Resort With Off Shore Snorkeling

[Nursefeet]

Looking for a nice hotel with good off shore snorkeling... Our budget is 2500 per person and my husband and I are going. We are both 28 years old It's hard to pick a hotel because some of the reviews are so bad. We want a classy hotel, but we aren't snobby people. The Royal Hideaway doesn't seem to be our style. Our biggest fear is getting sick off the food. It's nice if the hotel has a hot tub in the room. Secrets seemed nice but the Excellence is new and doesn't seem to have a lot of vegetation yet. We like to see lots of creatures on the resort property. We would like to have snorkeling on the property. It seems that the resorts that have good snorkeling also have several weak points. Any help is appreciated. Thanks... Maria

[texan]

I stayed at Royal Hideaway - and I can tell you it was not snobby at all - quite the contrary. We met just a ton of people staying there, and they were all down to earth. The resort it classy but definetely not snobby, and there is offshore snorkeling. My two cents.

[keith5919]

We've stayed at the Riu Palace (3 hotels down from the Royal Hideaway) and loved it. Not snobby, but quieter than the other Rius nearby. All rooms are suites plus they have some jacuzzi suites. We found the food there a cut above other resorts we've stayed at.

[TnJ]

El dorado seaside suites have some rooms with jacuzzi on patio.. beach is nice but small, snorkeling isn't too bad 4 beginners about a 50 yd swim offshore. nice dropoff, with some fish. was plenty of current in Jan. there, glad i had big fins. food is just ok, tho this resort may be too quiet you if you're in 20's...

[Phil in Ottawa]

Hi Maria,

I have not been there yet (going in March '05 ) but the Barceló Maya is said to have one of the best beaches in the Riviera Maya and quite good snorkeling right off the beach.

And as far as getting sick off the food, this hotel has received a "Distintivo H" award from the Mexican government for their hygienic food and beverage preparation facilities and procedures.

I have seen others recommend resorts in Playacar (Royal Hideway, Riu Palace). But as far as I'm concerned these recommendations are misleading because there is no snorkeling to speak of in Playacar. At least not compared to what you can find at other resorts.

Hope this helps.

[Kevin y Pam]

When you book a stay at Maroma, the rate includes one snorkeling trip per guest. You simply sign up for a time after you have checked in to the hotel. Pick up for trip is just off the beach in this boat:



The boat can carry about 8, maybe 10, people including 1 guide and an assistant. You are taken to the Barrier Reef that is only about a 5-10 minute ride from Maroma's beach.

Also, a past thread by Entilzha that made an impression on me talks about snorkeling in the Half Moon Bay area. Reading the thread may point you to some other options for your stay.

[tommy]

stay at the Deseo in town and spend the rest of your money on Tours and adventures and a rent car.....eat at all the great rest. in Playa..many choices....perfect for your age...5000. is alot of money to have a great vacation with....see alot more than just the hotel....Go to cenotes...Akumal...Paamul...Yal-Ku....Tulum....Coba....and many more places...Zip line in the jungle...Go on James and Anna's tour.....eat at El Oasis,Palap Hemmingways,Capt. Bob & Son...Media Luna...Da Brunos...Get the Playa Deal Card...Get a massage on the beach...sample all the beach bars...not just one...party at night at all the local bars....Hang with my Pals Ron and Sharky at the Beer Bucket...Go grab some chairs down at mamitas and drink some buckets of beer...etc.etc.etc.etc.etc.

[Rissask]

I would recommend the Akumal Beach Resort.

Down to earth, three stars, not fancy, and the BEST snorkeling right outside your door.