Nestled along the pristine Yucatan coastline, Puerto Morelos’ National Reef Park offers visitors a unique chance to enjoy the vibrant underwater world. With a snorkeling tour that includes round-trip transportation and a light lunch, adventurers can explore this protected marine oasis, home to a dazzling array of sea life. From pufferfish to rays and even sharks, the guided experience promises an unforgettable glimpse into the ocean’s wonders. However, as enticing as the aquatic adventure may sound, there’s more to discover about this one-of-a-kind excursion.
This experience made our list of the 3 Best National Park Tours In Cancun.
Key Points
- Snorkeling excursion in the vibrant National Reef Park in Puerto Morelos, with a duration of 45 minutes to 1 hour.
- Guided tour with friendly, safety-conscious guides and a maximum capacity of 20 participants.
- Includes snorkeling equipment, light lunch, bottled water, transportation, park admission, and port taxes for $55 per person.
- Transportation provided from select Cancun hotels, but may experience occasional delays.
- Tour not suitable for wheelchair users or those with serious medical conditions.
Overview of the Tour Experience
The Overview of the Tour Experience provides travelers with an opportunity to enjoy the beauty of the National Reef Park.
For $55 per person, this excursion includes snorkeling equipment, a light lunch, bottled water, transportation, park admission, and port taxes.
The tour accommodates up to 20 participants and is led by friendly, safety-conscious guides.
Snorkelers can expect to spend 45 minutes to an hour in the water, where they may spot a variety of marine life like pufferfish, rays, and sharks.
While underwater photography is available for purchase, travelers should note that sunscreen is prohibited to protect the reef.
You can also read our reviews of more tours and experiences in Cancun.
Meeting and Pickup Logistics
Pickup points for the reef snorkeling excursion span select hotels in Cancun, ensuring convenient access for participants.
Travelers not staying at the listed hotels can still join the tour by providing their hotel name for confirmation.
The air-conditioned transportation to the snorkeling site may experience occasional delays, so participants should be prepared for potential delays in the pickup schedule.
The tour isn’t wheelchair accessible and isn’t suitable for those with serious medical conditions, so interested guests should check the accessibility details before booking.
Exploring the Reef Snorkeling
Participants hop into the water and enjoy the vibrant underwater world of the National Reef Park in Puerto Morelos.
Friendly, attentive, and safety-conscious guides lead the way, ensuring a comfortable and enriching snorkeling experience. Beneath the surface, travelers are treated to a diverse array of marine life, including pufferfish, rays, and even sharks.
The snorkeling duration ranges from 45 minutes to an hour, allowing ample time to explore the captivating coral reefs. For the protection of the delicate ecosystem, the use of sunscreen is prohibited during the snorkeling activity.
Snorkeling Safety and Guidelines
For the safety and enjoyment of all participants, guides provide a mandatory pre-snorkeling briefing. During this briefing, they explain essential safety protocols and guidelines, such as staying within designated snorkeling areas, maintaining visual contact with the group, and following instructions from the guides.
Sunscreen isn’t allowed, as it can damage the delicate coral reef ecosystem. Snorkelers are advised to listen carefully and adhere to all guidelines to ensure a safe and rewarding experience exploring the vibrant underwater world.
The guides are highly trained and attentive, ready to assist snorkelers throughout the excursion and ensure their comfort and security.
Lunch and Post-Snorkeling Activities
After the exhilarating snorkeling adventure, participants can look forward to a tasty lunch at a beachside grill.
The tour includes three tacos, though drinks aren’t provided.
For those interested in further indulging, an optional tequila tasting experience is available post-snorkeling. During this tasting, visitors can sample and learn about different tequila varieties.
Plus, underwater photography can be purchased, allowing travelers to capture and preserve their memorable snorkeling moments.
While the included lunch and activities are enjoyable, it’s important to note that there may be additional costs associated with the tequila tasting and photography options.
Customer Reviews and Highlights
The reef snorkeling tour in Puerto Morelos has received 35 total reviews, with an overall rating of 4.2 out of 5.
Positive highlights from customer feedback include:
- The tour’s beautiful snorkeling locations and diverse marine life, including pufferfish, rays, and sharks.
- The friendly and helpful staff who guide the snorkeling experience.
- The enjoyable and memorable excursion, with great food and optional tequila tasting.
However, some customers have expressed dissatisfaction with transportation delays, communication issues, and concerns about the snorkeling duration and reef conditions.
Plus, there were reports of potential sales pitches during the tequila tasting and additional costs for underwater photography.
Additional Information and Considerations
Besides the snorkeling experience, there are a few additional factors travelers should consider when booking this tour.
The tour doesn’t accommodate wheelchairs or those with serious medical conditions, so it may not be suitable for everyone. Transportation can also be subject to delays, so participants should plan accordingly.
While the tour includes lunch, drinks aren’t provided, and there’s an opportunity for an optional tequila tasting that may come with additional costs and sales pitches.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I Bring My Own Snorkeling Gear?
You may bring your own snorkeling gear, but the tour includes quality equipment. Bringing your own gear allows you to use equipment you’re familiar with, but the provided gear is suitable for the tour’s needs.
Are Wetsuits Provided or Should I Bring My Own?
Wetsuits aren’t provided, so you’ll need to bring your own. The tour focuses on snorkeling, and participants should wear appropriate swimwear and water shoes. If you need a wetsuit, it’s best to bring your own for comfort and convenience.
Is the Transportation One-Way or Round-Trip?
The transportation for this tour is round-trip. It includes air-conditioned vehicles to pick up participants from their hotels and return them after the snorkeling and other activities are completed.
Can I Opt Out of the Tequila Tasting?
Yes, customers can opt-out of the tequila tasting experience. The tour includes the snorkeling, lunch, and transportation, but the tequila tasting is an optional add-on that guests can choose to skip if they prefer.
How Strict Are the Rules Around Sunscreen?
The tour is very strict about sunscreen use. No sunscreen is allowed, as it can damage the reef. Travelers must shower off all sunscreen before entering the water to protect the delicate marine ecosystem.
The Sum Up
This snorkeling tour in the National Reef Park of Puerto Morelos offers a chance to learn about the vibrant underwater world. With professional guidance, you’ll discover diverse marine life, enjoy a delicious beachside lunch, and have the option to enhance your experience with a tequila tasting. It’s an ideal way to explore the region’s natural wonders and create lasting memories.
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