aerial view of the Punta Nizuc Reef in Cancun: The Great Mayan Reef

Punta Nizuc Reef in Cancun: The Great Mayan Reef

Are you seeking for an exciting aquatic experience when visiting Cancun, Mexico? Look no farther than the reef at Punta Nizuc, which is near Cancun’s hotel zone. The following are some essential considerations to bear in mind while making travel plans:

At Cancun’s farthest southern point, where the Hotel Zone finishes on the Caribbean side, is where you can find the Punta Nizuc reef. It is the start of a vast coral reef that runs parallel to the coast and hosts an astonishing variety of aquatic life.

The Punta Nizuc reef is a component of the Mesoamerican Barrier Reef, which is the second-largest barrier reef in the world after the Barrier Reef of Australia. Both snorkelers and divers will find it to be a wonderland, full of colorful aquatic life to discover.

There are more than 500 kinds of fish, 350 types of mollusks, and 60 species of hard coral on the Punta Nizuc reef. You will get the chance to witness fish of various shapes and sizes throughout your trip, in addition to turtles, shells, manatees, black corals, and elkhorn corals.

That’s not all, however. A fascinating new attraction, the MUSA underwater museum, has just relocated near the Punta Nizuc reef. This unusual museum has 33 sculptures that were drowned in the waves near the Punta Nizuc reef and each weigh more than 4 tons. These are some significant facts regarding this unique museum:

The MUSA underwater museum opened in 2009 to encourage people in the area to take care of their coral reefs. The sculptures were put underwater to help new coral grow and to give snorkelers a unique place to go.
In the museum, 33 sculptures are on display, each with a distinctive design and message and made by Mexican and foreign artists. These are some of the most popular:

Visitors to the museum may go diving or snorkeling to investigate the sculptures. All levels of snorkelers may enter the museum, making it a wonderful choice for families and novices.

The MUSA underwater museum is not only a fantastic underwater attraction, but it also serves as a reminder of the value of sustainability and conservation. The museum is assisting in the preservation of this unique environment for future generations by encouraging the development of new coral and informing visitors about the value of safeguarding the reefs.

In conclusion, if you’re planning a trip to Cancun, be sure to include a visit to the Punta Nizuc reef and the MUSA underwater museum on your itinerary. With its stunning beauty and unique attractions, this underwater wonderland is an experience you won’t want to miss.

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

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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.

 

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$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.

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$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.

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$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!