NCL Ratings and Reviews
Top-Rated
Browse destinations at NCL
Cozumel or
Choose a destination
- Alanya
- Alesund
- Alexandria
- Antigua
- Arrecife (Lanzarote)
- Aruba
- Ashdod
- Astoria
- Athens (Piraeus)
- Baltimore
- Bar Harbor
- Barbados
- Barcelona
- Belize City
- Bergen
- Berlin (Warnemuende)
- Boston
- Cabo San Lucas
- Cannes
- Cartagena
- Charleston
- Charlottetown
- Copenhagen
- Corfu
- Corner Brook
- Costa Maya
- Cozumel
- Curacao
- Daylight Transit Panama Canal
- Destinations
- Dominica
- Dublin
- Dubrovnik
- Ephesus (Izmir)
- Falmouth
- Florence/Pisa (Livorno)
- Freestyle Connect
- Funchal
- Gaspésie
- Glasgow (Greenock)
- Granada (Malaga)
- Grand Bahama Island
- Grand Cayman
- Great Stirrup Cay
- Haifa
- Halifax
- Helsinki
- Hilo
- Honolulu
- Huatulco
- Icy Strait Point Bay
- Istanbul
- Juneau
- Katakolon
- Kauai
- Ketchikan
- Key West
- King's Wharf
- Kona
- Koper
- La Baie
- Lerwick, Shetland Islands
- Limassol
- Lisbon
- London (Dover)
- London (Southampton)
- Los Angeles
- Marseille
- Maui (Kahului)
- Mazatlan
- Mbj
- Messina
- Miami
- Misc Categories
- MyNcl
- Mykonos
- Nanaimo
- Naples
- Nassau
- New Orleans
- New York City
- Newport
- Norfolk
- Ocho Rios
- Onboard Activities
- Orlando & Beaches (Port Canaveral), Florida
- Oslo
- Palma
- Ponta Delgada
- Port Said
- Portland
- Provence (Toulon)
- Puerto Chiapas
- Puerto Quetzal
- Puerto Vallarta
- Puntarenas
- Quebec City
- Reykjavik
- Roatan
- Rome (Civitavecchia)
- Rotterdam
- Saint John (Bay Of Fundy)
- Samana
- San Francisco
Top Rated
Product Reviews
Palancar Snorkel & Playa Mia
Sail through the crystal waters of the Caribbean sea and enjoy the adventure of snorkeling at Cozumel's National Marine Park, one of the best snorkel sites in the world. You'll drift snorkel and discover its exotic variety of fish, the magnificent coral formations and colorful marine life this spectacular reef has to offer. Our PADI certified dive masters will provide you with professional equipment and advice you on how to fully enjoy your experience in this natural wonder. After snorkeling and while you enjoy a scenic boat ride complementary beverages will be gladly served for your refreshment as you will be taken to the finest Beach Club in Cozumel - Playa Mia Grand Beach Park®. Included at the park is a national open bar, and a snack lunch. Relax on the hammocks, by the pool, on a sailboat or kayak. You'll enjoy the water trampoline, Iceberg Mountain, paddle boats, shopping center, underwater Mayan City and much more. After Playa Mia®, let the good times continue with an open bar and music while you enjoy your boat ride back to the pier.
Note: Participants must be at least 10 years of age. Addtional fees apply for the following: parasailing, wave runners, banana boat, and outdoor massages. This tour is not for guests who are pregnant, who have heart, blood pressure, respitory or lung conditions, back/neck injuries, epilepsy, asthma, or who are taking any medication that might impair regular movements and body activity such as antidepressants, bet-blockers and base (vein) constrictors or for diabetes. Due to the nature and logistics of this activity, the participation of persons with limited capacities must be reported to the Shore Excursion Desk prior to acceptance and will be subject to participation.
Average:
(12 Reviews) 12
Rating Snapshot (12 reviews)
5 stars
11
4 stars
1
3 stars
0
2 stars
0
1 star
0
11 of 12(92%)customers would recommend this to a friend.
Customer Reviews for Palancar Snorkel & Playa Mia
Review 1 for Palancar Snorkel & Playa Mia
Overall:
Fun:
5
out of
5
Adventurous:
5
out of
5
Family Oriented:
4
out of
5
Cultural/Educational:
4
out of
5
georgiemen
Location:Mexico City
Party size:1
I traveled with:Family
Cruise Date Month:March
Cruise Date Year:2013
Favorite activities:Adventure
Favorite port:Ocho Rios, Jamaica
I want to go here next:Caribbean
Date:April 16, 2013
Entertaining and Challenging!
This was a very challenging one. We were first time snorkelers and we really did not expected to do this activity in deep waters. Once we prepared, we enjoyed a lot. Not many fishes to see, but we were lucky because we saw a turtle (far from us) and a ray (bottom). The guides were very helpful all the time, we even danced on the boat when we returned. We really enjoyed Playa Mia with the lunch included and both in the boat and the beach, the Open Bar was excellent! You will save some money because of this!
Share this review:
Review 2 for Palancar Snorkel & Playa Mia
Overall:
Fun:
5
out of
5
Adventurous:
5
out of
5
Family Oriented:
5
out of
5
Cultural/Educational:
5
out of
5
snorkler
Location:Minnesota
Party size:2
I traveled with:Family
Cruise Date Month:March
Cruise Date Year:2013
Favorite activities:Adventure
Favorite port:Cozumel, Mexico
I want to go here next:Hawaii
Date:April 6, 2013
Loved This Snorkeling Excursion a Second Time!
Images for this Review
(click to see full-size image)
We did this snorkeling excursion three years ago and loved it so much that we wanted to do it again. The snorkeling boat picked us up at the pier and we had a wonderful cruise along the Cozumel shore. The Columbia Shallows and Palancar Reef are the best for snorkeling in Cozumel! The coral was very large and beautiful, and the color of the water, so blue. Don't forget your underwater cameras, there are lots of opportunities for great shots of coral and fish. We saw an eel and stingray, as well as lots of friendly fish. We highly recommend this excursion because the crew is very safety oriented, and makes sure that everyone is following the red flag while snorkeling. The drinks on the boat after snorkeling were great, as well as the music and dancing! Our meal at Playa Mia was good and the beach was wonderful and relaxing. Loved this snorkeling excursion for the second time.
1 of 1 people found this review helpful.
Share this review:
Review 3 for Palancar Snorkel & Playa Mia
Overall:
Fun:
5
out of
5
Adventurous:
5
out of
5
Family Oriented:
4
out of
5
Cultural/Educational:
4
out of
5
Anonymous
Location:Mississauga, Ontario
Party size:4
I traveled with:Family
Cruise Date Month:March
Cruise Date Year:2013
Favorite activities:Relaxing
Favorite port:Roatan, Honduras
I want to go here next:Alaska
Date:March 23, 2013
Most fun we had all week!
This port was where we learned that paying a bit more for the shore excursions by booking through the cruise lines can be an advantage. There were 7 ships in Cozumel the day we came and our ship Norwegian Dawn had to tender in. As with our other shore excursions we took this cruise (our first by the way) getting off the ship ran quickly and smoothly and the wait was relatively short to be on our way. Lupe was our dive master on Sea Dream 2 and during the 1 hour cruise out to Palancar and Columbia reefs he was all business, describing exactly where we were going what was going to happen and then took those of us aside who had not snorkeled before or like me had not done it in a long time and went into detail how to use the (good quality) equipment, how to clear water from your mask or breathing tube etc. until we all felt comfortable. He then went over it again with everyone because we all know there are those who are afraid to say they don't know! Safety did seem to be a priority with this crew which is good! Once we got to the dive spot we were informed to stay in a group and follow Lupe and his flag so he could show us the sights as there are many other boats in the area. This did create a bit of crowding and fins in the face but it was not hard to fan out a bit and just come up now and then to ensure you were following the flag. I was not prepared for the amazing sights i saw when i put my mask into the water. My husband has his diving certificate but our 2 teenaged daughters and I have limited experience so nothing to compare it to but I'd have to think the reef there would be amazing to anyone, experienced or not. Lots of different fish who swim right up and beside you I guess as curious to see you as you are to see them. Also noteworthy was a manta ray and 3 sea turtles not to mention the beautiful reef itself. You are in the water for about an hour which flies by. Then back on the catamaran and on to Playa Mia with beer, margaritas and a fruity mixed drink available along with the previously available water and sodas. Music was playing and there is an upper level to the cat you can sit if you want sun and a covered area below if you don't. Playa Mia was nice, good beach, clear water and lots of different activities you can get involved in but we just plunked ourselves into some beach chairs and took in some rays! The lunch was ok , a sandwich fries salad but we've been eating like piggies all week so it really didn't matter to us, besides its all you can drink time if you are so inclined! There is a buffet lunch going on as well that you could probably pay extra to eat at but we were fine. We had about 1hour 40 minutes at Playa Mia which again went quickly then back on our cat for the 45 minute cruise back to the International pier where the Dawn was now docked, yay! The cruise back was a blast with Lupe and crew leading us through some dance moves and I felt like a teen again!(if only I looked like one...) They really made sure we were having a good time and I commend them for the good job they do, friends, amigos! Once back on the pier we had about another hour to shop then the long line to get back on board. Here is where we ran into friends we met on board who told us due to choppy waters and so many ships in port they did not get off the ship until noon despite having gotten their tendering tickets at 8:30am. Another couple told us they didn't get off until 2! All shore excursions get off the ship first and waters stay calm earlier in the morning folks, beware! All told even though we felt each time we could have used more time doing each activity it was well timed do do each thing and well spaced out. Next time I would probably just focus on the snorkeling but no complaints here! Go have fun and tell Lupe Canada says Hi!
2 of 2 people found this review helpful.
Share this review:
Review 4 for Palancar Snorkel & Playa Mia
Overall:
Fun:
5
out of
5
Adventurous:
5
out of
5
Family Oriented:
5
out of
5
Cultural/Educational:
5
out of
5
RWCruise
Date:February 1, 2013
Great excursion
Large power catamaran with a very nice crew. Snorkeling is in deeper water, so still nice but not as close up as in some other excursions. The day beach resort is great and includes snack sandwich/fruit, plus free drinks. Very nice beach area, which I enjoyed more than the snorkeling. If do not want to snorkel, recommend just going to the beach resort, but the catamaran was fun and took you back to downtown Cozumel pier. Catamaran also gave you rum and margarita drinks, so no shortage of tropical refreshments.
1 of 1 people found this review helpful.
Share this review:
Review 5 for Palancar Snorkel & Playa Mia
Overall:
JennyK
Location:Boston, MA
Party size:2
I traveled with:Family
Cruise Date Month:December
Date:December 10, 2012
Cannot Say Enough Great Things About this Tour!
Our snorkel and beach excursion was the BEST one of our entire trip. We cannot wait to go back to Cozumel and do it again.
The staff that met us on the pier were friendly and courteous. They walked us over to our boat and we promptly took off. We drove for about an hour to the snorkel site. Free sodas and water the entire way. They provided all snorkel equipment and instruction - very nice.
The snorkeling was great! Saw lots of fish, sting ray, turtles, and even some baby sharks. A fun tip I did not know - bring some boxed cereal from the buffet and use it to draw the fish to the surface! It works! My mom decided not to snorkel and stayed on the boat and took photos, etc. The crew kept her company!
After snorkeling, the drinks were flowing on the way to Playa Mia. This facility was awesome. Nice chairs, nice clean sand, restrooms, and all of the floats and toys you'd want. We had 2 hours to lay in the sun and chill. We also had a nice lunch and free drinks the entire time.
The boat ride back to the pier was a blast. Music and dancing the entire time. The staff worked so hard to make sure everyone had fun. I cannot recommend this tour enough - you will not be disappointed.
3 of 3 people found this review helpful.
Share this review:
Review 6 for Palancar Snorkel & Playa Mia
Overall:
Fun:
5
out of
5
Adventurous:
5
out of
5
Family Oriented:
5
out of
5
Cultural/Educational:
4
out of
5
Santina
Location:tampa,fl
Party size:6
I traveled with:Family
Cruise Date Month:March
Favorite activities:Relaxing
Favorite port:Rome (Civitavecchia), Italy
I want to go here next:Hawaii
Date:March 18, 2012
Best excursion of the cruise
The Aqua 1 catamaran was exceptional. The boat's crew, Roberto (captain) Manuel and Victor ( dive masters) Luis and Freddy (crew) were both fun and professional. The boat was clean and well maintained. The snorkling was outstanding as was the beach. Everyone we met during the excursion were friendly. Would recommend this excursion to anyone visiting Cosumel.
2 of 2 people found this review helpful.
Share this review:
Review 7 for Palancar Snorkel & Playa Mia
Overall:
Fun:
5
out of
5
Adventurous:
5
out of
5
Family Oriented:
3
out of
5
Cultural/Educational:
4
out of
5
joycey
Location:NH
Party size:2
I traveled with:Family
Cruise Date Month:February
Cruise Date Year:2011
Favorite activities:Adventure
I want to go here next:Panama Canal
Date:March 15, 2012
We'd do it again!
Wonderful! Wonderful! Though not the absolute best snorkeling ever, one of the best times ever! The crew took excellent care of us and we got the feeling that they were having just as much fun! We never felt like they were just out for "tips."
Share this review:
Review 8 for Palancar Snorkel & Playa Mia
Overall:
Fun:
5
out of
5
Adventurous:
5
out of
5
Family Oriented:
5
out of
5
Cultural/Educational:
5
out of
5
ChaniSparkles
Location:Atlanta, GA
Party size:1
I traveled with:Family
Cruise Date Month:November
Cruise Date Year:2011
Favorite activities:Adventure
Favorite port:Cozumel, Mexico
I want to go here next:Bermuda
Date:November 27, 2011
Amazing! Loved it!
This is the best excursion my husband and I have gone on for snorkeling! The Palancar reef is beautiful, and full of sea life. We saw so many fish...the coral was colorful and full of variety. There was even a moray eel and a sea turtle. We went on a nice sized boat named 'Palancar Reef'. The boat had a sitting area up above that was uncovered, and a large cabin area underneath. There were about 40 of us on the excursion, and the boat had plenty of room to move about, and we were free to go anywhere we wanted. Onboard they have a 'bar area' which serves free water and soda before the snorkel, and free margaritas, rum punch, beer, soda, water after the snorkel. There is a bathroom. The boat is crewed by 4. Manuel was our guide, David & Juan served beverages, and there is a captain. The boat is very clean and safe feeling. We felt very comfortable leaving our possessions onboard while we snorkeled. We went in Nov, and the water was 85'F which was perfect. Manuel the guide gets in the water with you, and has a life buoy and flag with him. Once you have the provided gear (and have learned a few "diving sign language" hand motions, you join him in the water. Those not comfortable to swim/snorkel/float on thier own can hold on to the life preserver and stay right by the guide. Manuel took us to the best spots as we drifted along, and kept checking to make sure everyone was alright. The boat follows at a distance, and there is a signal you can give if you want them to take you out of the water. Manuel will dive down and point out things, like the moray eel, to make sure everyone sees it. We were in the water about 90 minutes, and it didn't seem that long, it was so easy to drift with the current, and follow the flag/guide. After the snorkel, we had rum punch, margaritas, beer, music and dancing on the way to the beach resort Playa Mia. It is a very nice area, with a beautiful beach. When we went, lunch was included, and served by waiters in a large covered dining area. The lunch was pre-ordered, a ham sandwhich, green salad, french fries, and fruit. (I asked for vegetarian, and they were very courteous and made me a cheese sandwhich). The resort has a free bar, and you can drink all you want. They also have parrots and a large iguana you can have a picture taken with, and then purchase to take with you. In the water there are large blow up trampolines, slides, etc. These are all included in the excursion. There is a nice clean shopping area with several stores, including a jewelry store that sells silver jewelry. The prices at these shops were better than the ones at the docking area (at least the ones I saw). They also sell tobacco products at the resort. The water is so clear there (everywhere on this excursion) that you can see the bottom perfectly while standing chest deep in the water. It really is beautiful. The boat stays docked while you are at the resort, and the crew stays aboard, so you are able to leave you personal belongings on the ship. I even took the items I purchased back to the ship and they put them with my belongings, so I didn't have to carry them with me. You leave Playa Mia on the same boat, and travel back to the ship. Once again, free bar drinks/soft drinks on the way there, with music and dancing. Bring some extra money with you, you will want to tip the boat crew, and Manuel.... they really do a great job providing you with a safe and fun day. My husband and I have done several snorkels, and this is our favorite! (Tip: Be sure to apply plenty of sunscreen to the backs of your legs to keep them from getting sunburned while snorkeling)
28 of 28 people found this review helpful.
Share this review:
Review 9 for Palancar Snorkel & Playa Mia
Overall:
Fun:
5
out of
5
Adventurous:
5
out of
5
Family Oriented:
3
out of
5
Cultural/Educational:
5
out of
5
CatieK
Date:November 25, 2011
Fun in the Sun
This was a great time. Not sure if this would be best choice for first time snorkel or children. For confident snorkelers who want a few drinks afterwards, this is a great choice.
1 of 1 people found this review helpful.
Share this review:
Review 10 for Palancar Snorkel & Playa Mia
Overall:
Fun:
5
out of
5
Adventurous:
5
out of
5
Family Oriented:
3
out of
5
Cultural/Educational:
4
out of
5
kdragnfli
Party size:2
I traveled with:Family
Cruise Date Month:October
Cruise Date Year:2011
Favorite activities:Adventure
Favorite port:San Juan, Puerto Rico
Date:November 7, 2011
Adventurous Barrier Reef Fun
This snorkel is for the person looking for adventure and beauty. We snorkeled our first location where the reef was about 15 feet below us and saw fish, fish, fish! Of course there was also amazing coral formations and sea fans, sting rays, a few small jellyfish and many things I could not identify. We then continued snorkeling to our second location where the reef was 20-30 feet below us. I have never seen such a HUGE reef while snorkeling. I was absolutely amazed at what I saw. Before our snorkel, there was unlimited water and sodas available. After the snorkel there were margaritas and rum punch to enjoy as well. Then we were whisked to Playa Mia for a fabulous beach break where we were served sandwiches, chips and fruit. The beverages were all free including the open bar. This is not an excursion for folks with medical conditions. We were in the water for about one full hour. The staff onboard were excellent and guided us safely on our snorkel. Luis was amazing as our primary Dive Master. I highly recommend this tour even to experienced snorkelers. You will be amazed.
3 of 3 people found this review helpful.
Share this review:
Review 11 for Palancar Snorkel & Playa Mia
Overall:
Fun:
5
out of
5
Adventurous:
4
out of
5
Family Oriented:
4
out of
5
Cultural/Educational:
5
out of
5
HppyTrvlr
Location:New Mexico
Party size:2
I traveled with:Family
Cruise Date Month:September
Cruise Date Year:2011
Favorite activities:Adventure
Date:September 22, 2011
Palancar reef is world class
This is a great snorkel trip to one of the world’s most beautiful coral reefs. The water was warm, clear (70+ feet visibility), and filled with beautiful, tame fish (e.g. tangs, triggers, barracuda and rays). The bottom had huge coral and sponge outcroppings that were beautiful, colorful, healthy and diverse. The coral outcroppings are a complex ecosystem of sea life. Our excellent dive master led the group for almost an hour showing us the sights. For example, he spotted turtles, rays, and barracuda. He led us over both the Palancar and Columbia reefs. The sea depth varied from about 15 feet to 50 feet. The equipment was fine. They use a shorter flipper that makes climbing stairs easier but doesn’t deliver as much power as a full size flipper. I personally would have preferred a full size flipper, but everyone else seemed to be OK with them. The dive site is approximately a one hour trip from the cruise ship. The catamaran is clean and comfortable. This was a nice way to see Cozumel’s coastline. After the dive, we spent ninety minutes at Playa Mia. The facilities were clean and comfortable. The snack was fine – hot ham and cheese sandwich, fruit, salad and fries. We had an open bar available to us on the catamaran after the dive and while at Playa Mia. The catamarans crew was friendly and efficient. I have snorkeled many places including Hawaii, Cancun, Honduras, California, and the Caribbean. I have never seen coral reefs better than the ones I saw on this excursion.
6 of 6 people found this review helpful.
Share this review:
Review 12 for Palancar Snorkel & Playa Mia
Overall:
Fun:
4
out of
5
Adventurous:
4
out of
5
Family Oriented:
4
out of
5
Cultural/Educational:
3
out of
5
chipper12
Location:Western U.S.
Party size:2
I traveled with:Family
Cruise Date Month:July
Cruise Date Year:2011
Favorite activities:Adventure
Favorite port:Belize City, Belize
I want to go here next:Europe
Date:July 25, 2011
Excellent Snorkelling
We have been snorkeling all over the world and this is some of the best coral reef scenery we've ever seen. The only problem is we did not have enough time at the snorkeling site, but were rushed to the beach. Wish there was a way to just get the snorkel trip for a longer period, maybe have lunch on the catamaran, and then snorkel at this beautiful site again. We hope our underwater camera pictures turn out ! The beach was like so many others we've seen, sandy, lots of people, and the lunch "snack" was barely edible. But snorkeling and seeing the "sunken" Mayan ruins they put there with the resident fish were very fun and unexpected. Take lots of sunblock and some snacks.
1 of 1 people found this review helpful.
Share this review:
