Paamul and snorkeling?

[snorkeler47]

I was in Paamul in 05 snorkelling and looking at old pics in one of multitude of photo albums . What I noticed and remember was the restaurant , which at the time was barely open and the very rocky (coral exposed area) . The beach area was quite small , but the water and snorkelling were tremendous. I only covered a small area during my swim but noticed in my pics how clear the water really was (is still I hope).
Can I still jump off the colectivo , just walk in past the gate , plunk myself on the beach and snorkel whenever?
Is the restaurant open , can I quench my thirst at will and is the place still uncrowded and breathtaking?
I think there were a few palm trees still left for shade and last but not least--how far to the reef?
Drawn to magic once again and hoping to trip down very soon

[Babaloo]

everything is the same
I'm guessing you came after the hurricanes, if the restaurant was barely opened
It is high season and the snowbirds are here, so it may be a bit more crowded than you remember.
If you come after March it will be much quieter.
The reef is an easy swim from the shore.
...come on down...it's beautiful!

[Tony&Cheri]

Rick is absolutely right. Pamuul really is beautiful. The restaurant has good eats and generous drinks. The beach is small but adequate for sunning and the pool is nice for a dip if the waves get too rough. And the nearby reef (the reef is closest to shore in Pamuul than anywhere else on the Riviera coast) is Cheri's favorite snorkel spot (I prefer Yal-ku, but they are both good).

Papa T

[Michele]

I think Paamul is a wonderful place for a day in the sun and snorkeling. I have some recent photos HERE.

[John]

My cousins were snorkeling in Paamul 3 weeks ago. They were out for 45 minutes and said they hardly saw any fish. How far out does one need to go to experience good snorkeling there?

T&C and Rick, when was the last time you were out there snorkeling?

[John]

Oops, forgot to mention that the beach was very scenic!

However, we didn't bother staying since the snorkeling wasn't good, and that's what the cousins wanted.

[DavidB]

How far of a walk is it from the highway to the beach?

[Michele]

Originally Posted by DavidB

How far of a walk is it from the highway to the beach?

What do you all think...5 minutes? Easily doable.

[snorkeler47]

The snow is up to my wazoo here and very cold . So ---Paamul will be one of my many stops for sure. Thanks Michele, Babaloo and Toni for the input and the pics especially. The place does look exactly the same.
I've snorkeled Isla , Cozumel and up and down the Mayan coast and numerous cenotes , yet Paamul has this attraction.
When we last visited in 2005 it was 2 weeks in April , in between Wilma and Emily I think, but don't quote me on that.
Toni --you will have a few friends of ours grace your establishment soon , and I know they will luv it and we will pop in and try several drinks at your new bar.
Thanks again and have a great day everyone.

[Babaloo]

Originally Posted by John

My cousins were snorkeling in Paamul 3 weeks ago. They were out for 45 minutes and said they hardly saw any fish. How far out does one need to go to experience good snorkeling there?

T&C and Rick, when was the last time you were out there snorkeling?

it's been months for me
so it's possible that it sucks now but it just may be a phase

[Michele]

Originally Posted by Babaloo

it's been months for me
so it's possible that it sucks now but it just may be a phase

It was good a few weeks ago, although I did go pretty far out. You know where that stick kind of jutts up out of the water? The visibilty was excellent.

I think Akumal Bay is still my favorite snorkeling spot for the turtles alone.

[Babaloo]

Originally Posted by Michele

It was good a few weeks ago, although I did go pretty far out. You know where that stick kind of jutts up out of the water? The visibilty was excellent.
I think Akumal Bay is still my favorite snorkeling spot for the turtles alone.

i think i would take Akumal over Paamul, too
....but I do love my home

[Michele]

Originally Posted by Babaloo

i think i would take Akumal over Paamul, too
....but I do love my home

Yeh. You really can't beat the view.

[Sideways]

I had never heard there was good snorkling there. Hmm...might have to put it on my list for April

[snorkeler47]

Yup --Agree--Akumal bay is also my favorite---hired Alejandro for the swim to the reef and found muchos tortugas munching on the grass in shallow water. My first turtle experience---kinda rocks your world a little as they are a marvel to watch.
Hmmm---gotta hit there also, so I will be a blur on the Playa radar running from place to place.