Puerto Morelos: Small-Group Reef Snorkeling & Gear Included

Summary

Snorkel the vibrant Mesoamerican Reef near Puerto Morelos with a local guide in a small group, all gear and wetsuit included

You’ll join a small group in Puerto Morelos for two guided snorkeling sessions on the Mesoamerican Barrier Reef—gear, wetsuit, and park fees all sorted. Expect close-up encounters with colorful marine life, stories from your local guide, fresh snacks on board, and that quiet thrill as you drift above coral gardens. It’s less about perfection than feeling part of something wild.

What’s the experience like?

Ever wondered what it’s like to float above a living city of coral? I didn’t know what to expect when we left the little dock in Puerto Morelos—just eight of us, plus our guide, Mariela. She handed out wetsuits (no sunscreen allowed, which honestly makes sense once you see how clear the water is) and told us stories about growing up here. The boat ride was short but loud—engine humming, gulls overhead, that salty tang in the air. I kept fiddling with my mask, nervous for some reason.

The first time I put my face in the water over the Mesoamerican Barrier Reef… well, it’s hard to describe without sounding dramatic. There were these flashes of yellow and blue darting between coral branches, and sometimes you’d catch a glimpse of something bigger moving just out of sight. Mariela would tap her ring on her tank to get our attention—once for a sea turtle (I nearly swallowed seawater from excitement), another time for this weirdly elegant eel. The current was gentle but insistent; you sort of had to let go and drift along with it.

Between snorkel sessions we clambered back onto the boat for water and fruit—my hands were shaky from adrenaline or maybe just from gripping the ladder too tight. Someone cracked a joke about looking like “wetsuited penguins,” which made everyone laugh, even Mariela. The sun felt good on my face but not too harsh thanks to those borrowed wetsuits. There was this moment where everything went quiet except for the slap of waves against fiberglass—I still think about that calm sometimes.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Snorkeling at Mesoamerican Reef

• Use provided wetsuit
• Snorkel first 45 minutes
• Enjoy snacks and water on boat
• Snorkel second 45 minutes
• Wear life jacket as required

Top questions

How long does the Puerto Morelos reef snorkeling tour last?

The snorkeling tour lasts approximately 2 hours total.

Is snorkeling equipment provided on this tour?

Yes, snorkel equipment and life jackets are included for all participants.

Are wetsuits available during the tour?

Yes, wetsuits are offered free of charge to protect your skin from the sun.

How many people are in each snorkeling group?

The maximum group size is 8 people per booking.

Are snacks or drinks provided on board?

Bottled water and refreshments are available during the tour.

Can children join this Puerto Morelos snorkeling trip?

Yes, children aged 2 years and older can participate if accompanied by an adult.

Do I need to wear sunscreen or lotion before snorkeling?

No creams or lotions should be applied before your excursion; wetsuits are provided instead.

Is there a certified guide during the snorkeling sessions?

A professional guide accompanies every group throughout both snorkel sessions.

What’s included

Your day includes all snorkel equipment and mandatory life jacket use, free wetsuit rental to skip sunscreen entirely, bottled water and light refreshments between swims, guidance from a certified local expert throughout both reef sessions, plus your national park entry fees—all sorted so you can just show up ready to jump in.