Subsea Subsee

Experience Cancun’s underwater beauty without getting wet on the glass-bottom Subsee Explorer. Perfect for non-swimmers, offering great marine views and guides.

If you’re after a unique way to see the vibrant marine life of Cancun without the fuss of snorkeling or diving, the Subsee Subsee tour might be just what you need. This activity offers a chance to glide over coral reefs, marine creatures, and even some underwater statues—all from the comfort of a glass-bottom boat. It’s a good pick if you’re traveling with non-swimmers or young kids who want to enjoy the ocean scenery without getting in the water.

What we really like about this experience is that it combines ease with education. The air-conditioned boat makes the journey comfortable, and the bilingual guide ensures you get the full scoop in both English and Spanish. However, it’s worth noting that this tour is relatively short—just around two hours—so if you’re after a full-day adventure, you might want to consider other options. This experience suits travelers looking for a relaxed, informative activity that doesn’t require strenuous activity or swimming skills.

Key Points

Subsea Subsee - Key Points

  • Accessible for everyone: No swimming skills needed; perfect for families and non-swimmers.
  • Comfortable ride: The boat is air-conditioned and offers clear underwater views.
  • Educational and engaging: Guides provide bilingual narration about marine life and underwater sculptures.
  • Flexible schedule: Multiple departure times throughout the day.
  • Value for the price: At $94 per person, it offers a good way to see underwater sights without extra gear or effort.
  • Short but sweet: About two hours, ideal if you want a quick, memorable activity.

What Is the Subsee Subsee Experience Really Like?

Subsea Subsee - What Is the Subsee Subsee Experience Really Like?

This tour is designed to give you a glimpse of the underwater world without the need to snorkel or dive. You hop on a speedboat from Cozumel to Punta Nizuc Reef, which is a popular spot for marine life and coral. Once there, the glass-bottom boat takes you over the reef, allowing you to peer down through the clear panels at the fish, corals, and even some statues at the Cancun Underwater Museum.

A nice touch is the bilingual guide, who narrates in both English and Spanish, enhancing your understanding of what you’re seeing. We loved the way the guide made the experience informative without feeling like a lecture—more like sharing cool facts during a casual cruise. From the reviews, travelers appreciate the knowledgeable guides, especially when they point out interesting marine creatures or explain the significance of underwater statues.

Based on feedback, many find the views spectacular, especially since the boat is well-organized and runs smoothly. Hafeeza, who took her 9-year-old son, said, “It was organized and ran smoothly. My son isn’t a strong swimmer and I have never snorkeled before, so this was a great alternative.” This highlights one of the key benefits: it’s accessible for those who aren’t comfortable in the water.

Itinerary Breakdown: What You Can Expect

Subsea Subsee - Itinerary Breakdown: What You Can Expect

Start at Aquaworld: The tour begins here with a short brief and boarding the speedboat. This pickup point is convenient, especially if you’re staying in Cancun or nearby. The boat ride to Punta Nizuc Reef takes roughly 20-30 minutes, during which you can enjoy the sea breeze and take in the views.

The Subsee Explorer Ride: Once at the reef, the glass-bottom boat is the star. As you glide over the reef, the submerged windows reveal an array of marine life, from colorful fish to coral formations. The boat also features underwater statues at the Cancun Underwater Museum, adding a surreal element to the experience. It’s a gentle ride, so there’s no jolting or choppy waters that might make some travelers uneasy.

Guided Narration: Throughout, your guide will tell you about the marine species you’re witnessing and the significance of the submerged statues. This adds an educational layer, making the short trip more meaningful.

Departure Flexibility: You can choose from several times during the day, which makes it easier to fit into your schedule. Whether you prefer a morning, afternoon, or evening cruise, there’s likely an option that works.

Return to Aquaworld: After about two hours, you’ll head back to the starting point, ending the session with good memories and some nice photos.

What Do Travelers Say?

The reviews reflect a generally positive experience, especially highlighting the smooth organization and knowledgeable guides. Hafeeza’s comment about her son not being a strong swimmer underscores the accessibility of this tour—there’s no need to snorkel or dive, just sit back and look down through the boat’s windows.

However, not all feedback is glowing. One reviewer, Fei_W, mentioned some confusion about the timing. She was told the only available slot was 3 p.m., which she found a bit tight with her onboard schedule. She also noted that the booking information didn’t clearly specify which times were open initially. This points to a potential caveat: if you have tight or specific scheduling needs, it’s worth confirming fixed times in advance.

The tour appears well-organized, and the price seems reasonable given the unique underwater views and guided narration. The two-hour duration keeps it light and manageable, especially if you’re juggling other excursions or just want a relaxed activity.

Practical Details: Transportation, Cost, and More

The tour departs from Aquaworld, which is near public transportation options, making it easier to reach. The cost is $94 per person, which, considering the boat ride, the marine views, and the guided commentary, offers good value—especially since it doesn’t require any additional gear or equipment.

The tour lasts about two hours, so it’s a brief but satisfying activity. It’s perfect if you’re looking for something low-key and scenic without the need for swimming or strenuous activity. Keep in mind, snacks and food are not included, so plan accordingly if you want to have something to munch on afterward.

The group size isn’t specified, but given the nature of the experience and the typical setup of such tours, it’s likely a small to medium-sized group. This usually means a more intimate experience, with plenty of opportunity for questions and photos.

Who Is This Tour Best For?

Subsea Subsee - Who Is This Tour Best For?

This tour is especially suited for families with children, non-swimmers, or travelers who just want to relax and enjoy the view. If you’re someone who appreciates guided information and the chance to see marine life without getting in the water, this is a handy option.

It might not satisfy those looking for a full snorkeling adventure or a longer, more immersive experience. But if your main goal is to see the underwater world in a laid-back way, the Subsee Subsee tour hits the mark.

Final Thoughts

Subsea Subsee - Final Thoughts

The Subsee Subsee tour offers a straightforward, comfortable way to enjoy Cancun’s marine beauty. Its main strengths are accessibility, guided narration, and the brief, manageable duration. For a relaxed activity that provides some fantastic views of coral reefs, fish, and underwater statues, it’s a solid choice.

While it’s not a deep or highly interactive experience, it’s perfect for those who prioritize comfort and ease. It’s also a good way to see underwater scenery if snorkeling or diving isn’t an option for you or your family.

If you’re looking for a hassle-free, educational glimpse into Cancun’s aquatic life, this tour should definitely be on your list.

✨ Book This Experience

Subsea Subsee



4.5

(6 reviews)

83% 5-star

“Cool experience in the middle of the ocean. I took my 9 year old son on this excursion this last weekend. It was organized and ran smoothly. My son…”

— hafeeza s, Jul 2025

FAQ

Is this tour suitable for non-swimmers?
Yes, absolutely. The experience is on a glass-bottom boat, so you don’t need to get in the water. It’s designed for everyone, including non-swimmers and children.

How long does the tour last?
The tour is about two hours in total, including transportation, the boat ride, and viewing time.

What is included in the price?
Your ticket covers the boat ride, the bilingual guide, and the views through the submerged windows. Snacks and other food or beverages are not included.

Can I choose my departure time?
Yes, there are several departure times available throughout the day, so you can pick what works best for your schedule.

What if I want to cancel?
You can cancel for free up to 24 hours before the experience begins. Cancellations made less than 24 hours in advance are not refunded.

Is the boat air-conditioned?
Yes, the Subsee Explorer is air-conditioned, which helps keep the experience comfortable, especially on warmer days.

This tour is a neat little addition to a Cancun vacation, especially if you value ease and family-friendly activities. Just double-check your schedule, confirm your departure times, and you’ll be set for a fun, relaxed underwater peek.