Top Spots For Playa del Carmen Snorkeling 2018
One secret that many people do not realize is that for a great Playa del Carmen snorkeling experience you do not need to travel very far out of Playa!
There’s so many great places in and around Beach for a snorkeling that it can be overwhelming trying to decide which to try. I will provide you with my current review for 2018 to understand your options and decide if you would rather try to do something guided or on your own. Something local or a little out of town. A cave and cavern cenote experience or are you in search of whale sharks or sea turtles? Let me start off with the 3 best spots and why:
- Playa del Carmen Reef Snorkeling
- Cave and Cavern Cenotes
- Snorkeling with Whale Sharks
Playa del Carmen Reef Snorkeling
In my opinion, this is the best snorkeling experience in Playa. Just a short boat ride off the coast of Playa to the reef area and you are certain to see all kinds of exotic fish, be it turtles and sometimes rays or barracudas. Although it is not far off the coast of Playa it is best to do this with a guide who can take you directly to the best spots on the reef. It is possible to go snorkeling just off Coco Beach in front of the Diablito Cha Cha Cha Beach Club . I would not recommend this for inexperienced snorkelers, however, because to swim out to the reef area you will need to go through a boating area and it is a bit of a swim. I had a good friend who used to go spearfishing in this spot and claimed it was teeming with fish and sea life.
Every time I have taken a tour of the reef I have seen amazing fish that I had not seen before and I always loved it because it was easy and close to home. Sometimes you will find the fish and turtles on your own but they are much more likely to be seen if you go with a guide who knows where to find them. For the best value Playa del Carmen snorkeling tour I recommend The Snorkel Shop’s Sea Lover’s Tour.
Cave and Cavern Cenotes
I have heard that there may be as many as 7000 cenotes in the Yucatan peninsula area, many not yet discovered! You may know that there are 2 different kinds of cenotes. One is the Swimming Hole type like the Garden of Eden which is a popular destination for swimmers and snorkelers. I really like this cenote as a swimming hole but actually prefer the cavern type for snorkeling and exploring.
In the cavern cenote tour from the The Snorkel Shop you get to visit the best local cenotes that are close by but not everyone knows about. You will see amazing underwater rock formations and chasms along with the spectacular stalactites and natural beauty of the location. I would recommend Jardin of Edin for people who like to swim and the snorkeling is not that important, and perhaps a guided tour in one of Playa’s cave or cavern type cenotes if you really want an incredible adventure. For the very best snorkeling adventure in a cave cenote visit The Snorkel Shop with the link here for info or to book now:
Playa del Carmen Snorkeling With Whale Sharks
From June to September each year it’s possible to Snorkel with Whale Sharks. The tour leaves from Playa del Carmen and after just a short drive to the north coast of the peninsula you will glide alongside these gentle giants. For the best value and fun click the link below to find out how to see these amazing beasts safely and up close:
Playa del Carmen Whale Shark Tours Learn More …
Best Playa del Carmen Snorkeling Tours