snorkeling Cozumel post Wilma

by Jeanne

Submitted July 18, 2010

I have been to Cozumel about 3 times post Wilma. As others have reported, the shallow reefs have suffered much damage. A well known snorkeling and diving location is Chankanaab Park. It was completely destroyed and closed for a year to restore. There are still many fish in the area, but little coral/fan re-growth in the more shallow locations. Many previously favored shore snorkeling areas along the western shore are in the same condition as well. To me, the best areas for snorkeling at Cozumel included the Colombia Shallows and Palancar Reef area which was only accessible by boat. There are many charters of large groups but I have gone with Mystic Snorkeling (Roswitha Flury) numerous times and she only takes small groups. The reefs are approximately 15-30 feet deep with healthy coral, fans, good visibility, and a wide variety of fish including turltes, rays (southern and spotted eagle).

I went to Isla Mujeres this June. There was a very healthy shallow reef "Reef Che" which was a 20 minute boat ride north of Isla Mujeres (an island 8 miles due east of Cancun). El Farolito Park was a nice snorkeling area at Isla Mujeres (only accessible by boat) that had some healthy coral and fans, rays, and a many varieties and sizes of fish- about 12-20 feet deep.