(sorry, I know this belongs in the Ports sections, but thought I might be more likely to get answers here--presumably Karen can move the thread later if there's good information in it.)

I'm looking at our day in Cozumel this December. I kind of assumed this would be one of my major snorkeling days, since we'll be doing ruins in Belize, and I don't see snorkeling offered in Guatemala.

People on CC recommend just going to Chankanaab park by cab and spending part of the day on the beach, and in the water. Others say you MUST see the scenery on the east side of the island away from the tourists.

Others say you should just get out onto the reefs by boat and snorkel.

Regent is not really offering much--but there are two combo excursions that involve a, "beginner's snorkeling experience." I'm not a beginner snorkeler, but a fish is a fish. Do you think I would be satisfied with this type of excursion, or should I find another alternative? The two are "Exploring Cozumel by Jeep & Snorkel", and "Dune Buggy & Beach Snorkel". No prices posted yet, we get to book them in about 3 weeks. One of these has an appeal, since David enjoys a brief snorkel, but is not an all-day snorkeler kind of guy.

Thanks for any insights or information.

Wendy, Chankanaab is one of our favorite places to snorkel. There are so many fish in the snorkel area that I get a little claustrophobic. The fish aren't afraid of you and get right up in your face. Last time, we did see a barracuda but it kept it's distance.

Another time that we were there, we hit the jelly fish season and we got numerous jelly stings, which is not a good feeling!

We just take a taxi and spend the day at the beach snorkeling.

Great info Karen - sending it to folks who will be spending time there shortly - Joanna

Gee, I wonder when jellyfish season is! Do you happen to remember, Karen?

Gosh I wonder, too, Karen - hate to have friends stung :mad: :mad: :mad:

I just Googled it, the season is March through June so you should be fine.

That's great, thanks Karen. I'm going to print out all the excursion listings this week so we can study them up at the cottage the week after, since online tour requests start August 16th, and it's hard to get enough time set aside to plan what we want to do! Of course, there are no prices listed, which is a pain.

I've also read on a couple of places that the coral at Chankanaab got severely decimated by the last hurricane (Wilma). Anybody been there recently?