Cozumel Snorkeling: Starfish, Rays & Turtle Sanctuary

Shallow reefs where starfish and rays meet the sandy bottom

A guided catamaran snorkeling trip in Cozumel takes you to three reef stops (Columbia, El Cielo Beach and Turtle Bay), where you enter water shallow enough to stand in, surrounded by starfish and baby rays. The boat includes snorkel gear, fins and a vest. A certified captain and crew manage the catamaran while a live guide in English or Spanish leads the water time. Ceviche and chips come with the trip, plus margaritas, beer, soft drinks and water. The whole outing runs four hours and suits all fitness levels.

The experience

The catamaran leaves from a dock close to the cruise ports (Carnival and Royal Caribbean both sit nearby), and heads to the first reef stop at Columbia. You'll get in the water with snorkel gear already fitted, a guide in the water with you, and shallow enough that you can touch bottom if you need to. Starfish sit on the sand. Baby rays glide past. The water stays clear and cold, and the crew keeps drinks and snacks flowing on deck between stops.

El Cielo Beach is the second stop, and it's the shallowest of the three. Most of it you can wade through. The sandy bottom and the light make it the easiest place to spot the rays and starfish the trip is built around. If you're not comfortable in the water or just want to float and watch, you can stay aboard the whole time. The crew will keep you fed and cold drinks in hand while the others are down below.

The Turtle Sanctuary rounds out the snorkeling, and then the boat heads back with ceviche and chips served on deck. Margaritas, beer and soft drinks flow the whole way. A certified captain runs the catamaran, and the crew handles the logistics. You just show up with a valid ID and step aboard.

What’s included

• Snorkel gear, fins and a vest.
• ceviche and chips.
• margaritas, beer, soft drinks and bottled water.
• a certified captain and crew.
• a live guide in English or Spanish.
• all three reef stops at Columbia, El Cielo and Turtle Bay.

Before you book

Days and timesEvery dayDeparts at 09:30

Book up to1h before

AgesAdult (11 to 80 years) · Child (3 to 10 years) · Infant (1 to 2 years): free

GroupUp to 30

Live guideEnglish and Spanish

Meeting point and pickupNo hotel pickup: you go to the meeting point. Ends back at the starting point.

Cancellation and refundsFree cancellation up to 24 h before the start. After that, no refund.

Paid on siteUS$ 11

Prices and times updated yesterday

Good to know

Easy physical levelPublic transport nearby

Operated by Cucurumbe Tours

Is this one for you?The shallow reefs and the option to stay aboard make this trip work for mixed groups: strong snorkelers get the starfish and rays up close, while anyone who wants to float, watch or skip the water altogether stays comfortable on deck with food and drinks. Book this if your group has different comfort levels in the water.

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Top questions

What languages is the guide in?

Live guide in English and Spanish.

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Child (3 to 10 years); Infant (1 to 2 years): free.

What's the water like at El Cielo Beach when you're snorkeling there?

El Cielo Beach has shallow water you can stand in, with a sandy bottom and clear visibility: the easiest of the three stops to spot starfish and baby rays without needing to dive deep.

Do I need to bring my own snorkel gear or is it provided?

Snorkel gear, fins and a vest are all included with the trip. The crew fits you before you enter the water.

What happens if I don't want to snorkel the whole time?

You can stay aboard the catamaran for any or all of the stops. The crew will keep you comfortable with drinks, snacks and music while others are in the water.

How long does the whole trip take from start to finish?

The catamaran outing runs four hours total, including all three reef stops, the boat ride and time on deck for food and drinks.

Is the guide fluent in English, or do I need Spanish?

A live guide leads the snorkeling in both English and Spanish, so you can choose the language when you book.