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"Do It Yourself" Snorkel Tour |
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Cozumel is a top notch snorkel spot in the Caribbean and boasts incredible water clarity which is critical for a good snorkel experience. Since Cozumel is ranked in the top three as a world class diving destination, one simply has to put their face in the water to see why. And it simply stands to reason that as a world class scuba diving destination, Cozumel's snorkeling has to be awesome, too! Plus, Cozumel is an island just big enough to be an adventure but not so large that one feels intimidated going it alone to explore. So what better adventure to try than a "do it yourself" or "self guided" snorkel tour along the beautiful Cozumel coastline.
Now, If you'd like to consider getting certified to scuba dive rather than snorkel, then click here to learn more about diving in Cozumel. The good news is that a person does not have to know how to scuba dive in order to enjoy the exciting underwater beauty Cozumel has to offer. Cozumel is one of the few places where snorkeling is easy and very accessible not only by boat but along the shoreline as well so scuba is not necessary to enjoy the incredible snorkeling in Cozumel. The key to amazing snorkeling in Cozumel is knowing where to go!
What better way to explore the beauty of Cozumel's spectacular reefs and colorful tropical fish than by snorkeling. One can easily snorkel via a boat trip (click here for Our Favorite Boat Snorkel Trips) and luckily from shore as well.
Cozumel's shorelines gently slope toward deeper waters and provide miles of beautiful snorkeling just a couple of steps from the waters edge. With a simple set of mask, snorkel and fins and perhaps a flotation vest if necessary, a person can immediately enjoy the colorful underwater realm just a few yards off shore!
Snorkel Stops:
#1 Lighthouse at Tio Joe's
#2 Playa Villa Blanca
#3 Barracuda Bar & Sand Dollar Beach
#4 PalMar Estate and Dzul Ha
#5 Butterfly Sanctuary Pit Stop
#6 Playa Uvas
#7 Playa Corona
Step 1: Equipped!! Decide how you want to handle your equipment options. For those who really enjoy snorkeling and plan on doing it for a lifetime in various destinations, investing in a set of equipment is the best way to go. Having your own equipment saves rental fees and ensures you are always comfortable and accustomed to the gear. A decent set of snorkel equipment which consists of mask, snorkel and fins can easily be purchased for US$30 - $50 in the USA. Equipment for purchase is available here in Cozumel in most of the large supermarkets and dive shops however, since everything is imported to the island, prices will be higher. Snorkel equipment rental prices range US$ 12 -$ 20 daily and many locations now will not allow you to take their equipment off premises which will limit your ability to snorkel in various places around the island. So make your snorkel equipment decision based on how much you plan to snorkel!
If a beach is offering "FREE" snorkel equipment ~ typically this means they don't have much to see in the way of snorkeling. They give it away because folks go out for a few minutes and realize there's nothing but sand and then give up the equipment.
Also, decide if you feel you need to invest in a flotation device to assist you while snorkeling. Some feel most comfortable with the self inflatable snorkel vests. These are available for purchase in the US for US$ 30 - $50 each. Rental prices for snorkel vests run US$ 8-10 but again, many locations now will not allow you to take their equipment off premises.
Step 2: Book a rental car now ... Since Cozumel has few paved roads around the island, you can rent a car and strike out on your own island tour with very little chance of getting lost. As long as adventurers stay on the pavement, they eventually come full circle around the island. Circling the island via paved road can take as little as 2 hours or as many as you want depending on how many stops you decide to make along the way!
Step 3: Print the Beach Chart & this section about Cozumel's best snorkel spots!
Step 4: Secure an island map. You can secure an island map from the car rental agency or you can order a most excellent one online from us and help support our website Franko's Cozumel Map
Step 5: Have fun & enjoy your day in Cozumel!!
Step 6: Support our website and advertisers!!
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Support our Website - Reserve Here or Vist Our Ad Partners!
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BoneFish Car Rental Cozumel - Compact VW Jetta (5 Pax) |
Compact Class VW Jetta (automatic) has a standard automatic transmission, A/C & Sunroof with MAX PAX: 5 People
From US $60 Daily (Max = 5 pax)
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BoneFish Car Rental Cozumel - Economy Chevy Astra (5 Pax) |
Economy Class Chevrolet Astra (standard) has A/C with MAX PAX: 5 People
From US $49 Daily (Max = 5 pax)
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BoneFish Car Rental Cozumel - VW Convertible (4 Pax) |
Old Style VW Convertible (Standard) Car Rental
From US $43 Daily (Max = 4 pax)
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Cozumel Dolphin Swim Adventure |
A unique opportunity to swim with dolphins and get to know them better! Experience the joy of a dolphin kiss, hugs and handshake and then marvel at the dolphin's strength as you are towed through the water with a "belly ride." You will fall in love with their gentleness during this activity created especially for you to bond with dolphins!
US $129 Adults / US $89 Kids / Infants FREE !
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Cozumel Manatee Encounter |
The Manatee Encounter in Cozumel is a one of a kind adventure, the only swim with manatees program in the Caribbean. Manatees are beautiful and enormous, once thought by sailors to be mermaids, these gentle giants can grow as long as 13ft/4m and weigh up to 1300 lbs/600 kgs! Bring the family to live the experience !!
US $59 Adults / US $59 Kids
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Cozumel Sea Lion Discovery |
Dolphin Discovery's Sea Lion Discovery program provides a unique opportunity for some playful, educational interaction with these wonderful animals. Sea lions are fun and mischievous creatures the entire family will enjoy!
US $59 Adults / US $59 Kids
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SEA TREK Cozumel Helmet Diving |
If you can't swim, no problem! SEA TREK Cozumel Helmet Diving was designed to allow non-swimmers to explore underwater. It is as simple as walking and breathing!
US $84 / Person
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Cozumel's Complete, Private Island Jeep & Snorkel Tour |
You'll see more in one day than others see in a lifetime!!!
Starting at US $75 Adults / US $60 Kids
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Cozumel Island Map & Reef Creature Identification Cards |
Beautifully drawn and virtually indestructible Franko Cozumel Map and Franko Fish Identification Cards showing lots of detail including beaches, reefs, streets and landmarks!
Maps and Identification Cards from US$ 4.95
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PalMar Snorkel Beach Club & Patas y Alas Butterfly Sanctuary |
Bring your group and spend the day at our PalMar small, private beach facility and enjoy a day of snorkeling at Cozumel's premier beach entry snorkel spot! No crowds here and gates close daily with a maximum of 50 people on site! Plus Patas & Atlas Butterfly Sanctuary which, in 2018, merged with Cozumel Butterflies & Botanical Gardens is now included when open (seasonal)!
US $19 Adults / US $8 Kids - Includes FREE Drinks!
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Rentadora ISiS Car Rentals Cozumel - Compact (Manual) 5 PAX |
Compact Class - Volkswagen (VW) Gol has a manual transmission, A/C, five (5) door hatchback and will hold a maximum of five (5) passengers.
US $50 Daily (Max = 5 pax)
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Rentadora ISiS Car Rentals Cozumel - Convertible (Manual) 4 PAX |
Convertible Economy Class - Chevrolet (Chevy) Pop Convertible has a manual transmission, comes in a two (2) or four (4) door option, no A/C and will hold a maximum of four (4) passengers.
US $45 Daily (Max = 4 pax)
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Rentadora ISiS Car Rentals Cozumel - Economy (Manual) 4 PAX |
Economy Class - Chevrolet (Chevy) Matiz has a manual transmission, comes in a five (5) door hatchback, with air conditioning (A/C) and will hold a maximum of four (4) passengers.
US $45 Daily (Max = 4 pax)
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Rentadora ISiS Car Rentals Cozumel - Subcompact (Manual) 5 PAX |
Subcompact Class - Both Chevrolet (Chevy) Aveo or Nissan Tiida have a manual transmission, comes in a four (4) door sedan, with air conditioning (A/C) and will hold a maximum of five (5) passengers.
US $55 Daily (Max = 5 pax)
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Cozumel Manatee Encounter
PalMar Snorkel Beach Club & Patas y Alas Butterfly Sanctuary
Cozumel Sea Lion Discovery
Cozumel Sea Lion Discovery
Cozumel Dolphin Swim Adventure
PalMar Snorkel Beach Club & Patas y Alas Butterfly Sanctuary
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Hey Martin - Just to let you know, we had a good time on Cozumel and Israel was a great guide. He was energetic without being over the top, friendly without trying to be the best friend we have ever had, and guided us the whole time without any pushiness. He shared enough about life on the island for us to feel like he was really answering our questions and not parroting a standard spiel. I also liked he made an effort to keep us safe! He went out with us on the snorkel and kept an eye on everyone, especially our kids, and was careful about traffic, parking, and getting in and out of the van. Thanks for your help! G. Greenstreet - April 2016 ~ Chapel Hill, NC USA
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Enjoyed the beach club very much, a welcome retreat from the crowded ship. We were impressed with the very friendly staff and will return with friends next time in Cozumel. L. & V. Porter - December 2017 ~ Waterloo, SC USA
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(03/18/2019) - Perfect spot for a family at Palmar Snorkel Beach Club and Butterfly Farm with private swimming pool. Listen, this is a very nice place to spend a day, there is a very nice Olympic-sized swimming pool, the kids or adults can play in or get wet, they sell beer and meals, the meals are about $4.00 on up, lots of space and tables and chairs with special lockers if you want to lock your valuables in. Across the street is the real ocean, with a sandy beach you can put your chair down and relax or snorkel out there. There is also a butterfly farm which is unique to see. This is privately owned. Yes you need a taxi or rent a car and then when finished there are other sights to see while in the area... You will enjoy yourself... Wow what a spot to see! TripAdvisor Review ~ Omaha, NE USA
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(11/14/2018) - So this was our first trip ever to Cozumel and it was almost as good as advertised! We got to go in the off season so that made it nice also. Less traffic and less hectic. We took our taxi ride from the port to PalMar and expect to pay $10 for every 4 people in a taxi. Once we arrived it seemed very quiet but then the party started. The guys who take care of you all came out and made us feel at home. The beers were cold, the mango daiquiris the ladies said were on point (fresh mangos) and the food, WOW! Chicken tacos and nachos wonderful, but the Ceviche!!! Holy moly the guacamole is to die for!! And don’t forget to ask for the HOT sauce! Snorkeling was amazing in this spot as we saw so many different species of fish. The water was clear and the perfect temp! I can’t emphasize enough how great the guys were who took care of us! The private beach area was just big enough to keep us happy and feeling safe! I recommend them and I will go back! J. & A. Alvarez ~ Oatmeal, TX USA
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(02/23/2019) - We just returned from a wonder trip and time at the PalMar Snorkel Beach Club. It is a smaller Beach Club and very relaxing. As Experienced Travelers, we like to share information when we find a place that works well for Families and Older Travelers. PalMar Snorkel Beach Club fits that bill. They have easy steps to the beach with a sturdy railing; which makes is much easier access for an Older Traveler and/or those traveling as a Family with Younger Children. The snorkeling is delightful with easy access into and out of the Caribbean. The staff is wonderful and they have been with PalMar Snorkel Beach Club for many years. They take great care of both their new and repeat/returning guests. The food score is 5 out of 5 and they have lockers to keep your items safe while you enjoy your time. Restrooms are clean, once again 5 out of 5 and their freshwater swimming pool/jacuzzi makes you want to never leave. The Bettgers, Experienced Travelers P. & A. Bettger ~ Portland, OR USA
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