Undertow and Rough Seas
 

We were spoiled by the water in Turks & Caicos. We would like to go to Playa Carmen, Cozumel area. Is the water calm? I've heard some reviews where people have said waves and undertow (thinking like US East Coast - Atlantic Oceean). Is there any one area that is safer than another????

Hi Marky,
I am NOT an expert on this but will give my opinion. I have been to Maroma in the Playa/Cancun area. We just returned from there last night. We have had three trips there. Two were in Feb. (one last year) The water is not glass smooth but I did not think there was a strong undertow. However, there are warnings about this I have seen just as you have. The wind blows and the water temp is not really warm (I'm from Texas so I don't like very cool water to swim in). Even just walking down the beach we found warmer, calmer water so I guess it depends on the area you are in. I did not go snorkeling but those that did said the water was warmer and calmer in the area where they went. Now I was also there last Aug and it was HOT and the water was calm and I really enjoyed it. I have been to several Caribbean islands and Grand Cayman had great water. However, for beauty and convenience my husband and I like this Cancun area. Maroma is a very good resort. Their beach is great. Hope this help you.
Happy travels.

We just returned from Mexico; our previous trip had been to the Turks & Caicos.

We had the same concern as you and settled on Akumal (20 miles south of Playa del Carmen) as our best shot at calm, clear water. Akumal Bay is protected by a shallow reef.

We had a great time and found the water in Akumal to actually be calmer than Grace Bay. Of course, conditions can vary.

We also checked out some other areas. Cancun (ocean-side) was the roughest, true to its reputation; Playa del Carmen, a bit calmer. The west coast of Cozumel is usually fairly placid because the winds are usually (but not always!) out of the east.

The east side of Cozumel has heavy wave action, which can produce undertows. Which is why people are generally discouraged from swimming on that side of the island. You may see surfers and a few other brave (?) souls out there. On the westside of the island there is a current, hence Cozumel's appeal as a drift diving mecca. Most of the places where you would swim/snorkel off shore don't see much of the current.

The side where the hotels are in Cozumel is very safe. I did get pushed into some rocks once during the tidal change but it wasn't bad. Most of the time it is wonderful and relatively calm. So crystal clear that you sometimes forget it is salt water...until you get a mouthful that is.