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Snorkeling with qualifications

Long Island. NY
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280 posts
5 reviews
6 helpful votes
Snorkeling with qualifications
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I did search for snorkeling info on this forum but none really seem to answer my needs. I am looking for a calm lagoon, not an open reef where I could be flung around in the undertow. I don't want to be away from hotel for more than 3-4 hours. Not looking for a tour to be combined with other things. Really need a calm water lagoon for some beginner snorkelers like you might get in the Bahamas. Thanks everyone!

Marsa Alam, Egypt
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1,115 posts
5 reviews
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1. Re: Snorkeling with qualifications
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Xel Ha, Yal Ku or Akumal Bay.

Savannah, Georgia
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for Savannah
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2. Re: Snorkeling with qualifications
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Xel Ha would be your best bet or a cenote.

Long Island. NY
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280 posts
5 reviews
6 helpful votes
3. Re: Snorkeling with qualifications
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How far away would Xel-Ha be from the Royal Cancun? Can I take a bus there or do I have to use Xel-Ha's transportation? As I said I am looking for a 3-4 hr time period away from hotel. Thanks:)

Marsa Alam, Egypt
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1,115 posts
5 reviews
13 helpful votes
4. Re: Snorkeling with qualifications
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Ok, Xel Ha is going to be 2 1/2 hrs return, so you don't have time for anywhere on the Mayan. Isla Mujeres won't have what you need in terms of calm water. A cenote very near Cancun is possible. You're limiting your choices with your timeframe.

Long Island. NY
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280 posts
5 reviews
6 helpful votes
5. Re: Snorkeling with qualifications
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I guess I might be asking for too much? If I want calm waters it's pretty much Xel Ha right? Did you mean it was 2 1/2 hrs each way or one way?

Where could I find info on maybe a private trip to a cenote? There are 4 of us. And Isla Mujeres is open reef is that correct?

Little Falls, New...
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202 posts
16 reviews
23 helpful votes
6. Re: Snorkeling with qualifications
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Pretty good snorkelling in fairly calm waters by Club Med

Long Island. NY
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280 posts
5 reviews
6 helpful votes
7. Re: Snorkeling with qualifications
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I have read a few posts about Club Med. One person we are traveling with is not a good swimmer and concerned about the currents even there. I am frustrated with the limitations.

Marsa Alam, Egypt
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1,115 posts
5 reviews
13 helpful votes
8. Re: Snorkeling with qualifications
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2 1/2 hours total. That leaves you little time at Xel Ha.

Here's what I would do. Arrange transportation the day before (taxi, van etc). Get out of Cancun before 7:00 AM and go to Akumal. Get to Yal Ku at opening, snorkel, make your way back to either the bakery or Lol Ha Restaurant for breakfast. A quick swim with the turtles in Akumal Bay and you can be heading back to Cancun by noon.

Minnesota
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for Cancun
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11 reviews
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9. Re: Snorkeling with qualifications
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Actually, Isla Mujeres is a good option. Take the ferry over from Puerto Juarez (takes 15 minutes) or the more expensive one in the hotel zone. When you get off the ferry, head left and walk to north beach. There is a very calm, shallow area there where you can walk in and snorkel. It's not as exciting as an open reef like at Garrafon on the south end of the island but it is calm and shallow and perfect for kids and beginners.

Otherwise I'd suggest Xel Ha in the protected lagoon, too. It's a perfect place for beginners with life jackets, stairs into the water and very calm waters with lots of fish to see.

Cheryl

Savannah, Georgia
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94 reviews
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10. Re: Snorkeling with qualifications
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Currents can be bad at Club Med area. I'm an excellent swimmer & once I was pulled a good distance from the snorkel area. Isla is a good area. Isla would meet your time constraints the best. Hour to get there, hour back & 2 hours snorkeling. Plenty of time.

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