The temperatures are sizzling here in the Mexican Caribbean, and you’ll want to dive right into the water to cool down. There are plenty of aquatic adventures to choose from. From snorkeling and sailing to all the fun of the water parks and splashdowns in jungle cenotes or sinkholes, enjoy a day in or on the water.

Exploring the coral kingdom

Put your snorkeling mask on and take the plunge to explore the incredible coral kingdom of the Mexican Caribbean, the Mesoamerican Reef, the world’s second longest barrier reef system. From Isla Mujeres and Cancun to Puerto Morelos, Playa del Carmen, Cozumel, Akumal, Sian Ka’an and south to Mahahual, Chinchorro and Xcalak, there are majestic reefs teeming with marine life and a wealth of scuba and snorkeling trips.

More than 300 species of fish of all shapes and sizes are a kaleidoscope of shimmering colors in the coral gardens; tiny shrimp and other creatures seek refuge in huge barrel sponges and amidst waving sea fans, and rays and sea turtles swim by.

Water parks

For more snorkeling thrills with children, make a beeline for the caleta or turquoise inlet at Xel-Ha Park, a huge natural aquarium. Colorful fish from the nearby reefs feed and breed in these lagoons, which are fed by underground rivers and springs. You’ll soon be surrounded by curious sergeant major fish and you’ll catch a glimpse of brightly colored angel fish and parrot fish, the park’s symbol, swimming by.

The fun at Xel-Ha doesn’t stop with snorkeling, although you will want to spend most of your time in the water in search of fish, there are huge inflatable rings you can float across the lagoon in, thrilling ziplining cenote splashdowns, and even a cliff of courage to leap off into the water below. Climb the lighthouse stairs for an amazing view of the park and the Riviera Maya coast and then descend on the water slide.

On the outskirts of Cancun, Ventura Park offers wave pools, water jets and slides, zip lines and much more for a day of watery fun.

Set sail

Take to the waves for a catamaran or yacht trip through the Caribbean and another perfect summer outing. Whatever your destination – Isla Mujeres, Cozumel or along the Riviera Maya coast – there’ll be stops along the way for swimming and snorkeling.

Nature lovers can combine a day of sailing with bird watching on an eco-trip to the desert island and nature reserve of Contoy. For a luxury experience, you can even charter your own private yacht for a day out on the Caribbean.

Whale shark adventures

During the summer you have the life-changing opportunity to swim with the mysterious giants of the deep, the gentle whale sharks. This unforgettable eco trip is available from June to September when hundreds of whale sharks or pez domino (they owe their nickname of domino fish to their dappled skin) gather to feed on plankton and fish roe in the waters off Holbox and Cabo Catoche and to the east of Contoy and Isla Mujeres.

Jungle cenotes

More aquatic fun awaits you in the jungle. Tear yourself away from the beach one day and explore the cenotes or sinkholes of the Riviera Maya. In caves, partially covered by a cave roof or completely open, these limestone sinkholes are filled with cold, crystalline waters in turquoise or emerald green. Gaze into the mirror-like depths and the columns, stalactites and stalagmites that have formed over millions of years stretch away into the distance looking like a mysterious submerged city.

You can start your cenote experiences along the Cenote Route to the west of Puerto Morelos. There are cenotes suitable for swimming, snorkeling, kayaking and zip lining. More cenotes dot the landscape in the Puerto Aventuras area and between Tulum and Coba. You can also spend the day at Selvatica, Xplor, Aktun Chen and Dos Ojos adventure parks for more cenote fun and zip lining splashdowns.

If you are bound for Chichen Itza or Valladolid, cool off from the midday heat with a swim in cenotes such as Dzitnup, Hubiku and Ik-kil. There are many more in the area and you’ll soon find your favorite.

Watery Fun with Thomas More Travel

Thomas More Travel can help you book snorkeling and scuba trips, whale shark swims, catamaran cruises, cenote excursions and park days.