Need advice about snorkeling Playa Del Carmen and/or Tulum

[cobbonthecorn]

We are planning a trip to Play Del Carmen and need recommendations for a snorkeling trip so the non-diving family members can be entertained too. I am looking for specific companies and sites that you though were enjoyable and safe. Any insight is appreciated, and as always, thank you in advance!

[Fly Girl]

We stayed at the Occidental Xcaret. The snorkeling through the cave at Xcaret was fun. We did the underground route, and it wasn't scary or hard - lots of younger kids were snorkeling. There aren't any fish or anything, and it is more like a "lazy river" type of float. The snorkeling beach at Xcaret was great with lots of fish. The weather was not good when we were there in January, so the snorkeling was a bit difficult, but I understand it is calm most of the time. We also booked a trip to Isla Muheres (sp?) that went on Albatross Catamarans. The snorkeling was awful - too many people and drift snorkling was a difficult concept for most of the people, but the the trip overall was great and would really be enjoyable for anyone. The beach on the island was great, the lunch was great, and the sailing was really fun, especially watching people "spinnaker jump." Have a great time!!!!

[driftwood]

The snorkeling tour that we liked the best was run by the Akumal Dive Shop, Akumal Dive Shop -Caribbean Scuba Diving, Akumal, Mexico (http://www.akumal.com) The guide was very good and the two sites we visited were excellent, Xaac and Akumal Bay. Since there is a resort being constructed at Xaac, they may not go there anymore. Great shop for snorkel tours, but I would not use them for diving.

A very safe and calm site for snorkeling is Yal Kul in Akumal. A sheltered inlet with little or no waves. Go there in the morning before the vans arrive and disturb the water. Not a great snorkel site, but a very good one to get comfortable snorkeling (calm water, good vis in the morning and no waves or boat traffic)

Another option is the Fat Cat out of Puerto Adventuras. You can find a link to them on Playa del Carmen, Mexico's Virtual Guide Book : Playa.Info (http://www.playa.info) Nice sailboat trip with some snorkeling thrown in. Two others are the day trips by Altournatives and Yucatreks. Both have links on playainfo. We have done tours with all three and really enjoyed them. Any would be a great way to spend vacation time.

[divinglife]

Hey! If you staying in the Playa area, there is this great little shop right downtown called THE SNORKEL SHOP (very creative.. hehe). They specialize in snorkeling trips and have really great outings. We send them people all the time both for snorkeling and because they have the best selection of diving and snorkeling gadgets (don't tell my boss hehehe).
They are on 16th street between 5th and 1st avenues. Let me know if you need more info!

[robint]

here are a few I found on internet:
playa del carmen trip planning menu (http://www.playa.info/playa-del-carmen-info-trip-planning-menu.html)

Tours from the Riviera Maya, diving, fishing and more. (http://www.cancunvista.com/mayanriviera/index.html)

F1 Offshore Explorer | Playa del Carmen, Riviera Maya, Mexico | Fantasea Dive (http://fantaseadive.com/tours.php)

Xcaret - Cancun most amazing eco park (http://www.xcaret.com/) Large all day amusement park

XelHa | Natural Wonder - Home (http://www.xelha.com/) Large all day snorkeling outdoor park

robin:D

[cobbonthecorn]

Thanks to all so far! I'll work through each suggestion this weekend.

[robint]

here is another snorkeling tour I found:
Aventuras Mayas - Naturalmente Mexico (http://www.aventurasmayas.com.mx/Adventure%20Mayan%20Adevnture.htm)
and also
Playa del Carmen Tours, Activities and Excursions (http://www.playadelcarmentours.com/)

[waverrunner]

Here is a small company that really caters to peoples wishes. They can go to combo sites where snorkling and diving are good. Alex at Sunrise is the greatest....
.: SUNRISE DIVERS :. (http://www.sunrisediverscozumel.com)