Snorkeling

[neatfeet]

Hi:

We were at Pearl last December, and in hindsight regret not booking a snorkeling trip off the pier. We are going again this December and plan to give it a try. Can anyone post a brief review of the snorkeling trip? Are suits optional for that as well?

Thanks!

Dave & Mary

[FromSeattle]

I was just about to ask about snorkeling as well. We are thinking of buying snorkeling gear to bring with us. Would it be worth it? I have snorkeled Hanauma Bay in Hawaii and that was amazing. Can I expect anything comparable if I bring my own stuff?

[CokeMann]

I was just about to ask about snorkeling as well. We are thinking of buying snorkeling gear to bring with us. Would it be worth it? I have snorkeled Hanauma Bay in Hawaii and that was amazing. Can I expect anything comparable if I bring my own stuff?

FYI - The 3rd largest reef in the world is a 15min boat ride directly off of the Pearl dock. Unfortunately there are some restrictions, all of the reef is a Federally protected marine park so those on snorkeling excursions must wear buoyancy vests which prevents free diving to get a close up view
If you have your scuba certificate or do a resort short course and do a dive excursion then you don't have that restriction.

If it's just for a bit of quick fun, save your baggage weight/space allowance and just get the gear from the on site pearl dive shop - there a fair bit to see(fish, etc but not the actual reef) just around and off of the Pearl pier

[FromSeattle]

What if we wanted to just go snorkeling right off the beach? Is there anything we could see within swimming distance (with fins)?

Admin Note: read what's in italic in the previous post

[Justskin]

We're going to toss our snorkel gear in the luggage. Nine days should allow some great opportunities.
We normally don't bother but we're used to the Cabo Desire location.

Many thanks for this thread!

[mountain]

In my experience: snorkeling off the beach by the resort is poor. We did not see many fish; the few fish we saw were not colorful. The bottom is mostly sand. We did not snorkel on the reef, but no doubt that is the place to go.

[DeanandLL]

When we were there 2 years ago we walked in town and talked the people at the Pelicanos bar. We had them introduce us to a man who took us out for a snorkelling trip. We got together with a another couple on the resort and went out for a couple hours. It was a great time.
You have to go out with a guide. Don't just swim out. Its not far but there are many boats driving around. Chances are good you would get hit.
It is really something to see.

[Sunfun2]

What if we wanted to just go snorkeling right off the beach? Is there anything we could see within swimming distance (with fins)?

Admin Note: read what's in italic in the previous post

Last October We did some snorkeling right off and around the Pearl pier and Dock. We grabbed some bread,
From the breakfast buffet and broke it up. We were immediately surrounded by all types and lots of different fish..pretty cool. The dive shop let us borrow the masks.
Although not a true snorkeling experience, it was still fun. We will be trying the nude cruise in a couple weeks that is offered by the excursion staff at the resort which includes snorkeling.

[FromSeattle]

What if we wanted to just go snorkeling right off the beach? Is there anything we could see within swimming distance (with fins)?

Admin Note: read what's in italic in the previous post

Last October We did some snorkeling right off and around the Pearl pier and Dock. We grabbed some bread,
From the breakfast buffet and broke it up. We were immediately surrounded by all types and lots of different fish..pretty cool. The dive shop let us borrow the masks.
Although not a true snorkeling experience, it was still fun. We will be trying the nude cruise in a couple weeks that is offered by the excursion staff at the resort which includes snorkeling.

I look forward to your trip report. Let us know what you get to see and how much it cost - is it worth it

[candancouple]

Last January, we had a great snorkeling experience through the group based at Desire Pearl. They provided all the snorkeling gear - including wet suits - and took us out by boat just 15 minutes off shore. It was the best snorkeling experience we've had. We saw a large variety of coral, barracuda, an eagle ray and many more other types of fish. Neither my wife or I are good swimmers and the guide was very helpful. I'd highly recommend!

[J&V]

We just got back Sat. April 12. The snorkel trip scheduled from the Dive Shop was great. Capt. Jorge and Dive Master Francis were outstanding. The reef is about 800m from the beach. The trip left at 9:00 and we drifted south down the beach almost to Puerto Morelos, Capt Jorge follows along to pick you up at the conclusion. The reef is beautiful, plenty of fans, brain coral, Christmas Tree worms, tangs, Sgt majors, parrots etc. we did see two Eagle rays. Turtle nesting season is just around the corner, so they should be around the reef, but we didn't see any. All in all a great trip, which will do again. As someone else mentioned, you can arrange a trip in PM, perhaps cheaper than at Pearl, but we liked being the only two snorkelers and it was cool having a private guide for what it's worth. Oh..the mask and snorkel are fairly new, although I would bring booties next trip and the fins are just ok, a little short for me. You will be required to wear a full life vest, due to Gvt. Regulations.