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National park · Cozumel, Quintana Roo
Parque Nacional Arrecifes de Cozumel
The coral reefs off Cozumel's southwest coast, protected as a national park, with walls, caves and coral gardens known in the diving world.
Illustrative images. The pictures in this guide are illustrations based on the real place, not photographs, and may differ from it.
Discover
About Parque Nacional Arrecifes de Cozumel
Parque Nacional Arrecifes de Cozumel protects the coral reefs off the island's southwest coast, from south of San Miguel to Punta Sur. It was created in 1996 and is part of the Mesoamerican Reef System, the coral barrier that runs from the northern Yucatán peninsula to Honduras.
The current that passes between the island and the mainland keeps the water clear and allows drift diving, where the diver is carried by the current along the reefs. The best-known sites are the walls of Palancar, Colombia and Santa Rosa, which drop into deep blue, and shallower coral gardens like Paradise and Chankanaab, used for snorkeling.
The reefs are home to giant sponges, corals, turtles, rays, morays, lobsters and the splendid toadfish, which exists only in this region. Tours depart from the piers and marinas of San Miguel and the west coast, with registered guides.
The park charges a conservation fee, separate from the tour. To protect the corals, biodegradable sunscreen is requested and no one should touch the reefs.
Before you go
Practical information
Cidade Turismo reviews its information regularly, but something may have changed. Check with the place before planning your trip.
How much time to set aside
Half a day for a boat trip with two dives or snorkel stops.
Best time
From December to April the water is usually clearest. The current varies from day to day; operators choose sites according to conditions.
How to get there
Dive and snorkel boats depart from the piers and marinas of San Miguel and the island's west coast. Many operators will pick visitors up at their hotels.
Tip
Hire operators registered with the park. Use biodegradable sunscreen and do not touch the corals. For wall sites, a diving certification is required.
Get your questions answered
Frequently asked questions about Parque Nacional Arrecifes de Cozumel
Which are the best-known reefs of Cozumel?
The walls of Palancar, Colombia and Santa Rosa, for diving, and shallower gardens like Paradise, for snorkeling.
Does the park charge an entrance fee?
It charges a conservation fee, separate from the cost of boat tours.
Can you snorkel on Cozumel's reefs?
Yes. Several tours stop at shallow reefs with weaker currents, suitable for snorkeling.