Snorkeling in Isla Mujeres – Discover Its Amazing Underwater World

Once a small fishing village, stunning Isla Mujeres (meaning "Island of Women") has now become a favorite destination for travelers seeking natural beauty, island serenity, and thrilling water sport activities. Known for its calm crystal clear turquoise waters, beautiful white sand beaches, laid-back but tranquil atmosphere and true Caribbean charm, this 5 mile long wisp of island is located just 6km away from the northeastern coast of Cancun. Tucked in the turquoise waters of the Caribbean Sea, Isla Mujeres is part of the 2nd largest reef system in the world – The Great Mayan Reef! The calm clear waters, extensive coral reefs and plenty of friendly tropical fish combine to make Isla Mujeres an excellent snorkeling and diving site in the Mexican Caribbean. This Mexican beach and its surrounding waters are a haven for diving enthusiasts and snorkelers alike. Check out below for some of the most enthralling snorkeling and diving sites in Isla Mujeres.
 
[caption id="attachment_2271" align="aligncenter" width="800"]Snorkeling in Isla Mujeres Snorkeling in Isla Mujeres [/caption]  

#1 Garrafon Natural Reef Park
 
A terrestrial paradise of reefs and cliffs facing the turquoise waters of the Mexican Caribbean, Garrafon Natural Reef Park is known for its incredible recreational activities including snorkeling, hiking and kayaking. This beautiful park covers the south end of Isla Mujeres, and includes the best snorkeling reefs on the island where you can encounter an array of brilliantly colored tropical fish. The biggest and most popular attraction at Garrafon Park is getting up close and personal with the friendly dolphins. Apart from snorkeling, exploring its colorful coral reefs and swimming with dolphins, there are a plethora of other fun activities that await you at Garrafon Park. Don't miss it!

 
#1 Garrafon Natural Reef Park
 
#2 Manchones Reef
 
A 12km long natural marvel, Manchones reef in Isla Mujeres is a favorite site among avid snorkelers and divers alike. With azure blue waters, exotic fish species and flora with amazing colors, it is no doubt why Manchones Reef ranks among the top 35 snorkeling places in the world. Explore a delicate reef ecosystem in the protected area of the Manchones, observe diverse coral reef formations & astonishing marine species, and most definitely take a snorkeling or diving tour to Museo Subacquatico de Arte (MUSA) underwater museum to discover the wonders the marine world of this natural spectacle with over 400 water statues ranging in size and theme.
 
Manchones Reef
 
#3 El Farito
 
A natural water park located at the southern end of Isla Mujeres, El Farito boasts a lighthouse in the middle of an amazing reef. Perfect for advanced snorkelers and beginner divers looking for an amazing experience, the El Farito reef (2 meters maximum depth) is home to a wide variety of fish and coral formations. You can view the beautiful marine fauna and the lighthouse or take a dive tour to visit the Virgin of El Farito, which was submerged in 1966 to protect fisherman.
 
El Farito
 
#4 Media Luna Isla Mujeres
 
On the Caribbean side of Isla Mujeres, “Media Luna” is a great snorkel and dive site with marvelous reef, unique arches, ridges, ledges and a wonderful variety of corals & marine species. You can snorkel along its channels and dive through arches and bridges to view the colorful coral and tropical fish. You will find two caves with sharks, large sea anemone, spiny sea fish, jewelfish groupers, urchins, shrimp, lobsters and more.
 
Media Luna Isla Mujeres
 
#5 The Cave of the Sleeping Sharks
 
Located on the northern coats of the island Mujeres, the Cave of the Sleeping Sharks was discovered in 1969 by Jacques Cousteau and lies about 20 meters underwater. Formed by coral formations, this beautiful cave is part of the Los Manchones reef. It is an exhilarating experience to get close to the resting sharks. Nurse sharks are most commonly seen in the cave but you can also see a variety of other sharks such as bull, black tip, and gray reef sharks.
 
The Cave of the Sleeping Sharks
 
#6 The Peninsula of Sac Bajo
 
Located in the western part of Isla Mujeres, Sac Bajo is a great place for people looking for aquatic fun. The site is comprised of a peninsula with a reef – perfect for snorkeling enthusiasts. You can see diverse varieties of fish swimming between the bay and the lagoon through a narrow inlet. Other attractions of Sac Bajo include the Dolphin Discovery and the Turtle Farm.
 
With the serene beauty, the heritage of the Mayans, magnificent lagoons, rocky coastline and blue hues of the gorgeous Caribbean Sea, Isla Mujeres is a peaceful paradise for tourists from all over the world.
 
Apart from the above mentioned snorkel and dive sites, El Hondureño, Cañonero Chairel, and El placer also provide great opportunities for adventurous snorkeling and scuba diving in the waters of Isla Mujeres. Come explore and experience this majestic underwater world of Isla Mujeres.

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