Snorkeling in Mexico?

[Eric G.]

I'll be on the upcoming 12 day cruise on the Royal Princess. I've been snorkeling in Hawaii, but never in Mexico. We'll be going to Puerto Vallarta, Manzanillo, Mazatlán and Cabo San Lucas. Has anyone gone snorkeling in any of these areas? Is it good visibility and worth the cost? Good sea life to view?

I haven't decided yet whether to go on a ship excursion or book something myself.

 

Any thoughts appreciated.

Edited September 20, 2022 by Eric G.

[CruiserBruce]

There are many discussions here about snorkeling the Pacific side of Mexico...I wouldn't recommend snorkeling in those areas. Visibility can definitely be an issue. Hawaii, the Caribbean...all much better.

[Mike45LC]

It depends on YOU.

 

1.  "I am an experienced snorkeler and I love the reefs and amazing schools of fish at ______."  You will be disappointed with Pacific Mex Riv snorkeling.

 

2.  "I love to swim in the ocean."  Snorkeling can be fun if you are not expecting amazing views!

 

I've beach snorkeled in Cabo, Mazatlan and PV, and it ain't awesome!

[Theosprey247]

The waters around Goat Island (Isla de Chivos) are generally clear and peaceful. There are tropical fish, but no reefs so don’t expect a Caribbean experience. There are also restaurants on the beach. 

[Kabuki12]

I on this cruise also.  I booked a snorkeling excursion on Chileno Bay.  There is also one for Santa Maria.  I dont know which one is better.   They feed the fish so the fish get aggressive bumping into you.  I havent heard much.   

 

I snorkeled Hawaii also and it was really nice.  Clear water and big tropical blue fish.

 

There are lots of videos on youtube concerning snorkeling in Chileno Bay and Cabo.

Edited September 25, 2022 by Kabuki12

[cdngrl]

Thanks Eric, I wondered this too. I’m also guessing the water isn’t as warm as other places I’ve snorkelled? Hmmm… to bring the gear or not…

[Hlitner]

On 9/20/2022 at 5:01 PM, Mike45LC said:

It depends on YOU.

 

1.  "I am an experienced snorkeler and I love the reefs and amazing schools of fish at ______."  You will be disappointed with Pacific Mex Riv snorkeling.

 

2.  "I love to swim in the ocean."  Snorkeling can be fun if you are not expecting amazing views!

 

I've beach snorkeled in Cabo, Mazatlan and PV, and it ain't awesome!

We have lived in Puerto Vallarta for the past 17 winters.  The first year we brought all of our snorkel gear.  That was the first and last time we ever had snorkel gear in PV :).  We are spoiled having snorkeled and dived in many great spots around the globe and Puerto Vallarta ain't one of them!

 

Hank