6 Mayakoba Ocean Experiences to Explore the Caribbean During Your Stay

From reef snorkeling and jet ski rides to family-friendly experiences designed for all ages along the Riviera Maya coastline.

The Mesoamerican Reef stretches along the Caribbean coasts of Mexico, Belize, Guatemala, and Honduras, forming the second-largest barrier reef system in the world and one of the most biodiverse marine ecosystems on the planet.

Mayakoba sits at that edge, right on the Riviera Maya. It is a private destination located 35 minutes from Cancún International Airport, where four hotels –Alila Mayakoba, Banyan Tree Mayakoba, Fairmont Mayakoba, and Rosewood Mayakoba– sit between the jungle and the sea. From that coastline, the reef and everything it holds are within reach through Mayakoba Experiences, a program designed to explore the water at different rhythms and from different perspectives, in ways that feel closely tied to the setting itself.

How to Experience the Caribbean in Mayakoba

family dives into ocean water from mayakoba yacht

Set Sail on the Mayakoba Yacht Along the Riviera Maya

Spending a full day at sea can become one of the most memorable parts of a stay in Mayakoba. The VanDutch 55′ is built for open water –powered by twin Volvo 900 hp diesel engines and equipped with a Simrad navigation system– and designed to make time on board as comfortable as on land. A master cabin with a double bed, a guest cabin with two single beds, a den, a fully equipped kitchen, and capacity for up to 12 guests make it a destination in itself.

Whether the occasion is a family excursion, a celebration with friends, or a day on the water for two, packages range from four hours to a full day and include food, beverages, snorkeling gear, and water toys. The Mayakoba Experiences concierge can also build a fully personalized itinerary for those who prefer to design their own route.

Click here to read the full guide to packages, destinations, and everything a day on board includes.

Snorkeling the Barrier Reef

The Mesoamerican Reef is reason enough to get in the water. From Mayakoba’s beach, a custom-made boat takes guests directly to the reef on a 90-minute guided excursion through some of the most biodiverse waters in the Caribbean, home to hundreds of species of tropical fish, sea turtles, and coral formations that have taken decades to grow. Expert guides lead the way, and all equipment is provided.

What sets this experience apart is a stop at Mayakoba’s coral reforestation nursery, an active restoration initiative working to rehabilitate coral colonies along the reef. It adds a layer of meaning to the snorkeling session that most water experiences in the Riviera Maya don’t offer: a close look at the work behind keeping one of the world’s great marine ecosystems alive.

Water Sports in Mayakoba

For guests drawn to speed and movement, Mayakoba Experiences offers several ways to cover the Caribbean at full speed, on the surface, beneath it, or somewhere in between.

Jet Ski: Two Ways to Ride

Mayakoba Experiences operates a fleet of Sea-Doo GTX jet skis, among the most capable recreational watercraft on the market. The first option is a 30-minute ride on open water, up to three people per unit, with the Riviera Maya coastline as a backdrop. The second, Ride to the Reef, takes the jet ski somewhere more purposeful: guests ride out to the barrier reef and transition into a guided snorkeling excursion that includes a visit to the coral reforestation project.

Seabob: Below the Surface

The Seabob is the fastest underwater scooter in the world: a handheld device that propels riders through the water at the surface or below it, at a speed and depth that neither swimming nor snorkeling can match. Two formats are available: 30 minutes focused on the ride itself, and a 60-minute option that incorporates guided snorkeling. Both begin with an instruction segment.

The Mayakoba Whale

The Mayakoba Whale is an inflatable vessel pulled by a jet ski across open Caribbean waters, with a professional driver and room for multiple riders. It moves fast, it gets everyone completely soaked, and it tends to become the moment the group talks about for the rest of the trip. Guests must be at least 12 years old to ride.

The Ducky Rides: For Every Age

For younger guests, the Lucky Ducky is a 20-minute inflatable ride pulled by a jet ski, designed for children between 4 and 11 years old. The Big Ducky is the adult version: faster, more intense, and just as wet.

A Few Things to Know Before

Before heading to the water, there are a few details worth keeping in mind. The reef is a living ecosystem, and none, or eco-friendly sunscreen is strongly recommended to protect it. It is a small gesture that makes a real difference. Beach towels are provided, and for those who want to document their experience, GoPro rentals are available for jet ski, Seabob, snorkeling, and select other activities. All departures are from the Mayakoba beach.

The Caribbean holds more than most guests expect at first glance. Whether the plan is to explore the reef up close, cover distance at speed, or simply spend an afternoon on the water with family or friends, every experience is a short walk from the shore. Book your stay through Mayakoba.com and speak with the Mayakoba Experiences concierge to plan your time at sea.

Looking for more adventures in Mayakoba? Here are some ideas:

Back