worldwide travel ideas

Enjoying Snorkeling the Underwater Beauty of Mexico

Great Central American Journey: Mexico, Belize, Guatemala (Southbound) Traverse 3 countries and visit amazing ruins, beaches and rainforests on this tour, a combination of our Mexico Ancient Civilizations and Mayan Sun tours.

Below the majestic calm of Mexico’s blue waters, tourists can find one of the country’s most famed treasures: its marine life. Snorkeling is one of the easiest and most cost-efficient ways to enjoy some of Mexico’s hidden beauty. An activity fit for most ages, snorkeling provides even the novice water explorer a chance to enjoy the sites below the ocean’s surface.

Whether exploring the east or west coast, Mexico boasts an array of superb snorkeling locations across all of its tourist hot spots. The Caribbean coast is known for its vibrant, ultramarine waters and white sand beaches that combine to create clear views of the vibrant coral reefs and brightly colored tropical fish. The Pacific coast offers a distinctly different experience, catering to the adventure seekers who want to get close to the ocean’s more elusive creatures.

Snorkeling in Mexico’s Caribbean Coast

Situated several miles off Mexico’s mainland, Cozumel is consistently named among the top 10 best snorkeling spots in the world by travel experts. The clear waters and many reef walls surrounding the island’s coasts offer an ideal spot to spy colorful species including coral, angelfish and parrot fish. The Santa Rosa Wall and the family-friendly Chakanaab Park on the west coast of the island are two popular snorkeling spots to visit in Cozumel.

Heading back toward the mainland, the Great Mayan Reef bridges the divide between Cozumel and Cancun and is known as one of the best spots to snorkel in Mexico. The coral reef is the largest in the Western Hemisphere, spanning a nearly 600-mile area from Mexico to Honduras, and is second-largest coral reef in the world behind the Great Barrier Reef in Australia. Also known as the Mesoamerican Reef, the area is home to over 70 species of coral, 500 species of fish, and has one of the world’s largest populations of manatees. Akumal and Playa del Carmen have several eco parks and other snorkeling locations that are frequented by tourists.

For a more unique snorkeling experience, ocean lovers can take a quick boat ride from Cancun to the Isla Mujeres. The calm surf and good visibility create the perfect locale for a leisurely family snorkeling trip, and friendly ocean fixtures including dolphins often come out to play at Banderas Reef and Garrafon Natural Reef Park.

Snorkeling in Mexico’s Pacific Coast

Located on Mexico’s southwest coast, the bay in Zihuatanejo is a popular destination for the flipper-donning set. Among the more famous meccas: Playa Las Gatas – which translates into English as “Cats Beach” – was actually named for a small species of shark that once inhabited its waters. Today, tourists flock to this snorkeling locale to catch glimpses of rare wildlife and mythical sea urchins, including seahorses and guitarfish.

Further up the coast, the Bahia de Banderas encapsulates an oft-visited haven for snorkelers, including the latitudinally ideal beaches of Puerto Vallarta that provide year-round tropical temperatures and limited precipitation. The calm waters attract varied ocean life including manta rays, starfish and puffer fish. Puerto Vallarta is also home to many natural coves that offer more unique snorkeling opportunities like swimming with sea lions at Las Caletas.

Mexico’s west coast is also home to the famous Sea of Cortes, which divides the skinny Baja California Peninsula and the country’s larger mainland. This massive body of water is a go-to destination for the more experienced divers and snorkelers, as its murkier waters and collection of larger mammals lure thrill seekers. Hammerhead sharks, sea turtles, and several large species of octopus and jellyfish are known to inhabit different pockets of the Sea of Cortes, including La Paz.

No matter which coast snorkel enthusiasts choose, an affordable underwater adventure awaits as Mexico’s vast waters offer plenty of excitement from the Caribbean coral reefs to the playful Pacific inlets.

JW Marriott – Mexico City JW Marriott – Mexico City > MEX > Andres Bello No 29 > Mexico City > > 11560> Location. In Mexico City‘s Polanco neighborhood, this property is close to Auditorio Nacional, French Embassy, and Museo Nacional de Antropologia. Also nearby are Castillo de Chapultepec and Monumento a los Heroes de la Independencia. Features. JW Marriott Mexico City has a health club, an outdoor pool, a spa tub, a steam room, and a sauna. The onsite spa at this 4.5 star property offers massage and treatment rooms and beauty services. Business amenities include a business center, wireless Internet access, meeting rooms for small groups, and business services. JW Marriott Mexico City has a restaurant, a bar/lounge, and a coffee shop/café. 24 hour room service is available. Event facilities consist of a ballroom, conference rooms, and banquet facilities. This is a smoke free property (fines may apply for violations). Guestrooms. Amenities featured in guestrooms include air conditioning, minibars, and complimentary newspapers. Turndown service is offered on request. Guestrooms have satellite television with premium TV channels and pay movies. Business friendly amenities include multi line phones and voice mail. Bathrooms feature bathrobes. Guestroom services include a turndown service. Rollaway beds are available on request. All guestrooms at JW Marriott Mexico City are non smoking. Notifications: Additional fees and deposits may be charged by the property at time of service, check in, or check out. >The preferred airport for JW Marriott Mexico City is Mexico City, Distrito Federal (MEX Mexico City Intl.) 11.6 km / 7.2 mi. Distances are calculated in a straight line from the property’s location to the point of interest or airport and may not reflect actual travel distance. Distances are displayed to the nearest 0. 1 mile and kilometre.

Erin Keaveney writes articles about travel in Mexico for the Marriott Resorts.