Cancun: Speedboat & Snorkel Tour in Nichupte Lagoon

Summary

Drive your own boat in Cancun then snorkel Punta Nizuc reef

You’ll steer your own speedboat through Cancun’s lush Nichupte lagoon with a local guide leading the way, then snorkel at Punta Nizuc’s coral reef—maybe catch a glimpse of underwater sculptures if you’re lucky. Expect salty air, laughter, and a few surprises both above and below water.

What’s the experience like?

We were already laughing before we even got into the speedboats — I’d never driven anything on water before, and honestly, the idea made me a bit nervous. Our guide, Javier, had this way of explaining things that made it sound like steering a car (but with more splashing). The Nichupte lagoon looked almost too green under the sun, and there was this thick smell of salt and something sweet from the mangroves. I kept glancing at my friend to see if she was as jittery as me. Turns out she was just excited to hit the throttle.

Once we got going, it felt wild — wind in my face, engine buzzing under my hands, and these narrow mangrove channels that twisted around like they were hiding secrets. Javier led the way in his own boat, waving us along whenever we slowed down (I think he could tell I was being extra cautious). There were birds everywhere — white egrets standing so still you’d think they were fake. Every so often another group would pass by, shouting over their engines, but mostly it was just us and the sound of water smacking the hull.

Punta Nizuc showed up out of nowhere — suddenly the water turned that clear turquoise you see in postcards. We anchored and swapped engines for snorkels. The coral reef here is part of something huge (Javier said it’s the second biggest barrier reef in the world), but honestly I was just focused on breathing through that tube without looking ridiculous. Fish zipped past in flashes of yellow and blue; someone pointed at a statue below us from the underwater museum but I missed it because my mask fogged up right then (classic). Salt stung my lips and I could hear my own breath echoing weirdly loud. Still think about how quiet it felt underwater compared to all that engine noise before.

Afterwards we climbed back into our boats — hair dripping everywhere — and headed back through those same tangled canals. The sun felt hotter now but nobody seemed to mind. Javier handed out bottled water while we tried to get our bearings again on land (walking after boating is always stranger than you expect). If you’ve ever wanted to try a speedboat tour in Cancun but worried you’d mess it up… well, join the club. It’s worth doing anyway.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Speedboat driving and snorkeling tour

• Arrive 30 minutes before departure
• Check-in and receive safety instructions
• Learn to drive the speedboat
• Drive through mangrove jungle canals
• Snorkel at Punta Nizuc coral reef

Top questions

Do I need boating experience for this Cancun speedboat tour?

No boating experience is required; guides teach you how to drive before departure.

Where does snorkeling take place during this tour?

Snorkeling happens at Punta Nizuc reef, part of the Mesoamerican Barrier Reef.

Is hotel pickup included?

No, hotel pickup is not included for this tour.

How long do we spend snorkeling?

You’ll snorkel for about 30–40 minutes depending on group ability.

Are guides bilingual?

Yes, qualified guides speak both English and Spanish.

Can kids join this speedboat & snorkel tour?

The minimum recommended age is 3+; drivers must be 18 or older.

Is equipment provided for snorkeling?

Yes, mask, tube, and life jacket are included for all participants.

Is this tour wheelchair accessible?

Yes—all areas and surfaces are wheelchair accessible.

What’s included

Your day includes bottled water for everyone onboard, use of a shared two-passenger speedboat with safety briefing beforehand, all snorkeling equipment (mask, tube, life jacket), plus guidance from bilingual staff throughout both boating and snorkeling parts—just show up 30 minutes early with your voucher and you’re set.