Snorkeling or visit Ruins ?

[peanut1277]

Hello we cruising in Nov 2020 and first time in Mexico. Is it best to snorkel or visit the ruins ? 

[JohninDC]

Well the ruins that are worth seeing are not on Cozumel, they are on the mainland - so your tour will involve a ferry to Playa del Carmen, then a bus to the ruins, the tour, sometimes a quick stop at a beach, and then reverse the trip to get back to the ship.  It can be a long day with only an hour or two at the ruins.  If you are stopping somewhere else (Costa Maya, Belize, etc.) a tour of the ruins might be easier.

 

Snorkeling on Cozumel can be good, but is usually not as good as Roatan and some other spots.  Some recent closures of some reefs have affected some tours.  There's okay to good snorkeling from the shore at Chankanaab, the Money Bar and a few other spots.  Read the trip advisor reviews and search this board for advantages and features of each.

 

Cozumel is an island, so the beach clubs are popular and vary mostly on thier business models - some are all-inclusive, some are pay as you go.  Some are small and quiet, some are crowded and livley,  Some offer water toys, etc.  Check out Paradise beach, Mr. Sanchos, Nachi Cocom, Playa Mia, Play Palancar and others.

 

You can arrange for a private tour of the east side of the island - uncrowded with great scenery and some fun bars, or sign up for the Cozumel bar Hop tour. Tequilla tasting, chocolates, cooking, and dancing tours are also offered.  What are you and your crusie mates interested in?

[bahacca]

If you cannot do the ruins in a leisurely manner where you have time to really experience them, learn from them and, when allowed, climb them, don't go. IMO, spending half the day getting to and from will make the trip not worth it. Go to Cancun or Playa del Carmen as a land vacation, and you will not be disappointed. Many snorkel and dive outfits in Mainland Cancun and PDC set up trips specifically to Cozumel for diving and snorkeling to give you an idea of the quality you will get there.