Isla Mujeres Snorkel Tour: El Farito, Manchones Reef and MUSA
A small-boat snorkel from Isla Mujeres with the family-run DC Explorer: up to 12 guests, departing daily at 11:00, to the three snorkel spots of the island's marine park — the shallow El Farito, Manchones reef and MUSA. $55 per person with a guide, park entrance and gear; 2.5–3 hours.
Cancún, Mexico · 2h 45min · up to 12 guests · $55 per person, shared boat of up to 12
We had an amazing experience with DC Explore Snorkeling in Isla Mujeres! Our captain, Julio, and our in-water guide, Pablo, were both fantastic. We loved the personal attention and smaller, more private feel of the tour. They even let us play our own music on the boat which made it even more fun and relaxing. Julio and Pablo pointed out so many incredible things for us to see — sting rays, barracuda, and so much marine life — but the absolute highlight was the sea turtles! We were lucky enough to see several huge turtles, and it was one of the coolest snorkeling experiences we've ever had. The whole trip felt safe, personal, and unforgettable. Highly recommend DC Explore if you want a more customized and memorable snorkeling adventure!
What is this tour like?
DC Explorer is a family-run outfit with an office in the centre of Isla Mujeres. Its public snorkel trip leaves every day at 11:00 with no more than 12 guests on a boat unless one big family books it. Weather permitting, it visits the three snorkel spots of the island's national marine park: El Farito, only 1 to 6 feet deep and good for beginners; the Manchones reef at 12 to 30 feet; and MUSA, the underwater museum installed off Cancún and Isla Mujeres in 2009.
The trip lasts 2.5 to 3 hours and rides along the island shore between spots. You meet at the DC Explorer office, or at the ferry terminal if you are coming over from the mainland. A Tikin-Xic grilled fish lunch on Playa Tiburón is available for $20 per person.
What are the highlights?
- 12 guests or fewer per boat
- Three spots of the Isla Mujeres marine park: El Farito (1–6 ft), Manchones reef (12–30 ft) and MUSA
- Guide in your language, park entrance, fees, gear and water in the price
- Optional Tikin-Xic fish lunch on Playa Tiburón for $20
How does the day go, hour by hour?tap a photo to enlarge
- 11:00Meet at the DC Explorer office
In the centre of Isla Mujeres, or at the ferry terminal if you are arriving from the mainland.
- —El Farito and Manchones reef
The shallow El Farito, then the living reef at Manchones.
- —MUSA
Snorkelling over the sculptures of the underwater museum, weather permitting.
- —Back along the shore
Sightseeing along the island shore and back to the pickup point — or ashore at Playa Tiburón if you chose the fish lunch.
What's included in the price?
- A certified guide in your language
- Marine-park entrance, all fees and taxes
- Snorkel gear: life jacket, fins, mask and snorkel
- Bottled water
What's not included?
- Soft drinks and sandwiches
- Tikin-Xic fish lunch, $20 per person
- Ferry from Cancún to Isla Mujeres
What should you know before you go?
Who runs this tour?
Where do we meet?
DC Explorer office, Matamoros 11, downtown Isla Mujeres; or the Isla Mujeres ferry terminal at the scheduled time if you come from the mainland. Departure daily at 11:00.
Exact meeting point shared after booking.
FAQ
I am staying in Cancún. How do I get there?
Is it suitable for children and beginners?
Will we see all three spots?
Can we have the boat to ourselves?
Quick questions
What do guests say?
“We had an amazing experience with DC Explore Snorkeling in Isla Mujeres! Our captain, Julio, and our in-water guide, Pablo, were both fantastic. We loved the personal attention and smaller, more private feel of the tour. They even let us play our own music on the boat which made it even more fun and relaxing. Julio and Pablo pointed out so many incredible things for us to see — sting rays, barracuda, and so much marine life — but the absolute highlight was the sea turtles! We were lucky enough to see several huge turtles, and it was one of the coolest snorkeling experiences we've ever had. The whole trip felt safe, personal, and unforgettable. Highly recommend DC Explore if you want a more customized and memorable snorkeling adventure!”
“It was truly an amazing experience! Luis and Gabriel were incredible guides who made everything so enjoyable and seamless. We had such an unforgettable time from start to finish. I can't recommend DC Explorers enough, if you're considering it, definitely book with them!”
How can you pay?
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