Cozumel snorkeling tour: three reefs and El Cielo sandbar

Snorkel three reefs, then wade starfish shallows at El Cielo

A 5-hour catamaran snorkeling tour in Cozumel for cruise passengers, visiting Colombia Reef, Bolones Reef, and the shallow El Cielo sandbar where starfish gather. The boat holds a maximum of 22 guests, includes sanitized snorkel gear, fresh ceviche, unlimited drinks, and a bilingual guide in the water with you; the Back to Ship Guarantee ensures you return before your ship's all-aboard time. The Marine Park fee ($11 USD, cash only) is paid separately at check-in.

Step-by-step itinerary

Cozumel Catamaran Snorkeling Tour

• Meet crew and board catamaran
• Sail to Colombia Reef and snorkel
• Snorkel at Bolones Reef
• Relax and enjoy ceviche at El Cielo sandbar
• Snorkel at El Cielito with stingray sightings
• Sail back to Marina ASIPONA

The Experience

The catamaran departs from Marina ASIPONA Cozumel after you complete check-in and receive your gear. A bilingual certified guide boards with you and stays in the water throughout each snorkel stop, pointing out coral formations, tropical fish, and the sea turtles that sometimes appear. The boat itself has shaded seating and a restroom, so you're not exposed between stops.

Colombia Reef comes first—part of the Mesoamerican Barrier Reef system, where visibility is usually strong and the coral structures are dramatic. Bolones Reef follows as your second guided snorkel, known for excellent clarity and a mix of formations that work for both beginners and experienced snorkelers. Between stops, you stay on the catamaran with cold drinks and time to rest.

El Cielo sandbar is the signature moment: shallow turquoise water where starfish move across the sandy bottom in plain sight. You wade here rather than swim, and the crew serves fresh ceviche or seasonal fruit while you're anchored. A final shallow-water stop at El Cielito often brings stingrays into view. The sail back to Marina ASIPONA leaves time to change and board your ship without rushing.

What’s included

• Sanitized snorkel gear including mask, fins, snorkel and life vest.
• fresh ceviche or seasonal fruit.
• unlimited bottled water and soft drinks.
• 2 beers per person.
• bilingual certified guide in the water with you at each reef.
• shaded catamaran seating and onboard restroom.

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 if your ship docks in Cozumel and you want to hit three reefs in one trip—the catamaran departs on a fixed schedule timed for cruise passengers, and the 22-person group keeps it more intimate than larger boat tours.

Traveler reviews

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Top questions

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

Colombia Reef is part of the Mesoamerican Barrier Reef system where you'll see tropical fish and coral with possible sea turtle sightings; Bolones Reef is a second guided snorkel stop known for excellent visibility and dramatic coral structures; El Cielo is a shallow sandbar famous for starfish, where you wade instead of swim and the crew serves ceviche while anchored.

How much time do I actually spend snorkeling versus on the boat?

The tour is 5 hours total from Marina ASIPONA to return. You snorkel at three main locations with your guide in the water, rest between stops with drinks and food on the catamaran, and sail back with time to spare before your ship's all-aboard.

What's included in the price, and what do I pay extra for?

Included are sanitized snorkel gear, fresh ceviche or seasonal fruit, unlimited bottled water and soft drinks, 2 beers per person, shaded seating, restroom access, and a bilingual guide. The Marine Park fee is $11 USD per person, paid in cash at check-in; crew gratuities are optional.

Is this tour suitable for someone who's never snorkeled before?

Yes—Bolones Reef is specifically noted as ideal for both beginner and experienced snorkelers, and your bilingual guide is in the water with you throughout. El Cielo is a shallow sandbar, not a deep reef, so you can wade and observe starfish without swimming far.

Will I have time to get back to my cruise ship before it leaves?

The Back to Ship Guarantee is built into this tour—the 5-hour schedule is designed so you return to Marina ASIPONA with plenty of time before your ship's all-aboard, and the crew coordinates timing to ensure no passenger misses their departure.