What it's like
The park is a protected marine ecosystem along the western and southern coast of Cozumel, in Quintana Roo. It is an offshore park, and it is part of the Isla Cozumel Biosphere Reserve, which is listed by UNESCO. The park is also protected under the Ramsar Convention, so the reefs here are looked after closely.
A visit is a boat trip out to the reef. Most people come here to dive, though snorkelers can see the shallow reefs too. The park holds both shallow and deeper mesophotic reefs, and the nearby town of San Miguel is about 6 km away. Food is not sold in the park, so bring what you need on the boat.
Good to know
- Boat dives need certification. Dive shops offer resort courses and guided dives for people not yet certified.
- There is no place to eat in the park. Bring a packed lunch on the dive boat.
- Alcoholic beverages are not allowed if you plan to dive. Sunscreen use is not allowed in the park.
- Do not touch the reefs, feed the fauna, anchor, or fish. Keep at least 1.5 meters from the reef.
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.
Tours that go here
Prices are per person, booked with our partner, Shore Excursions Group.
Dolphin Swim Adventure at Chankanaab National Marine Park
Dolphin Encounter and Chankanaab National Marine Park
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.
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.
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.
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.
The same kind of day, elsewhere
Scuba diving
Fort Zachary Taylor Historic State Park
