Riviera Maya's Maroma Resort Launches Snorkeling 101 for Beginners

  • August 17, 2011
Riviera Maya's Maroma Resort Launches Snorkeling 101 for Beginners
For those who have never snorkeled before but who want to master the basics of this relaxing and rewarding activity, Maroma Resort and Spa on the Mayan Riviera, Mexico has created a short course designed to introduce first-time snorkelers to the amazing wonders of the sea. Over the course of three sessions, students are taught all the fundamentals of snorkeling and taken on two open water excursions to test out their new found skills.

The course begins in the hotel's swimming pool with a certified instructor taking students through all snorkeling paraphernalia such as masks and goggles, fins, and the snorkels themselves. Students then spend the session familiarising themselves with their gear, provided by the hotel, learning how to clear water from the mouth piece and goggles, breathe through the snorkel, and swim with fins, all in the safety of the hotel's swimming pool and under their teacher's watchful eye.

Once students have learned the basics and gained some confidence, the next class involves a boat trip out to the shallow waters of the second largest barrier reef in the world, the MesoAmerican Barrier Reef. The session in the crystal clear waters lasts 40 minutes and gives students the chance to slowly build their experience by snorkeling in open water with the guidance and close supervision of their instructor who is on hand to provide tips and advice.

The final class will see the beginner snorkelers venturing out to Cristalino Cenote. Created by an underground river system, cenotes are fresh water sink holes that the Maya considered to be sacred. A series of underground caverns and pools, they are a must-do outing for any keen snorkeler, providing a slightly more adventurous excursion.

After the last session, students will be presented with a certificate declaring that they have completed a course in snorkelling at Maroma leaving them confident enough to further explore with their new found skills.

The Snorkeling for Beginners course costs 115 USD (approx £70) per person and includes complimentary equipment hire. Transportation via boat to Cristalino Cenote is not included.

Located on the Riviera Maya, Maroma Resort and Spa is a luxurious hideaway built by hand in the tradition of the Mexican haciendas. Opened in 1995, Maroma rests on the Yucatan Peninsula. Known for its residential feel, it is among the most sought after on the Riviera Maya with its unspoiled beach and lush jungle providing the utmost in privacy and natural beauty. Offering the cultural richness of the region, Maroma's idyllic natural setting, pristine beach, Kinan Spa, and unobtrusive service, draws sophisticated travelers from all over the world.

Hotel Profile: Maroma Resort and Spa by Orient-Express