Snorkeling in Cozumel: Catamaran with Open Bar & Three Reefs

Three reefs, one catamaran, a day that doesn't stop moving

A seven-hour catamaran excursion from Cozumel that takes you snorkeling at Palancar Reef, Columbia Reef, and El Cielo, with equipment, a certified guide, beach club time before departure, and an open bar throughout. The route includes a final stop at El Cielito sandbar, where you'll eat ceviche and watch rays move through shallow turquoise water before heading back to shore.

Step-by-step itinerary

Stops and time at each

1. Palancar Reef30m
2. Columbia Reef30m

Cozumel Catamaran Adventure and Snorkeling

• Check in at downtown Cozumel
• Transfer to Playa Tortugas Beach Club
• Relax at Playa Tortugas Beach Club
• Board catamaran at 2:00 PM
• Snorkel at Palancar Reef
• Snorkel at Columbia Reef
• Visit El Cielo for snorkeling
• Stop at El Cielito with snack
• Return to departure point by catamaran

The experience

You start the afternoon at a meeting point in downtown Cozumel, then ride to Playa Tortugas Beach Club: included transport, no separate trip to arrange. Once there, you have time to settle into the Caribbean mood, use the beach club facilities, and get ready before the catamaran leaves at 2:00 PM. The boat is a double-decker, which means space to move around, shade when you want it, and room for the music and energy the day builds on.

The first snorkeling stop is Palancar Reef, one of Cozumel's most recognized reef areas. You get in the water with included snorkeling equipment and a lifejacket, and the certified guide is there. After Palancar, the catamaran moves to Columbia Reef for a second dive into the same clear Caribbean water and reef environment. Between stops, you're back on board with drinks (beer, margaritas, bottled water, soft drinks), and the music keeps the day moving. The open bar runs all afternoon, which means you're not counting drinks or watching a tab.

The route then reaches El Cielo, the stop most people come for. It's shallower and calmer than the reefs, known for starfish resting on the seabed and the turquoise water that gives it its name. The final stop is El Cielito, a sandbar in even shallower water where rays drift through, and this is where the included snack arrives: fish ceviche and a hot dog per person. By the time the catamaran turns back toward shore, you've snorkeled three different spots, eaten, drunk, and watched the same Caribbean light the whole afternoon.

What’s included

• Catamaran excursion on a double-decker boat.
• snorkeling equipment and lifejacket.
• certified marine guide in English or Spanish.
• access to Playa Tortugas Beach Club before departure.
• one-way transport to the beach club and return transport after the excursion.
• snorkeling at Palancar Reef, Columbia Reef, El Cielo, and El Cielito.
• fish ceviche and one hot dog per person.
• open bar with beer, margaritas, bottled water and soft drinks.
• onboard entertainment and music.

Before you book

Days and timesEvery dayDeparts at 13:00

Book up to3h before

AgesAdult (11 and older) · Child (4 to 10 years) · Infant (under 4): free

GroupUp to 35

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$ 28

Prices and times updated 13 days ago

Good to know

Easy physical levelPublic transport nearbyInfants must sit on laps

Operated by Josmar Line

Is this one for you?Book this shared catamaran if you want multiple reef stops with a group atmosphere and beach club time included. Choose a private charter instead if you prefer a quieter experience or a customized route.

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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 (4 to 10 years); Infant (under 4): free.

What's the water like at each snorkeling stop in Cozumel?

Palancar Reef and Columbia Reef are deeper reef environments with tropical fish and coral structure; El Cielo is shallower and known for starfish on the seabed and clear turquoise water; El Cielito is a sandbar in the shallowest water, where rays move through and visibility stays high.

Do I need snorkeling experience to join this catamaran?

No, the excursion is suitable for all physical fitness levels, and snorkeling equipment and lifejackets are included. A certified marine guide is on board, and the stops range from reef snorkeling to shallow sandbar wading, so you can choose your depth.

What time does the catamaran leave and how long is the whole day?

The catamaran departs at 2:00 PM from Playa Tortugas Beach Club and the full excursion runs seven hours, so you're back on shore by evening. You have time at the beach club before boarding to adjust to the Caribbean pace.

What's included in the open bar?

Beer, margaritas, bottled water, and soft drinks are available throughout the afternoon on board. The bar runs the entire excursion, so drinks keep coming between snorkeling stops and at the sandbar.

Is the meal included, and can I request something different?

Fish ceviche and one hot dog per person are served at El Cielito as a fixed dish. The operator does not offer substitutions or adjustments for dietary restrictions, food preferences, or special requests, so plan accordingly if you have allergies or dietary needs.

How do I get to the meeting point and back after the excursion?

One-way transport from the downtown Cozumel meeting point to Playa Tortugas Beach Club is included, as is return transport from the beach club back to the original departure point. Public transportation options are available nearby if you need other connections.