Columbia Reef, Cozumel: Address, Phone Number, Columbia Reef Reviews: 5/5
Columbia Reef
Columbia Reef
5
About
Giant sea turtles and groupers await those with the courage (and the experience) to brave the fierce currents at this diving site.
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Top ways to experience Columbia Reef
The area
Best nearby
Restaurants
5 within 3 miles
Attractions
14 within 6 miles

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Detailed Reviews: Reviews order informed by descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as cleanliness, atmosphere, general tips and location information.
Popular mentions
5.0
1,181 reviews
Excellent
967
Very good
162
Average
40
Poor
9
Terrible
3
Tinco123
Conifer, CO54 contributions
This reef leaves little to be desired. The fish, the sharks, the turtles, the reef...what is there to say other than it's perfect! Especially in the morning on a sunny day!
Written July 11, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
ms_tinkerbell1
Glen Burnie, MD340 contributions
Columbia is another wonderful dive site in Cozumel. Not to be missed. Always good marine life in the area.
Written June 8, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
rlwjenkins
Fountain Hills, AZ70 contributions
We saw some great underwater creatures (stingrays, eels, schools of fish, divers down below. It was wonderful.
Written April 19, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
TonyReis
Fayetteville, AR37 contributions
I went down with Deep Blue and enjoyed the trip very much. The reef is a bit in distress, but there was plenty of sealife to be seen.
Written February 21, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
PK
Naples, FL99 contributions
I'd chalk this up to the 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 were 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 January 3, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Mary T
3 contributions
This reef was part of our snorkeling tou. We really love it here. it had shallow waters and current was not strong which was great for some of us. Turtles are to be found and lost of corals and variety of fish. Great snorkeling spot.
Written November 17, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
kyra_10
Ypsilanti, MI274 contributions
We snorkeled here twice and really enjoyed the diversity of fish and plants and coral that we were able to see. Crystal clear water!
Written June 6, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Susan M
New York City, NY28 contributions
How can i compare these reefs to anywhere else in the world? The Columbia reefs at the south end of the Isla are some of the most fantastic and diverse anywhere!
Written April 14, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Robby_Cristian
Calgary, Canada2,157 contributions
Couples
A wonderful reef garden with plenty coral formations and hard to see elsewhere marine life. Encountering spotted eagle rays was our highlight of the trip.
Written December 17, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
slbillard
Portland, OR104 contributions
The coral in this reef reminded us of the movie "Avatar". We also saw a very large spotted eagle ray
Written December 12, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Mary L
Philadelphia, PA18 contributions
Hello,
I’m newly(just this week) open water certified and my husband last dove about 2 years go he is also certified both of us with PADI and we would love to dive but I want to dive with an instructor since I’m so new. Is it possible to dive with an instructor to one of the sites?
honeym_11
Montreal, Quebec, Canada104 contributions
Of course. Pro Dive is a the group we had used for the past three years.
welovecozumel
Arlington, TX70 contributions
Where’s the best snorkeling near the Grand Park Royal Cozumel?
Jeffrey L
Broken Arrow, OK119 contributions
Yes...snorkel at Columbia Reef, Palancar Reef, and El Cielo...all three are worth it. Your resort concierge/front desk can get you hooked up with a local snorkeling tour company. Enjoy! The water was so clear when we were out there last June (2018) even in somewhat choppy water. Sunny days are best.
kevin955
San Diego, CA2 contributions
any recommendations for a snorkeling tour/itinerary of columbia shallows/reef? i'm looking for a tour or drop off so that i can be in the water for a couple hours or so. thx.
Christine D
Schomberg, Canada6 contributions
Marazul aquatics
They are on Facebook. They will customize your visit to whatever you want. We spent two wonderful days on the water with them. They are hospitable, knowledgeable and very careful and safety conscious.
Hi I have my own snorkeling gear and was wondering if there is any good locations to go for snorkeling in Cancun while I will be there on a day trip from a cruise.
anubis05
New York City, NY13 contributions
Not in Cancun. But in Isle Mujeres at Playa Nortes. You can snorkel right from the beach.
Kristen B
Marshfield, VT9 contributions
Hello! My twin and I are hoping to go to the Columbia Shallows to snorkel. How do we get there from the Ferry docks? Are there places to rent snorkels near the shallows, or should we do that before finding a taxi? Also, are the reefs accessible from shore, or is a boat needed?
Tam Warner Minton
Dallas, TX209 contributions
You must take a boat. Columbia is too far south, and you must rent a boat. There are plenty of them!
TureAndrew
Acireale, Italy31 contributions
I work in a cruise ship and gonna arrive in Cozumel.. How is far the diving center to the cruise terminal..?
I would like to do more then one diving..
Yleyleyle
Milan, Italy567 contributions
you can find diving center's agent at the port (non cruise terminal). they will find you, don't worry
tatashka
New York151 contributions
Hello. What tour company did you use ?
Ron-in-Txk
Texarkana, TX20 contributions
We used Dressel Divers out of the Iberostar. They have a location on property and several boats that leave from the resort pier. Amy is a wonderful guide.
Tera C
Twinsburg, OH
What time does it leave and return?
There is a group of 10 of us, where is this located?
Alberto F
Wilde, Argentina13 contributions
Hola grpicone, voy a Cozum solo por un dia (crucero) me podras decir si contrataste la excursion en la isla, darme algun dato de como llegar, etc..Gracias!
Frequently Asked Questions about Columbia Reef
- We recommend booking Columbia Reef tours ahead of time to secure your spot. If you book with Tripadvisor, you can cancel up to 24 hours before your tour starts for a full refund. See all 15 Columbia Reef tours on Tripadvisor
- According to Tripadvisor travelers, these are the best ways to experience Columbia Reef:
- Cozumel Snorkeling Tour: Palancar, Columbia and Cielo Reefs (From $60.00)
- Cozumel Snorkeling Tour: Palancar, Columbia and El Cielo Reefs (From $59.00)
- El Cielo Cozumel (From $130.00)
- Catamaran Snorkel to El Cielo and Tortugas Beach Club (From $59.99)
- El Cielo reef by Catamaran with Beach Club (From $79.00)
- Hotels near Columbia Reef:
- (3.34 mi) Iberostar Cozumel
- (3.84 mi) Royal Level at Occidental Cozumel
- (9.49 mi) The Landmark Resort of Cozumel
- (3.84 mi) Occidental Cozumel
- (5.63 mi) Residencias Reef Condos
- Restaurants near Columbia Reef:
- (3.50 mi) Alberto's Beach Bar & Restaurant
- (4.06 mi) Rasta's
- (4.07 mi) Freedom In Paradise
- (1.83 mi) Anemona de Mar Beach
- (9.50 mi) The Money Bar Beach Club