5 people wearing a mask, fins, and life jacket snorkel at the punta nizuc reef in Cancun.

6 Tips for First-Time Snorkelers in Cancun

Do you want to try snorkeling for the first time when you go to Cancun, Mexico? If so, good for you! Snorkeling is a fun and exciting way to see the beauty of marine life and explore the world under the water. But if you’re a beginner, you should know a lot about snorkeling tips and tricks to make sure your first time is safe, fun, and memorable.

Here are some tips for people who have never snorkeled before and are going to Cancun, Mexico:

Do not go alone: 

Snorkeling is a popular activity in Cancun, but it is best to go with an experienced local snorkel guide, especially if it’s your first time. The guide can help you with any unexpected problems, like muscle cramps or equipment that leaks, so that you can have a safe and fun time. 

 

Make sure your gear fits well: 

A well-fitting mask is crucial to a successful snorkeling experience. The mask should seal perfectly in place, allowing you to see everything clearly without water seeping in. Similarly, the fins should fit snugly without being too tight, as loose or tight fins can cause discomfort and blisters.

 

Snorkeling is more like floating than swimming: 

You don’t need to be a strong swimmer to snorkel. Rather, it is more like floating on the surface of the water while admiring the underwater world. Before heading to open water, it’s a good idea to practice in a small body of water to get comfortable with the equipment and the technique.

 

Keep your snorkel above water: 

While it may be tempting to dive down to get a closer look at the marine life, it’s essential to keep your snorkel above water at all times. Breathing in water can be dangerous and can ruin your snorkeling experience. If you want to dive deeper, learn the technique of holding your breath and then “popping” the tube when you reach the surface.

 

Relax: 

Snorkeling is a safe and enjoyable activity, and the more you relax and float, the more you’ll enjoy the experience. If you feel a little panic, talk to your guide, and they will assist you.

 

Do not touch anything: 

As a responsible snorkeler, it’s important to respect the delicate ecosystem and avoid touching anything, including corals, fish, and sea turtles. Oils from our skin can damage the ecosystem, and it’s best to observe marine life from a distance.

 

By following these six simple tips, you can ensure a safe and enjoyable snorkeling experience in Cancun, Mexico. Remember to stay hydrated, wear sunscreen, and most importantly, have fun and enjoy the beauty of the underwater world.

Cancun Tours and activities in the hotel zone

Find out for yourself why Cancun is such a popular holiday spot by visiting the Hotel Zone when you are there.  It is time to see what kinds of things you can do to have fun in Cancun’s hotel zone, such as driving your speedboat through the canals of the Nichupté lagoon, riding a jet ski at full speed, sailing to Isla Mujeres on an all-inclusive cruise, or even flying a parachute and observing the emerald green color of the Cancun Sea from above, among many other amazing things to do.

A couple cruises by speedboat in Cancun.

2 hrs tours

Easy Skill Level

4.5/5

1,905 reviews

Speedboat & snorkel tour

The jungle tour adventure is a water activity in which you operate a speed boat and snorkel in Punta Nizuc; for more details, see the previous link.

 

Regular price
$69.00

$45.00

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$24.00

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happy clients on a speedboat tour in Cancun

1.5 hrs tours

Easy Skill Level

4.5/5

805 reviews

Speedboat Mangrove tour

The speed boat mangrove tour is a water activity in which you drive your own speed boat through the canals of the lagoon without getting in the water; for more details, see the previous link.

 

Regular price $79.00

$55.00

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$14.00

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guys on a Cancun jungle tour on a speedboat

2 hrs tours

Easy Skill Level

4.5/5

215 reviews

Speedboat from Plaza la Isla

The Jungle Tour Adventure in Plaza la Isla shopping mall is a water activity that departs from this shopping center in Cancun and includes driving a speed boat and snorkeling in the Punta Nizuc coral reef; for more information, see the previous link.

Regular price $69.00

$45.00

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$24.00

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Jet Ski Rentals

30 mins

Easy Skill Level

4.5/5

117 reviews

Jet ski Rental 30 mins​

Drive your own jet ski and speed up your vacation with this 30-minute rental option in the Cancun lagoon.

Regular price
$80.00

$60.00

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$20.00

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60 mins

Easy Skill Level

4.5/5

117 reviews

Jet ski Rental 60 mins​

Enjoy every moment. You can easily operate your own jet ski while on vacation if you choose this 60-minute rental option in the Cancun lagoon.

Regular price
$160.00

$100.00

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$60.00

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60 mins

Easy Skill Level

4.5/5

150 reviews

Jet ski guided mangrove tour

Drive your own Jet Ski yourself, or if you prefer, someone can accompany you on our mangrove-guided tour through the canals for an hour.

Regular price
$210.00

$140.00

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$70.00

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What our wonderful clients says
Excellent
Based on 917 reviews
Wiam
Wiam
19. June, 2023.
We had so much fun, Carlos was a great tour guide being our first time driving the boat it was super helpful. We got to drive for over an hour 5/5
Jennifer Hotzman
Jennifer Hotzman
19. June, 2023.
I decided somewhat last minute to book a speedboat tour with myself and my 7yo daughter. We had a great time and our guide, Ricardo, was very patient with me; I was nervous about driving the speedboat and he really helped me. Thank you for a wonderful adventure!
Jitendra Singh
Jitendra Singh
15. June, 2023.
It was a lifetime of a experience for us to do this boat ride.
Bryan Quinones
Bryan Quinones
11. June, 2023.
Awesome experience! The boat ride was super fun and thrilling! The snorkeling was amazing seeing the reef, statue, and fish! And can’t forget about the tequila tasting! Enrique was our guide and did an excellent job!