Cancun Submarine and Optional Snorkeling Tour

Cancun, Mexico

4 hours (approx.)
Mobile ticket
Offered in: English

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Overview

Explore Cancun's waters on this submarine-style glass-bottom boat ride. Cruise through a mangrove swamp during this excursion to Punta Nizuc, the second-largest coral reef in the world. On this family-friendly adventure, learn about the local fish, coral and other animals in this marine habitat through your guide's informative commentary. Upgrade to snorkel on the reef with provided equipment.

Experience Cancun's underwater world on a glass-bottomed boat
Opt to snorkel along the Punta Nizuc, the second-largest coral reef in the world
All ages welcome—ideal for family travel
Learn fascinating facts about local marine life and coral reefs

What's Included

Subsee Explorer Semi-Submarine Tour (both options)
Panoramic underwater views of Punta Nizuc Reef & Cancun Underwater Museum (MUSA)
Certified bilingual guide providing marine life and reef conservation insights
Snorkeling experience, gear supplied (only for the Subsee + Snorkeling option)
Bottled water

Gratuities
Hotel pickup and drop off
Photo , Video, Personal expenses & Tips
Dock fee, Aquaworld

$20.00 per person

Meeting and Pickup

Meeting point

Aquaworld
Blvd. Kukulcan, Zona Hotelera, 77500 Cancún, Q.R., Mexico
We suggest taking our local buses or taxis if you take a bus ask the driver to drop you off ar the Aquaworld Marina in case if you take a taxi, we suggest setting the price before. All our local drivers know the exact location for this activity.

End point

This activity ends back at the meeting point.

Itinerary

Board a reef shuttle boat and cruise through the mangroves of Nichupte Lagoon towards Punta Nizuc. Climb aboard the Sub See Explorer, a submarine-style glass bottom boat that allows crystal clear views of the second-largest coral reef in the world.

Peer through the boat's panoramic windows at clusters of bright coral and schools of tropical fish. Listen as your guide gives details about the animals and plants that thrive in this marine environment. View butterfly fish, barracudas and maybe even dolphins on this family-friendly underwater journey.

Opt to use the area's floating platform as a jumping-off point for a snorkeling adventure. Dive into the gentle aqua waters surrounding Punta Nizuc's spectacular reef to get up close with some of its vivid plant and animal live. Follow your guide through the maze of coral as they point out species and varieties of coral and fish. The snorkel is yours to keep and enjoy other snorkeling opportunities in the Cancun area.

Aquaworld

30 minutes • Admission Ticket Free

Aquaworld

1 hour 30 minutes • Admission Ticket Included

Punta Nizuc

45 minutes • Admission Ticket Free

Additional Info

Confirmation will be received at time of booking
Not wheelchair accessible
Stroller accessible
Near public transportation
Infants must sit on laps
Not recommended for travelers with back problems

Not recommended for pregnant travelers
No heart problems or other serious medical conditions
Travelers should have a moderate physical fitness level
Age limit for this activity is 65 years.
This is a private tour/activity. Only your group will participate

Supplied by

Cancellation Policy

You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance of the experience for a full refund.

Traveler Photos

Gallery picture 1 (from a traveler's review)

Gallery picture 2 (from a traveler's review)

Gallery picture 3 (from a traveler's review)

Gallery picture 4 (from a traveler's review)

Gallery picture 5 (from a traveler's review)

Featured review

Sheena_C

This was one of the best excursions that we experienced. This was perfect for families with little children. We had a 30 min boat ride to the submarine. The driver of the boat and the lady assisting were very friendly and accommodating. The ride in the submarine itself was very much entertaining. We took the 1st slot so we were able to see many rare fishes like the rainbow parrotfish along with turtles and sting rays. It was a very fun experience and I highly recommend.

Reviews

3.8

based on 50 reviews

Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor

We perform checks on reviews

Sort by: Most insightful

Event never happened. ...

Shreyas_N, Apr 2025

Event never happened. Waste of time. Broke all the excitement. If the event is cancelled. It should not be on the list of bookings. Very poor, did not like the response at all. Just a standard message does not help the purpose and time put in to go for the event only to know 1 hour before that it is cancelled.

Response from Host, Apr 2025

We had very high winds, and for security reasons, the tour was canceled. Most of the time, this is cancelled at the very last minute due to changing weather.

Great for young children....

Evan_K, Mar 2025

Great for young children. Staff was friendly and helpful. Really expensive especially if you don't snorkel, but a fun experience.

Response from Host, Mar 2025

Thank you for your feedback! We're glad to hear that you and your children had a great time, and we truly appreciate the compliments about our friendly and helpful staff. We understand that the cost can be a factor, and we always strive to provide a memorable experience for all guests, whether you're snorkeling or enjoying other activities. We hope to welcome you back again soon.

Great ferry ride, okayish submarine ride (did not snorkel)

Mahesh_C, Feb 2025

Our initial booking was moved due to weather and when we got there, they checked us in and we were taken in a ferry (it's fast) to the ocean. The ride from the lagoon through the mangrove forest into the ocean is amazing. You can actually get on top of the ferry and let you hair fly in the wind. It rained when we were on it but it was more fun that way. Once you reach the ocean, you transfer into a submarine to go underwater. The sub goes only 10-15 under water which was way shorter than I expected (the one I took in Maui- Hawaii went 100 ft deep). Since it's a small sub, it wobbles quite a bit and if you have motion sickness, you could feel sick pretty easy. They mention this and they have a puke bag inside in case you need it. The view was good and there was a surprise visit from Amy the mermaid.

Response from Host, Mar 2025

Thank you for sharing the details of your experience, we hope you enjoyed it. This will be very helpful for future customers who want to experience this tour.

My family Wish more...

Chandrakala_C, Dec 2024

My family Wish more longer time Sub Merine. Felt expensive for little time. If possible increase time more

Response from Host, Jan 2025

Thank you for sharing your feedback this is important to know, we will consider your comments to make this tour a little longer to enjoy more.

Great experience, wish they cleared the clutter

Fatimah_S, Jul 2024

It was great, the boat ride to the mangroves and the submarine experience was very cool. Only downside was that there were empty drink cups around the boat ride and the trash was full. Wish they would do a quick clean in between groups.

Response from Host, Aug 2024

Thank you very much for your comment and feedback We're glad you enjoyed the Subsee experience.

A RIP OFF HIDDEN FEES!!

Sheena_C, Jun 2024

I Didnt Like the fact that 1 was charged an extra $80 when I arrived for A dock fee ! IT CLEARLY STATE ON THEIR WEBSITE $20 DOCK FEE NOT $20PER PERSON! I felt taken advantage of OF I couldn't get a refund so I had to pay $80 ON TOP OF $160 PAID 4 EXCURSION!! I WANT MY $80 U.S BACK WELL $60 BACK!!

Don't Miss This Excursion, It's Awesome!

Brandon_G, Jun 2024

The snorkeling portion was outstanding, we saw more fish and coral habitat than in other excursions dedicated just to snorkeling. The views from the sub were great, we saw a ray, sea turtle, many kinds of fish. Highly recommend this, my family thought it was fantastic. The only part I didn't like was $20 per person "dock fee". This should be included in the cost of the excursion. Be sure to bring cash for this.

The Mermaid and the...

Harold_K, Jan 2024

The Mermaid and the Mangrove forest were the highlights. The narration was very good. The attention given by the crew was outstanding

Worthwhile experience

Bharat_R, Jan 2024

Great introduction to the world beneath the waves !! Professional and responsible staff that care about everyone.

Not worth your time and money!

Gilbert_V, Mar 2023

This was a terrible excursion! While the workers were friendly, most of the time spent on this excursion is going and coming to the sub. Then you have about 15 minutes of looking at unspectacular coral and a few fish. The submarine is very unstable and rocks you from side to side, About 1/3 of the people on board said they felt seasick. I have been on this type of excursion on other islands and did not have this type of issues. Don't waste your time or money!

Response from Host, Mar 2023

Thank you very much for sharing your opinion about this tour, we are really sorry the experience did not fulfill your expectations. Your opinion is important to us in order to improve.

Lame

Stephanie_I, Jan 2023

It was cancelled & no one told us so we went all the way there for no reason. Boo boo, sucked. Should of been notified.

Response from Host, Feb 2023

We apologize for the inconvenience. The tour was canceled due to the bad weather conditions for security reasons, and most of the time does not make a previous advise.

Kudos

Suneetha_K, Nov 2022

Enjoyed the Mayan pyramids and the beautiful history. Our guide Hesus is excellent. Alonzo is a safe driver. Made our trip enjoyable.

Submarine Excursion!

Kinya_J, Aug 2022

It was okay, it makes you seasick. Also the gas from the submarine was strong that was coming back into the submarine. Gave me a headache.

Response from Host, Aug 2022

Thank you for sharing your feedback through your comments are truly valuable for us, as they allow us to improve our service levels and product. We apologize due to the inconveniences the motor caused, we are working to avoid that,

Great service and...

Ivan_S, Jul 2022

Great service and wonderful experience! saw a few turtles and of course fishes and coral!! very awesome would definitely come again!

Response from Host, Jul 2022

You have put a smile on the face of our entire team with your kind words. Thank you very much for sharing this with us. We are grateful to have had the opportunity to serve you.

Great tour!

Sony_P, Jul 2022

Great experience with my family. The kids loved seeing the marine life and exploring the ocean. It was lots of fun!

Response from Host, Jul 2022

For sure one of the best options for the little ones, so glad you enjoy and had an experience to remember with your family.

They canceled last minute

Maria_K, Dec 2021

They canceled my trip last minute but they took 140 US dollars from my credit card anyway They are not answering e-mails

Response from Host, Dec 2021

Thank you for your feedback, you have been refunded since the tour was sold out when you make the reservation we do apologize for the inconveniences

Fun tour with good guides

Karl_H, Dec 2021

Thank you to the staff at AquaWorld for their professionalism and hospitality. We very much enjoyed our tour. My wife did get seasick, especially on the sub, so if you are prone to this, make sure to take some medication before you go. The staff were great and accommodated us at every turn. My one suggestion is to change the public address system on the sub. It was not possible understand our guide's voice over the speaker. She was easy to understand off the microphone .

Response from Host, Jan 2022

So glad you enjoy even with the seasick, thank you for sharing your experience and will take your comments into account in order to improve.

Amazing Adventure

Sheena_C, Oct 2021

Response from Host, Nov 2021

Thanks for sharing this amazing experience, as you mention this is a perfect option for activities with children. We are glad you were able to enjoy seeing the fishes

Nice

LAVONNE_M, Sep 2021

Was a beautiful experience definitely would recommend to everyone I know to do it because I'm not one to do snorkeling so this was perfect for me

Response from Host, Sep 2021

Thank you for taking the time to write, so glad you enjoy and had a good experience.

It was ok excursion but...

Raslan_I, Aug 2021

It was ok excursion but not great, I expected more thinks to see. The guide should talk more English since there were enough people from U.S so they need to understand what’s going on. Thank you.

Response from Host, Sep 2021

Thank you very much for your review, we apologize for the inconveniences, we will take care of speaking English guides to make a great experience with all the customers

Amazing

Jennifer_L, Aug 2021

The boat ride getting to the next boat and drinks I also liked the mermaid in the water I loved seeing a sting ray

Response from Host, Sep 2021

Thank you for sharing your experience, so glad you like it

Aquatic Serenity

Dante_S, Jul 2021

The experience was phenomenal! There was a soothing 10 minute boat ride to the sub see boat where the bottom half of the boat was submerged about 10 or 15 feet below the sea surface and then the ride was about 30 min and was very beautiful with only a fraction of the risk of an actual submarine.. We purchased the submarine snorkel combo but we did not snorkel becausewe ultimately didn't feel comfortable. They were not able to accommodate the loss of an activity and I would've appreciated if there was a full customer service in this end..

Response from Host, Aug 2021

We’re so glad you had a good experience. Next time you’re here, try the parasailing and enjoy the blue ocean from the sky It’s one of our newer offerings.Thank you for letting us know about this. Your feedback helps us do better

I would recommend

Brittany_T, Jul 2021

Our instructor Louis was very fun, playing music serving drinks on the way to the submarine. Pretty cool experience seeing all the beautiful corals under the Water and fish.

Response from Host, Sep 2021

Thank you for taking the time to share this kind words. The Paradise underwater is amazing and we are glasd you got to experience it.

Exciting

Amyiah_B, Jul 2021

It was a fun and exciting tour. For someone who is afraid of open water felt calm.. Staff was very nice as well.

Response from Host, Aug 2021

Thank you for your kind comments, and we are glad this tour was a great option for you.

Good experience, would recommend

Judith_S, Jun 2021

The boat ride out to the "sub" which was in the Caribbean Sea, was great as well as the sub experience. Great crew. The "sub" rocks somewhat, so if you are one that gets seasick, it might not be the experience for you.

Good time

Brenda_M, May 2021

We had a great time. I did get a little light headed because of rocking of ship but there is nothing that they can do about it. My daughter had no problems. Will definitely recommend it to others.

DO NOT EVEN BOOK

Verlencia_E, Apr 2021

HORRIBLE. They canceled on us last minute . The only option left to do was parasailing. We were only up in the sky for less than 3 minutes . This was the worst and they took our money and said parasailing equaled out to snorkeling and a submarine tour .

Response from Host, Apr 2021

We do apologize for this experience we are working to improve in order to avoid this for future customers. The tour was cancelled due weather conditions .

Awesome Birthday

Jhanee_D, Sep 2020

Beautiful experience and the ppl are amazing. They very knowledgeable and made you feel as comfortable a possible.

Response from Host, Nov 2020

Thank you for taking the time to write this kind comments. We will keep up with the service standard

submarine ride was great

Sharon_M, Aug 2020

I have some difficulty with mobility, staff was great, helped me all thru experience. tour was excellent, boat ride was fun. Will do this tour again. Highly recommend

Response from Host, Aug 2020

Thank you very much for sharing your experience with more people, we appreciate it. We hope to serve you in your next visit.

This excursion was great! You start...

Shaelyn S, Mar 2018

This excursion was great! You start out at AquaWorld and then take a boat ride to the submarine/glass bottom boat. The employees are extremely nice. MAKE SURE YOU BRING CASH TO TIP THEM. There are multiple opportunities to tip, once after the submarine ride where you can tip the mermaid and tour guides, another opportunity to tip the snorkeling tour guides, and then again at the end when you take the boat ride back to AquaWorld. The tour guides bust their butts all day making drinks for people and constantly trying to entertain. I know drinks are technically included, but tip as if you actually had a bar tab! The submarine ride goes through a beautiful coral reef, and underwater museum. I would advise bringing something for nausea if you have a weak stomach because the submarine ride is a little rocky, but definitely not unbearable by any means. The submarine ride lasts about 30 minutes and then there is an area to do the optional snorkeling. I would highly recommend doing the optional snorkeling because it was definitely worth it. You get to snorkel through a coral reef and underwater museum. We even got to see stingrays, vibrantly colored fish, sea turtles, and barracudas! A huge shout out to our tour guide, Jesus, he was so amazing!!! Jesus was very engaging and cracking jokes the whole time. He did not stop checking up on everybody and making sure they were doing okay. If I could write a whole review just about how great Jesus was I would do it! Overall it was a great experience.