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2 hours on IM -- can we go on a snorkel tour?

Portsmouth, Virginia
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14 posts
33 reviews
33 helpful votes
2 hours on IM -- can we go on a snorkel tour?
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My friend and I are trying to squeeze in a VERY short trip to IM before our friends' wedding in Cancun. Depending on our luck, we would probably arrive around 1, 1:30, and would need to catch the 3:30 ferry back to Cancun. Since we won't know exactly when we will arrive, and since we need to be done by 3, I'm thinking it would be best to go with an operator that can take just the two of us for a short tour. Would we be able to find a private snorkel tour upon arrival, close to the ferry dock? How much should I expect it to cost?

I would obviously not hire anyone who seems drunk/incapable. I am an experienced snorkeler and will have an inflatable bright orange emergency tube/loud whistle with me in the water, so I'm at least a bit prepared to deal with a mildly mediocre captain.

We are not terribly interested in Garrafon, but we might snorkel around Playa Norte if we can't find someone to take us out.

Thanks for your advice!

Portsmouth, Virginia
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14 posts
33 reviews
33 helpful votes
1. Re: 2 hours on IM -- can we go on a snorkel tour?
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Or, does anyone know someone who would do a private IM snorkel tour leaving from Cancun (so as to save us the ferry trip)? If it's not too expensive, that would be the easiest option.

South Dakota
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55,625 posts
45 reviews
35 helpful votes
2. Re: 2 hours on IM -- can we go on a snorkel tour?
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Have you been to Isla before? Just wondering.

Snorkeling isn't very good on Playa norte, so I would skip that - the best snorkeling is via boat and most tours I know leave in morning or around noon. I know they have the snorkeling/fishing co-op, but I haven't ever used them. You might be pushing your luck with your time frame - anyway you can come to Isla earlier in the day??

Portsmouth, Virginia
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14 posts
33 reviews
33 helpful votes
3. Re: 2 hours on IM -- can we go on a snorkel tour?
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I have been to Isla. Dove at Manchones and it was lovely. I only thought of Playa Norte because I once took a tour to see whale sharks that stopped near PN for snorkeling before dropping us off. It was not special, but decent enough (saw a turtle-- that always makes me happy).

My friend will be coming straight from the airport, hence the lateness and ambiguity of arrival time. We might be able to catch a slightly earlier ferry to IM, but we are at the mercy of the airlines/line at customs... ha. Basically, we want to maximize the short amount of time we have, so if we can step off the ferry, talk to someone at the dock, and get on a boat right away, that would be ideal. I just don't know if this idea is feasible.

Texas Gulf Coast...
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13,880 posts
132 reviews
229 helpful votes
4. Re: 2 hours on IM -- can we go on a snorkel tour?
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You can actually just snorkel from the shore in Isla, so I (personally) would not book any sort of 'tour' or captain. I'd walk a bit from the ferry to a nice beach, and just dive right in. Then when you have had your brief swim / snorkel expedition, return to the ferry for your return trip back to the mainland.

One question though; since you said you will be arriving on flights, clearing customs and immigration and all; may I ask what you plan on doing with your luggage while your snorkel? To me, it just sounds all too rushed and stressful based upon your itenerary....but that is just me. It is your trip, go for it if that is how you want to begin the wedding / vacation.

¡Se diviertán!

Bryans Road
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5,029 posts
41 reviews
39 helpful votes
5. Re: 2 hours on IM -- can we go on a snorkel tour?
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Maybe you could just grab a cab to PM and snorkel in the roped off area?! You will probably see a lot more! Good luck & enjoy!

Rehoboth Beach...
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976 posts
77 reviews
82 helpful votes
6. Re: 2 hours on IM -- can we go on a snorkel tour?
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Sailing Mare out of Cancun will take you to Isla to snorkel. It's around $400 to charter the sailboat (not sure what you consider expensive but they have two sizes). We've never used them but they get good reviews. We're doing a sail in August with them (they will come pick up in Isla too).

new york
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25,074 posts
89 reviews
188 helpful votes
7. Re: 2 hours on IM -- can we go on a snorkel tour?
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Maybe it's just me but it sounds awfully rushed. And yeah, what will you do with friend's luggage?

Ontario
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7,814 posts
205 reviews
157 helpful votes
8. Re: 2 hours on IM -- can we go on a snorkel tour?
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You could snorkel El Farito in under 2 hours with one of the co ops. From getting in the water at the start and then out at the end it was about 1 hour 15. Then you’ve got a 5 minute or so boat ride there and back to the dock. It can be done but agree with the rest that it’s pretty rushed.

Poughkeepsie, NY
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527 posts
165 reviews
193 helpful votes
9. Re: 2 hours on IM -- can we go on a snorkel tour?
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Roll your own, at Garrafon de Castilla. Hotel down the south shore is only 50 pesos to snorkel and such. Then go to Barlito's at Marina Paradeseo (?) to swim and eat lunch. Perfect coupla hours.

Lonestar, have you ever done the " get off the ferry and find a spot to snorkel" yourself? I would be interested in that. Muchas gracias.

Edited: 9 years ago
Chicago, Illinois
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12,048 posts
195 reviews
235 helpful votes
10. Re: 2 hours on IM -- can we go on a snorkel tour?
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For time estimation purposes, we find that we are standing on Isla about two hours after our plane lands; ferries depart on the hour and half-hour. It does seem pretty rushed to me, but I agree with the idea of finding a co-op boat near the ferry to take you out to one of the closer sites (El Farito, the "little lighthouse" that the ferry will pass on your way into port, would be a good, quick option). The shore snorkeling, in my opinion, is not worth making a rushed trip over to enjoy.

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