Veracruz: Snorkeling Adventure at Isla de En Medio

If you’re looking to experience the stunning waters of Veracruz and get a taste of its underwater world, the Snorkeling Adventure at Isla de En Medio might be just what you need. This tour offers a quick escape from the bustling coast to a peaceful island where you can snorkel, relax, and soak in some gorgeous scenery. While it might not be a deep-dive into vibrant reef ecosystems, it’s a straightforward, affordable way to enjoy marine surroundings with some memorable moments.

What we like about this trip is how accessible and laid-back it is — perfect for those who want to enjoy the water without complicated arrangements or high costs. The boat ride itself provides a scenic start, and the chance to snorkel in crystal-clear waters is genuinely appealing. However, some travelers have noted issues with equipment quality and organization, so it’s worth considering that this might not be a perfectly smooth experience.

This tour feels best suited for travelers wanting a simple, budget-friendly outdoor activity rather than serious snorkelers seeking vibrant coral reefs or marine biodiversity. If you’re okay with some potential surprises and are happy to enjoy tranquil seaside scenery, it could be a good pick. Just keep expectations aligned with the reviews and the nature of the experience.

Key Points

• Affordable price point makes it an accessible marine outing for many travelers.
• Beautiful island scenery and peaceful surroundings are the tour’s highlights.
• Expect basic snorkel gear and a straightforward boat trip, with some variability in quality.
• Mixed reviews on underwater sights — some see lots of fish, others see less colorful marine life.
• Good for a relaxed, half-day escape; not designed for serious divers or reef enthusiasts.
• Limited included amenities — no food or drinks, and transportation isn’t provided.

You can check availability for your dates here:

What to Expect from the Tour

This 4-hour experience kicks off at the Amphibian Tours office in Veracruz with a boat ride to Isla de En Medio. The journey itself is quite scenic, giving you a chance to enjoy views of the sea and the coastline. Once on the island, you’ll be greeted with white sands and turquoise waters — perfect for snapping photos or just relaxing on the beach.

Your guides will provide snorkel equipment and a brief pre-class—though some reviews mention that this part isn’t as thorough as it could be. For example, one traveler noted, “we were supposed to learn the snorkel equipment, but there was no learning,” and others found their gear was broken or hard to find. So, if you’re a novice, it’s worth being prepared to figure things out on your own or bring your own gear if possible.

The underwater area around Isla de En Medio is often described as crystal-clear, but the marine life can be hit or miss. Some guests have loved spotting colorful fish and kelp, describing the waters as “unbelievably beautiful,” while others have been disappointed by the lack of vibrant reef life. As one review pointed out, it’s more of a seagrass habitat than a coral reef, so don’t expect a kaleidoscope of marine colors.

Once you’re in the water, expect to float over bright fish and coral formations, with the chance of seeing turtles or dolphins — if luck is on your side. The tour allows for some relaxation time on the boat and on the island, giving you space to unwind and soak in the scenery. You’ll finish with photos taken in front of the island’s dock before heading back to the starting point.

The Review from Travelers

The mixed reviews reflect different expectations and experiences. A traveler from the US called it an “unbelievably beautiful” spot with powder-soft sands and warm waters, loving the scenery and the fish they saw. But they also pointed out that the snorkel gear was handed out without much instruction, which could be tricky for beginners.

On the other hand, a German traveler was quite disappointed, saying there was “neither a colorful underwater world nor any sea creatures,” and that the tour wasn’t worth the cost. They felt the marine environment was sparse and the experience not matching the expectations set by the description.

Another reviewer from the Netherlands had a more nuanced experience: they appreciated the beautiful scenery and fish, but also noted the beach was full of plastic rubbish. They also highlighted issues like no English-speaking guide and the shortened duration — only about 2.5 hours instead of 4 — possibly due to seasonal closures or logistical issues. They mentioned that communication about such changes could have been better.

In summary, the value of this tour depends a lot on what you’re hoping to get out of it. If you’re craving a peaceful day on the water with some light snorkeling, it can be a worthwhile, budget-friendly outing. But if you’re seeking vibrant coral reefs or a highly guided experience, you might find it lacking.

Breaking Down the Itinerary

Departure and Boat Ride

Expect to meet at the Amphibian Tours office in Veracruz, where you’ll likely wait a short while before heading out. The boat ride to Isla de En Medio takes roughly 30 minutes, offering a glimpse of the coastline and open sea. It’s a relaxing start, especially if the weather is clear.

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Arrival and Snorkeling

Once on the island, you’ll be handed snorkel gear, although some reviews mention inconsistencies with equipment quality — broken masks or missing gear are possible. The guides provide a brief overview, but some travelers feel it’s insufficient for beginners. If you’re not confident, bringing your own gear or arriving prepared might help.

The waters in front of the island are generally clear, with some reports describing the area as more of a seagrass bed than a vibrant coral reef. Expect to see small fish, kelp, and maybe some larger marine creatures if you’re lucky. The underwater environment is peaceful but not overwhelmingly colorful, differing from typical reef destinations.

Relaxing on the Island

After snorkeling, there’s time to relax, take photos, or explore the surroundings. The island itself is praised for its stunning scenery — powdery white sands and calm waters make it a lovely spot to unwind. However, be aware that the beach may be littered with plastic trash, a sentiment shared by some travelers, which is an unfortunate but honest aspect of the experience.

Return and Reflection

The tour wraps up with a short photo session on the dock before heading back by boat. The entire experience is designed for a laid-back afternoon, with plenty of opportunities to enjoy nature without feeling rushed.

Price and Value

At $47 per person, this tour is fairly affordable, especially considering it includes snorkel gear, permits, and a guided boat trip. It’s a good option for travelers on a budget or those who want a simple outdoor activity bundled into a half-day.

However, based on some reviews, the actual duration can be shorter than advertised — some travelers only experienced about 2.5 hours of snorkeling. So, if time is a concern, keep in mind that this might be a quick, somewhat variable trip.

The value hinges on expectations; if you’re happy with a peaceful boat ride and light snorkeling in calm waters, the tour offers good scenery and a chance to relax. But if you’re seeking a vibrant underwater ecosystem or professional guidance, you might find it somewhat lacking for the price.

Who Will Love This Experience?

This tour is well-suited for casual travelers, photography enthusiasts, or those wanting a peaceful seaside escape. It’s perfect if you’re not overly concerned about seeing the most colorful marine life but want to enjoy a scenic boat trip and some snorkeling on calm, clear waters.

It’s also a decent choice if you’re traveling with friends or a partner who enjoys outdoor activities but isn’t diving deep into marine biodiversity. Conversely, if your main goal is to see a lot of marine life or explore lively coral reefs, you might want to look elsewhere.

Final Thoughts

The Snorkeling Adventure at Isla de En Medio offers a straightforward, budget-friendly way to enjoy Veracruz’s waters. The scenery, calm waters, and chances to relax make it appealing, especially during good weather. The inconsistency in equipment and the variability in marine sightings are the main downsides, but for many, the tranquil setting and beautiful surroundings outweigh these issues.

If you’re after a peaceful, easygoing marine outing that won’t break the bank, this could be a nice quick getaway. Just keep your expectations in check — it’s more about soaking in the scenery and enjoying some shallow water snorkeling than exploring vibrant reefs or encountering a wide array of sea creatures.

FAQ

Is transportation included in the tour?
No, transportation isn’t included. You’ll need to arrange your own way to the Amphibian Tours office in Veracruz.

How long is the tour?
The official duration is 4 hours, but some reviews mention it lasts closer to 2.5 hours, especially if there are logistical issues or seasonal closures.

Is the snorkeling suitable for beginners?
The tour provides snorkel gear and a pre-class, but some guests found the equipment to be broken or the instruction lacking. If you’re new to snorkeling, consider bringing your own gear or arriving prepared to figure things out.

What marine life might I see?
Some travelers saw many small fish and kelp, describing the waters as beautiful. Others experienced fewer fish and less vibrant underwater life. It’s more of a peaceful seagrass habitat than a colorful reef.

Can I see turtles or dolphins?
There’s a chance to spot larger marine animals like turtles or dolphins, but it’s not guaranteed — it depends on luck.

What’s the island like?
Isla de En Medio has powder-soft sands and calm waters, making it a relaxing spot for photos and lounging, though some reviews mention plastic rubbish on the beach.

Is this experience family-friendly?
While not specifically designed for families, the gentle waters and calm setting make it suitable for travelers of most ages, provided they are comfortable snorkelers.

Do I need to book in advance?
Yes, booking is recommended, especially during peak seasons. You can reserve with the option to pay later, offering some flexibility.

What should I bring?
Bring your own snorkel gear if you prefer, sun protection, water, and a sense of adventure. Remember, food and drinks aren’t included.

To sum it up, this snorkel tour is a decent, budget-friendly option for those wanting a peaceful day on the water. It’s not a reef-hopping adventure, but it offers scenic views, calm waters, and a chance to dip into Veracruz’s marine environment. Perfect for travelers looking for a relaxed activity that doesn’t require a lot of planning or expense.

You can check availability for your dates here: