Cozumel Snorkeling Guide
Take a Peek Into the Sea
Updated November 2023
Welcome to Cozumel Snorkeling
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.
Cozumel Map
Contents
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!
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.
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.
Bavarian Fiesta
Small Group Snorkel Tours, Night Snorkeling
Lively, fun and unique! A snorkel trip with Bavarian Fiesta is one you will not soon forget! The excellent crew will keep you safe and happy whilst whisking you off to fascinating snorkel spots like sunken shipwrecks and multiple colorful reefs. You can also choose a more luxurious, full day or half day snorkel adventure that includes a delectable three course BBQ on Passion Island. Just to be sure your trip is extra memorable, they offer delicious German beer on board all day long! Looking for an evening activity? Bavarian Fiesta offers an exciting night snorkeling tour as well! With multiple tours to choose from you can’t go wrong with Bavarian Fiesta.
Best Snorkeling Gear
Best Budget
This great set from U.S. Divers comes in 6 colors 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 12 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.
More
MEXICAN CARIBBEAN
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Cozumel Visitors Guide
Cozumel Restaurant Guide
Cozumel Hotel Guide
Cozumel Beach Bar Guide
The Best Beaches In Cozumel Without The Crowds
The Best Cozumel All Inclusive Resorts
The Mesoamerican Barrier Reef
Playa Del Carmen Visitors Guide
Cancun Visitors Guide
Holbox Visitors Guide
Isla Mujeres Visitors Guide
Isla Contoy Visitors Guide
Travel Quick Search
Thanks for this important article! However, after googling Chankanaab Nature Park, it seems this place is hardly ecological – with captive dolphin shows, manatees and seals and intensive development of the beach. Correct me if I am wrong, but if this is the same place it should hardly be on the list for ecological things to do in Cozumel.
So Chankanab Eco Park is a decades-old state nature park with a cenote, marine preserve, underwater cave system, forests and more. A few years back, the northern edge of the park was unfortunately leased to a developer who built the dolphin/animal show that you are referring to. Dolphin Discovery is its own separate business next to the Chankanab Nature park that shares a parking lot but charges its own entry fee and isn’t run by (or associated with) the state park whatsoever. I’m not sure if Dolphin Discovery will remain in that location however as Mexico recently banned dolphin shows a few weeks ago. Chankanab has a coral rehabilitation and growth project in the water there that you can snorkel over and see where they are growing new coral pieces.
Wow, this really covers everything someone would need to know about snorkeling in Cozumel. I wish I saw this when I was there last summer. I will be checking out some of these tours the next time though!
Are there whalesharks in Cozumel? If so, who do you recommend we contact about snorkeling with them?
Seasonally, from around April thru August, Whalesharks can be found feeding on the plankton pushed to the surface off the coast of the small island, Holbox, which is west and north of Cancun.
Thank you for the helpful info! We will be in Cozumel next week and are hoping to go snorkeling while there.