By Judy – (Green Valley, AZ)
Where are the best beaches for snorkeling on Cozumel? This is the first snorkeling trip for my grandchildren, they are 11 and 12 and excellent swimmers.
Thank you.
Comments Moved From Previous System
Nadel – Feb 6, 2018 – Chankanab
Chankanab was a wonderful park in Cozumel to snorkel at many years ago, I haven’t been there in over 30 years. I hope that it is still in great condition.
Steve – Feb 6, 2018 – It Has Been Awhile, But…
We found in front of Fiesta Americana swimming to the right side looking at the water to have good snorkeling. There was a restaurant where you could get out at, or get in and glide down to Fiesta Americana.
Dan H – Feb 20, 2018 – Cozumel Beach Snorkeling
You can go to several beach clubs for shore snorkeling. I would recommend Corona Beach Club, and right next door, Sky Reef Beach Club. Both would be a good starting point for beginners. All you have to do is purchase a couple of drinks or lunch and there is no charge for using the facilities including tables with umbrellas to get out of the sun.
You can also try the Money Bar which is just a few hundred yards north of the Fiesta Americana Hotel.
You might also want to try going out on a boat to Columbia Shallows and El Cielo Reefs which are located on the southern end of the island.
Judy – Feb 20, 2018 – Thank you
Thanks for taking the time to respond to my inquiry!
Anonymous – Mar 12, 2018 – Snorkeling in Cozumel
It’s been a few years, but the snorkeling close to shore at the Presidente Inter-Continental was very good. Also, next door at La Ceiba, there is a sunken airplane that you can snorkel or dive.
Vincent – Mar 13, 2018 – Cozumel Shore Snorkeling
Corona and Sky Reef are good shore snorkeling options. I recommend a good flotation device for kids.
Paying for a tour to Punta Sur is good for kids, but I’m not sure I’d take an 11 or 12 year old there not on a tour. It is safe, but a long swim, so best to have the jet ski nearby, as the tours do.
Money Bar (same as across from Fiesta Americana) is a good option. Their “bars” are really restaurants and very kid friendly during the day.
You’ll also want to take the kids to the water parks built into the sea. They are fun for kids.
April – Aug 9, 2018 – Ehhhh
We just got back from a trip in Cozumel in June. Shore snorkeling was lackluster. We snorkeled all around and found the best shore snorkeling at Playa Corona. Most reefs all around the island near shore are dead. The ones that are thriving near shore at Playa Corona are roped off.
The best snorkeling at Playa Corona is when you enter swim to your right along the buoys close to shore. The end of the reef is not roped off and it is decent. We also saw some nice small reef clusters in the deep part but we did have to freedive around 10-15 feet to get a good look at those.
Nicole & Galen – May 30, 2020 – More Cozumel Beach Snorkeling Info
Check out this 2018 Cozumel snorkeling trip report with many shore snorkeling options. And read this 2017 trip report about snorkeling from a resort beach in Cozumel too. There is also this story about snorkeling Chankanaab Park beach. Good luck!