What are The Most Popular Water Activities in Cancun?

Visiting Cancun is the synonym of a beautiful warm ocean with colorful fish, coral reefs, and of course, you want to spend most of your vacations in the water.

So, What are the most popular water activities in Cancun?

Scuba Diving, Snorkeling, and Sport sea Fishing because of the colorful coral reefs and abundant marine life. All the resorts along the coast offer tons of water activities, but if you choose these three, you will not regret it.

How is Scuba Diving in Cancun?

Cancun has an incredible reputation for clear waters and magnificent marine life, offer interesting diving spots for this recreational sport that is a dream for people traveling to the area.

Cancun really has beautiful sites for diving. Outside of Bahia, the best ones are Punta Blanca, El Túnel, No Name, and the church, best known as Aristos.

There is a protected area with a depth between 50 and 60 feet, coral spots and therefore hosts some of the most beautiful marine animals concentrated there.

In the Bay of Isla Mujeres, (located between Cancun and Isla) there is a zone of 30 to 40 feet depth and has several spots named Cuevones, La Bandera and Manchones, these are great for shallow dives.

Almost all the Dive Schools take their students to Chitales at 25 feet deep, but there is not much to see there, but there is a reason why they take students there. Students need to concentrate first on their diving skills.

The dive sites outside the Bay is usually current, not as much as in the wreck site, but there some strong current, the water is clear, and there is a lot of marine life, large schools of fish.

For shallow diving the most popular is the Musa, it will take a little more time to get you there as this location is between Cancun and Isla Mujeres and most of the dive shops are in Cancun hotel zone. However, you will enjoy the ride.

MUSA (Cancun’s Underwater Art Museum)

In this dive site, you can admire more than 460 statues underwater of 24-36 feet depth. You`ll be able to visit this fantastic fun dive site.

Shipwreck Diving
There are shipwrecks that you can dive as well if you are experienced diver that loves adventure. The C58 Minesweeper Wreck Dive Is an old Navy vessel from World War II is only about 80 feet below the surface. That was sold to the Mexican Navy in 1962 and eventually sank to become an artificial reef.

It is recommended that divers be experienced, as the currents on the way down to the ship can be quite strong. The area is fantastic and frequented by large animals like groupers, eagle rays, barracuda, mantas and sharks. Spectacular for underwater photographers. In 2005 the hurricane Wilma split the ship in two, you can swim around the entire wreck and enter it to see the two parts.

How to become a diver? If you are not certified and you just want to have a diving experience in Cancun, there are a couple of options, you can get the one day course Discover Scuba Diving (DSD), or full course Open Water Diver (OWD) you will spend a couple of hours of your day, but is worth the time, plus you will learn and have great fun.

For a Discover Scuba Diver course, which is the introductory course, you will have classes theoretical and practical about how to use the equipment, (BCD and regulator) in shallow water or a pool, depending on the scuba diving school you choose. After your class, you will go on a boat or from a pier to the nearest reef and experience the underwater world. This is the best choice for your first-time scuba diving. I recommend doing it in the morning, so you can have the afternoon available to wander around the area or just do another dive.

Full Open Water Diver Course, if you have more time, you should do the full course, four days, and get your certification and be able to dive anywhere in the world with your lifetime card. This course can be suitable for the whole family, including children from 10 years old. However, there is another excellent option for you, and that is to start this course online from home and do the practice during your vacation in the Caribbean, that sounds good, does it?. Go to PADI or any of the dive agencies below and find out more about it, you can even choose the dive shop where you would like to finish your course.

Learn about different scuba diving agencies to find out which one is best for you. So, you can get your Official diving certification card. PADI, NAUI, SSI, CMAS, SDI.

If you are a certified diver already, then do not miss the opportunity to dive in paradise, this is a great area to do so.

Diving conditions in Cancun are great, with water temperatures rarely falling below 75°F/24°C even in the winter (November – February). In summer, water temperatures typically reach 85°F/29°C – making it possible to plan multiple dives without getting chilled. Visibility is usually great, reach 120 feet/36 meters.

In the summer wear a light wetsuit or shorty it works perfectly if you normally use a wetsuit, and for the winter a long 3mm wetsuit will make it. You do not need to bring equipment with you, all of the dive shops would rent them if you require extra gear.

How much does a diving cost?
The approximate cost for diving in Cancun for two tanks $85 per diver.
For Discover Scuba Divers (beginners course) from $95 to $115 per person, including equipment.
For OWSD (Open water scuba diver) is from $435 to $480 per person.

If you decide to go diving in Cancun get informed, here are some tips.

Make sure you go with a reputable dive shop, check their online reviews
Ask the dive shop when making a reservation about their rates and what is included.
make a reservation online before your trip if you are visiting during high season December to April.
Make your dive safe following the rules and regulations from your diving guide.
Check the weather and water conditions.
Diving requires to be in healthy conditions.
Don’t allow other people to peer pressure you if you do not want to go diving don`t go.
Make sure the equipment you rent is in good conditions.
Avoid bringing an underwater camera If you are a new diver.
Relax and have fun there is another world down there

Here is a list of reputable dive shops in Cancun:

Solo Buceo
Scuba Total Cancun
Manta Divers
ccdivecenter
mexico divers
dive pro cancun diving
Cancun Scuba Center

How is the Snorkeling In Cancun?

Snorkeling in Cancun is great and offers a different experience than many other places, because of the variety of sites that you can enjoy even if you have little or no experience.

Swim with marine turtles, tons of colorful fishes, coral reef, an underwater museum, and even a small shipwreck. The sites for snorkeling have a maximum of 9 feet depth, with calm waters and none or few current. Going on a tour would be the best, as agencies provide all the equipment and the necessary safety.

As for shore snorkeling, some hotels have excellent snorkeling off the beach, not all of the hotels have a calm beach; however, the options are definitely limited in the hotel zone – water is way too rough! Just be aware of the weather condition, follow the rules and the flags. If you are snorkelers lovers and that is what you are looking for to do most of the time during your vacations, inquire about that before booking your hotel.

Snorkeling tips:

Practice at least once with a snorkeling mask if you have never done it before in a pool.
Try your equipment if you are bringing your own.
Bring your own mask and snorkel, does not take much space in your luggage.
Make sure your mask is clean if it is new then look at this video of how to clean a new mask. If you use prescription glasses, then you should get a visor with prescription lenses.
Use a long sleeves wet-shirt that will protect you from the sun, and it will protect the reef from sunblock.
Use life vest
Do not walk with your fins on.
Bring an underwater camera
Make sure the fins that you bring or rent are the correct sizes
Wet suit/dive skin shorty or full length – Ideal for warmth or protection, especially in the winter in the area.
Do not buy a fancy snorkel if you are the first-timer, it will make your life difficult. Get the cheapest one.
Never snorkel alone, always with a buddy.
Don`t get away from your group if you are on a tour
Always spot your guide.
Respect other people`s space
Overall respect the rules

What to bring to a snorkeling tour:

Mask. (if you use glasses, then you can get prescription mask)
Snorkel
Fins
Life vest
Long sleeves Wet-shirt
Wet suit/dive skin
An underwater camera like Go Pro, Sealife or DJI Osmo action 4K camera or a Garmin VIRB Ultra 30.
Float strap for your camera.

Recommendation:
Help to protect the environment. There are beautiful creatures that are very fragile in the ocean, and they die when sunblock is used and when we touch them. So, please do not touch anything, not only with your hands but with your fins.
– Do not step or stand on anything.
– Do not feed marine life
– Do not take anything as a souvenir from the ocean.

How is the fishing in Cancun?

Fishing is a very popular activity in the Caribbean and Cancun is one of the best fishing destinations. You can have the opportunity to go fishing all year round, and of course, each species of fish has its own season. Fishing in Cancun is abundant, you`ll be able to catch the bigs ones like Blue & white marlin, sailfish, mahi-mahi, barracuda, tuna and wahoo. These are the species that the pros go for, and certainly, the best is for the protected species, such as Blue Marlin that must be returned to the water immediately after being weighed and photographed to keep them alive.

Most of the species are edible, and you can keep them if you decide so, just ask your guide what the rules are. Your guide will fillet your catch, and most restaurants would cook it for you. The best fish for your dinner will be Dorado (Mahi Mahi,) Wahoo, King Mackerel, Spanish Mackerel, Snapper.

Fishing charters are available for all experiences levels, and trips leave early in the morning and offer from 3 to 8 hours.

When making a reservation online for a fishing trip. You can even pick the boat where you want to go, That is why there are websites with photos of their fishing boats and a list of equipment. So you can choose and reserve what you want. Of course the further in advance you make your reservation the better the chance you will get the boat you want

Some charters offer the option of sharing the boat with other people on a lower price, then you will take a turn on the fighting chair. People prefer to have their own private charter.

Fishing Tips:

Reservations: Make a reservation in advance for your fishing trip
The language: Do not expect to have a fishing guide that speaks perfect English or any other language other than Spanish. Most of the captains and crew speak at least fishing English and sign language, there will be no language barrier for sure.
Bananas: Do not bring bananas on board. Yes, you read this right. Maybe it is funny to you but not to the captain of the boat. I know, I know this is a superstition, but if you do not want everything that happened in the boat be blame on you, do not bring a banana not even hide in your backpack. You will catch nothing. I heard this last time I was on a fishing charter, I brought a banana, we find nothing in the fishing season! The weather got bad, and everyone got seasick…. Whom did they blame, yes that right, Me? So, bring any snack you like but a banana.
Cash: Bring cash with you, I know you will not be buying anything on the boat in the middle of the ocean. But you will need it for the following tip.
Gratuity: What is an appropriate tip for a fishing guide? Tipping is a way of appreciation for an excellent service, a fishing guide goes out of his way to ensure your needs are met and spend time with you, most of them really provide an excellent personalized service. Just follow the same standard you would in many other tipping situations. Reward your guide with 15 percent, if you’re pleased and can afford it give a little more. If you are not thrilled with the service, drop it down or if definitely don’t want to mess with calculation then tip from $50 to $100 it`s all up to you.
Communication: Be honest with the captain and your guide, tell them what type of experience you have as a fisherman, and what are your expectations
Expectation: Remember if you are real fisherman, you will understand that you are fishing not catching. So, do not get upset at the end of the trip if you didn`t get any fish. Captain will do their best to put you on the fish you want but keep an open mind, be patient, and remember that it`s fishing, not the grocery store.
Toilets: Most of the fishing boats have toilets, but if you are taking a panga (whaler boat) usually do not have toilets.
Have Fun: Fishing is fun, catching is amazing. Whether you reach your daily limit or get skunked, enjoy the outdoors and being out on the beautiful Caribbean water with your family, friends, and meeting new people.

Fishing trips include:

Guide, crew, and captain
All fishing equipment
Bait
Soft Drinks & Water
Lunch if you hire more than 3 hours trip. (Some team make fresh ceviche right on the boat from the fish you catch) if not bring a box lunch or snacks.

What to bring to a fishing trip:

Hat
Sunglass
Light long leave shirts
Shorts
Sunscreen
Snacks
The swish knife they are always very useful
Light rain gear. Always be prepared!
Camera, so you can catch the best image of your big fish.

When is the best fishing season in Cancun?

Learn what you will be catching when you board a fishing boat. Here is a calendar of the fish and season in the area

Jan

Feb

Mar

May

Jun

Jul

Sep

Oct

Nov

Dec

Blue Marlin

White Marlin

Sailfish

Tuna

Wahoo

King Mackerel

Mahi-Mahi

Amberjack

Barracuda

Snapper

G = Good Season
E= Excellent season
F= Fair

Recommendation: When going fishing avoid bottom fishing, because this is the easy way to catch the species that should not be in the hook, like groupers that in this area are facing the risk of extinction if current overfishing trends continue.