Snorkeling in Cozumel: Private Catamaran to El Cielo

Snorkel three reefs and a starfish sandbar without arranging the boat or the stops

A private catamaran snorkeling trip in Cozumel takes groups of up to 22 guests to Colombia Reef, Bolones Reef, and El Cielo starfish sandbar over five hours, with a certified bilingual guide in the water, snorkel gear, fresh food, and unlimited drinks on board. The catamaran departs from Marina ASIPONA Cozumel; Marine Park entry fees are paid in cash at check-in. Flexible departure times and custom itinerary options let you adjust the day to your schedule, and the Back to Ship Guarantee ensures cruise passengers return on time.

Step-by-step itinerary

Private catamaran snorkeling tour

• Arrive early for check-in and boarding
• Snorkel at Colombia Reef with guide
• Snorkel at Bolones Reef
• Relax and enjoy snacks at El Cielo sandbar
• Swim and take photos at El Cielito
• Sail back to marina

The Experience

Five hours on a private catamaran means you skip the crowded group boats and move at your own pace between three snorkel stops. Your bilingual certified guide enters the water with you at Colombia Reef and Bolones Reef, both part of the Mesoamerican Barrier Reef, pointing out coral formations and the fish moving through them. The gear—mask, fins, life vest, snorkel—arrives sanitized and ready; you just put it on.

El Cielo is the sandbar stop where the day shifts. The water there is shallow and turquoise, and starfish glide across the bottom while you float above them. The catamaran anchors, and the crew brings out fresh ceviche, guacamole, tortilla chips, and two beers per person, plus unlimited water and soft drinks. There's a shaded deck if you need to rest between snorkels, and a restroom on board. The sail back to the marina leaves time before your ship departs or your afternoon plans start.

Arrive 15–20 minutes early for check-in and to pay the Marine Park fee in cash ($11 USD per person). The captain and guide are both on board and speak English and Spanish. Groups stay under 22 people, so the boat doesn't feel crowded, and you can ask the crew to spend extra time at any stop or adjust the route if the conditions or your group's preference shift.

What’s included

• Bilingual certified captain and snorkel guide in the water with you.
• sanitized snorkel gear (mask, fins, life vest, snorkel).
• fresh ceviche or seasonal fruit.
• guacamole and tortilla chips.
• two beers per person.
• unlimited bottled water and soft drinks.
• shaded deck for resting between snorkels.
• restroom on board.
• Back to Ship Guarantee for cruise passengers.

Good to know

Moderate physical levelPublic transport nearbyNot for pregnant travelersInfants must sit on laps

Operated by Boat Trips Club

Is this one for you?Book this private catamaran if your group is up to 22 people and you want to move between three reef stops and a starfish sandbar without coordinating with strangers or waiting for a larger tour to fill up. The certified guide enters the water with you at each stop, so you're not navigating the reefs alone, and the flexible departure times and custom itinerary options mean the day adapts to your ship's schedule or your group's pace.

Top questions

What's the difference between Colombia Reef, Bolones Reef, and El Cielo?

Colombia Reef and Bolones Reef are both part of the Mesoamerican Barrier Reef with coral formations and abundant fish; your guide snorkels with you at both. El Cielo is a shallow starfish sandbar where you float in calm turquoise water and the crew serves food and drinks on the anchored catamaran.

Do I need snorkeling experience to book this trip?

No prior experience is required. Your certified snorkel guide enters the water with you and the gear—mask, fins, life vest, snorkel—is provided and sanitized. Moderate physical fitness is recommended, and the guide will stay with your group throughout.

What happens if my cruise ship leaves early or I need to get back by a certain time?

The Back to Ship Guarantee ensures cruise passengers return to the marina on time for their departure. Flexible departure times are available, so you can choose a slot that fits your ship's schedule when you book.

What food and drinks are included?

Fresh ceviche or seasonal fruit, guacamole with tortilla chips, two beers per person, and unlimited bottled water and soft drinks are included on board. The crew serves these at El Cielo while you're anchored at the starfish sandbar.

Can I customize the itinerary or spend more time at one stop?

Yes. The catamaran is private for your group, so you can adjust the itinerary and ask the crew to spend extra time at El Cielo or any snorkel site based on what your group wants to do.

Is there a restroom on the catamaran?

Yes, a restroom is on board for your use during the five-hour trip.