Renting a Car in Mexico: Tips to Avoid Scam. ADVENTURE IN YOU 2014 - 2023 Affiliate Disclaimer, Terms & Services, Privacy Policy, Isla Mujeres Snorkeling (Complete Travel Guide 2023), Frequently Asked Questions: Isla Mujeres Snorkeling, 1. He said it was rough that day, but he'd gladly take us out and let us see for ourselves. Snorkel at Playa Norte. If you purchase the round trip ticket, you will have free access to theScenic Tower of Cancun(Torre Escnica de Cancun). How to Visit Isla Mujeres, Mexico - Leisure Welcome to the (ta && ta.queueForLoad ? Book Here | Hours: Varies by Booking, 3h Duration | Approximate Cost: $84 per Adult. Playa Norte is a public beach with several hotels along the water. Reef & Shipwreck Snorkeling 3. We really should be going to Cozumel, though, already! Find the Best Snorkeling Spots. You can snorkel off the beach, paying the entrance fee for the park. 3-Hour Premium Snorkeling around Isla Mujeres. Other spots just off the beach? Re: Beach Clubs. Dock fees and Marine Park Federal Tax (worth US$15)Do note that the tour rate also depends on the timing. Renting a golf cart is always a highlight of our days on Isla. How deep is the water where you snorkel on that trip? I'm from South Texas and I'm used to cabbage head jellyfish, but these were something else--they were so pretty! Have a drink at Punta Sur. If you are looking to dive off a 42-ft cattle-boat with 16 other divers - you need to find another dive-shop.Pablo, Enrique, and Darwin provided excellent service and were as accommodating as they could be to work out a dive schedule that my non-diving wife was happy with. Manchones Reef Credit: Shutterstock 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. Your remaining questions OP are avail in the "Top Questions" here to the right >. Town and Tourist, Mexico is home to some of the most remarkable beaches. If you are staying in Cancun and want to do some shore snorkeling, I'd head just about 15-20 minutes south of the airport to the little town of Puerto Morelos. The entry fee is only 100 pesos per person ($5 USD), making it an affordable option for travelers on a budget. 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. Join the thousands of travel enthusiasts who are part of our T&T community. This is also a place to go to if you are looking for a small group with personalized attention. Breakfast, lunch, and hotel transport are included. 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. Playa Norte (North Beach) is one of the most popular snorkeling spots in Isla Mujeres as it has a small reef nearby.Avoid snorkeling in the beaches on the eastern shores of Isla Mujeres due to the currents. If you like adventure and something cool, this is definitely worth the try. They then went and dropped us at North Beach so we could enjoy the rest of our day. Youll be partying with loved ones as you sail in a spacious boat. Took a private 3-hour snorkeling charter. This small island is filled with gorgeous beaches and fun snorkeling spots that travelers of all ages will enjoy. Full guides on the top bucket list travel destinations to inspire your wanderlust! more. You can snorkel as a beginner or experienced diver on any of the tours, though those more experienced may want to find a private tour to spend extra time in the water. The first thing to think about before you actually step in the water is where you want to step in the water. Check prices for Reef & Shipwreck Snorkeling Tour in Cancun. Everything You Need to Know About the Beautiful Isla Mujeres, Mexico The VIP beach club is much less crowded, with more cabanas and hammock swings to relax. :). There is an all-inclusive VIP package available for Isla Mujeres Garrafon Natural Reef Park, where you get round trip ferry transportation between Cancun and Isla Mujeres, VIP access to Garrafon Park and Punta Sur including lounge chairs and hammocks, unlimited zip line experience, gourmet buffet lunch, an open bar, and snorkeling gear. ta.queueForLoad : function(f, g){document.addEventListener('DOMContentLoaded', f);})(function(){ta.trackEventOnPage('postLinkInline', 'impression', 'postLinks-70003603', '');}, 'log_autolink_impression');Mia Reef. The reef itself is between 15 and 18 feet deep, so youll be able to explore the entire area with a snorkel mask. Whats great about Isla Mujeres is the beaches all around the area. Even though it is a bit more expensive, theAlbatros Platinum Isla Mujeres Catamaran Tourhas more alcohol and cocktail options for the open bar. Garrafon Natural Reef Park sits on the southern end of Isla Mujeres and is home to some of the most stunning coral and marine life in the area. Lauren Abbott, Miami is a quintessential American beach destination located in Southern, Eureka Springs is one of Arkansass most intriguing tourist destinations., By This amazing beach has crystal clear water and no currents. Spend free time relaxing on the beach and feast on a lunch buffet accompanied by an open bar. Youll also find a few MUSA sculptures there, intended to bolster the reef and help it grow. Riding the trimaran is a fun memory, along with the various aquatic activities you can do in the clear waters of Isla Mujeres. (By Land, Sea, or Air! It was just the 2 of us and our guide, who had us enter the water along the shoreline. We are off in 12 days to Puerto Aventuras and I think we will dive a couple of times around there. If youre visiting between May and September, whale shark season is in full swing. Everyone is looking for something different when it comes to snorkeling--it's like recommending a movie or restaurant.very subjective. ), Best Time To Visit Cozumel (Tropical Cruises & Beaches! . Some people say the water off the north beach is filled with sea life, while others say its just sandy and bland. 499. Its great for beginners and children, too! While you can go snorkeling from the beach, you can get the complete experience when joining a tour. The park is only accessible by ferry, so be sure to book your tickets for the ferry and be ready to pay a $15 docking fee per person. Snorkeling with Whale Sharks in Isla Mujeres 2. 1. Curious to know if you can snorkel off the beach The problem is that my husband has never snorkeled before so I don't want to drag him all the way out to this island only for it to be mediocre at best. I've seen plenty of interesting things in there, including rays which always makes me happy. is there a ferry from isla mujeres to cozumel. From beachside snorkeling to day-long excursions, weve put together a list of eight must-see places and two ways to see them all, though youre always welcome to pave your own way and experience everything at your own pace! Spend free time relaxing on the beach and feast on a lunch buffet accompanied by an open bar. 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. Snorkeling with sea turtles in Akumal. 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. Snorkeling - Isla Mujeres Forum Dock at the beach on Isla Mujeres, where you spend a while swimming, relaxing and soaking up sun. ta.queueForLoad : function(f, g){document.addEventListener('DOMContentLoaded', f);})(function(){ta.trackEventOnPage('postLinkInline', 'impression', 'postLinks-69988276', '');}, 'log_autolink_impression');Mia Reef and to the south of that there is snorkeling at a reef. Snorkeling in Isla Mujeres is an activity that can be enjoyed by people of all ages. Its one of the best and most economical options on the island for snorkeling while doing other fun activities. The boat3. Doug- we snorkeled at that reef on the way back to Isla with Tony after our whalesharks trip- it is very shallow, not at all worth dragging tanks out. With its spit of sugar-white sand and ring of shallow aquamarine water bordered by palm trees, Playa Norte has consistently been listed as one of the most beautiful beaches in the world. He said to be careful, he didn't know the English word for JELLYFISH! With a maximum depth of 12 feet (3.6 meters), its another perfect place for inexperienced snorkelers. . Cozumel vs Isla Mujeres: The Honest Comparison You Need! Despite the crowds, the warm shallow water is popular for families with young kids. This is the version of our website addressed to speakers of English in the United States. Be sure to make a day of it, rent a golf cart and have your husband's first snorkeling "practice" be at the Mia Reef/Avalon area like Aggiemom said. Location: Rueda Medina 130, SM 001, Centro, 77506 Isla Mujeres, Q.R., Mexico | Hours: Sunrise to Sunset | Approximate Cost: $70. A post shared by MANTA DIVE & SNORKEL (@mantadiverscancun). You can snorkel over in the MIA lagoon if you are sitting on that side. I hear there are plenty of bull sharks around Playa if you want to go dive with them! A snorkeling tour in Isla Mujeres is the ideal experience for your vacation . Members who are knowledgeable about this destination and volunteer their time to answer travelers' questions. We recommend swimming and snorkeling on the north and west sides of Isla Mujeres. The artificial reef was built in 2009 to help the wildlife in the waters off the coast of Cancun and has been wildly successful. 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. Dont miss this unique museum trip, where you will be amazed at MUSA sculptures. This unassuming hotel on the southern tip of Isla Mujeres is one of the best spots where you can snorkel on your own. Related Read: 10 BEST Cozumel Snorkeling Spots, Location: 77500 Cancn, Q.R., Mexico | Hours: 9 am to 2 pm | Approximate Cost: $50+. A tour of The Great Mayan Reef is the perfect choice if youre in Isla Mujeres to experience snorkeling. From there you can snorkel the same reef. We will receive a small commission if you make a purchase through these links at no extra cost to you. The entry fee per person is only $5 USD + gear rental its worth every penny! The MUSA, also known as Museo Subacutico de Arte or Underwater Museum of Art, is the worlds largest underwater museum, located off the southern coast of Isla Mujeres. This tour comes at an affordable price as it already includes a round-trip transfer from your hotel, unlimited snorkeling, as well as a light breakfast and lunch buffet! Alternatively, you may use, 5 unforgettable destinations in Mexicoand when to visit. Garrafon De Castilla is a charming hotel on Isla Mujeres that offers access to some of the best snorkeling in the world. The cost of a snorkeling trip in Isla Mujeres generally includes the price of the boat tour (typically from Cancun), snorkeling gear, and lunch totaling about $65 to $95. I always enjoyed snorkeling there and if you swim out to the rocks you'll see a greater variety. Playa Norte 6. Thats why its best to take a snorkeling boat tour! (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 beach has amazing crystal clear water and no currents, making it a perfectly safe place to explore. Same fish, way cheaper. 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+. Can You Snorkel Off . :). . Most other dive shops are in town and I did not want to bother with getting a ride or being picked-up in by a car. Pablo and Enrique helped my then boyfriend pull off a snorkeling proposal! Travel and more. She is passionate about giving destination advice, entrepreneurship, outdoor travel and discovering good food while on the road. Visit to Xtun Cenote. I found lots of info on Isla mujeres and ferry routes to the island from the hotel zone near where we are staying. Check prices & availability for MUSA Snorkeling Tour from Cancun! Snorkeling off the beach - Bucerias Forum 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. While there isnt a famous reef within swimming distance, there are plenty of underwater plants and wildlife to keep you entertained. In fact, its believed the El Meco Mayan Pyramid was meant to act as a lighthouse of sorts, helping them ply their sea trades. El Meco Reef Snorkeling With Catamaran Sail & Spinnaker Activity 4. The ocean itself around Myrtle Beach can be dangerous for . 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. We recommend going on this small group snorkeling tour where you get to snorkel with these gentle giants, two people at a time. 5 Fun Things to Do on Isla Mujeres in Mexico - Tips For Family Trips If you do, the trip will take about two hours total. Enjoy snorkeling in a coral reef location, watch the birds in a nature sanctuary, and work on that tan on the beach. What is the best time of year to go snorkeling in Isla Mujeres? Outdoor Activities, Tours, Boat Tours & Water Sports, More. I have taken two of these all-inclusive tours, one from Diamond Bright and the other one from Albatros. ta.queueForLoad : function(f, g){document.addEventListener('DOMContentLoaded', f);})(function(){ta.trackEventOnPage('postLinkInline', 'impression', 'postLinks-69988152', '');}, 'log_autolink_impression');Isla Mujeres forum. You have to put on your equipment, dive between the buoys, take care of Private Reef and its species, and connect with nature. I have always seen lots of fish and the corals are amazing too. We're in our late 30's/early 40's and what appeals to US doesn't always appeal to everyone. They go to other snorkeling areas as well, like El Farito, the small lighthouse in the harbor area and Manchones Reef, again several miles from the island. A snorkeling tour in Isla Mujeres will cost about $70 USD for a full day. 9 reviews 10 helpful votes Snorkeling 13 years ago Save We are going to visit Isla Mujeres for a day and I am wondering if there is any place to snorkel right off of shore without going on a trip. Pablo and his dive-shop, Casa Del Buceo, were recommended by concierge at Villa Rolandi. rent-a-captain-type boat available at the docks will take you out on the water for any decent snorkling. El Meco is a small reef that can be found off the north coast of Cancun and is a paradise for beginner snorkelers. How do I get from Cancun airport to Isla Mujeres, and then to my hotel? You can add additional excursions such as swimming with dolphins or upgrade to a VIP package for a more luxurious and worry-free experience. I found lots of info on Isla mujeres and ferry routes to the island from the hotel zone near where we are staying. The best time of year to go snorkeling in Isla Mujeres depends on what youre hoping to see. There is no great off shore snorkeling but if you want to get your face in the water the only place really is Garrafon de Castillo which is a driveway north of Parc de Garrafon. Just be sure to take plenty of sunscreen! The underground museum, MUSA, is not part of Garrafon park. and connect with nature. In this paradisiacal destination you can live an unparalleled adventure thanks to the richness and beauty of its seabed and its crystal clear waters. Yes, expect excellent snorkeling opportunities! Its great for beginners, and youll be able to see everything from the waters surface while snorkeling. They can help you book a trip to the MUSA or even an excursion to Cancun. However, If you want to have the best dive possible - book the private tour, that way you can be sure that you will dive to YOUR abilities, experience, and computer limits. ), 20 Best Beaches in Mexico for Families (Kid-Friendly, Adult-Approved), Can You Bring A Taser On A Plane? This is the northern tip of the Mesoamerica Reef and a national park sanctuary. So can anyone give me a good opinion on spots to explore on the island or if its even worth it? 9 Fantastic Experiences On Isla Mujeres | TravelAwaits We vacation in other spots, but Isla keeps tugging at my heart strings! And tip generously, they definitely work hard for their money!!!! I believe Pablo is the owner who drove the boat. This is next door to the park which has a much higher entrance fee. 9 Best Isla Mujeres Snorkeling Spots: The Ultimate Guide This snorkeling spot is unique because it has a small abandoned lighthouse as its centerpiece. The staff at Garrafon de Castilla are incredibly friendly and helpful, so dont hesitate to ask for tips on the best places to snorkel. What makes (ta && ta.queueForLoad ? Manchones Reef 7. Relax On Lovely Playa Norte Playa Norte (North Beach) is perhaps Isla Mujeres's best-known feature. mediocre. Very professional and safety conscientious. The Xcaret Xailing ferry from Cancun to Isla Mujeres costs $18 one way or $25 round trip, with a reduced price of 50% off for children. One of the top reasons why Isla Mujeres is a must-visit for snorkeling. Yes, you can snorkel off the beach in Isla Mujeres, however, not all the beaches on the island are great for snorkeling. ta.queueForLoad : function(f, g){document.addEventListener('DOMContentLoaded', f);})(function(){ta.trackEventOnPage('postLinkInline', 'impression', 'postLinks-38418136', '');}, 'log_autolink_impression');Cozumel diving and he said we saw some pretty fish in Isla and he enjoyed the snorkeling. If your husband never snorkeled before then most likely he'll be happy enough with the experience at the bridge to (ta && ta.queueForLoad ? Playa Norte is a 10-minute walk north from the ferry pier. The reef features shallow waters and an abundance of marine life, making it a perfect spot for both experienced and beginner snorkelers. And, since youll be avoiding the ferry, its a more cost-effective option. Located off the coast of Cancun near Isla Mujeres, the Museum of Underwater Art is a must-see attraction. more, This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Where Can I Learn More? The Cancun snorkel area called Punta Nizuc is located at the southern tip of the island and is the closest offshore reef from the Cancun Hotel Zone. I agree, take a boat out for a drift snorkel or do what I do, go to Puerto Morales and go out by boat but that means leaving the island. How much is the ferry from Cancun to Isla Mujeres? Its dubbed as one of the best snorkeling spots in Isla Mujeres. Here are our choices for the best hotels in Isla Mujeres you should look into. Theyre open Tuesday through Sunday, from 10 am to 5 pm. This will depend on whether you plan to snorkel off the beach or join a boat tour. Located off the beach from Garrafon de Castilla, Garrafon Natural Reef Park is a full day of fun, with zip lining, snorkeling, swimming, and kayak rentals. However, a boat trip to the reef is great - I really like that! El Farito (Lighthouse Reef) 8. At El Farito, youll find yet another sculpture from MUSA, one of the Virgin Maria. El Meco Reef is a popular snorkeling destination located in the turquoise waters between Cancun and Isla Mujeres. Located eight miles off the coast of Cancun, Isla Mujeres is a gorgeous Mexican island with all-inclusive resorts, day parks, Mayan ruins, and a turtle sanctuary. Garrafon Natural Reef Park We saw lots of fish I didn't know the names for. While vacationing in Cancun we took a trip over to the island of Isla Mujeres. I agree with 'none' but you CAN snorkel at Garrafon or Garrafon de Castillo, just personally not sure I'd call it even 'decent' snorkeling. I just want to show him how cool snorkeling is. The area by Garrafon de Castilla is much better than by the old Avalon/Mia . The Maldives of Mexico: Is Bacalar Lagoon worth visiting? Boat tours are the best way to see the amazing underwater life in Isla Mujeres. El Meco Reef Snorkeling With Catamaran Sail & Spinnaker Activity, Other Top-Rated Snorkeling Spots in Isla Mujeres. I think they both offer great value for money, but I prefer the Platinum Package from Albatros. Good deal. We really enjoyed the experience and would not hesitate to book them again. Tip: Swim your way to the left side of the beach towards the docks at Garrafon Reef Park. Discover both Isla Contoy and Isla Mujeres on this day trip departing from Cancun or Playa del Carmen. This submerged museum was created by Jason deCaires Taylor with the intent of serving as an artificial reef to preserve marine life. There are lots of reasons to visit (ta && ta.queueForLoad ? :). :) Follow all the rocky edges. The statues are made of coral-friendly materials, stimulating coral growth. If youre heading to Isla Mujeres, and you only book one snorkeling destination, make it this one! https://islamujerestrips.com/tours/island-tours/contoy-island/. It is typically more expensive than the regular snorkeling tours to the reefs, but it is definitely worth the money! After reading the great reviews about Casa del Buceo on trip advisor, I booked a snorkeling trip for our family of 5. 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 . 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. 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. 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. Yeah, it was too rough. Also, if I'm looking for a quiet beach to relax on, should I stay on the south side of the island? Additionally, there is an artificial reef with over 500 sculptures from famous and international artists from Mexico! Just be sure to bring a change of clothing or swimsuit coverup to explore the nearby Mayan ruins. He speaks wonderful English and was very quick to respond to all of the emails I sent him. Every now & then I guess we'd swim too close to the streamers behind them or they left some substance in the water because parts of our skin would tingle like a slight electric current and burn a bit, but we both thought the experience was SO WORTH IT! Hour-long trips cost about $26 and go out many times daily. Just keep in mind that its a very popular tourist destination, so you wont be exploring the water with the clearest view unless you go early in the morning. I just wish there was more shore snorkeling like that. Wow thank you so much for all the replies! We Recommend: The Sub See A Unique, Personalized Caribbean Experience Calm, turquoise waters and soft white sand make them ideal for sunning, swimming and snorkeling. Re: Beach Clubs. OK, if it's really shallow, like under 20', it probably wouldn't be worth it to haul tanks out there. 15 Best Things to do in Ketchikan, Alaska: Fun & Free! 7 Best Spots to Go Snorkeling in Isla Mujeres - Wanderly If youre looking to get the most out of your snorkeling experience in Isla Mujeres, its best to take a tour. From the Yucatn to the Baja California peninsula, these destinations are unforgettable. The area isnt deep, and the water is calm, allowing beginners to have a fantastic time exploring the underwater world. Captain Pablo and his lead diver Enrique were excellent all around. Its eight hours long and includes pick up and drop off from your hotel, breakfast, snorkeling gear, a buffet lunch inland, a domestic open bar, and a tour of Isla Mujeres. From the ferry dock on the island you can walk or catch a cab to Fenix Beach club. I have heard that Cancun is famous for its clear waters, and I have been trying to do research on the reef systems in cancun but I'm having some difficulty finding the best place for us to try. Snorkeling in Isla Mujeres : r/cancun - Reddit This post may contain affiliate links, which means that I may get a small commission when you make a purchase, at no extra cost to you. Also had some really good snorkeling on the way to/from Isla Contoy. This beach club that belongs to Hotel Garrafon de Castilla is another excellent spot for snorkeling in Isla Mujeres without taking a boat tour. Although the abundance of marine life cant be compared to a snorkel trip taken by boat, its still a great way to explore the underwater world and spend a sunny day by the sea with your new marine life friends. Insured Shaded Boat. Still, if youre looking for one of the cheaper options for snorkeling in Isla Mujeres, youve found it. El Farito (also known as Lighthouse Reef) is one of the most popular spots for snorkelers in Isla Mujeres. Cart around the island and stop at Garrafon de Castilla for another snorkel break. Beach Clubs - Isla Mujeres Forum - Tripadvisor What many love about this fun catamaran tour isnt just the calm ride and Instagrammable photo opportunities on the boat. Report inappropriate content . Snorkeling with whale sharks is a unique experience that is only available from May through mid-September! No one wants to think about what could go wrong on a vacation, but the truth is that accidents can happen anywhere, at any time. Fortunately, yes, you can definitely snorkel on their beaches, though it will depend on which beach youre heading to. 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. There are many tour operators that can take you from Cancun to Isla Mujeres on a day trip that includes an open bar and snorkeling at El Meco Reef. Isla Mujeres Tourism Isla Mujeres Vacation Rentals Isla Mujeres Photos Isla Mujeres Map . Because of its shallow water and calm currents, Manchones Reef is specifically ideal for families with kids or beginner snorkelers. 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. From the Yucatn to the Baja California peninsula, these destinations are unforgettable. Honestly, I would get out of Texas water with jellyfish, but in Isla it seemed okay. We loved the indiviualized attention we received and the added sense of security we had for being a group of only 5. 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.