Snorkeling in Riviera Maya: Catamaran & Two Reefs

Two reef dives and a spinnaker flight, all in one morning.

Snorkel two reefs in the Riviera Maya aboard a catamaran departing from Maroma Beach, with 45 minutes at each site to explore tropical fish and coral formations. Hotel pickup is included from centrally located Cancun, Playa del Carmen and Riviera Maya properties. The tour runs three hours total and is led in English and Spanish. Three departure times are available, and you choose the one that fits your schedule.

Step-by-step itinerary

Catamaran cruise and snorkeling tour

• Get picked up from hotel
• Board catamaran at Maroma Beach
• Sail into Caribbean Sea
• Snorkel at first reef
• Snorkel at second reef
• Relax on deck and enjoy beverages
• Return to dock and hotel

The experience

The day starts with pickup from your hotel, then a sail into the Caribbean from Maroma Beach. As the catamaran cuts into the water, the reef comes into view (the second largest coral reef in the world), and you'll have 45 minutes at the first snorkeling site to move through the formations at your own pace, mask on, watching the fish move around you. The guide stays in the water and points out what to look for, speaking English or Spanish depending on your preference.

Back on deck, you towel off in the sun while the boat moves to the second reef. Another 45 minutes in the water, then a return to the catamaran where water, soft drinks and beer are waiting (beer service starts after you're back on board). If the weather holds, the crew will fly the spinnaker on the sail back, a moment most catamaran passengers never see. The whole outing takes three hours from start to finish, ending with free access to Maroma Beach before the boat returns you to your hotel.

Snorkeling gear is provided and fitted to you before you enter the water. Children as young as six can join if accompanied by an adult, and the tour is open to all fitness levels, though the operator asks that anyone with back problems, recent surgery, limited mobility or cardiovascular concerns reach out first to confirm the activity will work for them.

What’s included

• Roundtrip hotel pickup from centrally located Cancun, Playa del Carmen and Riviera Maya properties.
• snorkeling equipment.
• guided snorkel adventure at two reef sites with live commentary in English and Spanish.
• catamaran cruise with deck time between dives.
• water, soft drinks and beer.
• free access to Maroma Beach after the activity ends.

Options for this experience

3 options

Catamaran Reef Snorkel at 9:30 amGuide in English or Spanish · 09:30A three-and-a-half-hour catamaran cruise covering two reefs, with 45 minutes at each, and a spinnaker flight if the weather allows. Water, soft drinks and beers are provided. Pickup is included.

Catamaran Reef Snorkel at 1:30 pmGuide in English or Spanish · 13:30Reef Adventure at 1:30 pm: a three-and-a-half-hour catamaran cruise to two reefs, spending 45 minutes at each, with a spinnaker flight when weather conditions permit. Water, soft drinks and beers are included. Pickup is included.

Deluxe Catamaran Reef SnorkelGuide in English or Spanish · 09:30 and 13:30Snorkel Deluxe. Pickup is included.

You'll see the exact price of each option when you check availability.See dates and prices

Information

Lasts 3h, runs Monday to Saturday at 09:30 and 13:30, from US$ 85 per person, with a live guide in English and Spanish and with free cancellation up to 24 h before.

Days and timesMonday to SaturdayDepartures at 09:30 and 13:30Another time? ›

GroupUp to 100

Live guideEnglish and SpanishOther languages ›

Meeting point and pickupHotel pickup included.

Book up to4h before

AgesAdult (10 to 65 years) · Child (6 to 9 years) · Under 6: can't be booked

Cancellation and refundsFree cancellation up to 24 h before the start. After that, no refund.It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund.

Prices and times updated 9 days ago

Good to know

Low physical effortPublic transport nearbyNot recommended during pregnancyNot recommended with heart problemsNot recommended with back problems

Operated by Maroma Adventures

Is this one for you?Book the 9:30am departure if you want the morning light on the reef and the rest of your day free. The 1:30pm option suits a slower morning or a late arrival. The Deluxe option offers the same snorkeling and reefs but with a different schedule. Check the departure times at checkout to find the one that matches your hotel's location and your day.

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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: Child (6 to 9 years). Children under 6 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 second largest coral reef in the world, and is that where I'll be snorkeling?

Yes. The Mesoamerican Barrier Reef System runs along the Riviera Maya coast, and your two snorkeling stops are within it. You'll spend 45 minutes at each site exploring the coral formations and tropical fish that live there.

Do I need to bring my own snorkeling gear, or is it provided?

Snorkeling equipment is included and provided by the tour operator. It's fitted to you before you enter the water, so you don't need to arrange or pack your own.

What time does the catamaran leave, and how long is the whole tour?

Three departure times are available (9:30am, 1:30pm, and a Deluxe option), and you select one when you book. The entire tour, from pickup at your hotel to return, takes three hours.

Is hotel pickup really included, or do I need to get to the dock myself?

Roundtrip transportation from your hotel is included in the price. Pickup covers most centrally located hotels in Cancun, Playa del Carmen and Riviera Maya, and the boat departs from Maroma Beach.

What drinks are included, and when do I get them?

Water, soft drinks and beer are included. Water and soft drinks are available throughout the day. Beer service begins after you return to the boat from snorkeling, not before.