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Everything you need to know about Snorkeling in Cozumel
Cozumel is a well-known island in the Caribbean Sea. This island is a popular cruise ship port and can be very touristy. If you are interested in scuba diving or snorkeling, Cozumel is a perfect place to visit. There are tons of scuba diving companies throughout the Island as well as snorkeling boat tours. Most of the island is undeveloped but near El Centro and the ferry port, it is bustling with tourists. Rent a scooter and explore the island!
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How to get from Playa del Carmen to Cozumel
From Playa del Carmen, we took a 45-minute ferry ride to Cozumel Island. There are two ferry companies that run between the two cities on opposite days. Make sure to check the schedule and know which ferry you are planning to take as the times vary depending on the day and ferry company. Purchase your tickets at the ticket stand right near the ferry port. You will have the option for a first-class or a general ticket. We purchased the general tickets which came to be $25USD/person for a round trip ferry. *Prices do vary depending on the time of year.
Ferry Tips
- Get to the ferry port at least an hour early! The ferry companies will oversell tickets.
- Be prepared if you are prone to seasickness. The ferry is large but it is a long and slow ride.
- There is a small coffee show on the Ultramar ferry.
- Save your money and purchase the general tickets instead of the first-class tickets.
- Be prepared to go through security.
- Ferry Schedule and More Information
Best Way to Get Around Cozumel
Rent a Scooter
I highly encourage renting a scooter for the day. Scooters are cheap to rent and there are many scooter rental shops near the ferry port. We rented this red scooter for $20/USD for the entire day. Marymar Rentals is a great company to work with, they are reasonable, friendly, and legit.
Drive
Car rental is a bit more expensive and requires additional insurance papers. Depending on how far you are going and how often you will be driving, renting a car could be a great idea. Marymar Rentals also offers cars and jeeps to rent at a great price.
Taxi
Taxies are a popular form of transportation in Mexico. Once you get off the ferry and arrive on the island, you will find many taxies honking their horn calling for you to chose their taxi. Some drivers will give you a good deal depending on where you are going but some will overcharge you. Always try to bargain and ask for a better price. Taxies can get expensive if you are traveling long distances.
Snorkeling in Cozumel Must Haves
I highly suggest purchasing your snorkeling gear before you go. Renting snorkeling gear can be pricey if you are going multiple days during your vacation.
I recommend purchasing this Snorkeling Gear package from Amazon. This bundle has everything you will need at a great price.
What is All Included?
- Panoramic View Dive Mask
- Dry Top Snorkel
- Adjustable Fins
- Dry Mesh Bag
Additional Items to Purchase
Where to go Snorkeling in Cozumel
Cozumel is home to some of the most gorgeous snorkeling and deep-sea diving in the world. The Mesoamerican Barrier Reef also known as the Great Mayan Reef is the world’s second-largest barrier reef, right behind the Great Barrier Reef near Australia. The Mesoamerican Reef is located right in the middle of the Mexican Caribbean Sea making Cozumel a prime location for snorkeling and scuba diving. This large coral reef bed attracts an array of colorful marine life.
Sky Reef
Sky Reef is one of my top places to go snorkeling in Cozumel. There is no minimum fee you need to pay to snorkel and enjoy their beach club. All you need to do is order something, it could be the cheapest thing on the menu. The staff is welcoming and very helpful. Sky Reef offers sports bundles if you need to rent snorkeling gear or would like to try kayaking or paddleboarding The chicken nachos are delicious!
Snorkeling at Sky Reef is easy, safe, and fun. There is a large area roped off that you snorkel in. I love that it is roped off because you do not have to worry about boats passing by. We spent the whole day here snorkeling and got to see a variety of marine life including a stingray, fish, barracuda, and coral structures. Tip: Swim all the way out to the rope to experience the deep sea with a large drop in the ocean wall.
El Cielo
If you are looking for clear bright blue waters with a white sand beach, El Cielo is the place to visit. This is a popular snorkeling area because it is known for spotting starfish and stingrays. There is also ample fish to see. Snorkeling is available right off the beach or you can take a boat out into the sea. You will need a guided tour to visit the blue waters of El Cielo. I recommend a Cozumel snorkeling tour for $60 per person, you will be able to experience three major snorkeling stops along the Mesoamerican Reef. *There is an additional $5 marine fee, not included in the tour price.
Buccanos Resort + Beach
Buccanos Resort and Beach is located on the north end of the island near the Westin Resort. A taxi to Buccanos will cost about $10 one-way from the main ferry port. I highly suggest just renting a scooter for the day. This is another great spot for beginner snorkelers because the water is slow and easy to swim in. There is a $20/adult beach club entrance fee that provides you access to the lounge chairs, palapas, and snorkeling gear. The resort offers a free snorkeling guide that will follow you, taking videos and pictures. The catch is that the pictures and videos taken are available for purchase only. The restaurant offers amazing food and drinks.
Free Snorkeling in Cozumel- Sunset Beach Cozumel
Sunset Beach is one of the few beaches that does not have a cover charge. At Sunset Beach you can snorkel along Cozumel’s coast for FREE! This beach is located about 3/4 miles from the ferry port and is a popular spot for tourists on a cruise. Right next to the snorkeling area is a restaurant and gear shop with snorkeling gear for rent.
Paradise Beach
Paradise Beach is one of my favorite places because it offers so many water activities. One of the highlights of this resort is the inflatable water park. There are trampolines, slides, and climbing structures to play on. I encourage you to purchase the Fun Pass – $64USD/adult which includes access to the water park, kayaks, paddleboards, and snorkeling gear. We found this fun beach club on a vlog by Tangerine Travels. Thank you Tangerine Travels!
All-Inclusive – Nachi Cocom Cozumel Beach Club
Nachi’s all-inclusive package is $39USD/adult and includes an open bar, 4-course lunch, and beach club amenities. A taxi to El Cielo will cost about $15USD one-way from the main ferry port, I highly suggest just renting a scooter for the day. This is a great deal for a full day of snorkeling and relaxing on the beach. The food is exceptional and it is an all-you-drink open bar. The resort also offers additional activities like boat rides, massages, and photo sessions (for an additional fee).
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