Snorkel
Clear waters and over 500 species of indigenous fish
Snorkeling is probably the most popular sport in all areas of the Caribbean, and for good reason: clear waters and over 500 species of indigenous fish. Add to that the 65 different species of corals and 350 species of mollusks, not to mention the warm Caribbean waters, and you get a tempting distraction for most everyone.
Maya Chan Beach is located just inside the great Mesoamerican reef. This is the second largest barrier reef in the world, ranking just behind the Great Barrier Reef in Australia. It spans 1,000 kilometers from the tip of the Yucatan peninsula, through Belize, Guatemala, and ending in the Bay Islands of Honduras. Snorkeling at the reef is always beautiful and the views along the shore line can be equally amazing. But this isn’t a submarine ride at Disneyland; don’t expect the wildlife to come to you. Here the animals and plants are wild and protected. They haven’t learned to eat food out of a human hand and they are certainly more curious about you than you may be of them. Our guests have snorkeled with manatees, dolphins and sea turtles; they’ve also watched fish eat tidbits in the sand around their feet. Everyday’s a new adventure and nothing is predictable.
The waters in this area are part of a turtle preserve and there are many sea grass beds where little babies like to hide. Sea urchins and crabs generously give of their time and spiny lobster are often found crawling around the bottom. Bright red starfish make occasional appearances and schools of baitfish are often seen jumping above water level trying to avoid a mishap with the jaws of a larger fish.
Maya Chan Beach supplies all snorkeling gear for our guests, free of charge. Visitors can snoop around a neighboring pier, search through the sea grass beds, or even venture to the reef, although it is not a trip for everybody. Several interesting locations are marked by buoys. Any member of our staff will be happy to help you locate these markers. So, grab your mask and snorkel and get ready to get wet!
Please keep in mind that all activities are subject to weather conditions and are controlled by the Port Captain of Costa Maya.
