If you’re visiting Cozumel, one of the best excursions you can take is a 3-stop snorkeling tour with Chac Choc Tours. At about $90 per person, this tour included reefs, starfish, food, drinks, and a stop inside the famous Parque Nacional Arrecifes de Cozumel.
This was easily one of the highlights of our trip.
📍 Meeting at Adventure Planet
The tour begins at Adventure Planet, where you check in and board the double-decker snorkel/dive boat. The crew was friendly and professional, and the boat had plenty of shade.
Crystal-clear blue water. Limestone walls. Sunlight pouring through the opening above. The kind of place that makes you forget everything else and just jump.
So I did.
And five days later, I was in the emergency room.
Moments before jumping 20 feet into a cenote in Cozumel, Mexico.
The Excursion That Looked Too Good to Pass Up
Before traveling to Cozumel, I booked an excursion that included a 20-foot jump into a cenote. The photos looked incredible — travelers suspended mid-air over glowing blue water, smiling like they were in a travel magazine.
I had never done a jump like that before, but it felt like a once-in-a-lifetime experience.
There was no real warning. No talk about risks. Just climb up, step forward, and jump.
So I went for it.
I’m so glad I was wearing my GoPro during the cenote jump because it captured the entire moment-even though I had no idea at the time it would later send me to the ER. Watching it back now is unbelievable.
Before you jump, watch this: my real cenote experience and why I got sick.
The Jump
The second I hit the water, everything changed.
Instead of a smooth landing, I swallowed a large amount of water.
It went down my throat, into my nose — everywhere.
I came up coughing, but everyone around me was laughing, smiling, and swimming like nothing happened.
I brushed it off.
I wish I hadn’t. Click video below to see the jump.
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The Symptoms Didn’t Hit Right Away
At first, I felt mostly fine.
But over the next few days, things started to change.
It started with nausea.
Then fatigue.
Then I just felt… off.
Each day, it got worse.
I couldn’t understand how jumping into beautiful, clear water could make me feel this sick.
I‘m so glad I was wearing my GoPro during the cenote jump because it captured the entire moment-even though I had no idea at the time it would later send me to the ER. Watching it back now is unbelievable.
Five Days Later, I Ended Up in the ER
By day five, I was throwing up blood.
My husband rushed me to the hospital.
Tests showed I had picked up bacteria.
I was given medication and treatment, and thankfully, I’m now recovering.
But it was scary.
Because it all started with something that looked completely harmless.
This is when I knew something was seriously wrong-five days after swallowing cenote water, I ended up in the ER.
What Many Tourists Don’t Realize About Cenotes
Cenotes are natural sinkholes.
They are not chlorinated pools.
They contain natural water — and sometimes bacteria and parasites.
Even when they look clean, they can still make you sick if you inhale or swallow the water.
Most people are fine.
But not everyone.
And I wasn’t.
According to travel health experts, natural bodies of water can contain bacteria that may cause illness if swallowed. Click here to learn more from the CDC.
Cruising through Central America should be relaxing, but our trip quickly turned eventful during a snorkeling excursion. Between strong currents, unexpected waves, and a few clumsy moments, what started as a leisurely adventure became a story worth telling.
We explored the reefs in Honduras, Belize, and Cozumel, following safety guidelines from the Belize Tourism Board.
First Stop: Honduras
Tammy & Paul on boat in Honduras
Our day in Honduras began with calm waters and bright skies. I had my snorkeling gear ready, excited to explore the reefs.
However, the water quickly reminded me that even calm-looking currents can be tricky. I accidentally hit a coral outcrop with my leg, and my GoPro was totaled in the process. It was painful, but I didn’t realize how serious it could get.
When I got home, I discovered the cut had become infected with flesh-eating bacteria. I was lucky to see a doctor quickly — early treatment made all the difference. This experience taught me how a simple injury while snorkeling can turn into a dangerous situation if not treated promptly.
With guidance from our tour leaders, we navigated carefully through the rest of the reef. Despite the mishap, I still enjoyed the vibrant coral and tropical fish. It became one of those stories you’ll never forget — and one I hope others can learn from.
Next Stop: Belize
Belize offered a completely different underwater landscape. The currents were gentler, making it easier to explore
The reefs were alive with colorful fish, and coral formations stretched as far as the eye could see. At one point, a small stumble led to a bit of laughter, turning a minor mishap into a memorable moment.
Exploring Belize reminded me how each snorkeling spot has its own character. Even small challenges can add to the adventure, making the experience more vivid and unforgettable.
Belize water huts/dock
Final Stop: Cozumel
Cozumel’s waters were pristine and inviting. With more confidence from previous stops, I navigated the reef smoothly. Turtles glided by, rays floated beneath us, and the vibrant coral stretched in every direction.
🎥 Watch the video below to experience the adventure as it unfolded — snorkeling, sailing, and all the moments in between.
Princess Regal Cruise to Honduras, Belize & Mexico!
Even a few small bumps and minor stumbles couldn’t dampen the excitement. Every stop offered unique sights, reminding me why multi-port cruises are so rewarding — each location has its own charm, challenges, and beauty.
