Tag Archives: Cozumel

Snorkeling in Mexico
Cozumel, Mazatlan, Mexico, Play, Trip Ideas

Into the Blue: Best Snorkel Sites in Mexico

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Whether it’s the clear waters of the Caribbean or the blue depths of the Pacific calling, visitors to Mexico’s coast feel the call of the sea. Those who want to heed this call would do well to take a mask and snorkel, and venture out from shore. Along any coast where breaking waves don’t hinder, there are discoveries to be made. But not all snorkel sites are created equal, and these favorites offer the best combination of calm water, easy access and abundant marine life.

Cozumel

The western shores of Mexico’s Cozumel Island are home to some fantastic shallow reefs, many of which can be reached with a short swim from shore. But not all these waters are suited for novices, as the same currents that create the island’s dramatic coral and sponge growth can also make self- guided snorkeling a tricky prospect—especially at sites to the north where currents are more likely to push you out to sea than in to shore. Currents tend to be milder near the shore at sites along the central coast, and two favorite spots for shore access are the dock at the Monkey Bar Beach Club and the stone landing at the Fiesta Americana Cozumel. Boat-based tour operators have learned to use currents to their advantage, dropping groups of divers or snorkelers at one end of a reef, and then picking them up after they’ve enjoyed a free ride on the moving waters. One perennial favorite for drift snorkels is Paradise Reef, where the many nooks and crannies of the coral provide shelter for lobster, eels and more than 200 species of tropical fish. For a milder yet still memorable shore snorkel, you’ll want to head to Chankanaab Park, where you’ll find an underwater sculpture garden and swarms of colorful fish. On-island accommodations cover a wide range of options from modest to memorable, both in terms of amenities and pricing. The Cozumel Palace delivers a good combination of pampering and value.

Cozumel, Mexico Snorkeling with Fish, best snorkel sites in Mexico

The currents that wash the reefs of Cozumel bring life-giving nutrients. Here, a school of porkfish and grunts takes shelter behind a soft coral growth. Photo: Jodi Jacobson/iStock

Cabo Pulmo

Mexico’s Cabo Pulmo National Marine Park is a haven for fish, sea lions and manta rays, and a playground for divers, sea kayakers and snorkelers, who come to explore the finest protected waters in the Sea of Cortez. It’s a two- hour drive from Cabo San Lucas to the small village of Cabo Pulmo, and several tour services provide daily transport and snorkel equipment— including the wetsuits that may be needed in the cooler months. It’s also possible to create a self-guided adventure by renting a car and driving to Mermaid’s Beach for a shore entry, or signing on with a local boat captain for a trip to Lover’s Beach or out to Frailes Rock to swim with the sea lions. In summer, water temperatures reach into the mid-80s, making wetsuits unnecessary, while sea breezes keep air temperatures significantly cooler than other parts of Baja. For those who want more than a day in the water, nearby Cabo Pulmo Beach Resort offers clean, cost-effective beach bungalows and more luxurious villas, plus an on-site dive shop and twice daily guided snorkel tours.

Manta Rays in Cabo Pulmo Mexico

Of the more than 6,000 species of marine life found at Cabo Pulmo, manta rays are possibly the most exciting. At times, they will leap from the water. Photo: iStock

Mazatlan

The Pacific Coast city of Mazatlan overlooks a group of nearshore islands that offer plenty for snorkelers to discover. The easiest to reach, Stone Island, is actually connected to the mainland by a narrow rocky peninsula, but is best accessed by a short water taxi from South Beach across the navigation channel. Once there, the best place to fish watch is along the small rocky cove on the western tip of the island, where there are also several derelict ships sitting in shallow water. A couple of miles to the north, and directly off the resort area known as the Golden Zone, are a trio of small uninhabited islands, named Deer, Bird and Goat, which are surrounded by clear waters and shallow reefs. Tour operators offer day trips to the islands. Deer Island provides a long, shallow shelf that holds a variety of fish, while Goat Island is the least visited and offers more solitary snorkeling within a reef-sheltered basin. There are a number of prime beachfront resorts on the nearby mainland, and one of our favorites is the El Cid Marina Beach.

Mazatlan, shark in Mexico

The shallow-water crevices around Mazatlan’s outlying islands are home to a population of nurse sharks. Unless severely provoked, these fish are harmless to humans. Photo: Yann Poirier/iStock

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Little Cayman Beach resort, The Best Caribbean Resorts For Diving and Relaxation
Bahamas, Bahamas-New Providence, Bonaire, Caribbean, Cayman Islands, Central America, Cozumel, Curacao, Honduras, Mexico, Stay, Trip Ideas

Sun, Sand, Scuba: Six Best Caribbean Dive Resorts

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Divers crave clear waters and colorful reefs. But while the most dedicated scuba fanatics may be willing to compromise on above-water amenities to gain proximity to the best sites, most vacationing divers want to surface to something more. The good news is that there is no need to sacrifice topside pleasures to gain underwater treasures. Some of the best islands in the Caribbean for scuba divers are also home to premier waterfront resorts that don’t ignore the rest of the vacation experience. Here are some of my favorites, based on my 20-plus years of diving the Caribbean.

Bonaire

Captain Don’s Habitat

Bonaire is home to a number of dive-centric waterfront resorts, and for nearly 40 years, Captain Don’s Habitat has remained among the island’s best. Its namesake founder was one of the first to promote scuba tourism in the Caribbean, and he was instrumental in the creation of the Bonaire Marine Park. What started as a modest shoreside lodge has kept pace with the times, and now includes a series of attractively landscaped oceanfront rooms and villas, perched on a low rock bluff overlooking Kline Bonaire. Rum Runners, the property’s open-air cliffside restaurant, delivers memorable meals and dramatic water and sunset views. The only thing lacking is a beach, but most guests gladly exchange this for the convenience of stepping from the resort pier to one of the island’s favorite reefs. A fleet of well-maintained dive boats take advantage of the resort’s mid-island location to provide quick run times to many popular sites.

Alternate: The Plaza Resort is a larger resort complex situated on a white-sand beach just south of the town of Kralendijk. Toucan Diving is located on the premises.

Curacao

Lions Dive & Beach Resort

Lions Den, caribbean dive resorts

Lions Dive & Beach Resort is home base for the island’s largest dive operation, providing guests with an easy walk from room to boat, as well as a fine swimming beach. Photo: Walt Stearns

The clear waters of Curacao are ideal for both shore and boat diving. Most of the latter takes place along the islands southeastern shore, and the boats from Lions Dive & Beach Resort are the best choices to reach these sights. Located adjacent to the Curacao Sea Aquarium and less than two miles from downtown Willemstad, this property houses not only the island’s premier diving service, but also a spa and the island’s most popular waterfront bar and eatery: Hemingway’s. During surface intervals, guests can spend time on the private palm-fringed beach, or head into town to stroll the waterfront and nosh at open-air cafes.

Alternate: A bit to the west, the Sunscape Curacao Resort is an all-inclusive with a wide range of activities and a private beach. It’s walking distance to popular Mambo Beach and serviced by a satellite facility of Lions Dive.

Cayman Islands

Little Cayman Beach Resort

Little Cayman Beach Resort, Palapa

Little Cayman Beach Resort overlooks a quiet stretch of beach on the island’s south coast, with dive boats leaving from the on-site dock. Photo: Beth Watson/Little Cayman Beach Resort

The Cayman Islands are famous for clear waters and lively reefs. The most discriminating divers head for remote Little Cayman, home to the famed underwater landscapes of Bloody Bay Wall. With a resident population of less than 200, Little Cayman is a puddle-jumper flight and a world away from the bustle of Grand Cayman. A single road circles the island to connect a handful of small lodges, and not much else. The premier property for mixing diving and beach time is Little Cayman Beach Resort, which overlooks a solitary stretch of palms and sand that is the stuff of postcards. Diving is the focal point of resort life, with shoreside activities trending towards a casual bicycle ride or time in a hammock.

Alternate: For a more upscale and cosmopolitan take on the Cayman Islands’ diving scene, skip the commuter flight and stay on Grand Cayman. Check into the Westin Grand Cayman on Seven Mile Beach, which is serviced by Red Sail Sports.

Cozumel

Cozumel Palace

Cozumel Allegro Acoz Hotel, Mexico

The Allegro resort sits on one of Cozumel’s nicer stretches of beach and is conveniently located near favorite southern dive sites. Photo: Occidental Allegro Cozumel Resort

You can’t beat the view from the upscale rooms and suites of the Palace, which faces west to overlook the turquoise waters of the Cozumel Strait. On an island known for its all-inclusive properties, this one raises the bar for both amenities and service. The resort’s in-town location makes for an easy walk to San Miguel’s charming zocalo (plaza), but this same proximity means there’s no sand beach at the water’s edge. If the stunning pool deck doesn’t suffice, you can catch a shuttle south to the affiliated Playa Mia beach park. Diving services are handled by on-site Aqua Safaris, which is one of Cozumel’s highest-rated operators.

Alternate: Those who want to get away from the crowds can move south to the expansive beachfront grounds of Allegro Cozumel, which is another top-shelf all-inclusive property. Pro Dive services the resort, and its southern location means shorter boat rides to some of the prime sites along Palancar reef.

Bay Islands, Honduras

Laguna Beach Resort

Laguna Beach, bay islands, Honduras

The private bungalows of Laguna Beach Resort face a quiet mangrove lagoon and are just steps away from a Caribbean beach and the resort’s dive boats. Photo: Walt Stearns

Isolated on a peninsula on the quiet island of Utila and accessible only by boat, the Laguna Beach Resort is the epitome of the Caribbean away-from-it-all dream. Individual bungalows sit on the water’s edge overlooking a mangrove lagoon, while just steps away via sandy paths is the ocean, where you can wade in and find your way to one of the best reefs in the region. Native hardwoods and tin roofs set the tone, and activity centers around daily dive trips aboard a trio of spacious boats. Other water-centric pursuits include fishing and excursions to outlying islands. Evenings are quiet time, with perhaps a game of billiards and conversation at the clubhouse.

Alternate: On the nearby island of Roatan, Anthony’s Key Resort provides a similar vibe and equally fine diving. Guests can opt for hillside bungalows overlooking the shore or take a short taxi boat ride to beachfront cottages nestled on a private island.

New Providence, Bahamas

Stuart Cove’s Aqua Adventures

Stuart Cove, aqua adventures, Bahamas

Stuart Cove’s is the largest and most diverse dive operation in the Bahamas, offering accommodation packages and a range of activities that include diving, snorkeling and mini-submarine tours. Photo: Stuart Cove

From humble beginnings as a beachfront scuba concessionaire, Stuart Cove’s has created a business that dominates the Central Bahamas diving scene, and is the go-to location for underwater filmmakers. From a small harbor on the southern shore of New Providence, Cove’s fleet of dive and snorkel boats departs daily to stage shark feeds and wall dives for the adventurous or lead trips to picturesque wrecks and snorkel-friendly reefs. The dive operation is not currently offering accommodation packages with the nearby South Ocean Resort, as the property is in flux, and instead works with the Wyndham Nassau Resort and the Sheraton Cable Beach Resort on the north shore, which have the advantage of being closer to Nassau.

Alternate: Valentine’s Resort sits just north of the town docks on exclusive Harbour Island. In addition to unique dive adventures, guests will find themselves within walking or golf-cart distance of the island attractions, including the fabled pink sand beaches, which lie just over the bluff.

Diving in Cozumel, Mexico
Cozumel, Mexico, Plan, Trip Ideas

Cozumel: 10 Reasons to Go

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Cozumel embodies an unpretentious and laid-back lifestyle just right for sundresses, T- shirts, shorts and flip-flops. You’re never far from a beach bar,where you can savor the sea air under a shaded palapa and wiggle your toes in the sand. Long known for world-class diving and now a busy cruise port, Cozumel has another layer that you’ll discover once you get off the tourist route—powdery sand beaches, treasured nature preserves and a prevailing Mexican allure and friendliness.

1  By the Sea

Take in the scene along the Malecón in San Miguel, the white-washed seaside promenade where lovers walk hand-in-hand and families snap photos under the twin bronze eagle statues that flank the Mexican flag.

2  Go West

Beach clubs and beach bars are ubiquitous on Cozumel. You’ll find the hip and cool, the family-friendly and those that resemble theme parks loaded with water-sports opportunities. The sandiest shores are found on the west-central coast, south of town. There you’ll find everything needed for a day at the beach: food, drink, showers, music, plus shallows for swimming and reefs for snorkeling. Avoid those venues packed with cruisers or time your visit for the latter part of the day when the ships call their passengers to embark. Find a spot on the sand, score a hammock, order a margarita and wait for the sun to set.

3  Birdie, Bogey or Eagle?

A first for Mexico, the Cozumel Country Club is a designated and certified Audubon International Cooperative Sanctuary where careful attention was taken to maintain Cozumel’s natural surroundings. The club’s 18-hole, par-72 course was designed by the Nicklaus Design Group to not only provide spirited play, but also give players a chance to commune with nature between shots. The course is lined by tropical forest, mangroves and marshes, which are home to iguanas, crocodiles, raccoons and more than 100 species of birds.

4  Fiesta Time

Cozumel clings to its Mexican and Mayan roots, and celebrations rival any of those on mainland Mexico. Sure, there’s Carnaval in February, but even dearer to the Mexican spirit is Day of the Dead in November, where altars of flowers, candles and food are set out to remember lost loved ones. Hotel lobbies, restaurants and bars pay homage with displays of skulls and skeletons dressed in brightly-colored attire.

5  Lighthouse View

Make the journey to the pride of Cozumel, the 247-acre Faro Celarin Ecological Reserve at Punta Sur on the southern tip of the island. For a bird’s-eye view of the convergence of east and west coasts, climb the 130 steps of the lighthouse. The reserve’s five ecosystems include a lagoon with crocodiles, a mangrove with egrets and water birds and a pristine stretch of beach fronted by a fish-laden reef.

6  From the Sea

Fresh seafood dominates many menus and fish served Veracruz style with its distinctive mixture of spices and peppers is a local favorite. Direct-from-the-sea ceviche is made from fish, shrimp and conch, and keeping with the authentic Mexican experience expect it served with a basket of hot tortilla chips and a selection of homemade salsas. Local hot spots that have stood the test of time include La Conchita del Caribe, La Choza and El Capi Navegante.

7  Nightly Crowd Control

Even though Cozumel gets its fair share of cruise ships, they are gone by nightfall and that’s when the island reverts to the small, intimate town it really is. Locals come out of hiding; visitors can mingle and relax without being approached to buy a souvenir. Stroll around the plaza of Benito Juarez Park in San Miguel, grab a churro (sugar-dipped fried pastry) from the vendor carts or nab an outside table at one of the cafes and watch the night unfold.

8  The Wild Side

Pack up the jeep and get out of town for a day trip to the east coast beaches. Here, fronted by the elements, you’ll find long stretches of deserted sand perfect for walking, cresting waves where surfers play, and windswept beach bars decorated with driftwood, bottles and buoys that made landfall. Beach bars are off the main drag down sandy roads—just follow the handmade signs. Favorite stops might include Playa Bonita, Punta Chen Rio and Punta Moreno, a prime spot for surfers.

9  Feathered Snowbirds

Cozumel is a haven for the true snowbird—the kind with feathers. It also attracts bird lovers, who will delight in trying to spot the 250 species of birds that live on or spend time on Cozumel. The American flamingo hangs close to Punta Sur and warblers of all colors—black-and-white and yellow-throated—can be spotted in clumps of undisturbed forest. Real finds are the brightly-colored hooded oriole, Yucatan woodpecker and the Cozumel emerald, a tiny elusive hummingbird.

10  Underwater World

Cozumel’s sheltered western shoreline is washed by a constant north-flowing current. This stream of clear oceanic water nurtures a rich overgrowth of corals and sponges on the shallow reefs that flank the coast and on the submerged cliffs that plunge propitiously into the depths just offshore. Divers and snorkelers can hitch a ride, dropping overboard from dive boats, which follow attentively while those below are propelled over fish-laden structures. Fabled sites such as Palancar Reef are must-dos for any diver, and the clear waters also allow snorkelers to imbibe the colors and sensations from a surface vantage point.

Cayman North Sound
Belize, Bonaire, Caribbean, Cayman Islands, Cozumel, Curacao, St. Lucia, Stay, Trip Ideas, U.S. Virgin Islands

Best Caribbean Snorkel Resorts

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One of the great joys of snorkeling tropical waters is freedom. No complex or heavy dive gear to manage, no worries about running out of air or monitoring bottom time, just the tranquility of hovering over a sun-dapple reef. It’s even better when done on your own schedule by wading right out from a resort beach, with no boat to catch and a refreshing shower and beach chair awaiting your return. Here are some of the best beachfront resorts in the Caribbean that provide immediate access to great snorkeling.

 

Grand Cayman barrier reef

Aerial view of Grand Cayman’s northern barrier reef. The outside is safe for snorkeling only in calm seas; the sheltered inner side offers more consistent conditions. Photo: Cayman Island Tourism

The Retreat at Rum Point, Grand Cayman

It’s less than eight miles from Grand Cayman’s Seven Mile Beach to Rum Point as the crow flies, but you’ll have to drive all the way around on the island’s coastal highway or take a ferry across North Sound to get there. This relative isolation means fewer swimmers on the palm-fringed beach and a chance to explore the coral-strewn shallows inside the island’s northern barrier reef. The resort is a collection of rental condominiums that provide spectacular water views. Full kitchens save on dining out, but if the adjacent Wreck Bar saps the cook’s culinary ambitions, then head next door to the Rum Point Club for a meal.

Retreat at rum point

The Retreat at Rum Point sits along 1,200 feet of white sand beach where you might enjoy a beachside massage or a nap in a hammock under the shade. Photo: Rum Point

Fantasy Island Beach Resort, Roatan

The island of Roatan is ringed by magnificent coral reefs. But getting to many of these sites will require a boat ride. The best place to begin a snorkel from shore is at the Fantasy Island Beach Resort. Beginning just to the east of the resort beach is French Key Reef, which is an area of sheltered and protected coral reefs that rise close to the surface. A couple of minutes of finning across the sand bottom brings you to coral gardens filled with an abundance of tropical fish. As an alternative to swimming, resort guests can opt for a guided boat trip. Fantasy Island is a mid-sized resort set on a small private island just off Roatan’s southern shore in the popular Coxen Hole area. All-inclusive packages are available, and the resort is popular with divers and watersports enthusiasts.

Honduras Fantasy Island

This dock at the western edge of the Fantasy Island beach is the ideal starting point for a snorkeling exploration of the sheltered lagoon surrounding French Cay Reef. Photo: Fantasy Island

Tranquility Bay Resort, Belize

Situated on a remote beach on Ambergris Caye, 10 miles north of San Pedro and accessible only by boat, Tranquility Bay is a throwback in time. Traditional, colorful cottages are positioned just yards from the water, and inside you’ll find a surprisingly modern décor and amenities. From the beach it’s a short swim to the inner edge of Belize’s magnificent barrier reef. The resort is secluded and simple, but if clean sand and clear water trump nightlife and spa services, there are few places that can compare. 

Tranquility Bay

Tranquility Bay is the ideal spot to unplug, relax and explore nature. In addition to underwater activities, there are Mayan sites to explore on the mainland. Photo: Tranquility Bay

The Buccaneer Hotel, St. Croix

This landmark property delivers enticing views of the coral-strewn shallows that sit between Mermaid Beach and blue water. Fin east along the rocky coast towards Shoy Point and look under the ledges to discover fish and lobster lurking in the shadows. Those wanting more can catch a boat from the resort dock to Buck Island. Ashore, the Buccaneer remains one of St. Croix’s favorite resorts, providing a complete vacation experience that can include golf, tennis, spa treatments and live music.

St. Croix, best caribbean snorkel resorts

A short swim from the beach at St. Croix’s Buccaneer resort leads snorkelers to a series of coral-covered rock ledges that attract a variety of tropical fish. Photo: The Buccaneer Hotel

Fiesta Americana, Cozumel

Fish and coral are abundant off Cozumel’s west coast, but many sites lack easy beach entries, and to the north of the island, prevailing currents may pull snorkelers away from land. For an easier snorkeling experience, head south to the Fiesta Americana. This all-inclusive property overlooks a colorful stretch of shallow reef just to the north of Chankanaab National Park. There are easy entry and exit points for snorkelers, and milder currents move you southward towards the park. This upscale all-inclusive property is family-friendly, with a pair of pools, a playground and children’s activities. 

Fiesta Americana

In addition to the awesome snorkeling at the Fiesta Americana, there’s a private beach with plenty of beach lounges, umbrellas, over-the-water beds, and hammocks. Photo: Fiesta Americana

Anse Chastanet Resort, St. Lucia

Some of the best coral reefs lie off the southwest coast of St. Lucia in the shadow of the landmark Pitons. They are within an easy swim from the beach at the Anse Chastanet Resort. This protected coral habitat is a favorite with divers and snorkelers, who can wade into the shallows to discover a profusion of sea life mere yards from shore. The resort provides snorkeling equipment for self-guided explorations, or you can book a boat trip with a guide to nearby reefs. The resort itself is the stuff of tropical fantasy, with rooms hiding in the palms, and a short climb up the green hill delivers sweeping views of the Caribbean. 

Anse Chastanet

The beach at Anse Chastanet provides wade-in access to the island’s finest coral reef, which begins in shallow water just 15 yards from shore. Photo: Anse Chastanet Resort, St. Lucia

Plaza Resort, Bonaire

Bonaire’s entire west coast is flanked by one of the finest coastal reef structures in the Caribbean. But only a handful of the island’s resorts are also favored by sandy beaches. Of these, the Plaza provides the best combination of amenities and water access. The reef is just a short swim from the water’s edge, and an on-site dive shop has rental gear or replacement equipment. Ashore, the all-inclusive resort features a collection of low-rise buildings overlooking the channels of a lagoon and marina. Highlights of a stay include open-air seating at the waterfront restaurant and a weekly beach barbecue that is a favorite island tradition. 

Plaza Resort Bonaire

At Plaza Bonaire, a walk to the beach from your room invites snorkeling on a whim or the dive shop organizes snorkeling trips around the island. Photo: Plaza Beach

Sunscape Curacao Resort, Curacao

Six restaurants, six bars, water sports, a spa, first-class fitness center, daily entertainment and a casino—all for one price. Well, not the casino. But if larger all-inclusive resorts are your thing, the Sunscape is the finest on Curacao. When it’s time to submerge, novices can find fish without having to venture beyond the sheltering breakwater. More advanced snorkelers can head outside the breakwater to find vibrant patches of coral on a reef that drops from the jetty rocks to depths of 10 feet, then continues a gradual slope out toward deep water. 

Curacao Sunscape

From the beach at Sunscape Curacao Resort, novice snorkelers will enjoy calm conditions inside the rock jetty, while the more accomplished can explore the outer slope. Photo: Sunscape Curacao