Snorkeling in Cozumel: Double-Deck Catamaran to Four Reefs

Four reef stops and a starfish sandbar in one afternoon on the water.

A catamaran snorkeling tour in Cozumel departs from Playa Tortugas Beach Club and visits Palancar Reef, Columbia Reef, El Cielo and El Cielito, with certified guides leading the water time at each stop. The tour runs seven hours and includes snorkeling equipment, an open bar, fish ceviche and a hot dog, plus music and entertainment aboard a two-level vessel. Transportation from downtown Cozumel to the beach club is included. The catamaran departs at 2:00 PM.

Step-by-step itinerary

Stops and time at each

1. Palancar Reef30m
2. Columbia Reef30m

Cozumel reef snorkeling and catamaran cruise

• Meet team in downtown Cozumel
• Transfer to Playa Tortugas Beach Club
• Relax at Playa Tortugas Beach Club
• Depart on double-decker catamaran
• Snorkel at Palancar Reef
• Snorkel at Columbia Reef
• Visit El Cielo shallow waters
• Stop at El Cielito sandbar and snack
• Return cruise to departure point

The experience

You start in downtown Cozumel, where the team verifies your reservation and walks you through the first instructions before transport takes you to Playa Tortugas Beach Club. This gives you time to settle into the coastal setting and get ready for the catamaran departure at 2:00 PM. Once aboard the double-deck vessel, the route moves through the water with certified guides leading each snorkeling stop.

The first two stops are the reefs: Palancar Reef comes first, where you enter the clear Caribbean water with included snorkeling gear and explore the reef formations. Columbia Reef follows as a second underwater session with a different marine environment. Between stops, the catamaran keeps moving with music, entertainment, and an open bar serving margaritas, beer, bottled water and soft drinks. After the reefs, El Cielo offers a shift into shallower, turquoise water known for starfish resting on the sandy bottom: a calmer moment after the reef snorkeling. El Cielito, the sandbar area connected to El Cielo, closes out the marine stops with possible ray sightings and the included snack of fish ceviche and one hot dog per person.

The return journey back toward the departure area lets you stay on deck with sea views and the relaxed Caribbean pace of the afternoon. Life jackets are provided alongside the snorkeling equipment, and certified guides are present during all water time. The whole experience runs seven hours from the initial meeting point through the return.

What’s included

• Certified marine guides during snorkeling at all four reef and water stops.
• catamaran excursion aboard a spacious two-level vessel.
• general admission to Playa Tortugas Beach Club.
• snorkeling equipment and life jacket.
• music and onboard entertainment.
• open bar with beer, margaritas, bottled water and soft drinks.
• fish ceviche and one hot dog.
• transportation from downtown Cozumel to the beach club.

Before you book

Days and timesEvery dayDeparts at 13:00

Book up to3h before

AgesAdult (11 and older) · Child (3 to 10 years) · Infant (under 3): 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 levelStroller friendlyPublic transport nearbyNot for back problemsInfants must sit on laps

Operated by Travelity Experiences

Is this one for you?Seven hours is long enough to hit all four reef and water stops without rushing, but short enough to fit into a free afternoon if you land in Cozumel with time to spare. The fixed 2:00 PM departure means you know when to be at the beach club. The catamaran, guides, gear and food are all arranged, so the day holds together without building it yourself.

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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 (3 to 10 years); Infant (under 3): free.

What's the difference between Palancar Reef and Columbia Reef on this snorkeling tour?

Palancar Reef is the first snorkeling stop and introduces the underwater part of the day with well-known reef formations around Cozumel. Columbia Reef follows as the second stop, offering a different reef environment and marine landscape within the same island waters.

Is El Cielo the same as El Cielito, or are they separate stops?

El Cielo and El Cielito are connected but separate stops. El Cielo is a shallow-water location known for its transparent turquoise water and starfish on the sandy bottom. El Cielito is the sandbar area attached to El Cielo, offering a more relaxed atmosphere with possible ray sightings and where the included snack is served.

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

The catamaran departs at 2:00 PM from Playa Tortugas Beach Club. The complete tour runs seven hours from your initial meeting point in downtown Cozumel through the return.

Is snorkeling gear provided, or do I need to bring my own?

Snorkeling equipment and life jackets are included with the tour, so you don't need to bring your own gear.

What food and drinks are included on the catamaran?

An open bar serves margaritas, beer, bottled water and soft drinks throughout the afternoon. The included snack is fish ceviche and one hot dog per person, served at El Cielito. The food is a set meal according to the standard menu and cannot be modified for allergies or dietary needs.

Do I need to arrange my own transportation from my hotel?

Transportation from downtown Cozumel to Playa Tortugas Beach Club is included with the tour. Public transportation options are also available nearby if you prefer to arrange your own way to the meeting point.