Water you waiting for?
When in the Yucatan Peninsula, active aquatic aficionados should make a point of visiting the island of Cozumel.
Situated off the coast of Playa del Carmen, the best way to get to Cozumel is by ferry, which takes about 45 minutes and costs about $20 CAD per person. A Flight Centre Expert Traveller [1] can easily coordinate flights into Cancun[2] International Airport, then a shuttle to Playa del Carmen, which is a destination unto its own, but also the gateway to Cozumel’s many attractions.
Surrounded by colourful coral reefs and crystal clear Caribbean Sea, Cozumel is a renowned scuba diving mecca.
And while you’ll find an ocean of diving schools offering PADI certification, as well as scuba expeditions for seasoned underwater enthusiasts, those who prefer to stay closer to the surface will love Cozumel snorkelling tours.
A popular cruise ship port-of-call, this lively stop is jam-packed with Mexican restaurants, souvenir to high-end shops and tequila bars. For those who wish to escape the tourist traps and opt for the island’s resplendent natural beauty, Cozumel snorkelling is among the most popular cruise ship excursions.
Best snorkelling in Cozumel
With so many options for encountering exquisite marine life, how does one choose a tour company? Whether you’re staying a few hours or a few days, we’ve listed three types of Cozumel snorkelling tours guaranteed to make a splash.
Reef Tour Madness
So you’ve only got a day to explore Cozumel below the surface? Not a problem. Simply stick closer to the coast of Cozumel, where you can snorkel independently by renting equipment at a nearby shop. The shallower waters of its abundant coral reefs teem with interesting fish and seemingly otherworldly creatures. If you like the idea of learning about them or having a local guide point out camouflaged or rare species you may miss on your own, consider a snorkel tour, which can range from an hour’s length to an afternoon.
Into the Great Wide Open
For those with more time on their hands (and flippers), a boat tour that goes beyond the coastal reefs rewards travellers with some of the best snorkelling in Cozumel. You’ll see everything from technicolour coral forests and fascinating, frenetic schools of fish, to mesmerizing sea turtles and even playful dolphins. Usually, with these Cozumel snorkelling tours, lunch, snacks and refreshments are provided; your Expert Traveller can find you the perfect itinerary (we understand if you prefer a non-fish meal that day.)
Off the Deep End
And if you’re looking for something completely different, then allow us to introduce you to the wonderful, whimsical world of mini-subs, probably the most unusual of snorkelling tours. There are a variety of snorkel and dive schools that offer this type of tour, which takes place on what can only be described as an underwater scooter. After brief but thorough training, climb onboard your Vespa of the sea, a contained vehicle with its own oxygen supply, and vroom beneath the Caribbean Sea on the lookout for magnetic and magnificent aquatic life. Vamos!
The intricacies of arranging land-to-island travel are best left to an expert. Plus, we’ll hook you up with the most reputable Cozumel snorkelling tour companies to ensure your Mexico holiday truly is a Better Beach vacation. Dive into Cozumel snorkelling and book with an Expert, at 1 877 967 5302, visit us in-store, or connect with us online.