Cozumel Snorkeling Guide

Last Updated on November 12, 2025 ⋅ Written By: author avatar

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Into the blue. Into the wonder. Whichever way you term it, the meaning is the same, incredible Cozumel snorkeling. Get ready to open your eyes to an underwater heaven that is world famous for good reason. The variety of sites available, the-all year round warm waters, the shipwrecks, marine life and on and on and on. It is a perfect adventure and a true wonder of the Caribbean.

There are a multitude of ways to get yourself into the crystal waters here. You can go by small tour boat, mid to large size sail or catamaran boat, or simply walk into the sea from the shore. No matter which option you choose for your Cozumel snorkeling, the glittering sea, colorful fish and coral will amaze and delight you.

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Shore Snorkeling Snorkeling Tours Snorkeling Gear Responsible Snorkeling When To Visit Cozumel

Cozumel Shore Snorkeling Sites

There are numerous excellent snorkeling locations accessible from shore all along the west coast of the island. The clear water and abundant reefs make for plenty of spectacular Cozumel snorkeling sites for visitors to explore. Here are just some of the beautiful snorkeling sites you can reach from the shore.

SKY REEF

(Depth: 5′ – 30′)

Calm and clear waters make this southern beach club our favorite for shore snorkeling. Bring your own gear or rent on-site at the gear rental shop next to the restaurant. There is no entrance fee, but it is required to spend some money at the restaurant to support the facilities. Trust us; the food is tasty, and it is well worth it to have access to the nearby reefs where an abundance of tropical sea life. Waterside loungers and tables are also available. Be sure to explore the entire snorkeling area. There are a bunch of large coral heads in the deep water straight out near the far buoys and then further to the left (south). Also, in the shallows to the left (south) are a bunch of fan corals teeming with fish. Do not touch or stand on the corals.

MONEY BAR / DZUL HA

(Depth: 10′ – 30′)

Accessible from the Moneybar Beach Club, Dzul Ha is famous for it’s clear water and abundant sea life. There are steps down into the water for easy access and typically minimal current, making this a great spot for novice snorkelers to jump in and play. Brightly colored parrotfish, schools of seargent majors, crabs, eels and more.

CHANKANAAB PARK

(Depth: 5′ – 40′)

This reef is located in front of Chankanaab Nature Park and is one of the most popular Cozumel snorkeling sites due to the mild currents and shallow depths. You will be able to experience loads of colorful coral, the Cozumel Toadfish, rays, lobster and a plethora of vibrant fish species. The park entry fee is a bit pricey but there is much to explore.

VILLABLANCA REEF

(Depth: 10′ – 20′)

Near town, Villa Blanca Reef is accessible from several docks near the Villablanca Hotel. There is a fair amount of boat traffic nearby, so it’s recommended more for adult snorkelers. Plenty of coral abounds and a large variety of sea life make for some lovely snorkeling close to town.

Snorkeling Tours

Something For Everyone

You have many options to choose from when picking a snorkel tour in Cozumel. If you’re new to snorkeling or just short on time, a two-hour shallow reef tour might be perfect for you. If you’re looking for a longer experience that takes you further out, you have the option of several four-hour reef tours or even longer! The pricing for these tours comes down to the length of the tour and the type of boat you choose. These tours are a wonderful way to literally get your feet wet in the Caribbean!

Cozumel snorkeling guide, the best snorkeling in cozumel.

Cozumel H2O

Private Snorkel Tours, Night Snorkeling, Passion Island Snorkel Tours

Cozumel H2O provides a different kind of snorkeling tour, where exploring the reefs is the primary goal. This isn’t a party boat, it’s a legitimate snorkeling adventure. Each Cozumel H2O group will have their own snorkel guide who will educate you about the marine life you may be seeing. As an added bonus, each guide is a certified free diver therefore they will be able to dive down and point out the incredible creatures that call the reefs their home. If you happen to have a mixed group of scuba divers and snorkelers, no problem, Cozumel H2O can accommodate you all on the same boat, while ensuring everyone has an incredible time! Owners Loes and Miguel guide most of the trips themselves because like you, they love the water. It’s not just a job, for them it is a way of life. Whatever your experience in the water is, Cozumel H2O will do their best to create the most exciting and memorable snorkeling trip possible.

Website Email +529878762021 Map

Website Email

+529878762021 Map

Fury Catamarans

Catamaran Snorkel Tours, Cruise Excursions, Sunset Sails

A Fury Catamarans snorkeling tour isn’t just a tour, it’s a Caribbean experience! Once you board one of their 65-foot custom catamarans, all you have to do is relax and let the crew take you out for a day to remember. Over the course of your five-hour tour, you can enjoy the sea breeze, drinks, snacks and snorkeling at some of Cozumel’s most famous reefs with your crew and guide. Then, continue your journey on to the famous clear waters of El Cielo for a little fun in the shallows where you can see starfish and possibly even stingrays. Finish the day at their beautiful beach club with a tasty “cheeseburger in Paradise” lunch and plenty of time for you and your family to play in the largest heated pool in Cozumel or at the beachfront aqua park. Fury Catamaran tours are also available as a cruise excursion.

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Website Email

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Best Snorkeling Gear

Best Budget

This great set from U.S. Divers and includes a semi-dry snorkel, vented fins and a durable, three-way adjustable mask.

Best High-End

Check out this top tier set from Phantom Aquatics that comes in 10 colors. It features everything you want, a panoramic mask, dry snorkel, vented fins and a compact design for travel.

Don’t forget to bring some snorkel mask defogger along as well!

Responsible Snorkeling In Cozumel

Please keep in mind that sunblock, even reef-safe brands, are not allowed in the waters of the Mexican Caribbean as it kills the reef and the sea life. Please be mindful of this when you go snorkeling in Cozumel and bring hats, sarongs and towels to keep your skin safe when you are out of the water and a swim shirt for when you’re snorkeling. As you enjoy the beauty of the sea you will feel fabulous knowing your presence isn’t harming it.

When To Visit Cozumel

The tropical climate in Cozumel is quite predictable and easy to make plans around. Without much of a temperature difference throughout the year, (the average temperature lingers around 83 degrees F) it’s the rainy hurricane season that most travelers need to pay attention to.

January – April

Perfect weather-wise, but sees the highest influx of tourists. If you are not a people person, consider this.

May – October

The hottest and most rainy months of the year but still plenty of sunshine. Also, this is the hurricane season so keep an eye on the forecasts. Fewer tourists so you can typically expect lower rates at hotels, resorts and tour companies during this time.

November – December

The autumn-winter months are considered by many to be the best times to visit Cozumel. The hurricane season has passed by this time and the humidity is low. Can be a little “chilly” in the evenings.

January – April

Perfect weather-wise, but sees the highest influx of tourists. If you are not a people person, consider this.

May – October

November – December

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