Cozumel Reefs National Marine Park Tours
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Cozumel Reefs National Marine Park encompasses the island’s best-known diving and snorkeling spots, including the Palancar, Columbia, and Paradise reefs, as well as the Devil’s Throat at Punta Sur and the shipwreck of Felipe Xicoténcatl—a minesweeper ship used in WWII. The park houses up to 26 species of coral and 300 species of fish.
The Basics
With both shallow coral gardens and deep drop-offs, Cozumel Reefs National Marine Park is an ideal spot for snorkelers and divers of all experience levels. The area is best explored on a snorkeling or diving tour from the island’s downtown marina. Most excursions visit popular sites such as Columbia Reef, Palancar Reef, and El Cielo Marine Park, and sometimes include pickup and drop-off from select waterfront hotels.
Things to Know Before You Go
- This reef system is a must-see attraction for nature and wildlife lovers.
- Remember to bring sun protection and water. It’s also a good idea to wear a wetsuit or rash guard to protect your skin from rough coral and jellyfish.
- Evidence of scuba diving certification is required for certified dives.
- Be careful not to touch or disturb the wildlife.
- To maximize your chances of seeing wildlife, minimize your movement and let the fish come to you.
How to Get There
Cozumel Reefs National Marine park is located off the southern coast of Cozumel, near Mexico’s Yucatan Peninsula. You can get there by guided tour or private charter boat—although the reefs may be hard to locate on your own.
When to Get There
You can visit Cozumel Reefs National Marine Park year-round, but it’s busiest from December through April, when the weather tends to be sunny and warm. There are fewer crowds during hurricane season (May through October), but be sure to check the weather for storms.
Cozumel’s Coral Reefs
Cozumel’s coral reefs are some of the largest in the world. Paradise Reef and Palancar Gardens are ideal spots for novice divers and snorkelers due to their shallow depth, and offer a chance to glimpse sea turtles, colorful fish, towering coral spires, and gently waving sea fans. The Palancar Caves are probably the most famous dive site, with huge brain corals and swim-through tunnels. Palancar Horseshoe, a natural underwater amphitheater made entirely of coral, is another must-see.
Address: Cozumel, Quintana Roo, Mexico
8 Tours and Activities to Experience Cozumel Reefs National Marine Park
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Chankanaab Park Cozumel All inclusive Ultimate package
Discover the white-sand beaches, magnificent reef, and amusement-park-style attractions of Chankanaab Beach Adventure Park on a tour that includes snorkeling and lunch. The tropical wonderland offers nature walks, crocodile exhibits, and sea lion shows, giving nature lovers and families a chance to get to see wildlife up close. Plus, a sandy beach and playground make the park perfect of children—many other beaches in Cozumel are not kid-friendly.
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$37.00
From
$37.00
Face masks required for travelers in public areas
Face masks required for guides in public areas
Face masks provided for travelers
Mayan Jungle Jeep to Jade Cavern Cenote and Snorkel Adventure
Feel the breeze as you zip around Cozumel aboard a Jeep on this 5-hour tour. After receiving instructions from an informative guide, drive a jeep to Jade Cavern and other top island attractions. Follow this with snorkeling in beautiful clear waters and a satisfying lunch. Wrap up the day with a tour of an esteemed tequila factory, complete with tastings. Choose from several departure times to suit your schedule.
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$74.00
From
$74.00
Face masks required for travelers in public areas
Face masks required for guides in public areas
Face masks provided for travelers
Cozumel Self-Drive Buggy Tour: Snorkeling, Mayan Heritage and Mexican Lunch
Check out Cozumel sights from the seat of a rugged buggy that easily handles the terrain's twists and turns. Head to the El Cedral ruins for a chance to learn about the area's strong Maya heritage, and then zoom to the waterfront to snorkel in Arrecifes de Cozumel National Park and SkyReef. Stop in between to chow down on an included Mexican-style lunch.
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$77.55
From
$77.55
Face masks required for travelers in public areas
Face masks required for guides in public areas
Face masks provided for travelers
Mini-SUB Dive Tour from Cozumel
Marvel at the Caribbean Ocean’s magnificent marine life from a unique perspective on a 60-minute mini-SUB diving tour from Cozumel. Submerge yourself in a wondrous underwater world using futuristic equipment to interact with troves of tropical fish. Follow your experienced guide as you ride your underwater scooter across the ocean bed, admiring fascinating flora and fauna. No previous diving experience is necessary for this dazzling diving tour.
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$78.00
From
$78.00
Face masks required for travelers in public areas
Face masks required for guides in public areas
Hand sanitizer available to travelers and staff
Cozumel Three Reef Snorkel by Glass Bottom Boat
Get a new perspective on Cozumel and enjoy the opportunity to snorkel at three of the islands best reefs, including Paradise Reef, during one convenient, glass bottom boat excursion. Suitable for swimmers and non-swimmers alike, this glass bottom boat excursion takes the hassle out of arranging a multi-stop snorkel adventure independently.
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$50.00
From
$50.00
Face masks required for travelers in public areas
Face masks required for guides in public areas
Hand sanitizer available to travelers and staff
Discover Scuba Diving by Boat -2 Tanks in Cozumel
Cozumel is home to some of the most beautiful reefs in the world! Our Discover Scuba Dive includes TWO tanks, meaning double the adventure.
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$175.00
From
$175.00
Face masks required for travelers in public areas
Face masks required for guides in public areas
Hand sanitizer available to travelers and staff
Trimaran Two Reef Snorkel and Beach Party
Our friendly and professional crew, will take care and guide you every step of the way, no matter if you are an expert snorkeler or trying for the first time !!!
A full snorkel gear of mask, sanitized snorkel tube, mandatory life vest and fins will be provided to allow you enjoy your snorkeling with absolute comfort and safety.
Sail with the comfort only our wide hull Trimaran can offer, including a double net area by the bow of the vessel where you can relax and work on your tan while we sail to visit two Snorkeling sites full of colorful sea life.
Cozumel is worldwide known for its crystal clear waters and break taking turquoise tonalities which you will be able to enjoy on this unique trip.
Once your snorkeling trip is over, the three hulls of our Trimaran allow us to approach to the shoreline like no other vessel, due its minimum draft, so you can disembark to enjoy of a white sandy beach including a domestic open bar with assorted snacks to complete a memorable day.
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$84.00
From
$84.00
Face masks required for travelers in public areas
Face masks required for guides in public areas
Hand sanitizer available to travelers and staff
Deluxe Sailing Cozumel
Personalized service with quality and warmth from our group of partners that will provide you with an unforgettable experience in our services.
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From
$99.00
From
$99.00
Face masks required for travelers in public areas
Face masks required for guides in public areas
Face masks provided for travelers
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