Cancun is part of the Great Mesoamerican Reef. Therefore, its shores are quite shallow, which makes snorkeling ideal, especially if you do not want to scuba dive to view life on the ocean floor. Popular snorkeling beaches include El Garrafon on Isla Mujeres, Puertos Morelos and Punta Cancun. According to Travel Yucatan, Cozumel enjoys 200 feet of underwater visibility and 80-degree-plus seawater temperature in the summer--two elements perfect for snorkeling. The most popular snorkel spots on the island of Cozumel are Chankanaab and Dzul Ha.
Snorkelers in Cancun can view the beauty of the reef up close. According to Cancun.com, there are over 17 species of tropical fish around Cancun, including grouper, jelly fish, sea anemones, octopi and parrot fish. In Cozumel, expect to find over 250 different species of fish, hundreds of coral colonies, lobsters, crabs, eels and stingrays. According to Isla Cozumel, it is Mexico and the Caribbean's primer dive spot.
In Cozumel, you can either pay admission to the eco-park Chankanaab, which also rents snorkel gear, or you can use Dzul Ha for free and rent snorkel gear from vendors on or near the attraction. According to Yucatan Insider, the quality of sights is the same in both places. In Cozumel, snorkeling tours are available, but are less widely used in lieu of the eco-park. In Cancun, snorkeling tours are more frequent and popular. Hotel concierges and travel agencies can arrange guided snorkeling tours, which is recommended for first-time snorkelers. However, going to popular Cancun beaches and renting snorkel gear from beach vendors is also popular.
Cancun and Cozumel snorkeling costs vary, with tours ranging from $17 to $50. The cost of renting snorkel gear and using a free beach is considerably lower, and depends on the vendor selling the equipment. The last option, paying admission to Chankanaab eco-park, is mid-range, considering the eco-park has more activities than snorkeling and often offers scuba diving, cliff diving and other interesting entertainment. Admission to Chankanaab is $19 for adults and $10 for children.
Snorkeling comes with risks. If you are not a strong swimmer, always wear a life jacket. If you have your own equipment, it is better to use it than renting equipment, as personal equipment fits better. If you have never snorkeled before, use a tour company or snorkel in a controlled environment such as a hotel beach or eco-park until you are comfortable using your snorkeling equipment.
