It’s no secret that Mexico is full of incredible snorkeling spots. Still, one of the top places to explore the ocean is the magical island of Cozumel.
Surrounded by 67,133 acres of vibrant Mesoamerican Barrier Reef and crystal clear waters, Cozumel is home to a vast underwater wonderland full of diverse marine life – which makes it a perfect destination for snorkeling.
To help you explore the world’s second-largest barrier reef system, we’ve put together a list of the best places to go snorkeling in Cozumel.
This beautiful island is only a short ferry ride from Playa Del Carmen, so it is naturally a top snorkeling spot for travelers in Quintana Roo.
At the end of this post, we’ll give you some extra tips to snorkel in Cozumel – so keep reading to learn more!
El Cielo
El Cielo is a sandbar just off the coast in the south of the island and one of the most popular snorkeling spots in Cozumel.
To access it, you’ll need to take a boat about a mile out to the reef.
The water is very shallow here, ranging from 0.9 to 1.2 meters (3-4 feet), and the ocean floor is soft and sandy. This makes it ideal for first-time snorkelers and anyone who is not confident in their swimming abilities.
El Cielo, which translates to the sky in Spanish, got its name as the crystal clear water reflects the sky like a mirror. Marine life is abundant here, but the most iconic is the starfish.
You’ll also spot plenty of Stingrays, especially the further out you go, along with large schools of various fish varieties.
Staying in Cozumel?
Make sure to book a stay in one of the greatest hotels in Cozumel, Mexico.
Best hostel: Hostel Auikyani
Best hotel: Hacienda Boutique Mi Case Tu Casa
Best resort: Presidente InterContinental Cozumel Resort and Spa
Palancar Reef
Palancar Reef is one of the most vibrant parts of the Arrecifes de Cozumel National Park on the island’s southwest side. The reef is so large, spanning 3.5 miles, with five popular areas for snorkeling and diving.
Check out The Little Caves here, which has a maze of canyons and tunnels that you can snorkel through. And for the snorkeling pros, head to Deep Palancar to see the widest variety of fish in the area.
Aside from its size, Palancar is the best place to snorkel in Cozumel as it has brilliant visibility of up to 100 meters along with warm waters all year round.
You can access part of the Palancar Reef via the beach, but I recommend taking a tour to see its true beauty.
Many companies offer half-day trips here, or you can visit the Palancar as part of a day tour of Arrecifes de Cozumel National Park.
Dzul-Ha
Dzul-Ha is one of the best places to go snorkeling on Cozumel if you’re a beginner as the waters are shallow, and you can access it from the beach.
Therefore, you can choose how far out you want to explore. Plus, the waters here are calm, so it’s a safe spot to take kids on an underwater adventure.
The visibility is around 60 feet (18 meters), and the spot is full of tropical fish varieties, including parrotfish, butterflyfish, and damselfish. There’s also plenty of manta rays and sea turtles to see here.
You can access Dzul-Ha from The Money Bar Beach Club on the west side of the island, where you can hire snorkel gear if you don’t have your own.
Chankanaab Park
A short drive south of Dzul-Ha, you will find another fantastic spot, Chankanaab Park. This is an off-shore reef within the Cozumel Marine National Park that you can access by taking a short swim out to it.
It’s a varied Cozumel snorkeling spot as it features plenty of corals, algae, and fish. However, it’s best known for its resident Nemo and juvenile fish.
Tourists don’t just flock to Chankanaab Park for the fish and coral, though. Chankanaab has an impressive range of Mayan sculptures underwater, high visibility of up to 100 feet (30 meters), and virtually no current.
Plus, aside from snorkeling, you can spend a day at Chankanaab Park relaxing on the sun loungers, sipping on cocktails, and even watching a sea lion show.
Villa Blanca Reef
You’ll find Villa Blanca Reef on the west coast, close to the ferry port and airport. Everyone from beginners to pros comes to Villa Blanca Reef to enjoy some snorkeling in Cozumel.
It is easy to access from the beach by Hotel Villablanca Garden Beach.
You’re bound to see plenty of fascinating sea animals here, such as sea sponges, squirrelfish, eels, moray, and gorgonians. The reef is shallow throughout, with a maximum depth of 40 feet.
However, as it’s close to the port, many boats move around here, so it’s best not to venture too far from shore. What’s more, depending on the time of year, the currents here can be reasonably strong.
Punta Sur Eco Beach Park
If you want to escape the crowds, head to the southern tip of the island to Punta Sur Eco Beach Park. Here you will find an expansive reef that spans almost 350 feet (106 meters) of the ocean.
You can easily access the nearest part from the shore by swimming about 0.3 miles out. It’s well worth the short swim as this area has the best visibility at 150 feet (45 meters) compared to anywhere else you can go snorkeling at Cozumel.
There are so many different fish varieties here that you’ll lose count of how many you come across.
Plus, the water is pretty shallow too. Punta Sur Eco Beach Park has a $14 admission fee, but you can use the showers and beach chairs here and rent snorkeling equipment.
What’s more, Punta Sur is not just for snorkeling; while you are here, be sure to check out the exotic birds and crocodiles that reside in the eco-park.
Playa Corona
If you’re looking for a quick snorkel in between sunbathing sessions, you’ll love spending the day at Playa Corona on the west side of the island.
This beach has a super chilled vibe and is where the locals head for snorkeling in Cozumel.
Here you don’t have to go far out to see some amazing sea life as there is a large shallow area full of exotic fishes and coral wonders.
Plus, if you don’t have a snorkel, you can rent one from the friendly staff at the restaurant there.
Paradise Reef
Paradise Reef is another of the most popular places to go snorkeling in Cozumel and is located in the southwest of the island by the cruise ship pier. You can access the reef by swimming out, but it’s a little far.
Therefore, beginners should take a catamaran tour of Paradise Reef to explore three different areas in the deeper section.
You’ll also find two coral ridges side by side where there are many schools of fish, including snappers, emperors, angelfish, sergeants, red seahorse, and barracuda.
Plus, the visibility here is one of the best on the island, at 150 feet (45 meters).
Furthermore, there’s a gentle current that will help you float around without much effort, saving you from fatigue.
Santa Rosa
If you’re looking for a thrill, head to Santa Rosa for the best snorkeling in Cozumel for adventurers. Santa Rosa Reef has a 100ft wall with a sandy floor that slopes down even further.
There are also multiple tunnels and caves to swim through, so while it’s not for beginners, it’s undoubtedly an underwater playground for experienced snorkelers and divers.
Visibility is fantastic here, too, up to 150 feet. As you can go deep down into the ocean, you’ll see one of the largest assortments of tropical fish and sea animals, including slipper lobsters and popcorn shrimp.
You’ll have to take a boat out to Santa Rosa reef, but it’s not far from the island, and plenty of boat companies operate trips there and back.
Columbia Reef
Columbia Reed is another popular spot for travelers going on Cozumel snorkeling and diving tours. It’s very close to Palancar Reef in the south, and there are plenty of boats around here that will take you out to this famous reef.
There are two parts to this reef; Columbia Shallows and Columbia Deep. Columbia shallows are great for casual snorkelers, and here you’ll see some cool large coral heads dotted around the sandy floor.
Experienced snorkelers and divers usually frequent Columbia Deep.
The depth here means you’ll see some amazing sea life, such as spotted eagle manta rays and possibly even a few sharks.
Tips For Snorkeling In Cozumel
Now, we promised you a few tips to help you have a great snorkeling experience in Cozumel.
- If you’re heading to a beach where you can’t hire snorkel gear, I’d recommend you buy your equipment before. You can find equipment either in Cozumel or in Playa Del Carmen. We have bought our equipment in a pharmacy in Playa Del Carmen before our departure to Cozumel.
- Watch out for jellyfish in Cozumel! There are beaches with lots of jellyfish around, so make sure to keep an eye out for them. During our time in Cozumel, one of us got stung by a jellyfish, and we also saw a woman who felt very bad after being badly stung while snorkeling.
- Don’t forget to bring reef-friendly sunscreen! You can buy your reef-friendly sunscreen on Amazon.
Final Thoughts On Snorkeling Spots In Cozumel
Whether you’ve never snorkeled before or it’s a long-term hobby of yours, you’ll find multiple snorkeling spots in Cozumel that are ideal for you.
With so many reefs close to the shore, you can take a quick swim around the shallow waters, or you can make a day of it on one of the many snorkeling boat trips.
Start planning your travel itinerary in Cozumel and read the following blog posts:
