Snorkeling in Cancún
Snorkeling in Cancún comes down to warm, calm water. The most comfortable months are November to May, with highs around 87°F (30°C) and the sea at about 81°F (27°C).
Photo: Luka Peternel, CC BY-SA 4.0
Top snorkeling in Cancún
Cancun's Best: Catamaran to Isla Mujeres, Snorkeling & Drinks!From $35View 
5-in-1 Cancun Snorkeling: Turtles, Reef, Musa, Shipwreck, CenoteFrom $69View 
Cancun speedboat and snorkel tour: shared speedboatFrom $56View
Tours from Viator. Good Outing may earn a commission when you book, at no cost to you.
Local operators and places
Names that come up for snorkeling in Cancún:
- Punta Este Marina
How to pick a good snorkeling trip
- Check whether gear, a wetsuit and reef-safe sunscreen are included or extra.
- Morning trips usually have calmer, clearer water before the afternoon wind picks up.
- If you're a nervous swimmer, ask for a flotation vest and a guide in the water.
- Smaller boats reach quieter spots; big boats often moor at the busiest reef.
Cancún month by month
Averages for Cancún, 1991–2020; sea temperatures offshore, 1991–2020.
| Month | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| High °F (°C) | 83 (29) | 85 (29) | 87 (31) | 90 (32) | 92 (33) | 92 (34) | 93 (34) | 94 (34) | 92 (33) | 89 (32) | 86 (30) | 84 (29) |
| Low °F (°C) | 67 (19) | 67 (20) | 69 (21) | 72 (22) | 75 (24) | 76 (25) | 76 (25) | 76 (25) | 75 (24) | 74 (23) | 71 (22) | 68 (20) |
| Rainy days | 6 | 4 | 4 | 3 | 6 | 10 | 10 | 10 | 14 | 15 | 9 | 8 |
| Sea °F (°C) | 80 (27) | 80 (27) | 80 (27) | 81 (27) | 82 (28) | 83 (29) | 84 (29) | 85 (29) | 85 (29) | 84 (29) | 83 (28) | 81 (27) |
| Sunset (15th) | 6:26 pm | 6:45 pm | 6:57 pm | 7:06 pm | 7:18 pm | 7:30 pm | 7:32 pm | 7:18 pm | 6:51 pm | 6:23 pm | 6:06 pm | 6:08 pm |
Questions
When is the best time for snorkeling in Cancún?
November to May. Expect highs around 87°F (30°C) and the sea at about 81°F (27°C). The least comfortable months are September and October, when the sea drops to about 80°F.
How warm is the water in Cancún?
The sea averages 80°F (27°C) in February and 85°F (29°C) in August. It stays warm enough to swim in without a wetsuit all year.
Where can I book snorkeling in Cancún?
The tours above book on Viator. Compare group size, duration, what is included and the cancellation terms before you pick one.
