Exploring the Underwater World of Cozumel

Cozumel has been our home for two years now, and we have enjoyed our time here immensely. The island is full of beautiful people and friendly landscapes. While there are plenty of fun things to do on the island, what you can’t miss is located where the Caribbean meets the shoreline. Hop in the water and find out what all the fuss is about. We have had several underwater adventures and captured a few pictures with our GoPro along the way.

Underwater photography is something neither of have really even attempted to master, so we don’t expect any of these pictures will be winning any awards. Our photography is at it’s best with two feet on the ground, or maybe while leaning over an edge on one foot. We haven’t learned the art of floating photography… yet. All of our pictures here are from our trusty GoPro. Most of our underwater adventures have been captured on video. Today we’re showing off a few of the pictures we’ve snapped.

What makes the underwater world of Cozumel so amazing?

First of all, its the Caribbean Sea. The water is a crystal clear turquoise and it is kept at a perfect temperature. Cozumel has some of the world’s greatest underwater attractions. The southern end of the island is protected as part of the Arricifes de Cozumel Parque Nacional. Cozumel has earned it’s reputation as a world class scuba diving and snorkeling destination.

While the diving reefs here are legendary and well worth the effort to get certified, scuba diving isn’t for everyone. Cozumel has some really great places to get up close and personal with the sea life that don’t require a top level swimming ability. There are many colourful fish and some beautiful coral, often found directly on the shoreline next to the beach.

For this reason, we think this is one of the best places either of us have been when it comes to swimming with the fishes.

Visit our top picks! You must take a boat trip to El Cielo and Columbia Reef!!!

El Cielo and Columbia reef are our second and third favourite attractions on Cozumel, and most boat trips or tours will feature both of these. This is a great opportunity to visit some of the islands best features.

Columbia Reef is located off the coast of the island, and the water is shallow enough that you have a great overhead view of some really beautiful coral and plenty of fish. El Cielo is Spanish for “the sky”, a nickname earned because of the unique shade of blue that this sandbar displays. This is where you have the chance to swim with starfish. Most of the tours will provide a photographer, which was a great souvenir from our adventure.

If we had to pick the best place to explore underwater on Cozumel, both of us would tell you that the reef that is located at Punta Sur Eco Park is our favourite. This is number one on our list (even if you don’t snorkel).

The only problem is, to explore the reef here, you have to be a strong swimmer. There is a lot of current and it takes about 20 minutes of swimming to get from the beach to the start. Don’t let us scare you off though! Once you make it to the reef, it is easy to float along with the current, and there is another 20 minutes of pure bliss as you float past some of the most incredible fan coral we’ve seen on the island.

Where is Cozumel and how do you get there?

Cozumel is located on Mexico’s Riviera Maya, just off the mainland from Playa del Carmen. It is the Caribbean coast of the Yucatan Peninsula, stretching from the border with Belize to just north of Cancun. Many people visit the island on the cruise ships or day trips from the mainland, while many others prefer the tranquility of the island.

Getting to Cozumel isn’t all that difficult. There is a ferry to the mainland that connects to Playa del Carmen and Cancun International Airport, which means the world is at your fingertips. Cozumel even has an international airport with connections to the US (usually Texas or Florida) and across Mexico.

Once you’re on the island, getting underwater is easy. There are some places where you can go snorkeling that are just on the side of the road. Some of our favourite snorkel adventures have been on the side of the road. Other great spots like Sky Reef and Chankanaab Beach have claimed spots with great attractions just off the shore.

There are so many great places to snorkel on the island, that we still haven’t even been to all of them. We have our favourites and once and a while we’re amazed by something new. Cozumel is one of the most popular destinations in Mexico for good reason. Some of these pictures will show you why.

Exploring the Underwater World of Cozumel