks" any more ever since it partially collapsed and no longer attracts sharks. Have a drink at Punta Sur. Beach & Pool Clubs in Isla Mujeres Beaches in Isla Mujeres Horseback Riding Tours in Isla Mujeres Sports Camps & Clinics in Isla Mujeres Water Sports in Isla . best beach to snorkel from shore - Isla Mujeres Forum ta.queueForLoad : function(f, g){document.addEventListener('DOMContentLoaded', f);})(function(){ta.trackEventOnPage('postLinkInline', 'impression', 'postLinks-69987785', '');}, 'log_autolink_impression');Cancun and I am really interested in trying some snorkeling while we're there. 5. This site contains affiliate links. Thank you for your support! El Farito (also known as Lighthouse Reef) is one of the most popular spots for snorkelers in Isla Mujeres. Thankfully, its such a popular spot that youll find dozens of options as inexpensive as $35 for a quick trip with dozens of others or something more private for $100+. Whether youre a family wanting to swim with the turtles or the adventure seeker looking to be up and close to whale sharks, Isla Mujeres is the place for you. With different passageways and an interesting variety of underwater fish wandering around this place, you will spend a fun time exploring the ship. You have to put on your equipment, dive between the buoys, take care of Private Reef and its species, and connect with nature. If you plan a day trip to Akumal, which is about 90 minutes south of Cancun, you can snorkel right off the beach and see lots of sea turtles--we spotted 9 turtles and a ray or two in just 45 minutes of snorkeling. Visiting the underwater museum in Isla Mujeres is one of the coolest experiences and is definitely something we recommend. Location: West of Isla Mujeres, Quintana Roo, Mexico | Hours: Varies on Booking | Approximate Cost: $70. ), urchins, crabs, little puffer fish, clear-ish jelly-like starfish, dark brown spiny starfish, and anemones. We snorkeled at the 'cheapie' place next to Garrafon I think it was only about 50 pesos admission or something? I see it listed @100us per person inclusive of lunch and beers. Isla Mujeres is well known as one of the top snorkeling destinations in the area, as it rests upon The Great Mayan Reef, offering snorkeling opportunities not found anywhere else in the world. :) Follow all the rocky edges. Departing from downtown we go straight to the Lighthouse reef for 45 minutes of snorkeling with the drift. Re: Beach Clubs. If you do, the trip will take about two hours total. There is also a small lagoon there called Yal-Ku, which we found very pedestrian (especially since we had just come from Cozumel) but does include lots of small fish and a halocline where fresh and salt water mix, which is interesting if you've never seen one. The Ultimate Guide for Las Grutas Tolantongo Hidalgo Mexico Hot Springs, 37 Top Things to Do & Best Places to Visit in Cancun. The boat3. However, we know how overwhelming planning a trip can get, especially when youre unfamiliar with Isla Mujeres and its wide variety of snorkeling tours and spots. The highlight of this spot is the small abandoned lighthouse. It sounds like we might try a little shore snorkeling if we're relaxing at the beach anyway, but may look to take a boat tour to do any "real" snorkeling. There is no snorkeling off the beach..the waves are high, the water is meerky and there is no coral/rocks, etc. Jessica Langille, Vermont is known for its natural beauty, mountains, and forests., 1 km Southwest of Isla Mujeres, Quintana Roo, Mexico, West of Isla Mujeres, Quintana Roo, Mexico, Off the Coast, 77976 Chetumal, Q.R., Mexico, Rueda Medina 130, SM 001, Centro, 77506 Isla Mujeres, Q.R., Mexico, Kilmetro 6 Carretera Garrafn Lt 9, 77400 Q.R., Mexico, 10 BEST Cozumel Snorkeling Spots (For Families And Singles! Related Read: 10 BEST Cozumel Snorkeling Spots, Location: 77500 Cancn, Q.R., Mexico | Hours: 9 am to 2 pm | Approximate Cost: $50+. Playa Norte is a great spot to go snorkeling on your own without taking a boat. (Rules By Airlines & TSA), 50 Romantic Things To Do In Charlotte, NC (Fun & Affordable), 15 Best Waterfalls Near Duluth, MN (Beautiful & Easily Accessible), 15 Best Beaches in Miami for Families (Pet-Friendly Too! The waters stay calm enough for even the youngest children to enjoy, and you wont have a time limit like you would on an excursion. Similar to the sculptures at MUSA, artistic figures were placed here for reef conservation, creating an oasis for the marine life that would have otherwise left in search of food or shelter. What makes (ta && ta.queueForLoad ? Everyone is looking for something different when it comes to snorkeling--it's like recommending a movie or restaurant.very subjective. The MUSA (Underwater Museum of Art) is the worlds largest underwater museum, located off the southern coast of Isla Mujeres. 9 Best Isla Mujeres Snorkeling Spots: The Ultimate Guide How deep is the water where you snorkel on that trip? Here in Adventure in You, we do not support any establishment which has animals in captivity. We don't want to go on any sort of snorkeling tour, we like doing our own thing and exploring on our own rather than being accompanied by a guide. It lies with the Caribbean Sea to its east and Cancun to the west. Location: 77403 Isla Mujeres, Q.R., Mexico | Hours: Varies by Booking | Approximate Cost: $26+. This tour starts from Cancun and includes all transfers and transportation! The Maldives of Mexico: Is Bacalar Lagoon worth visiting? Dont take the risk when you can be covered for cheap. Moreover, snorkeling on your own from the beach wont be an amazing experience since the reefs arent close to shore. Isla Mujeres is home to the second-largest reef in the world, the Great Mayan Reef (also known as the Mesoamerican Barrier Reef). Are you able to snorkel off of the beach? I have snorkeled lots in Hawaii and some in/around (ta && ta.queueForLoad ? ta.queueForLoad : function(f, g){document.addEventListener('DOMContentLoaded', f);})(function(){ta.trackEventOnPage('postLinkInline', 'impression', 'postLinks-69988169', '');}, 'log_autolink_impression');Isla Mujeres and Isla Contoy. Experienced local guides will take you to the best spots on the island for anyone who wants to take a closer look at the area's underwater wonderland. My BF and I snorkeled by Avalon on our own in September 2011 and found lots of neat creatures including many colorful small fish (one that bit my hand when I got too close to his "house"! The Great Mayan Reef isnt a destination within itself. Shore snorkeling on Isla Mujeres- good or mediocre? Because of how accessible this beach is, this is where we spent a lot of our time snorkeling and swimming. My boyfriend then dove down in that spot and came up with this HUGE shell and my ring was attached. The Playa Norte (North Beach) is one of the best and most popular beaches in the Caribbean for snorkeling off the beach as there is a small reef nearby. My husband and I are certified divers and we inquired about our son, if he could dive on the trip. Honestly, I would get out of Texas water with jellyfish, but in Isla it seemed okay. Therefore, this isnt suitable for snorkeling. This hotel is also the perfect launch for seeing other snorkeling sights that might be of interest. Well be tackling snorkeling tours in Isla Mujeres below, so continue reading! 3-Hour Premium Snorkeling around Isla Mujeres. Also this place is Iguana Central. Staying at Garrafon de Castilla and snorkeling off the beach is the best option for newbies and children since youll be able to take frequent breaks, and the only cost is the room and a snorkeling mask. Also, its all the fun snorkeling in turquoise waters on one of the most beautiful beaches in the world. Isla Mujeres is located about 13 kilometers (8.1 miles) off the Yucatn Peninsula coast, across from Cancun. Isla is fairly limited, However it will be a lot quicker to get. We really enjoyed the experience and would not hesitate to book them again. Just wow coral and beautiful schools of fish fairly shallow & an easy swim for the kids. If youre in the mood to enjoy some snorkel time in the water, the Manchones Reef is a must-visit location. Isla Mujeres Catamaran Cruise with Snorkeling & Beach Club This site is home to many species of marine life, including different types of colorful fish and coral.