Top 5 Awesome Beaches to Snorkel in Cozumel

Best Beach-Access Spots for Snorkeling in Cozumel

Cozumel is a snorkeler’s paradise, as long as you know where to go.

For you, dear snorkel fans, we have compiled a list of the best go-to beaches for a day of shore snorkeling in Cozumel that are sure to satisfy both beginner and experienced snorkelers alike. This is our Top 5. 

The largest Caribbean Mexican island, just off the coast of Playa del Carmen, is surrounded by limestone reef bedrock.

This creates perfect conditions to nurture a wide variety of marine life, making Cozumel one of the best places to go diving and one of the best for snorkeling.

Snorkeling in Cozumel is a must-do activity for anyone who loves to explore the underwater world, and if you want a full introduction to snorkeling on the island, the please go read this linked post, first. 

On the other hand, lots of people coming to Cozumel on a cruise, or looking for some pure R&R are more inclined to want a nice sandy beach with no rocks or limestone to navigate as they go in for a simple swim. 

If that’s what you’re after, then you should head over to this post on great sandy beaches in Cozumel right here. 

But if you want a short list of some tried-and-true places to do some hassle-free but good quality Cozumel snorkeling, you’re in the right place.

Skip the snorkel tour, bypass the boat trip, and this time just chill out and go full DIY. 

These top 5 Cozumel snorkeling beaches boast shallow reefs and small coral heads, a wide variety of tropical fish and other marine life, and easy and safe access and entry points, making them popular spots for snorkeling travelers all year long.

So, dust off your snorkel equipment and marine ID books, and let’s take a closer look at the top Cozumel beach-access spots for snorkeling around the island.

1. SkyReef for a Cool Cozumel Snorkel Experience

Sky Reef is a must-visit beach for anyone who loves casual atmospheres, delicious beach side restaurants, and great snorkeling. This beach may not have the classic soft sand shore, but it offers an exciting snorkeling experience that you won’t forget.

The best thing about Sky Reef is that you can rent snorkel gear right there at the beach. And the moment you enter the water, you’ll be surrounded by a wide variety of marine life.

Thanks to the limestone bedrock, coral, and rocky areas around the beach, this area is perfect for the growth of crustaceans and other small marine life. And where there are small critters, there are fish, octopi, and other interesting juvenile marine creatures to watch and explore.

At Sky Reef, you’ll likely see tons of tropical fish, including schools of colorful fishes, small stingrays, hermit crabs, flounder fish, and sea stars. 

The snorkeling at Sky Reef is just off the small pier they have. The stairs down from the pier put you right in the snorkeling action.

So, if you’re looking for a perfect combination of fun, casual atmosphere, great food, and amazing snorkeling, Sky Reef is the perfect destination for you.

2. Playa Corona is a Cozumel Classic for Snorkeling

When it comes to snorkeling in Cozumel, there are plenty of popular snorkeling spots to choose from. And one of the local favorite shore snorkeling spots is Playa Corona.

This old-school beach club may have some wear, but it’s in a fantastic spot with great food and gentle prices, making it the perfect place to spend the day soaking up the sun and exploring the underwater world.

The best part? Playa Corona is close to an offshore reef area that is known for its good snorkeling action and better-than-average chances of seeing some bigger marine life.

This makes Playa Corona beach park an excellent snorkeling spot for those interested in exploring the world beneath the waves.

When you venture into the water, you’ll likely be greeted by colorful fish and fascinating huge queen Caribbean conchs. But keep your eyes peeled, as you may also get lucky and spot a larger marine creature, such as a resident Cozumel sea turtle or octopus.

If you’re looking for a fun and satisfying day of snorkeling in Cozumel, look no further than Playa Corona. This popular spot offers the perfect mix of good snorkeling, delicious food, and a beautiful beach. 

3. Dzu-Ha Beach in Cozumel – a.k.a. Money Bar

If you’re looking for a beach with good snorkeling options and other amenities when you visit Cozumel, Dzu-Ha Beach should definitely be on your list.

Like most on this list, it’s not terribly far from the souther cruise piers either, so you can maximize your time if you’re just here for the day. 

Located right next to the famous Money Bar, Dzu-Ha offers everything you need for a fun day in the sun and water.

But let’s talk about snorkeling first.

Like many other top snorkeling spots in Cozumel, Dzu-Ha boasts limestone bedrock, coral, and rocky areas, which act as natural habitats for a variety of small marine life.

As a result, when you put on your snorkel gear and venture into the water at Dzu-Ha, you can expect to see schools of jacks and needlefish, parrotfish, juvenile fish, crustaceans and invertebrates right beside you.

Who knows, you may even spot a small shark, if you’re lucky.

What makes Dzu-Ha even better is that it’s right next to the Money Bar, a beach bar and restaurant that’s famous for its delicious food and drink options, generous happy hour specials, and live music.

So when you’re done exploring the underwater world, you can come back to the beach, relax on a beach chair, and enjoy a cold beer or margarita while taking in the lively atmosphere.

But that’s not all – Money Bar also has a small jetty that’s perfect for snorkeling.

If you’re an experienced snorkeler and want to explore other habitats, the jetty footings might be a great place to start. Just keep in mind that where there is a pier, there is boat traffic, so make sure to stay visible, safe, and pay attention while snorkeling.

Overall, Dzu-Ha Beach and Money Bar are a great combination for a Caribbean beach day.

Whether you want to snorkel, sunbathe, eat and drink, or dance to live music, Money Bar has got you covered. So grab your snorkel gear and head to Dzu-Ha – you won’t be disappointed!

4. Casa del Mar Hotel’s House Reef Teems with Young Marine Life

Are you planning a snorkeling trip to Cozumel and looking for amazing spots to explore? Look no further than Casa del Mar Dive Resort & Hotel’s house reef.

Located just out in front of the Casa Del Mar Hotel, this natural reef is well-known among divers and snorkelers as an excellent spot for observing marine life up close.

The reef is full of hard and soft coral heads and rocky ledge areas, which attract an abundance of small marine life. This site is home to many juvenile species, various types of moray eels, crustaceans, sea slugs, angelfish, stingrays, and even sea urchins!

While snorkeling here you’ll be amazed by the diversity of marine life that surrounds you in this one location, and appreciate the incredible visibility in the water and the relatively easy entry and exit points. (It can never hurt to wear water shoes or scuba booties…)

However, this spot can get quite busy, especially during high tourism days, so be prepared to share the water with other snorkelers and divers.

Boat traffic can also be present, so it’s essential to make yourself visible, be careful, and stay alert.

The safest bet is to spend your day at the Del Mar Latino beach club (see below), and enter a small protected swim area via some wide stairs with a hand rail.

Then – if there’s no significant ocean current – slowly proceed further out toward the natural jetty and coral reef, beyond. 

Alternatively, if you’re staying at the Casa del Mar Hotel or diving with Cozumel Marine World or Tikila Beach right next door, this is the perfect spot to enter the water and hover over the reef.

This area is also famous for its artificial reef experiments, including two underwater statues of famous divers Jacque Cousteau and Silvia Earle. 

Even if you’re a beginner snorkeler, you’ll be able to enjoy and appreciate the beauty of this underwater paradise with ease.

You won’t regret adding this lively spot to your list of snorkeling destinations in Cozumel, especially if you’re coming off of a cruise and looking for some good snorkeling within walking distance of your ship.

You’ll find a handful of great beach bars within walking distance here, as well. 

For more info on walking distance cruise attractions, check out this post, next. 

5. Playa Azul to Snorkel Cozumel’s North End

If you’re looking for a laid-back snorkeling experience on the north end of Cozumel, Playa Azul is the perfect spot for you, and one of the best beaches in Cozumel, period. 

Located away from the crowded beach clubs and the hustle and bustle of the southern hotel zone, Playa Azul is a peaceful beach club and hotel that offers a pristine natural environment for snorkelers to explore.

One of the things that make Playa Azul a great snorkeling destination is that it has a sandy beach entry area as well as its limestone bedrock and rocky areas.

In between snorkeling sessions, you can take a break and relax in one of the many shady palapa and lounge chairs on the beach. And if you’re looking for some local bites to eat, you’ll find plenty of options to satisfy your cravings.

The beach club offers great local food and drink options, and the service is always friendly and prompt.

Playa Azul is also perfect for families with children who are beginning to explore the joys of snorkeling. The calm and shallow waters provide an ideal environment for kids to dip their toes in and discover the underwater world.

Overall, Playa Azul is a wonderful snorkeling destination that deserves a spot on your Cozumel bucket list. So why not grab your mask and fins and head on over to this beautiful beach in Cozumel’s north end for a day of underwater adventure.

Don’t Forget to Pack a Few Cozumel Snorkeling Essentials

In case I haven’t repeated it enough, good snorkeling often means rougher craggy shoreline areas with limestone bedrock, coral, and and rocky formations.

These geographic features provide a habitat for small marine life, which in turn attracts a wide variety of fish, octopi, and other local Cozumel marine critters.

So if you’re looking for an action-packed snorkeling adventure, be sure to keep an eye out for these types of locations.

Good snorkeling here, then, means you might want foot protection, and you should also have sun protection in the form of a highly visible sun shirt or rash guard, and it’s always advised to have a surface buoy floating along with you, and personal floatation devices for your family, at your discretion.

For more on the items we always recommend for the safest snorkeling in Cozumel, read more HERE.

Map of Good Cozumel Beaches for Snorkeling

If you’re planning some snorkeling when you visit Cozumel, you’re in for a real treat.

But with so many beaches to choose from, it can be tough to decide where to start.

That’s where our handy map of good Cozumel beaches for snorkeling comes in.

We’ve compiled the list above into a mini Google map so you can keep track of the ones recommended. Link to live map via the image, below.

They’re marked on a map with our little logo markers, so you can save it and easily navigate your way around Cozumel’s stunning coastline.

Best Snorkeling Beaches in Cozumel FAQ

Q: Is snorkeling in Cozumel only suitable for experienced swimmers?

A: Not necessarily!

Cozumel has a variety of snorkeling sites and beaches suitable for all levels of swimmers. Playa Azul and Playa Corona are great examples of beaches with typically calm, semi-protected and shallow waters, ideal for beginners and families with young children.

That said, Cozumel is known for its ocean currents, especially when wind conditions are strong, and depending on the wind direction. Just pay attention to how the wind and water is when you’re actually there, and use judgement if there are strong currents that day. 

Also, this is a good reminder to be prepared with the right snorkeling safety gear in Cozumel – from wearing swim fins (where you get all your power), using the right surface buoy, and wearing visible clothing, etc.  To review the top-recommended snorkel safety gear, read this post next. 

Q: Can I rent snorkel gear at these beaches?

A: Yes

Many of these beaches have rental shops that offer snorkel gear.

It’s always good to bring your own if possible, but renting gear is a convenient option if you’re traveling light.

For best results, find your own snorkeling mask that really fits your face, and learn how to treat it with a reef-safe product permitted in the marine park, so it doesn’t fog up when you go underwater with it. 

Q: When is the best time to go snorkeling in Cozumel?

A: Anytime of year can be excellent for snorkeling, but watch the wind speeds

If you’ve browsed through lots of my other posts on diving in Cozumel or the month-to-month guides, etc., you’ll be reminded that weather conditions and water temperatures are lovely in Cozumel all year round. 

However. Weather patterns of wind and rain do crop up here frequently. 

Usually, it’s a short tropical rain squall for 15 minutes, and then the sun comes back out, we dry out, and go on with our day.  But you just need to pay attention. 

Wind conditions are our biggest factor, but the nice warm water temperatures only vary by a few degrees throughout the year.

Diving might get a little chilly in January, February and March, but swimming is still plenty warm year-round, and the visibility is just as good.

It’s important to note that the months of August through October are hurricane season, so always check weather forecasts before planning your trip.

And…always pack some rain gear. The odds are likely you’ll at least need it once. Check here for what we recommend packing to keep you – and your valuables – safe and dry.

No Wrong Choices – No Worries

No matter which Cozumel beach you choose, be sure to bring your snorkel gear, or you can rent it from one of the many local shops.

Don’t forget to check the weather and wind forecast on the most reliable wind and current app for the area before you go – Cozumel’s hurricane season lasts from June to November, so plan accordingly.

But even if you have a day of rain, there are still tons of fun things to do here!

• Read up on our favorite rainy day Cozumel ideas here
• Essential things to do in downtown Cozumel
• Best Restaurants on the Island
• Go Shopping at some of Cozumel’s most legit boutiques and shops
• And many, many more

So there you have it, along with our mini-map of good Cozumel beaches for snorkeling. We hope this article helps you plan your next snorkeling adventure in paradise. Happy exploring!