Cozumel catamaran snorkel tour: El Cielo starfish & open bar

Snorkel three reefs and drift among starfish while the bar stays open

A five-hour catamaran snorkel tour in Cozumel that departs at 1 PM and visits a pristine reef, El Cielo (Mexico's largest starfish sanctuary), and El Cielito's shallow turquoise shallows. The boat carries a certified bilingual guide, unlimited beer and margaritas for adults, snorkeling gear, and a grilled lunch—all included. Children from age 2 are welcome.

The Experience

Boarding starts at 1 PM when the captain and crew lay out the day's plan and the open bar begins flowing. You'll spend 35 minutes snorkeling a virgin reef where tropical fish move through crystal-clear water, then head to El Cielo for a 20-minute swim among starfish resting on the sandy bottom—the largest starfish sanctuary in Mexico, and the reason most people book this particular boat. The water stays clear enough to see them without effort.

El Cielito comes next: a shallow turquoise sandbank just 1.2 meters deep where friendly manta rays drift through and the vibe shifts to pure floating. You'll have 40 to 60 minutes here while the drinks keep coming and the music plays. The depth means even weaker swimmers can stand and move around, and the sand stays visible the whole time you're there.

Back on board, a meal of grilled chicken, rice, and fresh seasonal fruit refuels the group before the return. Snorkeling equipment and a certified guide in English or Spanish are included throughout, so you show up with a swimsuit and a towel. The catamaran is double-deck, which means space to move around between stops and somewhere to sit in shade if the sun gets too much. A docking tax of 500 MXN per person is charged separately at checkout; gratuities are not included.

What’s included

• Double-deck catamaran with certified bilingual guides.
• snorkeling equipment for all three reef stops.
• unlimited beer, margaritas, soft drinks and bottled water for adults 18+.
• grilled chicken lunch with rice and seasonal fruit.
• snacks of spaghetti sandwich and fresh ceviche.
• live entertainment and music throughout the day.

Good to know

Easy physical levelPublic transport nearbyInfants must sit on laps

Operated by J Capital Travel

Is this one for you?Book this tour if you want the starfish sanctuary El Cielo as the centerpiece of your snorkel day—it's the largest in Mexico and the reason this boat fills up. The shallow turquoise waters of El Cielito suit swimmers of all levels, and the open bar and onboard meal mean you're not hunting for food or drinks between stops.

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Top questions

What's the water like at El Cielo compared to the other snorkel stops?

El Cielo is Mexico's largest starfish sanctuary, where starfish rest visibly on the sandy bottom in clear water—the defining stop on this tour. The first reef is a pristine, untouched site with colorful fish and crystal-clear conditions; El Cielito is shallower (1.2 meters) and known for manta rays rather than starfish.

Can I bring my two-year-old on this catamaran?

Children from age 2 are welcome aboard. Infants under 2 must sit on an adult's lap. The boat carries certified guides and snorkeling equipment for all ages, though very young children may not snorkel and will need constant supervision in the water.

What time does the boat leave and how long is the full tour?

Boarding starts at 1 PM and the tour runs five hours total, so you'll return in the late afternoon. The itinerary includes 35 minutes at the first reef, 20 minutes at El Cielo, and 40 to 60 minutes at El Cielito, plus travel time between stops and an onboard meal.

Is the open bar included for everyone?

The open bar serves unlimited beer, margaritas, soft drinks, and bottled water—but alcohol is for adults 18 and over only. Children and non-drinkers have access to soft drinks and water throughout the day.

What food is served on the boat?

Lunch includes grilled chicken, rice, and fresh seasonal fruit. Snacks of a spaghetti sandwich and fresh ceviche are also provided. The open bar means you can graze and drink throughout the five hours without stopping at a restaurant.

Do I need to bring my own snorkeling gear?

Snorkeling equipment is included and provided by the tour operator. A certified guide in English or Spanish is with the group the entire time to help with gear, answer questions about the marine life, and ensure safety in the water.