The waters off Mexico’s extensive coastline have so much to offer for snorkelers to witness, from anemones, manta rays, moray eels, to green sea turtles. That’s why deciding where to go snorkeling in Mexico can be a tough job because you have numerous options, from the Caribbean to the Pacific. And the best part is you don’t even have to go scuba diving to see the abundant marine life in Mexico. But before you take that vacation, make sure that you know where to go and have all your snorkeling essentials with you. Luckily, we are here to help you with that because, in this article, we are going to give you some tips on where to go, what to bring, and what to do when snorkeling in Mexico.
Mexico’s Popular Snorkeling Destinations
Many consider Cozumel as Mexico’s premium snorkeling destination because the island has everything all in one place, from guides and boat rentals too gear shop. Plus, the island is spacious enough to suit its large share of devotees. You can also explore the Great Mayan Reef while you are in Cozumel. However, if you find Cozumel to be a little mainstream, you can go ahead and explore other spots such as Puerto Vallarta, Manzanillo, Costa Maya, Bahia Santa Maria, and El Arco. Those places also offer their fair share of the amazing sea life.
Exotic Snorkeling Options in Mexico
If you really went to Mexico for snorkeling, then you can consider staying at a dedicated dive resort. Several resorts in Mexico focus on Scuba diving but they also cater to snorkelers. For starters, Akulam Dive Adventure in Half Moon Bay, on the Yucatan Peninsula offers diving lessons for caves and open waters. They also sell and rent snorkeling equipment and offers guided trips for scuba diving and snorkeling.
Make Practical Considerations
When going snorkeling in Mexico, it’s important to know that the peak season runs from December through Easter. However, longer peak seasons are expected in the more popular towns such as Cancun and Cozumel. But in some snorkeling spots such as the Yucatan coast, August is also a peak season. Also, note that hurricane season in Mexico runs from June to October. It is important to plan your trip based on the seasons so that you will be able to make the most out of your vacation.
Tips on How to Snorkel like a Pro in Mexico
After you plan your trip and book your flight, the next thing you have to know before you jump in the water is some safety and snorkeling tips to make sure you’re going to enjoy the experience. So here are some few tips on how to snorkel you should remember on your next tour.
- Wear your mask right – One of the most important tips to remember is that your mask must fit your face perfectly. Make sure you pick the right snorkeling mask for you and also be sure that it stays in place even when you’re not holding it. You also have to consider the lens of the mask if you have poor eyesight. There are a lot of prescription snorkel masks in the market that you can choose from so that you will be able to see clearly and enjoy the stunning view even if you’re underwater.
- Choose the right snorkeling gears – Aside from picking the right snorkeling mask, you should also consider picking the right fins, wetsuit, and floatation gear that is comfortable for you. Picking the right snorkeling gears will give you a relaxed and smooth snorkeling experience. For example, wearing fins that are too tight for you could give you cramps and you would not want that because snorkeling fins help you to swim better and faster.
- Breathe Properly – The secret on how to snorkel is to practice breathing. It may sound a little silly but it is also a good exercise if you put your mask on and practice breathing through the tube before you dive into the water. Remember that it’s a basic mouth only breathing. So you should try practicing by inhaling four seconds, retain another four, then exhale for four seconds. Keep in mind that you should also refrain from biting the tube because your jaw can get really sore which will not help you in enjoying your snorkeling experience.
Now that you’ve read this guide on where and how to snorkel in Mexico, all that is left for you to do is to remember to take some great photos while you’re snorkeling so you would be able to show it off to your friends and officemates when you get back on your fun and exciting vacation.