CC BY-SA 3.0, Gamweb, via Wikimedia CommonsSnorkel· Xcalak· Mexico
Xcalak Reef National Park
18° 16.1′ N · 87° 50.0′ W
Parque Nacional Arrecifes de Xcalak protects the barrier reef, lagoons and mangroves of the Mexican Caribbean's southern tip - shallow, clear and often empty reef snorkelling just 200-500 m off the beach.
Practical
Coordinate from Wikivoyage. Decreed 27 November 2000 (4,521.84 ha land, 13,427.61 ha sea; also a Ramsar site; Spanish Wikipedia). Reef about 500 m offshore; 1-3 m inside, visibility 15-30 m, water 21-27 C; main snorkel areas 200-300 m off shore north and south of town, with channels through the reef to the 5-10 m outer face (Wikivoyage). XTC snorkel trips: inner reef 2 hours US$50 (2-3 people) or US$45 (4-8); add the manatee mangrove reserve (3 hours, US$60/55) and Bird Island (5 hours, US$75/70). Park fee not published - verify locally.
Best for
Uncrowded reef snorkelling from the anchorage