queue

I have read in some posts that there has been reef damage to many of the beaches in Cozumel. Does anyone have first hand knowledge of the severity?

In particular I am interested in Chankanaab or Paradise beach. I plan to visit in late Feb 07, but I am mostly interested in snorkeling from the beach. (Please, no suggestions for a great off-shore trip, thanks anyway )

JimM

Interesting...you're passing up some of the best diving in the world for some of the worst (IMHO). Chankanaab is among those snorkelling spots that has been well-worn by far too many tourists. Other beaches are bare for the most part. There are many other islands that offer some fabulous snorkelling off the beach. WHy waste your time at Cozumel?

queue

Because that's where the Cruise ship ports!

Thanks for providing your valuable feedback.

Is there anyone out there who can provide information without taking on the "I'm a smarty pants" disposition.

JimM

I apologize. I didn't mean to sound like a "smarty pants" but as I reread my message I see the mistakes in wording that I made.

Personally, I find the snorkelling off Cozumel to be quite limited compared to some other islands, especially off the Southern and Western side of the island. I know this seems hard for some to believe since the Cozumel reefs offer some of the best diving in the world.

Where else does your ship dock? Might there not be a better place to go snorkelling, as opposed to diving? Grand Cayman, St Johns, Belize, come to mind.

BillJ

queue: I responded to your other post about this. Though it's been a long time since I've been there, I think you'll find that Chankanaab is your best bet. Cozumel is really a diver's destination, which we aren't. We stayed there for several days, and the only decent snorkeling we had was at Chankanaab. The sea can be very rough around the island, and there are few good snorkeling areas (none on the east side, where the ocean is very rough).
However, I will tell you that years later, after snorkeling in many of the top spots in the world, we still will say in recollection, . . ."remember Chankanaab...."
I can't attest to it's condition now after years of hurricanes and people, but be optimistic. It could be great.
It was a rocky shore line and they had built up a sandy beach. You entered up-current on some concrete stairs, then drifted a few hundred yards to the stairs at the other end of the beach. Lots of coral and fish life. We saw lobsters, barracuda, and the usual assorted tropicals. It was one of our top snorkling events. Perhaps some one on the Latin America board has been there recently and can answer your question with more up to date information.
Have a great cruise, BillJ.

spur

We loved Chankanaab. The water was the cleanest I've ever seen. Yes the entrance is kind of rocky but I guess that's what keeps the water clean. There was also a nice jungle park. Last time it was closed, and I don't know how it has recovered after storms.

queue

Thanks responders!

Jim M -- I'm made plans for all of the other locations that I'm visiting (Belize, Costa Maya, Grand Caymen). I'll be doing a two stop snorkel/stingray swin in Gand Caymen, a little cave tubing in Belize, dune buggy rental in Costa Maya. My woman don't like to snorkel or swim with creatures. So, my day in Cozumel will likely be a day off the ship, sitting on the beach. While at the beach with the girls, I'd like to hop out for a swim/snorkel to keep myself busy.

I realize there are many diving/snorkeling locations. I'm just looking for some advise on Cozumel from someone who may have been there. When were you there? Pre or post hurricane?

BillJ and spur-- Thanks for the info. Is Chankanaab calm or also choppy waters? I spent a week at Xpu-Ha a couple of years ago. There lagoon has great snorkeling and protection from the surf. I know what you mean about rough waters. [Apparently Xpu-Ha resort had tremendous damage and they've had to rebuild most of the facility]

spur

Chankanaab waters were very calm all 3 times we visited, and I suppose they stay this way all the time (except for hurricanes, LOL)

LLindaC

Hi q. I agree, the coral's not that great at Chankanaab, but the fish always were nice. Especially if you take a little foil pack of crushed peanuts and feed the fishies. Or, you can get seasick like I did once which attracted a huge number of fish. Ewww. I've seen the water rough and calm there. Our stingray/snorkel tour with Capt Marvin had a pretty nice snorkel spot. Saw some rays, barracuda and pretty nice coral. I hope you booked an independant tour company and not the ship's excursion. They were packed like sardines there. Are you going to a private island?

LLindaC

oh and ps....maybe go to cruisecritic.com and pose your question. There will be lots more people who have recently visited talking over there.

queue

Thanks for all the responses.

I was able to get some first hand knowledge on the Latin American section.

Sadly, it seems that all of the shore reef corals were severely and/or completely wiped out from the hurricanes. It will take decades for it to grow back. Where the coral goes, so goes the fishies.

I think I'll let the girls shop this day and go offshore in Costa Maya.

We're also doing the Stingray swim/snorkel on Gand Caymen with either Capt Marvin or Capt Bryan. Both get rave reviews on cruisecritic.com

Thanks again!

erikafuentes

My girls and I (20 and 11) chose Playa Uvas. We had lots of activities planned for our ports the two days before and knew we'd want a relaxing beach day. Uvas was perfect!

the service is excellent there! Carmen greeted us when we arrived and called me by name the rest of the day. She made sure we had an umbrella and had teak loungers moved next to our beach bed for us.

The girls took the clear kayak and shore snorkel tour (had a great time) and I had a massage while they were gone. There were only two vendors and neither was the least pit pushy. There's an Argentinian man who is a fused glass artist and makes beautiful jewelry inspired by the colors of the sea. His prices were very reasonable and I purchased several necklaces and earrings--some for me and a couple for gifts--and get lots of compliments when I wear them.

If you want a relaxing day and snorkel at chankanab reef, I highly recommend Playa Uvas.