Costa Maya Snorkeling: 2 Reef Sites & Underwater Photos

Two Reef Stops on the Second-Largest Coral System in the World

You spend three hours on the water visiting two snorkeling sites on the Great Mesoamerican Reef, with a certified guide who photographs you underwater. The tour includes all equipment, snacks, and drinks, plus free beach time afterward with kayaks and paddleboards. You don't arrange transport or worry about gear. It's all there, cleaned and ready.

Step-by-step itinerary

Snorkeling and beach activities in Costa Maya

• Meet at beach stand by Hotel 40 Cañones
• Boat ride to Great Mesoamerican reef
• Snorkel at first reef spot
• Snorkel at second reef spot
• Enjoy snacks and drinks on boat
• Relax on beach hammock
• Use paddleboards and kayaks

The experience

The boat operator at Hotel 40 Cañones knows the reef the way someone knows their own street. He's been working these waters for decades, and when you show up at the beach stand in the morning, he's already reading the conditions, which two snorkeling spots will give you the clearest water and the best chance of seeing something. That's how La Leyenda ECO-TOURS has run their Costa Maya snorkeling excursion for over 50 years combined between the guides. They're not rushing you through a checklist. They're choosing the day based on what's actually happening underwater.

The 25-foot panga leaves from the beach next to Hotel 40 Cañones and heads out to the Great Mesoamerican Reef, the second-largest coral reef system on the planet. You'll stop at two different sites, each one picked for the fish and coral you're likely to see that day: angelfish, damselfish, wrasses, parrotfish, puffers, and if you're lucky, spotted eagle rays or green sea turtles gliding past. The guide is certified, speaks English and Spanish, and brings an underwater camera to photograph you while you're down there, so you don't have to worry about capturing the moment yourself. Everything is included: fins, a certified life vest, snorkel gear that gets cleaned and sanitized before and after every trip.

Between the two reef stops, the boat crew sets out snacks: fresh fruit, guacamole, water, sodas, and beer if you want it. You're not rushed. After you get back to the beach, you can stay as long as you want. The beach here is sargassum-free, which matters more than it sounds if you've been to other parts of the Riviera Maya lately. There are hammocks to lie in, and if you feel like it, you can take out a kayak or paddleboard for free. Minimum group size is two people.

What’s included

Your three hours include hotel pickup at the beach stand next to Hotel 40 Cañones, boat transport on a 25-foot panga to two snorkeling sites on the Great Mesoamerican Reef, all snorkeling equipment (fins, life vest, gear), a certified guide in English or Spanish, underwater photography, water, sodas, beer, fresh fruit and guacamole on the boat, and free beach time afterward with access to hammocks, kayaks and paddleboards.

Before you book

Days and timesEvery day

AgesAdult (17 to 64 years) · Senior (65 to 80 years) · Youth (11 to 16 years) · Child (4 to 10 years) · Under 4: can't be booked

GroupUp to 15

Live guideEnglish and Spanish

Meeting point and pickupNo hotel pickup: you go to the meeting point. Ends back at the starting point.

Cancellation and refundsFree cancellation up to 24 h before the start. After that, no refund.It may be canceled due to bad weather or if the minimum number of travelers isn't reached. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund.

Prices and times updated 3 days ago

Good to know

Low physical effortWheelchair accessibleStroller-friendlyPets welcomePublic transport nearbyNot recommended with heart problemsInfants must sit on laps

Operated by La Leyenda ECO-TOURS

Is this one for you?Book this if you want to snorkel the reef without arranging your own gear or worrying about which spots are worth visiting: the guide chooses the two sites based on that morning's conditions, which is what keeps you in the water where the fish actually are instead of in a crowded tourist line.

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Top questions

What languages is the tour guided in?

Live guide in English and Spanish.

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Youth (11 to 16 years); Child (4 to 10 years). Children under 4 can't be included in the booking.

What happens if it rains?

It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund. Free cancellation up to 24 h before the start.

What's the minimum group size?

Two guests per group.

How long is the tour?

Three hours on the water, plus time to relax on the beach afterward.

What snorkeling equipment is provided?

Fins, a certified life vest, and snorkel gear. Everything is cleaned and sanitized before and after use.

What fish and marine life might I see?

Angelfish, damselfish, wrasses, parrotfish, puffers, and occasionally spotted eagle rays or green sea turtles.

Are drinks and snacks included?

Yes. Water, sodas, beer, fresh fruit, and guacamole are provided on the boat.

Can I use the beach after the tour?

Yes. The beach next to Hotel 40 Cañones is free to use, with hammocks, kayaks, and paddleboards available.

Is the beach clean?

Yes, the area is sargassum-free.

Do I get photos from the tour?

Yes, the certified guide takes underwater photos as a courtesy during the snorkeling.