Snorkeling in Cozumel
Snorkeling in Cozumel is easy to start. The reefs lie just off the west and south shores, and the calm water at Chankanaab and Playa Palancar suits first-timers, children and anyone who prefers to stay near the sand. Visibility is best over the rocky limestone beaches on the west coast, where less sand gets stirred up.
Places to go
Chankanaab Park
Chankanaab is a natural park on Cozumel's south coast, with a sandy beach, a shallow snorkel area and a lagoon. Visitors snorkel off the sand, swim with animals or try a reef dive from here.
El Cielo
El Cielo is a shallow reef and sandbar off Cozumel, reached by boat and used for snorkeling and time on the sand. Boats and catamarans leave from the island for the trip.
Playa Palancar
Playa Palancar is a white-sand beach club on the quiet west side of Cozumel, reached from the southern hotel zone. Day passes give you a lounge chair and umbrella, with a seafood restaurant and bar on site.
Arrecifes de Cozumel National Park
Arrecifes de Cozumel National Park is a protected offshore reef system along the west and south coasts of Cozumel. Divers and snorkelers come here to see the reefs, which are among the most popular recreational dive grounds in the Mexican Caribbean.
Jade Cavern
Jade Cavern is a freshwater cenote on Cozumel, one of the few cenotes on an island. You swim between limestone walls and jump from low cliffs into the pool.
Tours to book
Prices are per person, booked with our partner, Shore Excursions Group.
Private Turtle and Starfish Catamaran Snorkel at Turtle Bay and El Cielo
Cozumel E-Scooter, Clear Boat Snorkel, and Beach Combo
KUZA Beach Park and Snorkel El Cielo (Transfers Included)
What to expect
Most people reach the water with a short taxi ride from town. At Chankanaab you walk onto the sand, rent a mask and fins if you did not bring your own, and snorkel right off the beach. The shallow area holds tropical fish, colorful coral and the park's underwater sculptures. Plan on one to two hours in the water, then time for a rinse and a bite to eat.
Playa Palancar is a quieter west-side beach a taxi ride south of San Miguel. Shore snorkel gear can be rented there, and colorful fish come close in the shallows. Guided reef snorkels also leave from this beach, with certified guides, a boat and all the equipment provided. These trips take in the reefs of the Mesoamerican Barrier Reef System, the second largest coral reef system in the world.
Where to go
- Chankanaab Beach Adventure Park. Snorkel right off the sand among tropical fish, colorful coral and underwater sculptures. Shallow and calm, suited to beginners and children. About 9 km south of town, by taxi. A trip that goes here: Jungle Jeep Adventure to Mayan Caverns and Snorkel, 5 Hours, $80 a person
- Playa Palancar. A quiet west-side beach with shore snorkel gear rental and colorful fish in shallow water. Guided reef snorkels also leave from here by boat. A taxi ride south of San Miguel. A trip that goes here: Cozumel Triple Reef Snorkeling Adventure, 4 Hours, $109 a person
Getting there
A taxi reaches Chankanaab from town. You can tell any local driver to go to Chankanaab. Independent visitors with a rental car or scooter can also drive there, though scooters should only be ridden by experienced riders.
When to go
Snorkeling works year-round. Rocky limestone beaches on the west coast give better visibility because less sand is stirred up, so they are the best choice for clear water.
Good to know
- Bring your own mask and fins if you have them, since rental gear at the park costs a small fee.
- Chankanaab charges an entry fee for adults, and the swim-with-animals area does not allow cameras.
- Stay on the calm west and south sides for snorkeling. The east side has strong surf and undertows, so never swim there alone.
- Pay in pesos where you can, since many businesses accept US dollars at a poor exchange rate.
Questions
Can you snorkel in Cozumel without a boat?
Yes. Chankanaab and Playa Palancar both allow shore snorkeling. At Chankanaab you walk in from the sand, and at Palancar you can rent gear on the beach. Guided reef trips by boat are an option too.
Is Chankanaab good for kids who are new to snorkeling?
Yes. The park has an entry fee, and gear is rented on site or can be brought from home.
How far is Chankanaab, the main snorkel area in Cozumel, from town?
Chankanaab sits about 9 km south of town.
