Snorkeling for the first time in Cozumel

[Qaylu]

I've never snorkeled before and will be in Cozumel early next February. I'm particularly interested in seeing a lot of coral because I'm afraid it won't be around much longer.

 

The cruise line is offering the following excursions:

-Playa Uvas (includes clear Kayak ride)

-Punta Sur State Park

-Playa Mia Grand Beach (Columbia and Palancar reefs)

-3 Reef Snorkel by Boat (I understand this one stays close to where the ship docks)

 

Anyone know which of these locations would have the best coral (and anything I need to be aware of as a first timer)?

[Capt_BJ]

never snorkeled b4 .... but you CAN swim?

[Qaylu]

never snorkeled b4 .... but you CAN swim?

Yes I can swim

[Melismass]

I recommend shore snorkeling for your first time. That gives you a chance to practice at your own pace in shallow water. I like Chankanaab in Cozumel. You can spend the whole day there snorkeling at your own pace. When your ready for deeper water there are some underwater statues you can see if you swim out a ways. There is plenty to see in the shallow areas right along shore. The entry is very easy.There are steps in some places, but I like to start in the sandy little beach area where you can just wade in. I really love Chankanaab and highly recommend it.

[Qaylu]

I recommend shore snorkeling for your first time. That gives you a chance to practice at your own pace in shallow water. I like Chankanaab in Cozumel. You can spend the whole day there snorkeling at your own pace. When your ready for deeper water there are some underwater statues you can see if you swim out a ways. There is plenty to see in the shallow areas right along shore. The entry is very easy.There are steps in some places, but I like to start in the sandy little beach area where you can just wade in. I really love Chankanaab and highly recommend it.

 

As far as I can tell, none of the ship excursions go there, since this is my first cruise as well, I'm not really comfortable venturing out on my own yet.

[Johnamac123]

I've never snorkeled before and will be in Cozumel early next February. I'm particularly interested in seeing a lot of coral because I'm afraid it won't be around much longer.

 

The cruise line is offering the following excursions:

-Playa Uvas (includes clear Kayak ride)

-Punta Sur State Park

-Playa Mia Grand Beach (Columbia and Palancar reefs)

-3 Reef Snorkel by Boat (I understand this one stays close to where the ship docks)

 

Anyone know which of these locations would have the best coral (and anything I need to be aware of as a first timer)?

 

I've done sail/snorkel twice with Fury Catamaran in Cozumel. Nice boat and the crew knows what they are doing. The reef there is pretty deep (over 50 feet) so limited coral to see there. However, I've seen some awesome sea life (incl. sea turtles) both times.

Edited September 3, 2016 by Johnamac123

[ABQrobin]

WE just got back from the Fury Catamaran excursion on Carnival. LOVED it.

We are experienced snorkelers as well as divers, but we still enjoyed it.

 

 

My video:

 

water was only about 20' deep. My DH and DS both were free-diving down to see stuff, found an eel under some coral, lots of fish.

 

If you are really wanting to see coral, then you need to go out farther in Cozumel. The reefs are beautiful but deeper and farther off shore. The 3-boat shorkel excursion would get you there most likely.

[Qaylu]

water was only about 20' deep. My DH and DS both were free-diving down to see stuff, found an eel under some coral, lots of fish.

 

If you are really wanting to see coral, then you need to go out farther in Cozumel. The reefs are beautiful but deeper and farther off shore. The 3-boat shorkel excursion would get you there most likely.

 

I thought you had to wear a life jacket, how do you dive with one of those on?

 

Also, can you still see the colours of the coral when it's under 20 feet of water?

Edited September 4, 2016 by Qaylu

[Lionesss]

I thought you had to wear a life jacket, how do you dive with one of those on?

 

Also, can you still see the colours of the coral when it's under 20 feet of water?

 

 

 

 

I am ok with life vest, you can still go underwater, but you do not sink.

 

Also I take a small boogie board and flipper around and feel more at ease and do not pucker out as quik.

 

The family knows it makes me feel safe, they on the other hand hate the life vest.

 

Sea Ya

[ABQrobin]

I thought you had to wear a life jacket, how do you dive with one of those on?

 

Also, can you still see the colours of the coral when it's under 20 feet of water?

 

It is not a life vest, it is a snorkeling vest. You only add air to it if you want. It is easy to dive down if there is no air inside the vest. Yes, you are required to wear it.

 

The coral and sponges can be seen from the surface, Cozumel water is crystal clear. BUT the colorful coral, out on the reefs, can only be reached by the dedicated snorkeling and diving boats. The shallow areas they take the Fury catamaran to are just a few hundred feet off the coastline. NOT the same as the famous reefs, which are more than a mile off the coast. As I said before, if you want to see THOSE reefs, you need to take a boat that specifically says you are going to someplace like Columbia, Palancar, etc. Those reefs, as I said. are miles off the coast and a long boat ride out. Totally different from the Fury snorkeling.

[Qaylu]

I recommend shore snorkeling for your first time. That gives you a chance to practice at your own pace in shallow water. I like Chankanaab in Cozumel. You can spend the whole day there snorkeling at your own pace. When your ready for deeper water there are some underwater statues you can see if you swim out a ways. There is plenty to see in the shallow areas right along shore. The entry is very easy.There are steps in some places, but I like to start in the sandy little beach area where you can just wade in. I really love Chankanaab and highly recommend it.

 

Turns out there was a Chankanaab excursion available, I just missed it my first time through. I decided to go with that one since its my first time it's probably better to stay near shore. I can do the boat next time (I've consulted with a marine biologist, I should have time for another vacation before the coral disappears).

 

Thanks for all the advice people gave me, though.