Costa Maya snorkeling: reef, fish and turtles with guide

Swim the reef where the turtles live, with a guide in the water the whole time

Snorkel the reef at Mahahual in Costa Maya with a live guide, full equipment and underwater photos included. You'll spend roughly 80 minutes in the water observing tropical fish, rays and sea turtles in their natural habitat; if turtles don't appear, you get 20 additional minutes to find them. The guide stays with you throughout, and afterward you can use the beach club (food and drinks are separate) or take public transport back to the port.

The Experience

The snorkel starts in the crystal clear waters off Mahahual, where the reef sits close enough that you don't spend the day traveling to it. A guide meets you in the water and stays with you the whole time, pointing out the different types of reefs, the tropical fish moving through them, and the rays that glide along the bottom. Sea turtles live here, and you'll have roughly 80 minutes to find them; if they don't show up—because they're wild and move on their own schedule—you get 20 more minutes to keep looking.

The equipment is provided: snorkel, mask, fins and a wetsuit if you need one. A GoPro camera captures photos throughout, so you leave with images of what you actually saw instead of trying to describe it later. Bottled water is included, and a guide who speaks English is with you the entire time, which means you're not guessing at what you're looking at or whether it's safe to swim where you are.

After the snorkel, you choose what comes next. The beach club on-site has full services—showers, shade, food and drinks—though you pay separately for anything you eat or drink there. If you'd rather head back to the port, public transportation is easy to find nearby and will get you there without arranging a separate ride.

What’s included

• A live English-speaking guide in the water with you.
• snorkel equipment (mask, fins, snorkel, wetsuit).
• bottled water.
• GoPro photos from the activity.
• access to the beach club with facilities and shade afterward.

Good to know

Easy physical levelStroller friendlyPets welcomePublic transport nearbyNot for heart conditionsNot for back problems

Operated by la diosa del mar tours costa maya

Is this one for you?Book this one if you want a guide actually in the water with you the whole time instead of calling directions from a boat, and if you'd rather not arrange your own gear or figure out which reef has turtles—the guide handles both.

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Top questions

What will I actually see when I snorkel the reef at Mahahual?

The reef at Mahahual holds tropical fish, different types of coral and rock formations, rays, and sea turtles. The guide points out what you're looking at and stays in the water with you the whole time so you know where to look and what is safe.

What happens if I don't see a turtle during the snorkel?

Sea turtles live on the reef but move freely, so sightings aren't guaranteed. If you don't spot one in the first 80 minutes, you get an extra 20 minutes of snorkeling time to search for them.

Is the snorkeling equipment included, or do I need to bring my own?

All snorkeling gear is provided: mask, snorkel, fins and a wetsuit if you want one. You just need to bring a swimsuit and a towel.

Do I get photos from the snorkel?

Yes, a GoPro camera captures photos throughout the activity and they're included with your booking, so you have images of the reef, fish and turtles you saw.

What's included after the snorkel ends?

You have access to the beach club with showers, seating and shade. Food and drinks cost extra, but you can stay as long as you like. Public transportation back to the port is available nearby if you'd rather leave right after the water activity.

How long does the snorkeling part actually take in the water?

The snorkel lasts roughly 80 minutes, or longer if turtles don't appear and you use the extra 20 minutes to keep looking.