Top 13 Cancun Submarine Tours

1.Subsee Explorer Ride

★★★★★★★★★★4.1 · 72 reviews · 2 hours · from $58Our pick

Aquaworld Cancún takes you through Nichupte Lagoon and its mangrove channels, then by fast boat to Punta Nizuc Reef. Board the air-conditioned SubSee Explorer for a narrated view of coral, fish, and life-sized underwater statues. The two-hour outing suits children and non-swimmers, though the SubSee ride is only part of the trip.

“Je trouve que cette activité est très cher pour la durée (surtout quand on compte la taxe à payer en plus au guichet) , où du moins le sous marin ne dur vraiment pas très longtemps”

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2.Cancun Submarine and Optional Snorkeling Tour

★★★★★★★★★★4.0 · 50 reviews · 4 hours (approx.) · from $58

From Aquaworld, cruise through Nichupté Lagoon toward Punta Nizuc, then board the Sub See Explorer for panoramic views of coral, tropical fish, and part of the Cancun Underwater Museum. Add a guided snorkel with supplied gear, or stay aboard. The tour takes about four hours, costs $58 per person, and has a separate $20-per-person dock fee.

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

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3.1-hour Clear Boat Tour in Nichupte Lagoon from Cancun

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 20 reviews · 1 hour 15 minutes (approx.) · from $22

This 75-minute clear-boat trip from Cancun’s Hotel Zone visits Nichupté Lagoon, passes beneath Calinda Bridge, and heads toward a coral reef and the Blanquizal sandbank. A bilingual English- and Spanish-speaking guide provides commentary. Two drinks and a life jacket are included; the MXN 490 dock tax and photos cost extra. Brian has been praised as a guide, but assignments may vary.

“Fantastic excursion. Recommend for all ages. They show a multitude of sea creatures and went the full 1 hr out on the water.”

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4.Clear Boat Tour at Cancun Nichupte Lagoon

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 19 reviews · 1 hour 15 minutes (approx.) · from $44

From Envatours on Boulevard Kukulcan, join a small-group clear-boat ride into Nichupte Lagoon and nearby waters. Guides point out marine life and help with photos; sightings can include turtles, fish and coral. The 75-minute trip includes drinks, but no hotel pickup, and a MX$100 dock tax is extra.

“Pictures on the front of the boat and sea turtle in the blue water Aaaaaassssss ggggggggjjkkdrrrrvcfrrtyjvcthftvf”

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5.Clear Boat Tour in Cancun 1.5 hours great for pictures

★★★★★★★★★★4.0 · 16 reviews · 1 hour 20 minutes (approx.) · from $19

Cruise for about 80 minutes from Nichupté Lagoon beneath Calinda Bridge and into the Caribbean Sea aboard a clear boat. A guide points out the lagoon’s ecosystem, sea views, submerged statues, and marine life. The ride is geared to sightseeing and photos, not snorkeling. Juan is one guide named by past participants, but your guide may differ.

“My boat tour was phenomenal The clear boat makes the experience so much better, seeing ocean floor with wildlife beneath is super cool. My tour guide was the best they explained everything so well and I appreciate that. Recommended by me to everyone that needs the excitement atm!”

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6.90 Minute Clear Boat Tour in Cancun

★★★★★★★★★★4.0 · 16 reviews · 1 hour 30 minutes (approx.) · from $25

Take an approximately 90-minute clear-boat ride from Cancun’s Hotel Zone across Nichupté Lagoon and into the Caribbean Sea, with a stop near a coral reef. A certified guide leads the trip, and the boat’s transparent hull and glass bottom offer views of marine life without swimming. Two beers or natural waters and a life jacket are included; the MX$480 dock fee per person is extra.

“We had such a wonderful time on the clear boat in Cancun! I went with my husband, and even though I cannot swim, I still felt completely safe and relaxed. The boat was very comfortable, and the views under the water were incredible. We saw turtles and so many beautiful fish and ocean life. It was such a special experience for us, and I would highly recommend it to anyone visiting Cancun — especially if you want to enjoy the ocean without having to swim.”

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7.Hop-on Hop-off Bus Tour with Submarine Trip

★★★★★★★★★★3.4 · 8 reviews · 1 day · from $68

Tour Cancún’s Hotel Zone and Downtown by open-top double-decker bus, with English and Spanish audio. Stop at beaches, malls and city sights, then take a fast boat to the air-conditioned Subsee Explorer at Nizuc Reef. A bilingual guide explains the reef and its underwater sculptures. The $68 price does not include a $20 reef conservation fee.

“please make all the stops in the schedule. we missed out on going to mercado 28 because the bus driver didn't stop there, citing no one told him to stop there. It was on the itinerary!!!!!!!!!”

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8.Subsea Subsee

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 6 reviews · 2 hours (approx.) · from $94

From Aquaworld in Cancun, ride the Subsee Explorer for about two hours of underwater views, with a local guide and departures at several times of day. You may spot fish, turtles, coral, white sand and underwater statues. It suits non-swimmers and children, though fees, taxes and refreshments are extra.

“Cool experience in the middle of the ocean. I took my 9 year old son on this excursion this last weekend. It was organized and ran smoothly. My son isn’t a strong swimmer and I have never snorkeled before so this was a great alternative to explore the sea bed. We were able to see fishes, turtles, statues and white sand! And there was a nice surprise at the end for all of us. My son was happy I booked it. I recommend this to everyone!”

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9.Isla Mujeres: Clear Boat Ride

★★★★★★★★★★4.6 · 4 reviews · 45 min · from $31

Cruise the coast of Isla Mujeres aboard a fully transparent boat, with Caribbean views above and a window onto fish, coral formations and, at times, shipwrecks below. The 45-minute ride costs $31 per person, plus a 100 MXN dock fee. The guide and assistant accompany the trip, though their names and the route details are not specified.

“The guide and his assistant were very nice and accommodating. The trip was on time, smooth and very relaxing. I will recommend the trip to friends and family.”

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10.Clear Boat

★★★★★★★★★★4.0 · 4 reviews · 1 hour 20 minutes (approx.) · from $65

From Marina Kaybal, Krea Travel takes you through Nichupté Lagoon’s channels, past Calinda Bridge and into Cancun Bay, with a stop at the blanquizales near Casa Maya hotel. The roughly 80-minute trip includes two beers, natural water and a protective vest. Departures are in English, with no more than 10 people.

“Amazing experience! The staff was extremely nice and fun. Nice music selection and the photographer instructs you on different poses… if you are like me and didn’t know what to do. You’re also able to freestyle. Highly recommend!”

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11.Clear Boat Tour from Cancun

★★★★★★★★★★3.7 · 3 reviews · from $65

Spend two hours aboard a transparent boat in Cancun, gliding through Nichupté Lagoon and out toward the Caribbean Sea. A bilingual Spanish- and English-speaking guide points out local wildlife and reef life. Snorkel equipment and two drinks are included, though snorkeling may not take place on every trip.

“Excellent tour, very helpful and efficient staff. I highly recommend.”

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12.Cancun Clear Boat Tour Explore Nichupte and the Cancun Sea

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 3 reviews · 1 hour 20 minutes (approx.) · from $18Best value

Cruise through Nichupté Lagoon and out to the Caribbean Sea in a transparent boat, with a certified English-speaking guide pointing out the waters and marine life below. The 80-minute trip includes life jackets, bottled water, and two beers. Budget separately for the MX$480-per-person dock tax.

“Since I saw the advertisement it caught my attention, it reminded me of a childhood dream that came true, we arrived at the pier and from the first moment the attention was wonderful, once on board the reality far exceeded my dream, seeing the seabed with great clarity, the crew member's explanation, and the captain's maneuvers to be able to see the marine fauna, turtles, manta rays and a diversity of fish created a wonderful experience, I couldn't miss the photo where it seems that you are floating on the blue sea, was this tour worth it? Of course, I would say that it is essential when visiting Cancun.”

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13.Cancún Clear Boat 90 minutes tour perfect for photos and families

★★★★★★★★★★3.5 · 3 reviews · 1 hour 15 minutes (approx.) · from $29

Take a clear-boat tour from Cancún’s Hotel Zone, with a guide and an English option. The route lists 20 minutes at Nichupté and 45 minutes in Cancún. Adults receive two beers, and water and life vests are provided. Photos and transport are extra, and an MX$480 environmental fee per person is listed.

“I ended up not taking tour. Very unorganized. We were told the 1st tour was at 10:00 am when our reservation was at 9:00 am through Viator. Too late to cancel, very DISAPPOINTED!”

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