Question Snorkeling Recommendations for Coz?

[Rob9876]

I was thinking more about the kids than the adults. But for adults who aren't great swimmers or who don't have a lot of stamina or comfort in the water, they are also a good idea. They are also bright and easier to spot if a boat happens along...

Even for adults that are good swimmers there are times when it might not be bad to have. Over the years I've had situations come up where I had to push in a sea kayak (with 2 family members in it) against the current to keep it from drifting to PDC (really wore me out), and when I've had to assist other snorkelers, where it has been helpful to have a snorkel vest that I could inflate. I'd rather have one and just deflate it if I want to dive down.

 

[H2Oforme]

I don’t know why anyone who is a decent swimmer would need a life jacket when snorkeling around Cozumel unless it is to prevent them from being able to swim underwater, like they do around whale sharks.

Punta Sur is a different situation than most snorkeling. The reef is a long swim out from the beach. Most snorkelers are used to spending the majority of the time floating. Usually a boat drops you in just the right place or the attractions are right off the beach. I think it is about a 200 yard swim out there and then, of course, you have to get back. I didn't want to recommend it without the caveat. Read some of these comments on TripAdvisor to see how some people find it challenging. https://www.tripadvisor.com/ShowTop...o_far_for_kids-Cozumel_Yucatan_Peninsula.html

 

[ggunn]

Punta Sur is a different situation than most snorkeling. The reef is a long swim out from the beach. Most snorkelers are used to spending the majority of the time floating. Usually a boat drops you in just the right place or the attractions are right off the beach. I think it is about a 200 yard swim out there and then, of course, you have to get back. I didn't want to recommend it without the caveat. Read some of these comments on TripAdvisor to see how some people find it challenging. https://www.tripadvisor.com/ShowTop...o_far_for_kids-Cozumel_Yucatan_Peninsula.html

I would not recommend swimming out to the reef at Punta Sur, especially alone or in a small group. There is boat traffic there and single snorkelers would be hard to see. If you must do it, then in that case I do recommend wearing a bright yellow horse collar float to make yourself more visible to boat captains.

 

[NeilA.]

Heck, there are six of you- just hire a boat. I’m sure there are operators that would have a great time taking your group snorkeling and catering a custom trip. Your marginal cost difference is probably nominal considering what you are getting.

One thing I have learned the hard way(more than once..) is to have masks that fit properly and are WATER TESTED before you go. A couple years ago my darling wife assured me (several times) at our local dive shop that a new mask she picked out fit perfectly. Well, on vacation, out on a boat her new mask leaked badly. So did the loaner masks the operator had. Anyway, we eventually got her outfitted at the cost of two new masks and a wasted day on the water. I can’t imagine the frustration of dealing with several people in this situation, in Mexico.

 

[ggunn]

One thing I have learned the hard way(more than once..) is to have masks that fit properly and are WATER TESTED before you go. A couple years ago my darling wife assured me (several times) at our local dive shop that a new mask she picked out fit perfectly. Well, on vacation, out on a boat her new mask leaked badly. So did the loaner masks the operator had. Anyway, we eventually got her outfitted at the cost of two new masks and a wasted day on the water. I can’t imagine the frustration of dealing with several people in this situation, in Mexico.

A good test for the fit of a mask is to see if you can keep it on your face without a strap or your hands and without constantly sucking air out of it through your nose. A mask should not depend on the strap to keep it so tight on your face that water cannot get in.

 

[NeilA.]

Starting to plan a trip for Spring of 2025 (yes, I do like to start planning early). We've been to Cozumel before for dedicated dive trips many times, but this trip will be a bit different: we will have 3 kids along (ages 10-14). Yes, we grownups will manage to squeeze in a few days diving (at my insistence), not as many diving days as I'd like, but I will have to settle for a very short amount of time underwater.

I'm looking for good options for the kids, who do love snorkeling. The oldest is (I think) mature and responsible enough to start SCUBA, but her mom is not yet convinced of that (I'll keep working on her...). For now, I'm assuming the three kids will happily go snorkeling for a couple days. They have some prior snorkeling experience, and love wild animal encounters. But they're still pretty young, and not used to deep water. Before we catch the ferry to Cozumel, we will wander around the mainland for a few weeks; I'm toying with the idea of spending half a day in/near Akumal in hopes of getting them some snorkel time in the water with turtles (maybe at Yal-ku lagoon?) though I know it gets crazy busy there, so would welcome any suggestions for less over-touristed alternatives (besides being there at 9 am when they open to beat the crowds).

Our group on Cozumel will be three adults and three snorkel-loving kids aged 10, 12 and 14.

I'm familiar with Chankanaab from previous trips. I'm assuming we will go there for an afternoon. As I remember it, the place gets crowded (cruise ships) and I thought it was OK/so-so, but not particularly spectacular (I am of course spoiled, I suspect the kids would be happy enough there). But it's been years since I poked around Chankanaab. Still about the same? (Maybe the lionfish have eaten everything?)

So where is better? Ideally we would like the usual things people want: warm, clear water, not too deep for the little ones, lots of fish life. Extra points for charismatic species, starfish, rays, anything colorful and numerous. Not super crowded, and hoping to avoid drunken louts. We could do shore-based on our own, or hire a boat (preferably not a huge one, we would probably rather have a boat to ourselves if that's not prohibitively expensive). We will probably make snorkeling the focus of two (partial) days.

I think we will be staying at the Intercontinental El Presidente, so based near, but south, of town (and we will do our diving with Living Underwater, our longtime favorites).

Thanks for any pointers for top snorkeling places/outfits/strategies.

I just saw a Facebook post from “Adrian Cozumel” might be worth looking into. Doesn’t look like he has a website.