Veracruz: Snorkeling Adventure at Isla de En Medio

If you’re looking for a short escape into nature with a splash of marine discovery, this snorkeling tour to Isla de En Medio might just catch your interest. For about $47 per person and lasting roughly 4 hours, you’ll hop on a boat from Veracruz, explore a secluded island, and dip into the clear waters of Arrecifal Veracruz Park. The trip promises a mix of breathtaking scenery, colorful marine life, and a quiet moment away from city noise.

What we love about this experience is how accessible and straightforward it is — especially if you appreciate beautiful landscapes and a chance to see underwater creatures up close. The white sands and turquoise waters of Isla de En Medio make for perfect photo ops, and the opportunity to snorkel in vibrant coral reefs is always a thrill.

However, one thing to consider is the variable quality of the snorkeling and the lack of structured instruction, which can sometimes lead to disappointment if expectations aren’t managed. If you’re a beginner snorkeler or seeking a full-day adventure, this may not be the tour for you.

This experience suits travelers who love natural beauty, seaside tranquility, and are happy to keep their expectations flexible. It’s ideal for those who want a short, scenic outing that offers a quick dose of marine life and island scenery.

Key Points

• Affordable Price: At $47, it provides good value considering boat transfer and snorkeling gear included.
• Beautiful Scenery: The island itself features pristine white sand and turquoise waters perfect for relaxing and photography.
• Underwater Encounters: You can expect to see colorful fish and coral reefs, though the marine life varies.
• Limited Instruction: Some reviews mention a lack of guidance on snorkel equipment, so bring your own experience or be prepared.
• Variable Experience: Reviews highlight that the quality of marine life and tour length can differ, especially based on season or guides’ organization.
• Environmental Awareness: The island can be clean and beautiful, but some visitors noted plastic rubbish, emphasizing the importance of respecting nature.

You can check availability for your dates here:

The Departure and Boat Ride

The adventure begins at the Amphibian Tours office in Veracruz, where you’ll check in and meet your certified guides. Since transportation to the office isn’t included, you’ll need to arrange your own transfer, which is a key point to plan ahead. Expect a scenic boat ride across calm waters, offering a nice preview of the coastal landscapes that surround Veracruz.

This boat trip is generally the highlight, as it offers a chance to appreciate the Gulf of Mexico’s beauty. The boat itself is suited for small groups, making the experience intimate and allowing for good interaction with guides.

Arrival at Isla de En Medio

Once you reach Isla de En Medio, a small, uninhabited island with powdery white sands and a turquoise backdrop, you’ll understand why many visitors are captivated. The island’s unspoiled scenery is perfect for photos or simply lounging in the sun.

The underwater world here is the main attraction. You’ll be provided with snorkel gear, although some reviews mention issues like broken equipment or the lack of proper instruction. The guides typically give a pre-class to prepare you, but it seems the emphasis is more on handing out equipment than thorough guidance. If you’re a seasoned snorkeler, this won’t be a problem, but beginners might wish to bring their own knowledge or extra gear.

Snorkeling in Veracruz’s Marine Park

The vibrant waters of Arrecifal Veracruz Park are the star of the show. Expect to see colorful fish, and if luck is on your side, perhaps a sea turtle or even a dolphin—though reviews suggest marine life can be sparse or inconsistent depending on the day.

One reviewer commented, “The island is unbelievably beautiful! Powder soft (not white) sand, warm & clear water. We saw tons of little fish…” However, another noted, “There were very few fish there. It’s not a reef, but rather seagrass where you can snorkel,” illustrating that marine life can vary.

Relaxation and Photos

After the snorkeling, the boat anchors for a while, giving you the opportunity to relax and soak in the scenery. Many visitors take advantage of this time to capture photos or simply enjoy the peace of the sea breeze. Some reviews mention plastic rubbish on the beach, which is a reminder of the importance of keeping these natural spots pristine.

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Return Journey

Your trip concludes with a return boat ride to the starting point. It’s a short, peaceful journey, closing out a few hours of outdoor enjoyment. The timing generally aligns with a 4-hour duration, but some travelers find it slightly shorter—around 2.5 to 3.5 hours—especially if weather conditions or operational issues intervene.

Pricing and Value

At $47 per person, this tour offers a decent value—especially with snorkel gear and permits included. The lack of included transportation means you’ll need to arrange your own transfer to the meeting point, which could add to your overall costs. Given the short duration and simple itinerary, it’s best suited for those seeking a quick escape rather than a full-day adventure.

Group Size and Guides

The tour is conducted with certified guides who speak English and Spanish. While reviews don’t specify group size, smaller groups tend to make for a more personalized experience, especially when dealing with snorkeling.

Timing and Flexibility

Tours are available at various times, but checking availability beforehand is essential. You can reserve and pay later, offering flexibility if your plans change. Just remember, cancelations are allowed up to 24 hours in advance.

What’s Not Included

• Food and drinks — so pack water and snacks if you want to stay energized.
• Round transfer — plan your own transportation to the meeting point.

The mixed reviews highlight some consistent themes. Many praise the stunning scenery and beautiful island, with one describing it as “paradise.” They loved the warm, clear waters and colorful fish. However, some noted disappointments with marine life sightings and organizational issues.

One traveler from Germany noted, “There was neither a colorful underwater world nor any sea creatures,” reflecting that marine life can be sparse or unpredictable. Another shared, “The activity lasted 2.5 hours instead of 4 hours,” indicating that operational hiccups or seasonal factors might affect the experience.

Environmental concerns also appeared, with visitors mentioning plastic rubbish on the beach. This underscores the importance of respecting and protecting such fragile ecosystems.

If you’re someone who appreciates scenic beaches and the idea of snorkeling in a calm, protected spot, you’ll likely enjoy this trip. It’s best suited for beginners or casual snorkelers who want a low-cost, short outing with the chance to see marine life and relax on a beautiful island.

Those expecting a vibrant coral reef with abundant sea creatures might be disappointed, as the reviews suggest marine life varies. It’s perfect for families, couples, or solo travelers seeking a peaceful nature escape rather than a rigorous adventure.

This snorkeling trip to Isla de En Medio offers a simple, scenic experience that highlights Veracruz’s natural beauty. The stunning island scenery paired with crystal-clear waters makes it a worthwhile outing for those looking to escape the city and spend a few peaceful hours by the sea. The included snorkeling gear and short duration keep it accessible and manageable for most travelers.

However, the variable marine life and occasional organizational issues mean it‘s best viewed as a relaxing, scenic outing rather than a guaranteed adventure. If you’re hoping for vibrant underwater encounters or a more structured experience, you might want to explore other options or prepare for some variability.

This tour is particularly suited for those on a budget, beginners, or anyone wanting a quick dose of island tranquility—especially if you’re comfortable with flexible expectations and enjoy simple, natural pleasures.

Do I need to arrange my own transportation to the meeting point?
Yes, the tour does not include transportation, so you’ll need to organize your own way to the Amphibian Tours office in Veracruz.

How long does the tour last?
The official duration is about 4 hours, but some reviews mention it can be shorter, around 2.5 hours, depending on conditions.

Is snorkeling equipment provided?
Yes, the tour includes snorkel gear, though there are reports of equipment issues so consider bringing your own if possible.

Are guides available in English?
Yes, guides speak both English and Spanish, making it accessible for international travelers.

Can I expect to see marine life?
While some visitors report seeing colorful fish and turtles, others have noted very few fish, so sightings can be unpredictable.

What should I bring?
Bring water, snacks, sun protection, and possibly extra snorkel gear if you prefer.

Is this activity suitable for children?
Given the ease of snorkeling and the short time frame, it can be suitable for children, but always check the comfort levels of younger travelers.

What if I want a full-day experience?
This tour is designed as a half-day outing. For longer adventures, look for options that include additional activities or extended time at the island.

What is the environmental impact of this tour?
Reviews mention some plastic rubbish on the beach, highlighting the importance of leaving no trace and respecting the fragile marine ecosystem.

How do I cancel if my plans change?
You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund, offering some flexibility for travel plans.

This snorkeling trip to Isla de En Medio in Veracruz offers a relaxing, scenic escape with a good sense of value. While marine life sightings can be hit or miss, the stunning scenery and peaceful waters make it a worthwhile short outing for travelers eager to enjoy the coastline’s natural charm. Whether you’re a casual snorkeler, a nature lover, or just looking to escape the city for a few hours, this tour could provide a memorable, if unpredictable, slice of Veracruz’s seaside beauty.

You can check availability for your dates here: