Top Playa del Carmen Diving and Snorkeling Locations

Diving and snorkeling in Playa del Carmen, Mexico is an absolute wonderful activity for the whole family to do together on a family vacation. There are some great places to dive and snorkel in and around Playa. Safety first though, make sure that every family member wears a life jacket when snorkeling. It is an activity for both beginner and expert swimmers as long as you are provided with life jackets and snorkel equipment.
Should you want to venture off yourself and not take a tour with a guide OR should you like to go with a tour guide, either way, there are 3 great places to snorkel around Playa del Carmen.

Xel-Ha - A beautiful outdoor water theme park (ecological park) located 33.5 miles south of Playa del Carmen. At Xel-Ha, you will be amazed by the exotic flora and fauna that the park treasures. For your convenience, there are several stands to rent snorkel equipment where you can get full equipment rentals, mask rentals, flippers and wet suits.

Akumal (Yal Ku Lagoon) - Akumal is a small town located 23 miles south of Playa del Carmen not far from Xel-Ha. You may want to go on a tour provided by one of the two dive shops in town. It is about $40 USD per person. Or, rent or buy your own equipment and swim out alone. The coral reefs are not too far from the shore and can be easily accessed by swimming, especially with the help of a life preserver. Much of the bay is not more than five feet deep. Be very careful to stay away from the "fire reef" marked with buoys and a distinctive red colored coral. It stings and excessive contact can be fatal. Since coral dies on human contact, you should avoid touching coral at all costs. It is also illegal to touch the wildlife, such as the sea turtles.

Marina Maroma - Maroma is the site of the world's second largest barrier reef and just offshore, you will find world-class Playa diving-snorkeling with your own guides. The marine life there is absolutely delightful, and the colors are vibrant and exciting. Maroma Beach is located between Cancun and Playa del Carmen, only 20 minutes by car fron Cancun International Airport.