The coral reefs in Tulum are part of the Great Mayan Reef, known for its spectacular diversity of marine life. Part of the Yucatan Peninsula, Tulum is a welcome break from the more congested Cancun area of Mexico. Unlike many other places, snorkeling on Tulum Beach is possible even for amateurs, provided they undertake a training course that local tour operators offer for a fee. For experts, cenote diving and cave diving are opportunities to view the untouched beauty of the vast underground caves of this coral reef.
Speak to someone at the front desk of the hotel or resort where you are staying. Collect information about local snorkeling tour operators. Most operators who offer scuba diving also conduct guided snorkeling tours. Quite a few of these, such as Kay Op Divers, Mexidivers, Halocline Diving and Maya Diving, also conduct short training courses for beginners. Get in touch with an operator through the hotel desk to plan your snorkeling adventure. Contact information is also available online at Todotulum.com.
Decide the type of snorkeling to undertake depending on your level of experience. If you are a professional diver, ask your dive operator to take you cave diving and cenote diving in Tulum. A cenote is a sinkhole commonly found in the Yucatan Peninsula of which Tulum is a part. Snorkel in the underground caves of the Tulum region to get a magnificent view of the exotic marine life and superb crystal formations for which this area is known.
Join a beginner’s course offered by many of the Tulum dive operators if you are new to snorkeling. Follow the instructions and learn the different aspects of the sport. Practice to clear water from the snorkeling gear. This will help you if water enters your equipment accidentally while you are under water. Make yourself comfortable with the snorkeling gear and do a test run in shallow water. Follow this with practice in a spot where your feet don’t touch the bottom. Determine your snorkeling trip when your instructor says you are sufficiently trained.
Rent snorkeling gear from the dive shops located near the beach. If you book a trip with a dive tour operator, check if they provide gear and the rent you have to pay. Some operators include the equipment charge with the diving fee.
Speak to your dive operator and schedule a trip to the cenotes in the area. The Grand Cenote located about three kilometers away from Tulum, and is known for its breathtaking beauty.
