Quintana Roo

Mexico

San José

La Francesa

Paso del Cedral

Palancar Beach, one of the best all-around beach spots on Cozumel, is especially acclaimed for its water sports, including kayaking, snorkeling, sailing and diving. You can rent a dive charter and also grab some grub at the nearby restaurants and bars. Travelers especially recommend Palancar Beach and Palancar Reef for cruise patrons looking to escape a pre-planned excursion for a more authentic experience. 

Travelers also described the just-offshore Palancar Gardens as an excellent spot for divers of all skill levels. Even if you're an experienced diver, it's recommended you rent a charter to avoid the hassle of permits or licensing. All diving companies must have a license to operate, and while swimmers are allowed to dive on their own, we recommend that you hire local experts who are familiar with the diving terrain. Others say it's a must-do even if you're planning just to skim the surface snorkeling the Palancar Shallows.  

Palancar Park



Southwest side of Cozumel Island, near Palancar Reef.

Punta Dalila

This dive consists of beautiful coral garden with chutes leading off into the deep.  The normal path usually goes no deeper than 70 feet, though it is possible to drop further off the wall.

Major features include an arch at 70 feet, large brain coral at approximately 55 feet, and channels running throughout the reef structure.

Due to the low current, this is a good spot to relax, photograph, and learn navigation.

Turtles and Nurse sharks have been spotted on the reef, along with large groupers, French, Gray, and Queen Angelfish.

This site is easily accessed by boat with a short drop to a sandy patch around 20 feet.

Palancar Gardens

Santa Rosa Reef is a 4.0-star rated scuba dive and snorkel destination in Mexico, Yucatan, Cozumel Isalnd which is accessible from shore based on 1 ratings.

Santa Rosa Reef

Great dive site. Supreme and probably one of the best not only in Cozumel but the Caribbean.  Plenty of big fish as well as little fish and water clarity is amazing.  Even at depth, the surface looks closer than it really is.

By boat is the way to reach this dive site.  The shore is visible from the dive boat.

Santa Rosa Wall is also known as Rosa Wall.

Santa Rosa Wall

This is an amazing dive site.  It became globally famous after Jacques Ives Cousteau dived the reef.  It features many huge coral columns.  Lots of fish are visible on this dive and the water clarity is fantastic.

The outer of the reef wall south of the Horseshoe and Palancar caves.

Palancar Deep is also known as Palancar reef.

Palancar Deep

This wall starts at 50 feet and drops into the abyss.  Drift along and observe the coral and schools of fish.

By boat.  The site is well known by local dive operators.

San Francisco

Palancar Caves is a 0-star rated scuba dive and snorkel destination in Mexico, Yucatan, Cozumel Isalnd which is accessible from shore based on 0 ratings.

Palancar Caves

Palancar Horseshoe is a 0-star rated scuba dive and snorkel destination in Mexico, Yucatan, Cozumel Isalnd which is accessible from shore based on 0 ratings.

La Francesa

Snorkeling and Scuba Diving at La Francesa