Snorkeling in Cozumel: Palancar Reef & El Cielo with lunch

Drift snorkel two of Cozumel's most famous reefs, then wade through starfish at El Cielo

This full-day snorkeling trip in Cozumel departs from Fiscal Pier on a catamaran, takes you to Palancar Reef and El Cielo Bay, and ends with lunch at Kuza Beach Park. You snorkel the Mesoamerican Barrier Reef with a bilingual certified dive master, full equipment and life vest included. The boat provides drinks and a light snack during the sail, and a regional buffet lunch at a local restaurant closes the day. The tour runs six hours and starts at 10 a.m., though occasional departures leave at 11 a.m.

Step-by-step itinerary

Stops and time at each

1. Palancar Reef45m · entry included
2. Playa El Cielo1h · entry included

Cozumel Catamaran Snorkel Tour

• Meet at Cozumel Fiscal Pier
• Board catamaran and sail to Palancar Reef
• Snorkel at Palancar Reef
• Relax and snorkel at El Cielo Bay
• Return to downtown Cozumel
• Enjoy regional buffet lunch

The experience

Cozumel Fiscal Pier is where you board the catamaran at 10 a.m. The boat sails through Caribbean waters with music, drinks and a relaxed onboard atmosphere while you head toward Palancar Reef. Once there, you drift snorkel over the reef (part of the Mesoamerican Barrier Reef system), watching how fish move through the coral and exploring the marine world with a bilingual certified dive master in the water with you. Full snorkel equipment and a life vest are provided.

El Cielo Bay comes next. The water there is so shallow and clear that you can wade and see starfish on the bottom. It's the reason the spot is called paradise on earth. You have time to swim and recharge before heading to Kuza Beach Park, a beachfront setting with white sand and Caribbean views where you can relax or use the oceanfront water park facilities.

Lunch is a regional buffet at a local restaurant, featuring Yucatecan flavors. The catamaran ride back to downtown Cozumel closes the day. Throughout the tour, the open bar keeps you supplied with sodas, water and alcoholic beverages. The whole experience runs six hours. A bilingual dive master stays with the group, and all snorkel gear is supplied. You just need to be a confident swimmer and at least eight years old to participate.

What’s included

• The tour includes full snorkel equipment and life vest.
• catamaran transport to Palancar Reef and El Cielo Bay.
• a bilingual certified dive master in the water with you.
• an open bar with sodas, water and alcoholic beverages.
• a light snack during the sail.
• a regional buffet lunch at a local restaurant.
• and access to Kuza Beach Park facilities for the afternoon.

Before you book

Days and timesMonday to SaturdayDeparts at 10:00

Book up toStart time

AgesAdult (12 to 70 years) · Child (8 to 11 years) · Under 8: can't be included in the booking

GroupUp to 70

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.It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund.

Paid on siteUS$ 12.19

Prices and times updated yesterday

Good to know

Moderate physical levelNot for pregnant travelersNot for heart conditionsNot for back problems

Operated by Amigo Tours

Is this one for you?Book this if you want a full day combining two reef sites with beach time at Kuza Park. The catamaran departs on a set schedule with a dive master and all gear included, so you join a shared group rather than arranging private logistics.

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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 (8 to 11 years). Under 8: they can't be included in the booking.

What happens if it rains?

It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund. Free cancellation up to 24 h before the start.

What reefs will I snorkel at on this Cozumel trip?

Palancar Reef, part of the Mesoamerican Barrier Reef, is the main snorkel site where you drift over the coral and watch tropical marine life. El Cielo Bay is the second stop, where the water is shallow and starfish live on the sandy bottom.

Is snorkel equipment included, or do I need to bring my own?

Full snorkel equipment and a life vest are included with the tour. You don't need to bring or rent gear separately.

What time does the catamaran leave Cozumel, and how long is the full day?

The tour departs at 10 a.m. from Cozumel Fiscal Pier, though some departures start at 11 a.m. The full experience runs six hours.

Is lunch included in this snorkeling tour?

Yes, a regional buffet lunch featuring Yucatecan cuisine is included at a local restaurant. Drinks and a light snack are also served during the catamaran ride.

What's the minimum age to snorkel on this trip?

The minimum age is eight years old. All participants must be confident, self-sufficient swimmers in sound health.

Will I need to arrange my own transportation to the pier?

Hotel pickup and drop-off are not included with this tour, so you'll need to arrange your own way to Cozumel Fiscal Pier. The catamaran departs and returns from downtown Cozumel.