Snorkeling and Scuba Diving in Cancún

The snorkeling is best at Punta Nizuc, Punta Cancún, and Playa Tortugas, although you should be careful of the strong currents at Tortugas. You can rent gear for about $10 per day from many of the scuba-diving places as well as at many hotels.

Scuba diving is popular in Cancún, though it's not as spectacular as in Cozumel. Look for a scuba company that will give you lots of personal attention: smaller companies are often better at this than larger ones. Regardless, ask to meet the dive master, and check the equipment and certifications thoroughly. A few words of caution about one-hour courses that many resorts offer for free: such courses do not prepare you to dive in the open ocean—only in shallow water where you can easily surface without danger. If you've caught the scuba bug and want to take deep or boat dives, prepare yourself properly by investing in a full certification course.

Aqua Fun. Aqua Fun offers a two-hour tour of the mangroves that costs $66 per person and includes snorkeling at the Punta Nizuc reef. Daily tours take place at 9 am, noon and 3 pm. Reservations must be made in advance. Blvd. Kukulcán, Km 16.5, Zona Hotelera, Cancún, Quintana Roo, 77500. 998/885-0195 or 998/885-1682. aquafun.com.mx.

AquaWorld. AquaWorld has a day-trip snorkeling excursion to Isla Mujeres for $77 per person. This operation also offers one-tank dives for $72 and two-tank dives startting at $77. Dive explorations of boat wrecks cost $85, and three-day dive packages cost $266. Blvd. Kukulcán, Km 15.2, Zona Hotelera, Cancún, Quintana Roo, 77500. 998/848-8326. www.aquaworld.com.mx.

Marina Barracuda. Marina Barracuda has a two-hour jungle boat tour through the mangroves, ending with snorkeling at the Punta Nizuc coral reef. The fee (starting at $66) includes snorkeling equipment, life jackets, and refreshments. Blvd. Kukulcán, Km 14, Zona Hotelera, Cancún, Quintana Roo, 77500. 998/885-2444. www.marinabarracuda.com.

Marina Punta del Este. Marina Punta del Este is right in front of the Grand Park Royal Cancún Caribe. They have dives that last from 3½ to 4 hours and cost $72 if you are certified or $88 if you need a lesson. Daily lessons begin at 9 and 1. Blvd. Kukulcán, Km 10.3, Zona Hotelera, Cancún, Quintana Roo, 77500. 998/883-1210. www.puntaestemarina.com.

Mundo Marino. Mundo Marino has a 2½-hour snorkeling excursion that costs $28 per person. They also offer single-tank dives ($55), two-tank dives ($70), night dives ($70), and diving instruction courses ($90). Blvd. Kukulcán, Km 5.5, Zona Hotelera, Cancún, Quintana Roo, 77500. 998/849-7257 or 998/849-7258.

Scuba Cancún. Scuba Cancún specializes in diving trips and offers NAUI, CMAS, and PADI instruction. It's operated by Tomás Hurtado, who has more than 60 years of experience. Two-tank dives start at $68. Blvd. Kukulcán, Km 5, Zona Hotelera, Cancún, Quintana Roo, 77500. 998/849-7508. www.scubacancun.com.mx.

Solo Buceo. Solo Buceo charges $55 for one-tank dives, $70 for two-tank dives, and $90 for twilight diving every Tuesday and Thursday. They also have NAUI, FMAS, CMAS, and PADI instruction (lessons run $90-$240). Blvd. Kukulcán, Km 9.5, Zona Hotelera, Cancún, Quintana Roo, 77500. 998/883-8979. www.solobuceo.com.