A beach day with open bar, lunch and snorkeling LOS ARRECIFES RESTAURANT

If you’re planning a day at the beach in Costa Maya, this tour to Los Arrecifes Restaurant offers a convenient way to combine snorkeling, good food, and drinks all in one relaxing package. From what we gather, it’s a well-rounded experience that appeals especially to those who want a hassle-free day with plenty of opportunities to enjoy the ocean and unwind. The small-group setting keeps things intimate, and the included amenities ensure you don’t have to worry about a thing.

Two things we really appreciate about this tour are the guided snorkeling adventure in the second-largest reef and the all-inclusive beach club vibe, complete with an open bar and attentive service. That said, a potential concern for some travelers is the constant presence of vendors around the beach area, which might interfere with your relaxation.

This experience suits anyone looking for a straightforward, comfortably paced day of underwater discovery combined with leisure. It’s particularly good for first-time visitors to Costa Maya or anyone who wants a balance of active and relaxing moments without breaking the bank.

Key Points

• All-Inclusive Comfort: Snorkeling, lunch, and drinks are included, making it simple to relax without extra costs.
• Expert Guidance: Knowledgeable guides and locals lead the snorkeling, ensuring safety and enriching the experience.
• Relaxing Beach Club Atmosphere: Plenty of loungers and a lively but manageable scene.
• Time-Efficient Excursion: About 8 hours, perfect for a day without feeling rushed.
• Limited Group Size: Up to 20 travelers, creating a more personal experience.
• Variable Review Feedback: Some praise the snorkeling and service, while others mention vendor interruptions.

Overview of What You Can Expect

This tour kicks off at the designated meeting point in Mahahual, where you’ll board a boat for about 10 minutes to reach the reef area. The main highlight is the guided snorkeling session at the second-largest reef in the world. Here, trained guides and local experts take you through three different points, giving you ample opportunity to see turtles, stingrays, colorful fish, corals, shells, and more. Be prepared for about an hour of snorkeling, which is enough time to appreciate the underwater scenes without feeling fatigued.

The guides are noted for their careful supervision and friendly demeanor, with at least one reviewer mentioning that their guide spoke good English, making communication smooth and the experience more enjoyable. The reef’s vibrant marine life offers plenty of photo opportunities—if you’re into underwater photography, you’ll love the variety of scenes.

Following the snorkeling, you’ll return to the beach club where a quintessential Mexican Caribbean vibe awaits. Here, the open bar features national beers and freshly mixed drinks prepared right on the spot. The beach is described as clean and attractive, with loungers and a relaxed atmosphere. Although some reviews mention vendors constantly walking around trying to sell souvenirs, others found it manageable and part of the typical beach scene.

Lunch is served at your leisure, with a menu that offers a choice of a single dish. The service is described as attentive, so you can stay comfortably seated, enjoying the view and your meal without needing to move around. Whether you opt for a local specialty or a familiar dish, the food is generally well received, with some reviews pointing out the good quality and tasty flavors.

Snorkeling Adventure in the Reef

The star of this tour is undeniably the snorkeling experience. The guides take you to three different points of the reef, each offering a different glimpse of underwater life. If you love marine environments, you’ll find the coral formations whimsical and the variety of sea creatures impressive.

Multiple reviewers mention the care guides take to keep everyone safe and together. One reviewer praised the guide’s English skills and attentiveness, which can make a big difference when you’re in unfamiliar waters. You may encounter turtles, stingrays, and a colorful array of fish, all in their natural habitat. The reef’s location and the small-group size make the snorkeling more personalized and less hectic than larger tours.

The duration of about an hour seems just right—enough to explore without feeling overwhelmed or rushed. Remember to bring your waterproof camera or your snorkel gear if you have your own, but equipment is usually provided or available for rent.

The Beach Club Experience

Post-snorkeling, you’ll find yourself in a lively yet relaxed beach setting. The beach club’s open layout invites lounging on sunbeds or taking a swim in the clear waters. The open bar is a highlight, offering national beers and mixed drinks that are made fresh to order. For many, the drinks are a welcome refreshment after the underwater adventure.

You can enjoy your drinks from a cot opposite the Del Mar, with service coming directly to your lounger—no need to move around or wait in line. This is where the all-inclusive aspect really shines: you don’t need to worry about additional costs once you’re there, allowing you to fully unwind.

Lunch is available whenever you’re ready, with a menu selection that caters to different tastes. A dedicated waiter can bring your food directly to your lounger, letting you soak up the sun and enjoy the scenery.

Additional Considerations and Tips

While the tour offers a lot of value, it’s worth noting that some travelers have expressed frustration with frequent vendors hopping around the beach area trying to sell souvenirs or services. If you’re sensitive to commercial interruptions, this might be a minor annoyance.

The tour’s price of $80.99 per person includes most essentials—snorkeling, lunch, and drinks—making it a good deal for a full day of entertainment and relaxation. Keep in mind, the public transportation fee of $5 per person is not included, so budget that extra if you’re traveling on your own.

The maximum group size of 20 helps maintain a friendly atmosphere, but booking in advance is recommended, especially during peak seasons. Confirmations are instant, and the tour operates almost year-round, from June 2019 through September 2026.

The Sum Up

This Costa Maya experience offers a balanced blend of adventure and leisure, perfect for travelers who want to enjoy the vibrant marine life without complicated logistics. The guided snorkeling adds a layer of safety and insight, while the beach club’s amenities mean you can relax in comfort and style. The included drinks and food make it easy to maximize your time in the sun, and the small-group setting ensures a more personal touch.

It’s a solid choice for first-timers wanting their first taste of the reef or anyone looking for a day of uncomplicated fun in the Mexican Caribbean. If you love seafood, beaches, and underwater views, this tour ticks most boxes—albeit with some minor vendor interruptions that might bother the more peace-seeking traveler.

All in all, a clean, straightforward outing that delivers good value for money and plenty of photo-worthy moments.

FAQ

Is snorkeling equipment included?
The tour provides snorkeling opportunities, and guides are there to assist. While the data doesn’t explicitly state gear inclusion, it’s common for tours like this to offer equipment or rent options. Check ahead if you need to bring your own.

How long is the snorkeling session?
Expect about one hour of snorkeling, which is generally ample time to explore the reef and see a variety of marine life.

What is the meal like?
Lunch is a single menu item chosen from a menu. The food receives positive remarks, with some reviewers noting it’s delicious and well-served.

Are drinks unlimited?
Yes, the open bar includes national beers and mixed drinks prepared on the spot, available throughout the beach day.

What is the meeting point?
The tour starts at C. Huauchinango 55a, Mahahual, and ends back at the same location. Confirm the exact meeting instructions when booking.

How many people are in each group?
Groups are limited to 20 travelers, ensuring a more personalized experience.

Are there any additional costs I should be aware of?
Extra costs might include public transportation ($5) and optional massages (paid at the site). Towel rentals are not included.

This tour offers a practical, enjoyable way to enjoy Costa Maya’s famous reef and beaches, with just enough structure to keep it easy and fun. Perfect if you’re looking to explore underwater worlds and relax without fuss.