Snorkel in the turquoise Caribbean Sea in Puerto Morelos. Transport included

Thinking about a snorkeling adventure near Cancun? This tour promises a half-day trip filled with reef exploration, a tasty lunch at a private beach club, and a walk through Puerto Morelos. While it may not be the most adrenaline-packed or in-depth experience, it’s a straightforward way to enjoy some of the Riviera Maya’s calmer, more relaxed waters.

What we like about this tour? First, it offers guided snorkeling at Arrecifes National Park, one of the largest reef walls in the world—a real treat for anyone into underwater scenery. Second, the lunch at a private beach club gives you a chance to unwind after snorkeling, without the hassle of packing your own snacks. On the flip side, one thing to consider is that the tour can feel a bit light on actual snorkeling time and sometimes lengthy in waiting or transit.

If you’re someone who appreciates a balanced mix of underwater activity, scenic views, and cultural wandering, this tour could be a good fit. It’s especially suited for travelers who want to keep things simple and not commit to a whole day of activity, or those who enjoy having transportation taken care of.

Key Points

• Comfortable transport included, making logistics easier
• Snorkeling at Arrecifes National Park, a prime reef wall
• A lunch at a private beach club after snorkeling
• A guided walking tour of Puerto Morelos
• Usually booked 6 days in advance, so plan ahead
• Suitable for travelers with moderate physical fitness

What You Can Expect from the Tour

This experience starts with a pickup from your hotel or designated meeting point in Cancun. Once everyone’s gathered, you’ll hop into an air-conditioned vehicle that takes you to Puerto Morelos, a charming fishing village known for its relaxed vibe and beautiful scenery. The journey is part of the experience, offering glimpses of the local landscape before you arrive at the snorkel spot.

The Snorkeling at Arrecifes National Park

The main draw is the snorkeling at Arrecifes National Park, which is celebrated for its huge reef wall—second only in size to the Great Barrier Reef. You’re allocated about 45 minutes in the water, enough time to admire the coral formations and the marine life that the reef supports. The guide will be with you, explaining the reef’s structure and what you might see, which helps make the experience more engaging and informative.

This part of the trip has received positive remarks for being well-organized and for the staff’s knowledgeable guidance. One traveler noted, “the staff at the snorkeling place were great, spoke to us about the reef and the sea life,” which can really enhance your understanding and appreciation of what you’re observing beneath the surface.

The Lunch Break at a Private Beach Club

Post-snorkeling, you’ll head to a private beach club, where a simple meal awaits. While some reviews mention that lunch is more like a snack—“beware, more like a snack and drinks”—the setting is lovely, and it provides a good chance to relax in the shade or dip your toes in the sand. Drinks usually aren’t included, so bring some cash or ready your credit card if you want any extras.

Guided Walk Through Puerto Morelos

After lunch, a brief guided walking tour around the town allows you to soak in the local ambiance. Puerto Morelos is small but charismatic, with plenty of quaint shops and a laid-back atmosphere. Travelers who love exploring local neighborhoods find this a worthwhile addition to the day.

However, some reviews comment on the lack of a formal walking tour, noting times of just waiting around. One traveler mentioned, “there’s no walking guided tour around, all you do is wait around for about 5 hours of the day just to do not even a full hour of snorkeling,” highlighting that pacing may vary.

The Realities of This Tour

Duration, Group Size, and Cost

This trip lasts approximately 5 hours, making it manageable for those who want a taste of snorkeling without a full-day commitment. The group size is capped at 25 travelers, which helps keep things somewhat intimate but still lively enough for socializing.

The price tag is around $65 per person, which includes snorkeling equipment, admission to the reef park, snacks, and transportation. Considering all of that, the value is decent for a half-day activity that covers transportation, a guided reef experience, and a relaxing lunch.

What the Tour Isn’t

While the tour covers the basics well, it’s not the most in-depth or adventure-heavy snorkeling experience. If you’re expecting hours of underwater exploration or multiple reef stops, you might find this a bit limited. Also, the emphasis on waiting around or the relatively short snorkeling window might not satisfy those craving more active or immersive marine encounters.

Who Should Consider This Tour?

This experience is good for travelers who want a straightforward, relaxed day out. It’s ideal if you’re new to snorkeling, looking for a scenic and calm reef experience, or simply want to tick the box without dedicating an entire day. Those with moderate fitness levels will be comfortable with the activity, but don’t expect strenuous physical effort.

People who prefer detailed guided tours or more immersive reef adventures might want to look elsewhere. It’s also suitable for those who enjoy a casual stroll through charming towns like Puerto Morelos.

Authentic Traveler Feedback

From reviews, we get a mix of impressions. One traveler shared: “We booked this trip the day before and were picked up in the hotel lobby bang on time, a few more pick-ups and then we were dropped at Puerto Morelos,” which shows the logistics are smooth. They also appreciated the staff’s friendliness and the fun of the reef.

Conversely, a less positive experience was described as “absolutely awful,” mainly because of the long wait and limited snorkeling—”not even a full hour of snorkeling.” This highlights that while the tour is well-organized for some, it might not deliver enough water time for others.

Another traveler praised the staff, especially the driver Javier, and said snorkeling was excellent, and the guides at the reef were “great,” emphasizing the value of knowledgeable guides and well-maintained equipment.

Final thoughts

This snorkeling tour near Puerto Morelos offers a fairly balanced mix of underwater adventure, scenic town exploration, and casual relaxation. It’s not overly elaborate or intense, but that’s part of its charm — if you’re after a laid-back day in beautiful surroundings, it fits the bill.

The tour works best for those who want to see a large reef wall without spending a full day at it. The included transportation, equipment, and a simple lunch make it a practical choice for travelers wanting convenience. Just keep in mind the possibility of limited snorkeling time and some waiting around if the day isn’t perfectly paced.

If you’re seeking a gentle intro to reef snorkeling with a touch of local flavor, this tour offers a decent experience at a fair price.

FAQ

Is transportation included in the tour?
Yes, transportation is included and involves an air-conditioned vehicle that takes you from your hotel or meeting point to Puerto Morelos.

What is the duration of the tour?
The tour lasts about 5 hours, including pickup, travel, snorkeling, lunch, and the walk around Puerto Morelos.

How long do I get to snorkel?
You’ll have approximately 45 minutes in the water at Arrecifes National Park, which is enough to enjoy the reef but might leave some wanting more.

Is the snorkeling equipment provided?
Yes, snorkeling gear is included in the price, so you don’t need to bring your own unless you prefer it.

What about the lunch?
Lunch is served at a private beach club and is more like a snack; drinks and additional food are not included, so plan accordingly.

Can I cancel the tour?
Yes, you can cancel for free up to 24 hours before the scheduled start. Cancellations within that window are non-refundable.

Is this tour suitable for children or families?
While not explicitly marketed as family-specific, the moderate physical activity and relaxed pace may suit some families, provided children are comfortable with snorkeling and walking.

Will I see marine life?
You’ll snorkel in a reef known for its large wall and marine biodiversity, but the specific marine life visible can vary day-to-day.

Is there a guide in the water?
Yes, guides are present during snorkeling to assist and explain the reef features, enhancing the overall experience.

This tour offers a pretty straightforward way to enjoy some reef views, explore Puerto Morelos, and relax by the sea. It’s a solid choice if you want a simple, organized outing, but don’t expect an all-day adventure or a deep dive into reef exploration.