Is it better than off the mainland? Is the shallow reef gone/dead? Is there a better area on the island to stay, where there's good walk-in snorkeling? (Any recommendations for reasonable accommodations?)

We've been to that area 8 times and we still like Cozumel the best for snorkeling. There has been some damage to the reefs due to hurricanes and tropical storms, but they are coming back.

When we get to return, we will stay at the El Cozumelo. It's close to town and they has a sandy area and a rocky area so good for both swimming and snorkeling.

As an excursion, go to Chankanaab Park. Great beach, good snorkeling and staff service for food and drinks. Excellant cerviche.

This may be on the higher end of reasonable, but I've gone there twice for the snorkeling--Presidente Intercontinental. I've booked it through Apple or Funjet or similar and stayed in one of the less expensive room options to get the great snorkeling right from the beach, which is right out of your hotel door.

The resident iguanas are photogenic too.

If you can avoid Chankanaab when the cruise ships arrive, that's a good idea. Maybe check with whatever hotel you choose to find out what days/times the ships dock. But I agree, definitely go there.

The Northern hotel zone is the best for shore snorkeling. The Southern zone has sandy beaches but no reefs close to shore. At the North end there is a beautiful wall covered in coral that has made an outstanding comeback since hurricane Wilma.

Definately reef snorkeling is best in Cozumel. It does require a boat to get out there...but if there are at least 4 of you....you can usually get a pretty good deal for a couple of hours. (1 hour at each reef)

Snorkeling on the North end of Cozumel island does <u>not</u> require a boat. The wall/reef is right on shore. It can be accessed from any of the Northern hotel beaches.

Also, there are several small beach clubs on the <u>near South side</u> of the town that have snorkeling reefs accessable from shore. Try Dzul Ha or Playa Corona. Further down the southern shore, at the larger beach club, there is no shore reef.

Very helpful responses; thank you all.

Syliva, Not sure of your budget or time frame, but a few good hotels in the northern hotel zone are Playa Azul, El Cozumeleno, Coral Princess or Hotel Fontan.

Playa Azul is small and more boutique like.

El Cozumeleno is a large resort.

Coral Princess is mid size but has the best snorkeling access.

The Hotel Fontan has been completely rebuilt after the hurricane and is on the same wall reef as Coral Princess.

http://www.playa-azul.com/english/gbook.asp

http://www.elcozumeleno.com/

http://www.coralprincess.com/

http://www.fontancozumel.com/

Bargain traveler who usually likes condos (save even more on food and bevs!), but the main focus is snorkeling (when the economy recovers, maybe I'll think about scuba cert., but it seems to be an extremely expensive pasttime). Doesn't seem to be much in the way of VRBO or other types on Cozumel, but I'm too old to rough it in &quot;quaint&quot; and too poor to go for the really swanky places. Want to be able to jump on a fare and know where to go!

FYI: We snorkeled from a glass bottom boat last April/May. The boat took us south from the passenger dock from Playa Del Carmen and the snorkeling did not live up to expectations (sparse, deep reefs).
I've heard mixed reviews about Chankanaab (sp?) and I think we were actually at that reef (not the resort).
Someone mentioned there are reefs up north easily accessible from shore: Are there beach clubs there, or are the all fronted by hotels? Thanks!

Syliva, You would probably like the Coral Princess resort. Great snorkeling and excellent amenities -- spa, pools, bars, restaurant, dive shop, concierge. Wonderful staff. One-bedroom units are all ocean view with balconies for sitting.

http://www.coralprincess.com/eng/gbook.cfm

Other condos in the North end are:
Puesta del Sol, Nah Ha, Miramar, Las Brisas.

Look at either of these:
http://www.travelnotes.cc/realestate...iew.php?city=1

http://www.cozumel.tc/