Knowing where to snorkel in Isla Mujeres is essential if you find yourself thinking of vacationing in the Riviera Maya. Although Isla Mujeres is a small place, it is characterized by its beautiful landscapes. Between Cancun and Isla Mujeres is located the second largest barrier reef in the world, a place full of exuberant marine fauna.
Getting to Isla Mujeres is very simple, no matter where you are staying; Whether you are in Playa del Carmen, Cancun, or Puerto Morelos, from the ferry terminal to Isla Mujeres the journey is between 20 to 45 minutes depending on where you depart from.
The best places to snorkel in Isla Mujeres
Snorkeling in Isla Mujeres is very common, you should not worry about finding the place; but if to decide which one to do it. All places to snorkel have characteristics that make them truly unique and unsurpassed among themselves; each one of them has its own particular charm that has been in charge of making each of the tourists who decide to practice this exciting activity fall in love.
The reefs in Isla Mujeres have an endless number of spectacular marine species and some of them are in danger of extinction and they must be preserved; That is why we recommend you not to hurt or alter the environment that surrounds you while doing this practice because Isla Mujeres focus on taking care of the ecosystem and the species that inhabit it. If you’re ready for the best snorkeling spots on this beautiful island, let’s get started.
Underwater Museum of Art
The Underwater Museum of Art (MUSA) has three divisions, they are known as Manchones, Punta Nizuc, and Punta Sam; they all have different depths. One of the best divisions for snorkeling within MUSA is Punta Nizuc; This is 4 meters deep and in it, you will be able to appreciate different sculptures among which the Last Supper, Man in the Window, or the Gardener of Hope stand out.
At only 3.5 meters deep, at Punta Sam, you can see how some parts of the sculptures protrude to the surface. This division of the museum is also recommended for snorkeling, although it is so shallow that you can see the works from a glass-bottomed boat.
This is one of the few museums of its kind to be found around the world; In the same way, it is considered the largest existing artificial reef in the world; It has approximately 500 structures under the sea that are part of the marine life of the species that live there.
El Meco Reef
Between the waters of Isla Mujeres and Cancun; In front of Puerto Juárez and Playa Mujeres, is the El Meco reef, the waters in this reef are shallow, which makes them ideal for snorkeling. This place is full of varied marine species.
In El Meco, you will also come across some of the sculptures belonging to the Underwater Museum of Art (MUSA), such as the sculpture of Los Dedos that is found in the place. It is ideal for taking amazing photos underwater.
El Farito Reef
Another incredible place to snorkel in Isla Mujeres is the El Farito reef, which owes its name to the abandoned lighthouse that is located on a small piece of land located in front of the center of Isla Mujeres; reaching it by boat takes just 5 minutes from the island.
Its depth is close to 3 meters, it is classified as a safe place to snorkel in the company of children, thanks to its crystal clear waters and little current; so you don’t need a lot of swimming experience. This place has a great variety of beautiful species of multicolored fish.
It is one of the most beautiful and peaceful places to snorkel, full of extremely colorful marine life. On your journey through this place, you can also do the search for the statue of La Virgen del Farito.
Garrafón Park
This park is a mandatory stop and one of the best places to snorkel in Isla Mujeres, this park offers its visitors the possibility of living a more peaceful and exclusive snorkeling experience. The site for this practice is a small private beach that you access by paying a small entrance fee.
Garrafón is part of the longest coral reef in the entire northern hemisphere, so being able to visit it is an experience worthy of a vacation that will not be forgotten. Garrafón is also part of an impressive ecosystem where several species of multicolored marine fauna and flora live, on this private beach you can make use of the lounge chairs and sunbeds available; however, we advise you to arrive early so that you can get a good spot.
As you can see, Isla Mujeres is a true paradise full of reefs, beaches, and marine places that will surprise you and will make you return again and again and again.