Cozumel snorkeling is easily one of the most popular appeals of this island paradise in the Caribbean Sea. Cozumel has become increasingly popular over the years largely because of the beautiful coral reefs that surround the island and provide the ideal settings for spellbinding underwater exploration. The best snorkeling in Cozumel is up for debate depending upon with whom you speak and where they stay when visiting the island. Many advanced divers and snorkelers stay on the northern part of the island where currents are generally stronger and require experienced drift divers. Many more stay on the southern part of the west coast where conditions are milder and visibility remains consistently clear.

There are two basic options for Cozumel snorkeling. You can either take a boat out to a dive site and snorkel off the side or snorkel from the shore. Some would argue the best snorkeling in Cozumel is the snorkeling you do not have to pay for. When you decide to put-in from one of the shore sites you will be able to save the amount you would have to pay for a group boat tour. If you are not yet ready to try your hand at reef snorkeling in Cozumel, you can always opt for the new and popular sport of Snuba that allows you to stay connected to a twenty-foot tube and deep dive with a guide. If you are interested in Snuba Cozumel is a great place to get started.

Many people stay at the luxury hotels and resorts located on the southwestern coast of Cozumel because of the pristine beaches, multiple dive sites, and close proximity to popular island attractions like San Miguel and El Cedral. Some of the best Cozumel snorkeling sites can be located along this stretch of coastline. There is quality snorkeling to be had all the way from Playa las Glorias to Chankanaab and even Corona beach to the south. All along this part of the island there are a number of places where you can dive in and save the expense of going out with a group. The other benefit of this is that you do not have to adhere to anyone else’s schedule. It is only advisable to do any Cozumel snorkeling or diving on your own if you have plenty of experience. There are excellent put-in points at Lighthouse, Sand Dollar, Dzul Ha, and Little Paraiso to name just a few. If you are looking for Snuba Cozumel has a number of tour providers that take first time snorkelers and snuba divers out in exciting group excursions.

Cozumel Map

On the northern part of the island you will also find some of the best snorkeling in Cozumel. Sites like Coral Princess, Melia, and Cozumeleno are amongst the most popular for advanced divers. This area of the island is also home to notorious dive sites like Barracuda Reef and San Juan Reef. This is not the part of the island for snuba. If you are in the business for snuba Cozumel sites to the south will be better suited for you. The underwater exploration of Cozumel snorkeling is amazing because of the exotic wildlife that abound in these crystal clear waters. One can see rainbow colored parrot fish, sharks, sea turtles, and octopi all in the same day.