RogerM

We'd like to spend a week snorkeling in Mexico next Jan-Feb and are looking for suggestions on either coast. We're ex-divers so prefer decent coral/rock areas over a sandy beach. Other considerations would be handy connections from the Pacific Northwest, accommodations in the mid-price range and a variety of restaurant choices. Don't need night life or shopping, just warm clear interesting water. Thanks all.

colokid

For warmer water in Jan or Feb I would look on the Caribbean coast. The Yucatan peninsula would suit your needs south of Cancun.

MrsKiss

Akumal Reef is my first vote! Massive, coral/rock areas, with sandy beaches! Saw abundance of fish and turtles@

jaspertl

I dove the Plancar reef in cozumel many years ago and it was fantastic....

A quote:
"Palancar is one of Cozumel’s most memorable reefs. The visibility is fantastic! A wall dive, the slopes of snowy white sand slide off into the deep blue resembling a ski slope. Palancar Bricks is just the beginning of an almost three mile stretch of caves, canyons, overhangs and gardens"

sceneisle

Akumal & Cozumel are far superior to anything we've tried on the Pacific Coast. If you go to Akumal, you could also try snorkeling in one of the many magnificent cenotes (partially submerged cave/cavern) located in the area.

RogerM

Appreciate the info. At this point we've narrowed it down to either Cozumel or the Akumal area based on what appears to be a good variety of places to stay for six nights. One thing I like about Akumal would be the ability to pick up a car at Cancun and do some sightseeing. I've been to Coba, Tulum and Xel-Ha but it was 20 years ago. Any recommendations for other places to visit in that region would be welcomed.

suze

Definitely the Caribbean side over the west coast.

RogerM

ttt

TC

Tried to post this earlier, but the site didn't work so I'll try again. Forgive me if it posted twice.

Keep in mind that the shallow snorkeling reefs around Cozumel and Cancun were severly damaged during Hurrican Wilma last year. The deeper dive reefs are fine, but the shallow reefs were stripped of coral and sponges. You might want to consider somewhere deeper in the Caribbean this year. Roatan, Honduras has amazing shore snorkeling.

TC

Speaking of handy connections from the Pacific NW, have you been to French Polynesia? Now that is amazing snorkeling. Air Tahiti Nui has been running some pretty good airfare specials out of LA.

RogerM

Thanks TC, you bring up a very good point. I'd be interested in hearing from anyone who's done some post-hurricane snorkeling in the shallow coral areas of the Mayan Riviera just in case there were any areas that missed the damage. We've dived both Roatan and Guanaja so know what you mean - they do tend to spoil one. Re. Roatan: was it totally spared or should we be looking strictly at the south side? And any recommendations for mid-price range places? Again, thanks to all for your help.

TC

Well, I can't speak for all of the coast, but I was in Cozumel last February. The shore snorkeling was pretty dismal. It made me so sad that I could hardly stand to go into the water and I'm usually in two or three times each day.

I haven't been to Roatan for several years, but when last there we stayed in a private house on West Bay Beach. It was great -- both the house and the reef out front.

http://www.westbayvillage.com/

lucy55

I snorkled in Akumal Bay in Feb, 05. There was very little hurricane damage. We were told that Cozumel reefs had much more damage, and that Cozumel island actually helped lessen the damage to the Akumal area. Am planning to return to Akumal this Feb., does anyone suggest good lodging? Is there a preference for staying in Akumal Bay or Half Moon Bay?

jamie99

We like to stay on main Akumal Bay, you need water shoes for most of HMB. Hotel Akumal Caribe and Villas Maya is our hotel of choise, however if for some reason you are looking for AI, many folks at locogringo.com love this place (only a 3 star, you stay for the beach apparently and not the food).