Snorkeling in Cozumel: Catamaran to El Cielo Beach

Four hours snorkeling three reefs, then a beach break in turquoise water

Snorkel three of Cozumel's most visited reefs — El Cielo Beach with starfish on the sandy bottom, Playa el Cielito where baby rays gather, and Turtle Bay — aboard a catamaran with a guide in English or Spanish. The boat includes drinks, beer, margaritas and ceviche; after snorkeling you choose to rest on a secluded beach or stay aboard. The trip runs four hours and departs near the cruise ports.

The Experience

Four hours gets you three snorkeling stops and a beach break. The catamaran leaves from close to the main cruise ports, so the logistics stay simple — you board, sail to the first reef, and the guide walks you through what you're about to see. El Cielo is the starfish site, a shallow sandy bottom where they settle in clusters; Playa el Cielito draws baby rays; Turtle Bay is the third stop. Between sites the boat moves and you rest, with beer, margaritas, bottled water and soft drinks flowing the whole time, plus ceviche served aboard.

After the third reef, you head to a secluded beach where the water stays that bright turquoise the photos promise. Some people stay on the boat; most wade in and float. The guide is there the whole way, speaking English or Spanish, and the catamaran handles the navigation so you're not managing anything except when to jump in and when to climb back out. One constraint: no sunscreen in the water — the reef protection means you apply it before you leave the dock.

The boat is wheelchair accessible, and infants can ride in a pram or stroller. Public transportation runs nearby if you're not coming from a cruise ship. The trip ends back near where it started, leaving the afternoon open.

What’s included

• Guided snorkeling at three reefs (El Cielo Beach, Playa el Cielito and Turtle Bay).
• drinks aboard including beer, margaritas, bottled water and soft drinks.
• ceviche served on the catamaran.
• beach break at a secluded location.
• catamaran transport between sites.

Good to know

Easy physical levelWheelchair accessibleStroller friendlyInfant seats availablePublic transport nearbyInfants must sit on laps

Operated by Cozumel Tours and Excursions

Is this one for you?Book this if you want to snorkel three top reefs in one morning and you're comfortable entering the water independently with mask and fins.

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Top questions

What's the difference between El Cielo Beach, Playa el Cielito and Turtle Bay?

El Cielo Beach is known for starfish settled on a sandy bottom; Playa el Cielito is where baby rays gather; Turtle Bay is the third snorkeling stop. All three are visited on the same trip.

What drinks and food are included?

Beer, margaritas, bottled water, soft drinks and ceviche are served aboard throughout the four hours.

Is there time to relax after snorkeling or do we head straight back?

After the three reef stops, the catamaran takes you to a secluded beach where you can wade in and float or stay aboard to rest before heading back to port.

Do I need to know how to snorkel to join this trip?

The trip is suitable for all physical fitness levels, and a guide in English or Spanish is with you the whole way, so beginners are welcome.

When does the catamaran depart and how long does the whole trip take?

The trip runs four hours total and departs from close to the main cruise ports in Cozumel, making it easy to fit into a port day.