For those more interested in snorkeling than scuba, most of the beach clubs and hotels rent gear and offer at worst a good chance to get wet.
While you will run into a lot of other people with the same idea, Chankanaab Park is a good place to try. While there is a $21 per person admission fee to the Park there’s a lot more to do there than just snorkeling. Snorkel and scuba gear can be rented on the beach. Check the Park website for special offers including discounts on the admission charge.
The Money Bar Beach Club at Dzul Ha is in the same general vicinity about 4 miles south of town. With the new divided road leading south, you have to take the access road at the Caleta Marina and drive south of the El Presidente hotel to reach it. The snorkeling is not quite up to what you’ll find at Chankanaab but you’ll miss the crowd plus there is no admission charge to use the beach or snorkle. The reef begins about 20 yards off the beach in depths from 12-40 feet. There is also a nice stand of stag horn coral about a 10-minute swim north of the pool area. There is a restaurant and bar for food and drinks and you can rent snorkel or scuba gear there. In addition, the club has recently begun offering day packages that include an assortment of amenities like a snorkel guide, massage and glass bottom kayaks.
There are lots of organized snorkel boat trips that usually include rental gear, beer and soft drinks. Prices run $30-$40 for a half day trip. “Snorkel Tour” departs from the Pro Dive pier near KFC. Telephone 87 21379. The Fury is a 60-foot catamaran departing from Scuba Shack near the Casa Del Mar. Telephone 87 21545.
Atlantis Submarine Tour gives non-divers a chance to experience a visit to the reef. The 45-minute (with commentary in English) tour includes a tour of the shallow reef in the area of Chankanaab and then a view of the drop-off. Maximum depth is about 100 feet. Cost per adult is $70-$75. Kids are half price. Located across the street from the Casa del Mar Hotel.
The Dune Buggy Tours Cozumel starts its snorkeling trip with a dune buggy ride to the other side of the island. Rather than turning right to follow the road up to the ocean side beach clubs and restaurants at Mezcalito’s Bar & Grill, the buggies turn left for an hour long ride down a very bumpy road through a coconut plantation. Eventually you will reach a beautiful deserted beach that features a series of nice coral ridges that lie within an easy swim from the beach. On occasion, the trip includes a visit to a Mayan castillio on a cliff overlooking the beach. This isn’t a cheap trip at $89 but a lot of people love it. Kids age 3-8 go at half price.
Additional notes on snorkeling can found in the following beach tour section.