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Columbia Reef

Cozumel, Mexico
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Ranked #3 of 87 attractions in Cozumel
Type: Reefs
Activities: Scuba diving
Description: 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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145 reviews from our community

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    122
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Date Rating
Columbia, SC
Senior Contributor
22 reviews 22 reviews
6 attraction reviews
Reviews in 9 cities Reviews in 9 cities
11 helpful votes 11 helpful votes
5 of 5 stars Reviewed 21 May 2013 NEW

On a recent visit to Cozumel (5/4/13 to 5/15/13), I got to snorkel Columbia Shallows twice and each time provided breathtaking experiences up close to Hawks Bill and Green Sea Turtles, Moray Eels, Octopus, Grouper, Barracuda, Angel Fish, Star Fish and many, many other types of tropical fish. The drift snorkeling at Columbia Shallows is excellent and will take you... More

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See 9 more reviews by Mike L for Cozumel
Saskatoon, Canada
2 reviews
5 of 5 stars Reviewed 10 May 2013

The water was 30-40 feet deep with the reef coming up within 10 feet of the surface. For those comfortable with diving down while snorkeling there is some amazing life to see closer. Still so much to see from the surface too. The corals are amazing.

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Fort Lauderdale, Florida, United States
Senior Contributor
21 reviews 21 reviews
6 attraction reviews
Reviews in 4 cities Reviews in 4 cities
10 helpful votes 10 helpful votes
5 of 5 stars Reviewed 9 May 2013

most of the dive sites in this area are just a short boat ride away. the same is true with this one... HUGE coral formations, swim-thrus, and brimming with wildlife.

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See 6 more reviews by H Lynn W for Cozumel
Fort Smith, Arkansas
Senior Contributor
21 reviews 21 reviews
13 attraction reviews
Reviews in 5 cities Reviews in 5 cities
11 helpful votes 11 helpful votes
5 of 5 stars Reviewed 6 May 2013

Saw sea turtles, squid, huge coral heads and more fish than I can possibly name. It's relatively shallow-- shallower than Palancar-- so you can see better than you can at Palancar. This reef is truly a treasure and a must-see on your visit to Cozumel!

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See 12 more reviews by Sarah N for Cozumel
Denver, Colorado
Top Contributor
122 reviews 122 reviews
30 attraction reviews
Reviews in 46 cities Reviews in 46 cities
54 helpful votes 54 helpful votes
5 of 5 stars Reviewed 6 May 2013

Still a bit deep for snorkeling, closest part to the surface may have been 6 feet but a majority of it was 12-20 feet, but we saw many things including: trigger fish, grunts, angelfish, sergeant majors, parrotfish, blue tangs, wrasse, damselfish, snapper, Porgies, Chubs, Jacks, butterfly fish, two hawksbill turtles, and what I think was a school of Sennets.

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See 4 more reviews by Koalatastic for Cozumel
Salt Lake City, Utah
Top Contributor
52 reviews 52 reviews
25 attraction reviews
Reviews in 13 cities Reviews in 13 cities
14 helpful votes 14 helpful votes
5 of 5 stars Reviewed 5 May 2013

One of the best dive sites in Cozumel. The marine life was awesome! We averaged 40 to 50 ft, and saw lots. There are also some deeper cave type areas that would be fun to explore. We used El Pulpo dive shop, cozumeldiveandsnorkel.com as our dive master and enjoyed the dive. On the day we went we there was a... More

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See 4 more reviews by Asphaltman for Cozumel
Dallas, Texas
Contributor
12 reviews 12 reviews
8 attraction reviews
Reviews in 2 cities Reviews in 2 cities
2 helpful votes 2 helpful votes
4 of 5 stars Reviewed 30 April 2013

We dove Columbia on our first day of diving in CZ and were certainly not disappointed. There are turtles everywhere and the gentle current is a great way to learn to control your bouyancy, especially for beginners. Enjoy the beauty!

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See 8 more reviews by Tgalbraith for Cozumel
Minneapolis
Reviewer
4 reviews 4 reviews
3 attraction reviews
1 helpful vote 1 helpful vote
5 of 5 stars Reviewed 30 April 2013

healthy reef, great dive. Drift diving is easy on air consumption. Easy seas clarity at least 150 feet

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See 3 more reviews by ThomasAH for Cozumel
Olathe, Kansas
Senior Contributor
28 reviews 28 reviews
18 attraction reviews
Reviews in 9 cities Reviews in 9 cities
27 helpful votes 27 helpful votes
5 of 5 stars Reviewed 27 April 2013

Nice easy diving, never had a current, Sand Dollar dive always delivers a great dive experience where ever we go

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See 7 more reviews by ksuroller for Cozumel
Buenos Aires, Argentina
Senior Contributor
31 reviews 31 reviews
13 attraction reviews
Reviews in 12 cities Reviews in 12 cities
18 helpful votes 18 helpful votes
5 of 5 stars Reviewed 27 April 2013 via mobile

A must among divers, in this reef you will find a colorful subacuatic life: turtles, some reef sharks, rays, porkipine fish, morays, parrot fish (all kinds), hornet fish, barracudas, and many sponges and coral kinds. When you go sightseeing, there are also small tunnels, where you can dive into. Definitely a must!

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