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"Do It Yourself" Snorkel Tour |
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Cozumel is a top notch snorkel spot in the Caribbean and boasts incredible water clarity which is critical for a good snorkel experience. Since Cozumel is ranked in the top three as a world class diving destination, one simply has to put their face in the water to see why. And it simply stands to reason that as a world class scuba diving destination, Cozumel's snorkeling has to be awesome, too! Plus, Cozumel is an island just big enough to be an adventure but not so large that one feels intimidated going it alone to explore. So what better adventure to try than a "do it yourself" or "self guided" snorkel tour along the beautiful Cozumel coastline.
Now, If you'd like to consider getting certified to scuba dive rather than snorkel, then click here to learn more about diving in Cozumel. The good news is that a person does not have to know how to scuba dive in order to enjoy the exciting underwater beauty Cozumel has to offer. Cozumel is one of the few places where snorkeling is easy and very accessible not only by boat but along the shoreline as well so scuba is not necessary to enjoy the incredible snorkeling in Cozumel. The key to amazing snorkeling in Cozumel is knowing where to go!
What better way to explore the beauty of Cozumel's spectacular reefs and colorful tropical fish than by snorkeling. One can easily snorkel via a boat trip (click here for Our Favorite Boat Snorkel Trips) and luckily from shore as well.
Cozumel's shorelines gently slope toward deeper waters and provide miles of beautiful snorkeling just a couple of steps from the waters edge. With a simple set of mask, snorkel and fins and perhaps a flotation vest if necessary, a person can immediately enjoy the colorful underwater realm just a few yards off shore!
Snorkel Stops:
#1 Lighthouse at Tio Joe's
#2 Playa Villa Blanca
#3 Barracuda Bar & Sand Dollar Beach
#4 PalMar Estate and Dzul Ha
#5 Butterfly Sanctuary Pit Stop
#6 Playa Uvas
#7 Playa Corona
Step 1: Equipped!! Decide how you want to handle your equipment options. For those who really enjoy snorkeling and plan on doing it for a lifetime in various destinations, investing in a set of equipment is the best way to go. Having your own equipment saves rental fees and ensures you are always comfortable and accustomed to the gear. A decent set of snorkel equipment which consists of mask, snorkel and fins can easily be purchased for US$30 - $50 in the USA. Equipment for purchase is available here in Cozumel in most of the large supermarkets and dive shops however, since everything is imported to the island, prices will be higher. Snorkel equipment rental prices range US$ 12 -$ 20 daily and many locations now will not allow you to take their equipment off premises which will limit your ability to snorkel in various places around the island. So make your snorkel equipment decision based on how much you plan to snorkel!
If a beach is offering "FREE" snorkel equipment ~ typically this means they don't have much to see in the way of snorkeling. They give it away because folks go out for a few minutes and realize there's nothing but sand and then give up the equipment.
Also, decide if you feel you need to invest in a flotation device to assist you while snorkeling. Some feel most comfortable with the self inflatable snorkel vests. These are available for purchase in the US for US$ 30 - $50 each. Rental prices for snorkel vests run US$ 8-10 but again, many locations now will not allow you to take their equipment off premises.
Step 2: Book a rental car now ... Since Cozumel has few paved roads around the island, you can rent a car and strike out on your own island tour with very little chance of getting lost. As long as adventurers stay on the pavement, they eventually come full circle around the island. Circling the island via paved road can take as little as 2 hours or as many as you want depending on how many stops you decide to make along the way!
Step 3: Print the Beach Chart & this section about Cozumel's best snorkel spots!
Step 4: Secure an island map. You can secure an island map from the car rental agency or you can order a most excellent one online from us and help support our website Franko's Cozumel Map
Step 5: Have fun & enjoy your day in Cozumel!!
Step 6: Support our website and advertisers!!
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BoneFish Car Rental Cozumel - Compact VW Jetta (5 Pax) |
Compact Class VW Jetta (automatic) has a standard automatic transmission, A/C & Sunroof with MAX PAX: 5 People
From US $60 Daily (Max = 5 pax)
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BoneFish Car Rental Cozumel - Economy Chevy Astra (5 Pax) |
Economy Class Chevrolet Astra (standard) has A/C with MAX PAX: 5 People
From US $49 Daily (Max = 5 pax)
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BoneFish Car Rental Cozumel - VW Convertible (4 Pax) |
Old Style VW Convertible (Standard) Car Rental
From US $43 Daily (Max = 4 pax)
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Cozumel Dolphin Swim Adventure |
A unique opportunity to swim with dolphins and get to know them better! Experience the joy of a dolphin kiss, hugs and handshake and then marvel at the dolphin's strength as you are towed through the water with a "belly ride." You will fall in love with their gentleness during this activity created especially for you to bond with dolphins!
US $129 Adults / US $89 Kids / Infants FREE !
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Cozumel Manatee Encounter |
The Manatee Encounter in Cozumel is a one of a kind adventure, the only swim with manatees program in the Caribbean. Manatees are beautiful and enormous, once thought by sailors to be mermaids, these gentle giants can grow as long as 13ft/4m and weigh up to 1300 lbs/600 kgs! Bring the family to live the experience !!
US $59 Adults / US $59 Kids
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Cozumel Sea Lion Discovery |
Dolphin Discovery's Sea Lion Discovery program provides a unique opportunity for some playful, educational interaction with these wonderful animals. Sea lions are fun and mischievous creatures the entire family will enjoy!
US $59 Adults / US $59 Kids
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SEA TREK Cozumel Helmet Diving |
If you can't swim, no problem! SEA TREK Cozumel Helmet Diving was designed to allow non-swimmers to explore underwater. It is as simple as walking and breathing!
US $84 / Person
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Cozumel's Complete, Private Island Jeep & Snorkel Tour |
You'll see more in one day than others see in a lifetime!!!
Starting at US $75 Adults / US $60 Kids
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Cozumel Island Map & Reef Creature Identification Cards |
Beautifully drawn and virtually indestructible Franko Cozumel Map and Franko Fish Identification Cards showing lots of detail including beaches, reefs, streets and landmarks!
Maps and Identification Cards from US$ 4.95
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PalMar Snorkel Beach Club & Patas y Alas Butterfly Sanctuary |
Bring your group and spend the day at our PalMar small, private beach facility and enjoy a day of snorkeling at Cozumel's premier beach entry snorkel spot! No crowds here and gates close daily with a maximum of 50 people on site! Plus Patas & Atlas Butterfly Sanctuary which, in 2018, merged with Cozumel Butterflies & Botanical Gardens is now included when open (seasonal)!
US $19 Adults / US $8 Kids - Includes FREE Drinks!
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Rentadora ISiS Car Rentals Cozumel - Compact (Manual) 5 PAX |
Compact Class - Volkswagen (VW) Gol has a manual transmission, A/C, five (5) door hatchback and will hold a maximum of five (5) passengers.
US $50 Daily (Max = 5 pax)
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Rentadora ISiS Car Rentals Cozumel - Convertible (Manual) 4 PAX |
Convertible Economy Class - Chevrolet (Chevy) Pop Convertible has a manual transmission, comes in a two (2) or four (4) door option, no A/C and will hold a maximum of four (4) passengers.
US $45 Daily (Max = 4 pax)
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Rentadora ISiS Car Rentals Cozumel - Economy (Manual) 4 PAX |
Economy Class - Chevrolet (Chevy) Matiz has a manual transmission, comes in a five (5) door hatchback, with air conditioning (A/C) and will hold a maximum of four (4) passengers.
US $45 Daily (Max = 4 pax)
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Rentadora ISiS Car Rentals Cozumel - Subcompact (Manual) 5 PAX |
Subcompact Class - Both Chevrolet (Chevy) Aveo or Nissan Tiida have a manual transmission, comes in a four (4) door sedan, with air conditioning (A/C) and will hold a maximum of five (5) passengers.
US $55 Daily (Max = 5 pax)
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Cozumel Dolphin Swim Adventure
Cozumel's Complete, Private Island Jeep & Snorkel Tour
PalMar Snorkel Beach Club & Patas y Alas Butterfly Sanctuary
Cozumel Island Map & Reef Creature Identification Cards
Cozumel Dolphin Swim Adventure
Cozumel's Complete, Private Island Jeep & Snorkel Tour
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Sherri - Thanks for a wonderful day. It was also very nice of you and Mauricio to drop us off downtown. We like what you are trying to do on the island and we wish you all the best in your battles with the developers! Our thanks also to Enrique who was ever the knowledgeable and hospitable guide - Sandra, Bernie, Alex & Larry L. Pinto - February 2016 ~ Mississauga, ONT CAN
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Martin - I just wanted to thank you so much for all your assistance in booking our dolphin experience. Despite the torrential rain (liquid sunshine) on 19th October the girls had a fabulous time at their swim. We loved Cozumel and hope to return one day to see it in better conditions. When I finish our unpacking and get over the jet lag I will do a Trip Advisor review for you! C. McDade (October 2015) ~ Glasglow, Scotland UK
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LITTLE PARADISE - We arranged a package tour for our large group (14 people) that included an afternoon here (it might have been through the proprietor). Next to a large hotel and a large bar, this is a quiet little oasis. A beautiful pool and shady gardens, with lots of seating are right across the street from the sea. Drinks, delicious food (great guacamole) and very helpful and friendly service. The people were extremely nice helping us into the sea to snorkel. There really isn't a beach here, it is very rocky, so they put out mats to make it easier for us to walk into the water. They stood by and helped us in and out, they even practically carried my 86 year old grandmother in, out, and brought a chair down for her to sit in. Snorkel, mask and flipper rentals are $12 (other places were quoted at $40+). There are some lounge chairs on a sandy area overlooking the sea so those who weren't snorkeling could sit comfortably and watch. The snorkeling was great, lots of sea creatures to admire. Free Wi-Fi. Since it is a small place, none of the cab drivers at the port (we were getting off a cruise ship) knew where it was. Ask for The Money Club and it is just before it, right next door. J. Edgington - March 2016 ~ Johns Creek, GA USA
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(02/17/2019) - Found this spot on the web: actually the garden of a villa with pool, snack facility, private beach, lockers and possibility to rent snorkel gear. Normal entrance fee starts at $14. As it was too windy to snorkel, we were invited to relax at their premises for free and we were the only ones. Super relaxing. Cold drinks, nice people to chat with, delicious nachos and on top of that we met Sherri, the owner of the villa and moderator of www.cozumelinsider.com with a lot of info about Cozumel, where to stay, etc. Sherri and staff, thanks for the great day from your friends from the Netherlands. TripAdvisor Review ~ Netherlands
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(01/29/2019) - We are staying in Playa del Carmen for 6 weeks. We really wanted to do some snorkeling and although the options in Playa are numerous, they were not always economical. After doing a lot of research, I found the website, Cozumelinsider.com (a great information source by the way) and found out about PalMar. We were really happy we found it. A smaller beach club, nothing pretentious, but great service, snorkeling and food. A great day. The day we were there, there were a few Mexican families enjoying the spot. It was nice to be among locals and not just tourists. For the price, this really is a special gem. The $14 US per person includes 2 beer/beverage, towels, beach chairs, beach service, swimming pool, showers, lockers and several other things that we didn’t use. The snorkeling was great. It was interesting seeing all of the charter boats bringing people to the exact same spot we were and I am sure they spent more than $14 US to snorkel in the same place as we were. It really is with mixed emotions that I write this review as I don’t want people to find out about it as they limit the daily amount of people that can book here due to space and enjoyment, if it gets too popular, there won’t be space for us next time. We still have 3.5 more weeks in the Mayan area and we will definitely be visiting PalMar again. Thanks for the great day. We will see you soon. Cheers. L. MacLeod & G. Neufield ~ Kelowna, British Columbia, CAN
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