This Backpack and Snorkel Snorkeling Guide for Isla Mujeres (Isla Mujeres Snorkeling Purple Guide) provides information about the best snorkeling spots in Isla Mujeres to ensure that you will be Making Memorable Moments on a relaxing vacation in Isla Mujeres.
There are 3 different ways on how you can snorkel on Isla Mujeres:
you can snorkel off the beach for free, provided you have your own snorkeling gear (Playa Norte)
you can snorkel off the beach and pay for it (Garrafon de Castilla or Garrafon Reef Park)
you pay for a boat tour and snorkel off shore (Manchones (Lighthouse) Reef)
The easiest snorkeling place to reach is also one of the best spots for snorkeling in Isla Mujeres and it is suitable for begnners. This place is near Playa Norte and the MIA Reef Hotel. We were blown away by the number and diversity of fish that you can see just a few feet off the beach.
Where to snorkel on Playa Norte in Isla Mujeres
The best place is close to the pink MIA Reef hotel. I have marked the best spots on the photo and map below.
What fish you will see snorkeling in Isla Mujeres
Snorkeling at Playa Norte is fun and easy as the water is not very deep. You will, however, share the spot with lots of other people including tourist groups that arrive by boat and walk over here to snorkel. The guides will typically feed the fish which will enhance the snorkel experience.
Here is a video that we took which gives a good overview of what you can expect:
Here are some photos of fish that you may see in Isla Mujeres:
Snorkeling Piscina del Rey in Isla Mujeres
In the Northernost part of Isla Mujeres, the island that the MIA Reef hotel sits the natural pool "Piscina del Rey". It is a nice spot to relax for a little while and to do some snorkeling for beginners. Piscina del Rey sits on the MIA Reef Hotel property and access to non-hotel guests is not permitted and chances are that a guard may send you back.
To get tp Piscina del Rey, just get on the walkway that leads from thear the Eastern part of this little island all the way North, passing by numerous villas and hotel rooms until you see a sign pointing you to Piscina del Rey.