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Cozumel Snorkeling |
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| The search is over! You have come to the right spot! |
For those who have never visited the island of Cozumel for snorkeling, a spectacular underwater rainbow awaits as you snorkel along the miles of world famous reefs here.
 Since Cozumel enjoys an average of 350 days of sunshine, 150 - 250 feet of underwater visibility, a warm 80+ degree year-round average sea temperature it plays host to over 500 species of vibrantly colored tropical fish and corals. A big part of the ancient Mesoamerican barrier reef lies just off the Cozumel shore - about 200-500 yards. All of this adds up to incredible conditions for some awesome snorkeling!
Since tourism abounds in Cozumel and visitors are always diving or snorkeling the reefs of Cozumel, we enjoy some of the friendliest fish you can imagine. So hopefully you can snap a few good pictures this time instead of just fish butts! The miles and miles of incredibly clean, pristine reefs are simply mountains of living coral that provide a stunning view of the ocean and it all starts at just 20 feet deep!
The beauty of Cozumel snorkeling is that it plays host to all sorts of different coral formations like mounds and outcroppings in the shallow waters and then caverns and swim throughs along the coral walls that drop to over 500 feet deep. Snorkelers as well as divers enjoy this spectacular ocean view because of the crystal clear visibility and the drifting currents which provide a relaxing "free ride!"
Cozumel snorkeling is perfect for everyone- no matter the level of skill. Beginners as well as "Old Timers" feel right at home snorkeling amongst the colorful reefs teeming with sea life.
Since Cozumel consistently ranks among the top 3 - 5 dive destinations in the world among scuba divers, it goes without saying that the snorkeling must be incredible, too! Cozumel enjoys some of the clearest water found anywhere in the Caribbean and visibility can be 150 feet or more depending on the water currents.
| Why is Cozumel snorkeling better than other places? |
Looking at an arial map, take note of the fact that Cozumel sits well away from mainland Mexico (about 7 miles) and also that the island is long going north to south. This happens to be the general flow of the ocean currents around the island as well. This constant flow of currents keeps the waters around the island clean and filled with fresh nutrients that corals feed on. If water is stagnate and not moving, some corals will grow but the majority of them depend on nutrients and sunlight to develop and thrive.
 Since clean water is crystal clear, more sunlight can penetrate deeper and this allows corals to grow at deeper depths. A deeper depth coral colony will surive more natural events such as storm surges as well as be protected from human destruction (walking, crushing, harvesting for souvineirs, etc.)
While there are coral reefs and corals growing all around the island, Cozumel's most beautiful corals are formed and located on the west side of the island where there is more natural protection from the open Caribean sea and it's storm surge. This more protected west side of the island has, over millions of years, produced coral formations growing upward from the bottom of the sea some 400 feet and more! No wonder divers get excited coming here and seeing these beautiful underwater formations!
Snorkelers will not necessarily see all of these biggest most beautiful coral formations since their beauty is hidden well beneath the sea and diving equipment is necessary. However, snorkelers CAN see the TOPS of these coral formations as well as enjoy other coral reefs that exist in the islands shallower waters. And of course, where there is coral and protection from the elements and predators, there will be fish, lobsters, crabs, eels, stingrays and a multitude of other sea critters for snorkers to enjoy!
So take the plunge! Get your face wet and enjoy the "down under" beauty Cozumel has to offer snorkelers!
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Some Snorkeling and Related Activities
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We travelled to Cozumel in January of 2005 and decided to take a snorkel and Snuba trip organised by Mayan Paradise Tours. My father (age 70) and I had snorkeled, but had never experienced Snuba. Because of my father's age, we were both nervous. However, Eduardo, our guide, was excellent and deserves a special note... he had a positive, patient, and relaxed manner about himself that let us both relax and enjoy our dive. The dive was breath taking. All of the staff was very proffessional, and everyone on the boat clearly had a great time. I recommend this tour to anyone considering it . D. Josephthal ~ South Bend, IN
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I considered your advice to drop by, and remembered reading that most public beaches get really crowded if there are a lot of cruise ships in port. There were 7 ships in Cozumel on Saturday, and I was prepared, got off the ship first thing at 9 with husband and snorkel gear in tow, and inquired about taxi rates. I was a little apprehensive when the taxi organizer didn't know where Palmar was, but I had your directions and coupon printed out so I told them it was between the two hotels and mentioned the beach name and all was well. I then realized it was a blessing for them not to know where I was going - that had to mean it wouldn't be too popular/crowded!
I believe we met Juan? He was very nice and made us feel very comfortable, showed us to a locker and we were off across the street. Hard to get in the water with all the rocks, but it was beautiful & shallow snorkeling, lots of neat corral - and 2 2 ft. barracudas guarded the shore.
When we came back we ordered guacamole and chips as well as a mango and pina colada daiquiri. It was obvious it was all just prepared and really fresh - best guacamole I've ever had, the chips were fresh, and the shakes were delicious. In summary, your location was beautiful, thank you for opening your home as a beach club so we could get away from the crowds, we felt so special! Juan was as good a host as he was a chef! We'll definitely be recommending Palmar! G. Nielsen ~ Cruise Passenger
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If you are visiting the Cozumel area you have to go on a Mayan Paradise Tour. Our Snuba and snorkelling adventure was the highlight of our week in Cozumel. We saw more fish and beautiful coral then we saw on our visit to the Great Barrier Reef. Our guides were terrific - very thorough, fun and energetic. Our trip back to the dock was a blast. We recommend this dventure to anyone vacationing the Cozumel area. Bryan and Jennifer ~ Ontario Canada
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Last year we visited your Palamar beach club while on a cruise. We felt like we were in a true paradise. We are really into snorkeling so your location is tops. You took the time to talk with us and tell us a bit about your self and the businesses you have. It was very good to meet and talk with you. We felt like we were visiting family and were treated as such. I am pleased to say that we are again coming in on a cruise and can’t wait to return to paradise. I hope you can stop by and say hi if you are not too busy. T. Lemons ~ Cruise Passenger
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Thanks so much for the photos of our snuba experience. What a great time. You and the crew were wonderful. Thank you for everything. You explained everything and answered all our questions and concerns, and an awesome time was had by all. You were all very knowledgable in all aspects of our snuba experience. We had a great time and are still talking about it! Thanks again. D. Fellin ~ Waupun, WI
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