Puerto Morelos: Snorkeling Tour in Biosphere Reserve Reef

Summary

Swim with turtles & colorful fish on Puerto Morelos reef

You’ll float above living coral in Puerto Morelos Biosphere Reserve, spotting colorful fish and maybe even a sea turtle or ray as your guide leads you through two distinct snorkeling sites. With bottled water included and small group vibes, it’s less about perfection and more about those quiet underwater moments you’ll remember later.

What’s the experience like?

I’ll admit, I was a little nervous before jumping into the water in Puerto Morelos — something about seeing the reef from the boat made it feel huge and alive, almost humming. Our guide, Luis, handed me my mask and just grinned, “You’ll see,” he said. The first splash was cold and then suddenly everything went quiet except for my own breathing through the snorkel. I remember the light flickering over coral, these wild shapes and colors you don’t really expect to see outside of nature documentaries.

We drifted for what felt like forever (it was 45 minutes at each spot, but time gets weird underwater). Fish darted by in every color — some so close I could’ve reached out and touched them if I’d dared. At one point Luis pointed at a turtle gliding past; it looked ancient and totally unbothered by us. There was this moment where I just floated there watching it, salt on my lips, sun on my back. And then someone shouted “ray!” and we all tried to look at once — pretty sure I swallowed half the sea laughing.

The second site had even more going on: bigger schools of fish, flashes of silver and yellow everywhere. The current tugged a bit stronger here, but Luis kept an eye on us (he knows this reef like his own backyard). Bottled water tasted weirdly sweet after all that salt. Oh — bring eco-friendly sunblock unless you want a lecture from Luis about protecting “his” reef (fair enough). By the time we climbed back onto the boat I felt salty and tired in that good way you get after being outside all day. Still think about that turtle sometimes.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Snorkeling in Puerto Morelos Biosphere

• Arrive at Puerto Morelos Biosphere Reserve
• Snorkel first site for 45 minutes
• Snorkel second site for 45 minutes
• Observe exotic fish and sea life

Top questions

How long does the Puerto Morelos snorkeling tour last?

The snorkeling tour includes two sites at 45 minutes each inside the biosphere reserve.

Is bottled water provided during the snorkeling tour?

Yes, bottled water is included for participants during the tour.

Are there any health restrictions for this snorkeling activity?

This tour isn’t recommended for pregnant travelers or those with spinal injuries or poor cardiovascular health.

Can infants join the Puerto Morelos snorkeling trip?

Infants are allowed but must sit on an adult’s lap during transport or waiting times.

Is public transportation available near Puerto Morelos snorkeling tours?

Yes, public transportation options are available nearby for easy access to meeting points.

Do I need eco-friendly sunblock for this snorkeling tour?

Yes, eco-friendly sunblock is required to protect the reef inside Puerto Morelos Biosphere Reserve.

What’s included

Your day includes bottled water throughout your snorkeling adventure in Puerto Morelos Biosphere Reserve; you’ll be guided by a local expert who knows these reefs well. All equipment is provided—you just need to show up ready to swim (and maybe laugh at yourself trying to pronounce some fish names).