Isla Contoy – Quintana Roo
Known as “The Island of the Birds” this four mile long island is a mere 22 yards wide. The 435-acre island is the perfect habitat for more than 60 species of marine birds. It is also a popular spot for the marine turtle. Access is by permission of SEDESOL.
Garrafón, National Park – Quintana Roo —-Near Cancun.
A popular park with swimming at the beach. It was once a great place to snorkel but the coral reef is now dead so the area does not attract the vibrant population of fish it once did.
Chankanab Bay National Park – Quintana Roo
This is a great place for snorkelers who want to explore the amazing coral reef near Cozumel.
Isla Cozumel – Quintana Roo
Largest inhabited island in Mexico. Dramatic coral reefs for snorkeling and underwater photography along the 18-mile protected area along the coast.
Xel-ha Lagoon National Park – Quintana Roo is a great place to go snorkeling or swimming. It is a fresh water bay that meets the ocean.
Tulum National Park – Quintana Roo
Highway 307 about an hours drive from Playa del Carmen.
Punta Laguna – Quintana Roo
A small Mayan community of about 50 farmers who have created their own museum. They also have a ruin site which is unrestored and not under the control of INAH. Visitors are encouraged to stop in and learn firsthand about traditional Mayan agricultural methods and life.
Sian Ka’an Biosphere Reserve – Quintana Roo
A UNESCO World Heritage Site, the Mayan name means “He who is born beneath the sun.” What you’ll find is the best of jungle wildlife stretching over bays, forests, coastal lagoons, reefs, and cenotes. A 110 km barrier reef is off the coast — the second largest in the world. The place is also riddled with more than 23 unrestored Mayan ruins from different epochs.
Laguna Bacalar – Quintana Roo
At Laguna Bacalar you can rent a boat to explore this beautiful lake or fish. You can swim, ski, windsurf, sail and jet ski on this lake known as the Lake of Seven Colours.
Cenote Azul –
Cenote Azul is on the shores of Laguna Bacalar. It is 90 meters deep and the water is so still, you can almost see bottom.