Private Glass Bottom Boat & Snorkeling: 3 Reefs in Cozumel

Snorkel three reefs without fighting the crowds or the logistics

A private 2-hour snorkeling trip in Cozumel visits three shallow reefs (Villa Blanca Wall, Shallow Paraiso and Deep Paraiso) aboard a glass bottom boat with a bilingual guide, snorkel gear and soft drinks included. The boat departs from Cozumel, and morning or afternoon times are available; arrive 30 minutes early. An underwater photographer is on hand at Villa Blanca Wall if you want to purchase photos.

Step-by-step itinerary

Snorkeling at three reefs in Cozumel

• Depart from Cozumel departure point
• Visit Villa Blanca Wall reef
• Snorkel at Villa Blanca Wall reef
• Visit Paraiso reef (shallow and deep parts)
• Snorkel at Paraiso reef
• Enjoy drinks on board after snorkeling

The Experience

The boat leaves from Cozumel with just your group aboard, which means no waiting for other divers to gear up and no jostling at the reef. A bilingual guide meets you at the dock and walks through the snorkel setup before the boat heads out — Villa Blanca Wall is only minutes away, the first stop where an underwater photographer works if you want images from below. The reef itself sits in shallow water, so you can surface easily and stay as long as you want to watch the fish move through the coral.

From there the boat moves to Paradise Reef, which splits into two sections: Shallow Paraiso and Deep Paraiso. Both are a short ride away, which is why the 2-hour window gives you real time in the water instead of time spent traveling between stops. You snorkel at your own pace while the guide stays nearby. Soft drinks, bottled water and beer (after you're back on the boat) are included, and a changing room with a shower and sundeck waits for you to rinse off before heading back to shore.

The glass bottom section of the boat lets you see the reefs without getting wet if you want a break, and a brand new snorkel tube is yours to keep as a souvenir. Bring shoes that can get wet, biodegradable sunscreen and a towel; the operator asks that you arrive 30 minutes before departure. A $11 USD cash fee per person covers marine and pier fees.

What’s included

• Bilingual guide.
• snorkel gear and a brand new snorkel tube to keep.
• soft drinks, bottled purified water and beer.
• changing room with shower and sundeck.
• underwater photographer at Villa Blanca Wall (photos available for purchase).

Good to know

Easy physical levelPublic transport nearbyNot for pregnant travelersNot for heart conditionsNot for back problemsInfants must sit on laps

Operated by Safe Tours Cozumel

Is this one for you?Two hours is enough to hit three reefs without rushing, which works if you want a morning or afternoon activity that leaves the rest of your day open. The private boat means no waiting for a larger group to board or gear up, so you spend the time in the water instead of on logistics.

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Top questions

What are the three reefs I'll snorkel on this trip?

Villa Blanca Wall is the first stop, a few minutes from the boat departure point and where an underwater photographer is stationed. Paradise Reef makes up the second and third stops — it's divided into Shallow Paraiso and Deep Paraiso — and both sections are a short ride away, leaving plenty of time to explore each one during the 2-hour activity.

Can I see the reefs from the boat without snorkeling?

Yes. The glass bottom boat section lets you watch the reefs and fish from above the water, so you can take a break from snorkeling and still see what's below without getting in.

What snorkel gear do I need to bring, or is it provided?

A brand new snorkel tube and all snorkel gear are provided and included in the trip; the tube is yours to take home. Bring a bathing suit, shoes that can get wet, biodegradable sunscreen and a towel.

What drinks are included?

Soft drinks, bottled purified water, coke and flavored drinks are included throughout the trip; beer is served after snorkeling is finished. A changing room with a fresh water shower is available on the boat.

What time does the boat depart, and do I need to arrive early?

Morning or afternoon departure times are available; you'll choose your preferred time at checkout. Arrive 30 minutes before your departure time so the guide can go over the snorkel setup with you.

Is there an underwater photographer on this trip?

An underwater photographer is stationed at Villa Blanca Wall, the first reef stop, and can take photos of you and your group; you can purchase images from them at the end of the tour if you'd like.