Palancar Reef
Palancar Reef
4.5
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This beautiful reef sits in about 80 feet of water and is a popular diving spot.
Meets animal welfare guidelines
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4.5
4,128 reviews
Excellent
3,373
Very good
560
Average
133
Poor
36
Terrible
26
Jocelyn Deutsch
35 contributions
Dec 2019 • Family
Cozumel’s beaches for the most part are not the long white sand beaches we have visited on other islands so we were happy to see a long stretch of sand at Palancar beach/ beach club. Kids enjoyed jet skiing, snorkeling and a pretty decent lunch. Paid $5 per person to use a lounge chair. You couldn’t really reach the reef from the beach, but there were plenty of boat excursions offered for $25 to take you out there.
Written 4 January 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Laddie39
Morelia, Mexico13 contributions
Aug 2020 • Family
We’ve been snorkeling for many years now, but Palancar is simply in a category by itself. The variety of species is awesome. I would recommend getting some practice with the equipment in before venturing Palancar, although our son and thirteen year old grandson took it on as a first time snorkeling trip and were impressed without being overwhelmed.
Written 15 August 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Philip P
Los Angeles, CA1 contribution
Apr 2021
It is so disappointing and sad that these reefs are pretty much dead. A few fish here and there. Almost not color and nothing living. The area is so overrun with tourist traffic from the cruise ships and the 30k of people they bring every day, along with the motor boats and the careless scuba divers who break off pieces for souvenirs. I guess it didn't have a change, Meanwhile the glossy brochures and fancy websites show picture from 20 years ago when it was a spectacular place to dive. Can't blame the locals trying to make a living taking folks out on snorkeling and scuba trips but it is really a rip.
Written 17 April 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Yvette
16 contributions
Jan 2020 • Couples
This reef is stunning. It is also disappearing at an alarming rate. I was very disappointed to see tourist's blatant disregard for the very strict policy on no sunscreen. The use of sunscreen may be contributing to killing the reef. Please if you go in the ocean don't wear sunscreen or at the very least choose a reef safe brand. The best choice is rash gaurds and other types of water sport clothing to protect your skin from the sun.
So I would recommend that you visit only if you can do so in a manner that protects the reef otherwise find a lovely pool to swim in and wear as much sunscreen as you wish.
So I would recommend that you visit only if you can do so in a manner that protects the reef otherwise find a lovely pool to swim in and wear as much sunscreen as you wish.
Written 26 January 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Jennifer S
Seattle, WA11 contributions
May 2021
Prettiest coral reef I have ever seen anywhere. Arches, colors, fish - like drifting through an aquarium. Not for snorkelers though - too deep. Important to remain a courteous diver and be a fellow ocean steward, as this area can get crowded with divers.
Written 26 May 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
PK
Naples, FL105 contributions
Dec 2021
worst snorkel trip we've ever taken. The boat was an hour late picking us up. They crowded too many people on boat. And when we finally got into the water, they made us swim AGAINST the current vs drift with it. Poor planning. Plus the photographer was feeding the fish for photo opps rather than actually trying to SEE fish! I wish I could tell you the boat company, but it was booked by others.
Written 3 January 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Woxof18
Winnipeg, Canada22 contributions
Jan 2020
I have been diving Palancar fort 6+ years. Lat week there appeared to be 50++ boats parked on it [ some large cattle type boats] causing severe overcrowding. Apparently access by permit [ and control] is not being enforced. many groups that we ran into underwater had obviously inexperienced divers, stirring sand and ...up.
Notwithstanding: given present management , I suggest that one goes before it is destroyed
Notwithstanding: given present management , I suggest that one goes before it is destroyed
Written 13 January 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Rose
Saint Louis, MO459 contributions
Mar 2021
This was always a great stand by. There was a lot of green and pretty coral. It is now covered with what appears to be sand, as though it's dirty. It isn't healthy. There weren't turtles as there were always. They have closed Cedral Wall and Paso Cedral. This reef had been closed but it obviously did no good. There have been too many cruise ships and all inclusive resorts dumping waste into the waters. The government closes the reefs to divers, but not to the principle producers of the pollution.
Written 21 March 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
RICK G
Kitchener, Canada10 contributions
Feb 2020
Did my first dive on this reef last week, Feb 24th 2020, it was very nice.
The current was there but not too strong.
I saw lots of fish etc. but not too many large animals.
The reef has a lot of nice large formations to swim around and through.
The only drawback to this area is the large number of boats on the surface and divers below.
Be very careful to stay with your group as you encounter other dive groups during your dive and be very careful when surfacing as there is a large amount of boat traffic on the surface.
The current was there but not too strong.
I saw lots of fish etc. but not too many large animals.
The reef has a lot of nice large formations to swim around and through.
The only drawback to this area is the large number of boats on the surface and divers below.
Be very careful to stay with your group as you encounter other dive groups during your dive and be very careful when surfacing as there is a large amount of boat traffic on the surface.
Written 4 March 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Old Pro
Seattle, WA2,469 contributions
Jun 2019 • Solo
The girls on The palancar Reef or like most of the girls around Mexico. Pretty much bleached and covered with brown algae. Not an attractive sight at all. Not none of the colorful things you usually see in the Caribbean or Indonesia. The fish populations were there but not enforced like most reefs. It was really kind of a letdown. If you're there, yeah it's probably the best thing to do on Cozumel oh, but that's not saying much is it. Spend a few extra bucks and go somewhere in the Eastern Caribbean you'll be much happier. If you can afford it go to Indonesia . hands down the best snorkeling and Diving on the planet
Written 17 May 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
What hotel are you referring to near Palancar Reef so we can snorkel with children to see fish?
Thanks
Written 29 November 2019
you can snorkel anywhere in the ocean,at any hotel,and even off the shore on the north side to see fish,dont need to go to palancar reef, which is not reachable other than boat.
Written 3 January 2020
Are there scuba operators who will pick up at cruise port? I am interested in a two tank dive. I’m certified PADI Rescue Diver. I will be on the the Oceania ship Insignia, November 21, 2019.
Written 5 August 2019
Yes go on internet and browse then contact dive shop direct and they will pick you up at end of pier just confirming which pier your ship docks at
Written 31 October 2019
Hola que empresa recomiendan para hacer el tour del cielo-palancar y Colombia?
Written 10 June 2019
Hello,I will be going to Cozumel very soon. I wanted to know if this snorkeling experience okay for a 5 year old? If not any other snorkeling experience that allows 5 year old.
Written 8 March 2019
Snorkeling is pretty good in front of the hotel. No kids joined us on the snorkeling excursion so I'm not sure if there is an age requirement. There are a couple of beach/ water parks nearby....one of which, I believe, is one of the excursions that would be a good fit for a 5 year old. If the child is a good strong swimmer & has snorkelled before you might be able to take them along
Written 12 March 2019
Hola espero me puedan ayudar, cuanto tiempo duraría el recorrido por el arrecife de coral? Me interesa saber porque el mismo dia queremos conocer casa cenote. Gracias.
Written 26 January 2019
Depende de con quién vayas. Podría tomar una hora, o cuatro. El arrecife es enorme, por lo que no lo verás todo, pero no está lejos de la costa, así que podrías echarle un vistazo rápido y regresar. Depende de con quién vayas, y si estás buceando o “snorkeling”.
Written 27 January 2019
Need to plan the excursion for 15 people can you contact me at 1-213-820-5721. Thanks
Written 17 January 2019
Hi. When you get off the ferry at Cozumel there are tons of your companies waiting for you business. You can also look up some companies ahead of town to plan your trip especially since you have 15 folks
Written 12 February 2019
Hello!
We were wondering if there is a chance to go diving around Cozumel tomorrow. We know that the last days the wind was too much and we are on the mainland now, but someone told us that it’s maybe possible.
We would be happy to get some information from you. We would plan a day trip to Cozumel then. We leave on Saturday night so it’s our last chance.
... or a bit more spontaneous today?!
Thank you!
Marie & Damiano
(PADI Open Water)
Written 13 December 2018
Wondering about snorkeling Palancar reef. Is it too deep to see much when snorkeling. What is the best tour that spends a good amount of time there instead of 20-30 minutes? Can one go without going on a tour?
Written 7 December 2018
Palancar Reef is beautiful. It is deep though. If you are a strong swimmer and can swim down while snorkeling, it’s a pleasure to see. However, to swim from shore it is quite far and you have to cross where all the boats drive which is very dangerous. If you are a strong swimmer and like to snorkel, I’d suggest a 2 hour tour that just does Palancar and Colombia. Both are beautiful and give the chance to see larger sea life than what you see from shore. Colombia is not as deep and therefor easier to dive down to. Between the two reefs, we saw 3 eagle rays, a turtle, a huge eel, a lobster, a giant barracuda and loads of pretty fish. The 4 hour tours take you to El Cielo which is just a sandy bottom with tons of big starfish and el cielito which is only waste deep and a sandy for pictures. It’s cool, but for snorkeling, we would have preferred to pay less, skip the last two and stay at Palancar and colombia longer. Also, the boats are small, rickety, and super uncomfortable. If you aren’t a strong swimmer, do Columbia and El Cielo.
Written 23 December 2018
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