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Cozumel Snorkeling |
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| The search is over! You have come to the right spot! |
For those who have never visited the island of Cozumel for snorkeling, a spectacular underwater rainbow awaits as you snorkel along the miles of world famous reefs here.
 Since Cozumel enjoys an average of 350 days of sunshine, 150 - 250 feet of underwater visibility, a warm 80+ degree year-round average sea temperature it plays host to over 500 species of vibrantly colored tropical fish and corals. A big part of the ancient Mesoamerican barrier reef lies just off the Cozumel shore - about 200-500 yards. All of this adds up to incredible conditions for some awesome snorkeling!
Since tourism abounds in Cozumel and visitors are always diving or snorkeling the reefs of Cozumel, we enjoy some of the friendliest fish you can imagine. So hopefully you can snap a few good pictures this time instead of just fish butts! The miles and miles of incredibly clean, pristine reefs are simply mountains of living coral that provide a stunning view of the ocean and it all starts at just 20 feet deep!
The beauty of Cozumel snorkeling is that it plays host to all sorts of different coral formations like mounds and outcroppings in the shallow waters and then caverns and swim throughs along the coral walls that drop to over 500 feet deep. Snorkelers as well as divers enjoy this spectacular ocean view because of the crystal clear visibility and the drifting currents which provide a relaxing "free ride!"
Cozumel snorkeling is perfect for everyone- no matter the level of skill. Beginners as well as "Old Timers" feel right at home snorkeling amongst the colorful reefs teeming with sea life.
Since Cozumel consistently ranks among the top 3 - 5 dive destinations in the world among scuba divers, it goes without saying that the snorkeling must be incredible, too! Cozumel enjoys some of the clearest water found anywhere in the Caribbean and visibility can be 150 feet or more depending on the water currents.
| Why is Cozumel snorkeling better than other places? |
Looking at an arial map, take note of the fact that Cozumel sits well away from mainland Mexico (about 7 miles) and also that the island is long going north to south. This happens to be the general flow of the ocean currents around the island as well. This constant flow of currents keeps the waters around the island clean and filled with fresh nutrients that corals feed on. If water is stagnate and not moving, some corals will grow but the majority of them depend on nutrients and sunlight to develop and thrive.
 Since clean water is crystal clear, more sunlight can penetrate deeper and this allows corals to grow at deeper depths. A deeper depth coral colony will surive more natural events such as storm surges as well as be protected from human destruction (walking, crushing, harvesting for souvineirs, etc.)
While there are coral reefs and corals growing all around the island, Cozumel's most beautiful corals are formed and located on the west side of the island where there is more natural protection from the open Caribean sea and it's storm surge. This more protected west side of the island has, over millions of years, produced coral formations growing upward from the bottom of the sea some 400 feet and more! No wonder divers get excited coming here and seeing these beautiful underwater formations!
Snorkelers will not necessarily see all of these biggest most beautiful coral formations since their beauty is hidden well beneath the sea and diving equipment is necessary. However, snorkelers CAN see the TOPS of these coral formations as well as enjoy other coral reefs that exist in the islands shallower waters. And of course, where there is coral and protection from the elements and predators, there will be fish, lobsters, crabs, eels, stingrays and a multitude of other sea critters for snorkers to enjoy!
So take the plunge! Get your face wet and enjoy the "down under" beauty Cozumel has to offer snorkelers!
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Some Snorkeling and Related Activities
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We just returned from our 7th visit to Cozumel and we visited the butterfly sancturary with our six year old and we absolutely loved it! We know the island very well and this was our first vist to the beach club and now we have a new favorite to add to our island list. We don't do alot of touristy things when we are on the island, but this place is worth it. Beautiful, educational and relaxing! What more could you ask for! We will return to Cozumel in November and we will definitely head for the butterfly sanctuary and PalMar beach club! Michele Borzeka ~ Chicago, Illinois
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Ladies --- I just wanted to thank you so much for helping us with the island tour and the sea trek helment diving ------- both were awesome!
Our tour guide was Humberto ----- great guy --- he sang for us !!!!!!!! He has been to Nashville, TN before ---- he was so knowledgable and so nice.
We ran a little late for the sea trek ---- but they took us right in. They too were great -- that was one of the coolest water activities we have ever done. Yes --- we bought the video and pictures ------ we just loved it. Did not have time to snorkel with Mario -- we feard we'd miss the ship -----
but we did not --- taxi took us quickly to the ship as soon as the sea trek was over.
I don't know a lot of travelers -- but I would recommend anybody using Yaxkin as a tour company --- as well as the guys at Sea Trek.
You ladies were great ----
Thanks again !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Tressa Bush ~ Tennessee
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Snuba in Cozumel is a * * * * * experience. There is so much more to Mexico than beaches and cocktails, and snuba is one great water activity to try out. Better than snorkeling, (better than chocolate too), and very easy, especially for those who are a bit intimidated by the scuba diving equipment and training involved, snuba is a great way to see the marine life close-up.
The guys at Mayan Paradise Tours explain everything in detail, and make snuba diving easy and interesting.They were a fun bunch of people to spend a half-day of my vacation with! Cheers. Lumi ~ Chicago, IL
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I considered your advice to drop by, and remembered reading that most public beaches get really crowded if there are a lot of cruise ships in port. There were 7 ships in Cozumel on Saturday, and I was prepared, got off the ship first thing at 9 with husband and snorkel gear in tow, and inquired about taxi rates. I was a little apprehensive when the taxi organizer didn't know where Palmar was, but I had your directions and coupon printed out so I told them it was between the two hotels and mentioned the beach name and all was well. I then realized it was a blessing for them not to know where I was going - that had to mean it wouldn't be too popular/crowded!
I believe we met Juan? He was very nice and made us feel very comfortable, showed us to a locker and we were off across the street. Hard to get in the water with all the rocks, but it was beautiful & shallow snorkeling, lots of neat corral - and 2 2 ft. barracudas guarded the shore.
When we came back we ordered guacamole and chips as well as a mango and pina colada daiquiri. It was obvious it was all just prepared and really fresh - best guacamole I've ever had, the chips were fresh, and the shakes were delicious. In summary, your location was beautiful, thank you for opening your home as a beach club so we could get away from the crowds, we felt so special! Juan was as good a host as he was a chef! We'll definitely be recommending Palmar! G. Nielsen ~ Cruise Passenger
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Sherri,
Thanks very much for your help. I got the confirmations today for both the royal swim and dolphin encounter. I'll definitely pass the word about your great service. thanks! The Rice Family ~ Williamsburg, VA
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