| Below the majestic calm of Mexico's blue waters, | | | | lovers can take a quick boat ride from Cancun to the |
| tourists can find one of the country's most famed | | | | Isla Mujeres. The calm surf and good visibility create |
| treasures: its marine life. Snorkeling is one of the | | | | the perfect locale for a leisurely family snorkeling trip, |
| easiest and most cost-efficient ways to enjoy some | | | | and friendly ocean fixtures including dolphins often |
| of Mexico's hidden beauty. An activity fit for most | | | | come out to play at Banderas Reef and Garrafon |
| ages, snorkeling provides even the novice water | | | | Natural Reef Park. |
| explorer a chance to enjoy the sites below the | | | | Snorkeling in Mexico's Pacific Coast |
| ocean's surface. | | | | Located on Mexico's southwest coast, the bay in |
| Whether exploring the east or west coast, Mexico | | | | Zihuatanejo is a popular destination for the |
| boasts an array of superb snorkeling locations across | | | | flipper-donning set. Among the more famous meccas: |
| all of its tourist hot spots. The Caribbean coast is | | | | Playa Las Gatas - which translates into English as |
| known for its vibrant, ultramarine waters and white | | | | "Cats Beach" - was actually named for a small species |
| sand beaches that combine to create clear views of | | | | of shark that once inhabited its waters. Today, |
| the vibrant coral reefs and brightly colored tropical | | | | tourists flock to this snorkeling locale to catch |
| fish. The Pacific coast offers a distinctly different | | | | glimpses of rare wildlife and mythical sea urchins, |
| experience, catering to the adventure seekers who | | | | including seahorses and guitarfish. |
| want to get close to the ocean's more elusive | | | | Further up the coast, the Bahia de Banderas |
| creatures. | | | | encapsulates an oft-visited haven for snorkelers, |
| Snorkeling in Mexico's Caribbean Coast | | | | including the latitudinally ideal beaches of Puerto |
| Situated several miles off Mexico's mainland, Cozumel | | | | Vallarta that provide year-round tropical temperatures |
| is consistently named among the top 10 best | | | | and limited precipitation. The calm waters attract |
| snorkeling spots in the world by travel experts. The | | | | varied ocean life including manta rays, starfish and |
| clear waters and many reef walls surrounding the | | | | puffer fish. Puerto Vallarta is also home to many |
| island's coasts offer an ideal spot to spy colorful | | | | natural coves that offer more unique snorkeling |
| species including coral, angelfish and parrot fish. The | | | | opportunities like swimming with sea lions at Las |
| Santa Rosa Wall and the family-friendly Chakanaab | | | | Caletas. |
| Park on the west coast of the island are two popular | | | | Mexico's west coast is also home to the famous Sea |
| snorkeling spots to visit in Cozumel. | | | | of Cortes, which divides the skinny Baja California |
| Heading back toward the mainland, the Great Mayan | | | | Peninsula and the country's larger mainland. This |
| Reef bridges the divide between Cozumel and | | | | massive body of water is a go-to destination for the |
| Cancun and is known as one of the best spots to | | | | more experienced divers and snorkelers, as its |
| snorkel in Mexico. The coral reef is the largest in the | | | | murkier waters and collection of larger mammals lure |
| Western Hemisphere, spanning a nearly 600-mile area | | | | thrill seekers. Hammerhead sharks, sea turtles, and |
| from Mexico to Honduras, and is second-largest coral | | | | several large species of octopus and jellyfish are |
| reef in the world behind the Great Barrier Reef in | | | | known to inhabit different pockets of the Sea of |
| Australia. Also known as the Mesoamerican Reef, the | | | | Cortes, including La Paz. |
| area is home to over 70 species of coral, 500 species | | | | No matter which coast snorkel enthusiasts choose, |
| of fish, and has one of the world's largest populations | | | | an affordable underwater adventure awaits as |
| of manatees. Akumal and Playa del Carmen have | | | | Mexico's vast waters offer plenty of excitement |
| several eco parks and other snorkeling locations that | | | | from the Caribbean coral reefs to the playful Pacific |
| are frequented by tourists. | | | | inlets. |
| For a more unique snorkeling experience, ocean | | | | |