Palancar Reef, Cozumel: How to Visit and What to Do Nearby

Palancar Reef runs along the southwestern coast of Cozumel island in Mexico's Caribbean, roughly 1.5 kilometers offshore. The reef system drops in a series of coral walls and swim-through tunnels from about 12 meters to beyond 40 meters, with sections known as Palancar Caves, Palancar Gardens, and Palancar Horseshoe. Visibility regularly exceeds 30 meters, and the reef hosts sea turtles, eagle rays, moray eels, and large barrel sponges. Jacques Cousteau's 1961 documentary brought Cozumel's reefs to global attention, and Palancar remains the island's most-requested dive and snorkel site. is just one of many options in Cozumel. Major attractions worth considering include Chankanaab Adventure Beach Park, Columbia Reef, and Corona Beach (Playa Corona).