Palancar Reef
- Admission:Free
11:39 PM Friday, May 25
Clear. Mild.
7 day forecast »
The star attraction of the Cozumel Reefs National Park - or Parque Nacional Arrecifes de Cozumel - not to mention Jacques Cousteau's television show, which quite literally put Cozumel on the map - is Palancar Reef. Actually composed of 4 separate coral reefs, it is home to sea turtles, rays, nurse sharks, barracudas, moray eels, lobsters, crabs, and a keleidescope of colorful fish.
Boats leaving from Playa Palancar take snorkelers out to the shallowest parts of the reef, about 2 kilometers (1.2 miles) from shore. Scuba divers, however, have several world-famous spots to explore. The Palancar Caves are probably the most famous attraction, with huge brain corals and swim-through tunnels. Palancar Horseshoe is another massive formation of huge corals, some partially damaged in 2005 by Hurricane Wilma. Less experienced divers can visit Palancar Gardens, a shallower spot with mellow currents.
Latest Reviews All Palancar Reef Reviews »
GREAT TIME!!! If your looking for a relaxing fun thing to do in Cozumel then this is the excursion for you. There were 14 in our group and the catamaran picked us up right at our hotel's pier we were staying at the Iberostar. The crew was friendly and very attentive to everything. Snorkeling was GREAT!!! Continue Reading »
This was the best snorkeling tour! It was our second outting and it was just as great as our first. The sea life we viewed this time was terrific and then to be on the ocean when the sun sets is calm and beautiful. There was some dancing done and it was a great way to wind down the day. We recommend this tour! Great crew, we all had a good time. Continue Reading »
This was the best part of my trip! The staff was extremely friendly. The snorkeling was great. Continue Reading »
Practical Info
The closest beach access to remarkable Palancar Reef is pretty Playa Palancar, a laid-back public beach close to the intersection of Avenida Melgar and the Costera Sur. There is currently no public bus service to the beach, but you can easily hire a taxi or rental car.
You can rent snorkel equipment right on the beach, which also has restaurants and other services. Boats wait close by to transport you out to the reef. Any of Cozumel's dive shops can arrange trips to Palancar Reef.
Do you have photos of this attraction? Be the first to share your photos with other travelers!
