Diving and Snorkeling in Cozumel
Grab a mask and strap on some fins, and head to one of the sites on our Top 10 Places to Dive or Snorkel in Cozumel. Everyone knows that if you want to be under water, Cozumel is the place to do it. We've compiled nine of the best underwater spots around the island for snorkelers, beginner divers, and aquatic experts.
Our list consists of spots located around the southern half of the island and which are considered part of the National Marine Park. These sites, such as Punta Sur and Santa Rosa Wall, are justifiably some of the most popular diving destinations in the world. Others, such as Paseo El Cedral, is less known, and was chosen specifically for its variety of tropical life (like its neighbor, Palancar), in addition to its lack of crowds.
Columbia and Paraiso Reefs are also part of the National Park and are both great for beginning divers. The first includes Columbia Gardens, also known as Columbia Shallows, and its slow currents make it perfect for snorkeling. The second is known for its brain corals and sponges and is ideal for macro-photography and night dives. It shares this last characteristic with the 7th and 8th sites on our list.
San Francisco Reef is special because it provides a wall-diving experience for beginners. For the expert diver, Devil's Throat Cave, at Punta Sur Reef, is not to be missed, and for the avid snorkeler, head to Palancar Gardens, also known as Palancar Shallows, which is part of Palancar Reef.
We've added a dive shop in our number 10 position. Aqua Safari has been around for over 40 years and has a great crew of expert divers that are not only knowledgeable about everything that has to do with diving, but they are extremely informed about Cozumel's history and the development of its diving programs.
Our list consists of spots located around the southern half of the island and which are considered part of the National Marine Park. These sites, such as Punta Sur and Santa Rosa Wall, are justifiably some of the most popular diving destinations in the world. Others, such as Paseo El Cedral, is less known, and was chosen specifically for its variety of tropical life (like its neighbor, Palancar), in addition to its lack of crowds.
Columbia and Paraiso Reefs are also part of the National Park and are both great for beginning divers. The first includes Columbia Gardens, also known as Columbia Shallows, and its slow currents make it perfect for snorkeling. The second is known for its brain corals and sponges and is ideal for macro-photography and night dives. It shares this last characteristic with the 7th and 8th sites on our list.
San Francisco Reef is special because it provides a wall-diving experience for beginners. For the expert diver, Devil's Throat Cave, at Punta Sur Reef, is not to be missed, and for the avid snorkeler, head to Palancar Gardens, also known as Palancar Shallows, which is part of Palancar Reef.
We've added a dive shop in our number 10 position. Aqua Safari has been around for over 40 years and has a great crew of expert divers that are not only knowledgeable about everything that has to do with diving, but they are extremely informed about Cozumel's history and the development of its diving programs.
Palancar Reef
One mile off the southwestern coast near El Cedral
Costera Sur Highway
World-Famous Dive Site...
Paseo El Cedral Reef
Parque Marino de Cozumel
(Northeast of Palancar Reef)
Lush underwater vegetation...
