Playa Palancar or Papito's - want to snorkel too!

[mamawilly]

The day we’ll be in Cozumel, we’ll be there with 17,000 other cruisers (yikes! that sounds like a lot!!). There are four of us – my mom, my son (17), son’s friend (also 17), and me (not even close to 17 ;)). We’re looking for a mellow, relaxing day at the beach to eat lunch and sip a beverage or two, but also want to snorkel, preferably away from the large crowds. The kids also want to be able to kayak and paddleboard. Here’s what we’ve narrowed it down to:

 

 

1. Playa Palancar – no entrance fee, $35 (I think?) pp snorkel tour through Delila includes all snorkel gear, guided boat tour that lasts about an hour and a half.

 

2. Papito’s Snorkel and Beach Break - $35 pp includes transportation, entrance fee to Punta Sur Park, snorkeling with a guide (swim in from the beach…the reef is 200-300 yards out), all snorkel gear, and use of facilities at resort for a total of 5 hours (snorkeling lasts about 45 minutes). Website says there is a limit of 50 people per day.

 

 

Nachi Cocum sounds good too, but we’re not sure the AI would be the best deal for us?

 

 

I’d love any advice about which would be the best choice for us! Thanks!

 

 

I should also say that I’d love to do a half-day boat trip to snorkel the reefs, but $35 pp is about our limit…I think these two choices would offer decent snorkeling, though? Is this correct?

[LREcruise02]

Chankanaab park also has good snorkeling right off the beach. There are some underwater statues that are cool. And it's a nice place to spend the day! Might be a good one for you to check out.

 

 

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[mamawilly]

Thanks LREcruise02, I've looked at Chankanaab and it looks like a possibility. With 6 ships in port that day, do you think it will be crowded?

[LREcruise02]

Thanks LREcruise02, I've looked at Chankanaab and it looks like a possibility. With 6 ships in port that day, do you think it will be crowded?

 

 

We have been there 3 times on different cruises that stopped in Cozumel and I have never thought it was crowded. I don't recall how many ships were in port, but I know there were several each time. Our last trip there was over spring break last year. I think the entrance fee keeps it less crowded and also it is so big that you just don't have to be that close together if that makes sense. Last time we snorkeled there were others out there too, but I never felt like I had to try to avoid anyone.

 

 

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[mamawilly]

Ok, thanks! That might be a good option for us. :-)

[AloeVera]

Our vote goes for Papitos. We saw many reviews about flies at Palancar beach and Chankanaab looks overcrowded since many ship tours go there....

[mamawilly]

Thanks, AloeVera, after doing a lot of reading, we decided to try Papito's - we booked the snorkel and beach break, but I'm still tempted by the AI! Will let you know how it goes when we get back in March. Thanks!

[AmyHernandez]

Mamawilley - I have been researching these same options for the same aged teens today! (My son's HS graduation present). On shoreexcursioneer dot com itn looks like you can add an AI to the Papalito's although it is confusing to me what each price includes. I have emailed an inquiry to them as we don't sail until June. If you go, pls let us know how it is! Thx!

[JT1962]

We were just in Cozumel and went to the Money Bar and enjoyed it. We did their Peso package that included all of our snorkel gear with guided snorkel tour, lunch and a frozen drink. The cost was $ 40, but it may have been cheaper to just rent the snorkel gear and order directly from the menu. The food choices were good but limited with the package. The snorkeling was grear but ther is no real beach like at Chankanab. You can't go wrong at either one.