Find Yourself Snorkling in Cozumel
Cozumel, Land of the Swallows
This former sacred site of Mayan antiquity is now a thriving tourist destination, thanks in large part to its fantastic snorkling. In Cozumel, this sport is honed to a fine art, and there is a range of experiences available to beginner, intermediate, and advanced divers. You can check out some of the most astounding sites in the world, both on land on the island's Mayan ruins, and in the sea, including the toadfish which is exclusive to this area.
An Auspicious History
Cozumel's snorkling reputation has been hard won. The island, when found by the conquistador Herndando Cortes, was occupied by 40,000 people, many of them skilled fishermen who dove off of the island's shores to reap the ocean's harvest. Imagine landing a 200-lb. Black grouper big enough to feed your family for a week! Incidentally, you can still do this-snorkling in Cozumel is the headliner, but sport fishing remains very popular.
After Cortes' conquest (helped in large part by the smallpox carried by the soldiers), the islands population dropped down to 30. Eventually, the island was repopulated largely by the descendents of the Mayans who had fled earlier. However, the island wouldn't gain its tourist destination status until French diver Jacques Cousteau checked it out and declared it some of the best snorkeling in the world.
Weather Or Not…
Cozumel is part of Mexico's balmy southern region, with temperatures in the daytime rarely reaching unpleasant temperatures. There is an official hurricane season, so snorkelers in Cozumel are advised to stay informed of weather conditions. However, do not let this deter you from going; the hurricane season is also an ideal time to visit because of the lowered crowds.
Staying Safe While Snorkling In Cozumel
While keeping abreast of local weather conditions is always smart for the snorkeler who wants to get the most out of Cozumel, it's also essential that you stay within your skill level. As one of the World's most varied of snorkeling sites, there are a variety of levels available. It is recommended that swimmers without strong skills in fast waters stay out of the waters off the north end of the island, as here the currents can be quite fierce. They also push you away from land, rather than towards, as they do in more southerly areas.
Perfect For Any Budget
While you can spend upwards of thousands of dollars a day at Cozumel's luxurious resorts-still more reasonable than those stateside-it is possible to snorkel in Cozumel very cheaply. You can rent a boat with all the bells and whistles, or simply step into the ocean from one of the island's many ‘put-in's, groomed areas off the beach that make entry for snorkelers very easy. Enjoy snorkling in Cozumel and be safe!
