Looking for shells is a favorite activity along the pristine beaches. You can bring seashells back home, but King Conch shells and coral are strictly prohibited to be taken out of the country! Most of the beaches are free of shells because they are protected by the reef, but if you walk north of Playa Paraiso, you will come to Magic Beach, an area covered in shells that are deposited there by waves that reach the shore due to a break in the reef.

Snorkeling is another favorite activity on the Mayan Riviera, and a much more accessible one. The crystal clear waters of the Caribbean and the beautiful fish of the reef make for a perfect combination of factors for snorkeling. Take a tour out to a good place or simply rent some equipment and do it at the beach! Puerto Morales is a great place to look into snorkeling. The reef here is some of the best in the world and is almost at the top of the water.

The Great Maya Reef is the largest barrier reef in the Western Hemisphere and the second largest barrier reef in the world. The reef has been responsible for thousands of shipwrecks which are exciting for experienced scuba divers to explore. In addition to wrecked ships, the reef is also home to over 500 species of fish and 4 species of sea turtles. For the avid or amateur diver, the Great Maya Reef must not be missed. Dive operators and dive centers are scattered along the coast, with nearly every beach having at least one.