Snorkelling Playa Del Carmen & Cozumel

[gandalf252002 Senior Member Find all posts View Profile Close gandalf252002]

So our trip is coming up fast, and we are looking trying to plan what to bring. Have only been snorkelling once in the Cayman Islands and went out and purchased gear so that we can do it again. Question is, will it be worth it for us to pack and bring with us? Are there any snorkelling areas we can go to that do NOT have additional costs to get there? Is it worth it to bring them for the Cenote's and stuff or at the beaches? I read somewhere on a website that for dolphin swims, snorkelling gear is an additional $20USD for rental, but have yet to verify if that was just one tour operator or not. We will be spending at least on or two days on the Island of Cozumel, and would like to get out and see some of the beaches.

If there aren't places that don't have additional costs to get to them by boat, any recommendations on relatively inexpensive ways to get to some snorkelling locations?

[LisaH Senior Member Find all posts View Profile Close LisaH]

Haven't been to Cozumel but we find snorkeling in Akumal to be very good. Large sea grass area, not many corals but with good marine life and variety.
We see turtles and rays all the time.
You will need a car to get there. We usually park at the Akumal Dive Shop, rent their life-jackets and stay for the whole day.
Good restaurant on the beach and nearby for lunch.
You can also pay to access Yal-ku (a park) nearby. I believe there are tours going there if you do not have a car.
Further south, there is an Amusement park-like place called Xel Ha. Very good for beginning snorkelers.
We love to snorkel in Riviera Maya. Hope you enjoy as well...

[bigfrank Administrator Find all posts View Profile Close bigfrank]

I owned in Cozumel, The resort next to the Sol Melia is one of the best I have ever snorkeled. The fish were eating the bread from my pants pockets. I would put that spot up against Hawaii, Cayman swimming with the Rays and St Johns

[tonyg Goomba & Super Moderator Find all posts View Profile Close tonyg]

It's been a while since I've been in Mexico, but there was a nice shallow water lagoon area around AKumal for snorkeling. They had buses arriving, so it's a known place.

[chriskre Super Moderator Find all posts View Profile Close chriskre]

Xcaret is beautiful and you can snorkel thru the underground caves.
It's such a great experience you are swimming under the Cenotes and the light
comes thru and the fish are all around you while you do the swim out to the lagoon
thru the underground river. Was a highlight of our trip.
I've been to Cancun many times and for me this is a must see at least once.
I think it was around $50 to get in but you spend the whole day there.
Maybe you can do a timeshare tour in exchange for free tickets.

http://www.xcaret.com

[JWC Super Moderator Find all posts View Profile Close JWC]

Xcaret is beautiful and you can snorkel thru the underground caves.
It's such a great experience you are swimming under the Cenotes and the light
comes thru and the fish are all around you while you do the swim out to the lagoon
thru the underground river. Was a highlight of our trip.
I've been to Cancun many times and for me this is a must see at least once.
I think it was around $50 to get in but you spend the whole day there.
Maybe you can do a timeshare tour in exchange for free tickets.

http://www.xcaret.com

We have been to Xcaret 3 times and needless to say, we love it. It is our favorite attraction. We take the tour from the Grand Mayan and do the all day and evening tour.

http://www.xcaret.com/

Xel-Ha park is also good for snorkeling. We have done the combo tour from the Grand Mayan twice that includes Xel-Ha and Tulum.

http://www.xelha.com/

http://www.tulum.com/

[monarch Member Find all posts View Profile Close monarch]

Which Resort?

....The resort next to the Sol Melia is one of the best I have ever snorkeled.

Do you remember the name of the resort?
We are headed there in Feb

TY!

[bigfrank Administrator Find all posts View Profile Close bigfrank]

Do you remember the name of the resort?
We are headed there in Feb

TY!

If you go to the Sol Melia and on the beach and looking at the water it is to the left . You can not miss it, There is also a rock walkway that goes about 300 feet into the waters