Cozumel Catamaran Snorkel Tour: Private El Cielo Lunch

Five hours on the water, three snorkel stops, and a sand bar where starfish cover the bottom

A private catamaran charter in Cozumel that departs Marina Fonatur and includes two reef snorkels, the El Cielo sand bar, gourmet lunch, and a full open bar—with a four-person crew, snorkeling gear, towels and paddleboards included. Book the 5-hour or 6-hour version depending on how much time you have; cruise passengers must provide their ship name and docking time to guarantee the tour runs.

The Experience

Five hours starts at Marina Fonatur, where the crew welcomes you aboard and runs through a safety briefing before the catamaran heads into Cozumel National Marine Park. The first two stops are reef snorkels—the crew guides you through vibrant coral and tropical fish, and snorkeling gear is provided. They know the reefs and watch over first-timers and experienced snorkelers alike.

El Cielo sand bar is the centerpiece: shallow turquoise water where starfish dot the sandy bottom. You can wade, swim, paddleboard, or float on the inflatable mat while the crew stays on deck. The water is clear enough to see the starfish without diving. On the sail back, lunch arrives—fresh seasonal fruit, fish ceviche, tuna poke bowl, guacamole, quesadillas and veggie sticks. The open bar runs the whole day: four bottles of your choice (Absolut, Don Julio, Jack Daniel's, Bacardi), house wine, 48 beers, and soft drinks.

A four-person crew means someone is always available—whether you need help with snorkeling gear, want to know what fish you're seeing, or just need a towel. The catamaran has WiFi and a Bluetooth sound system. Cruise passengers need to provide their ship name and docking time when booking; if the ship doesn't call port in Cozumel, you get a full refund. Let the crew know your drink preferences and any dietary needs ahead of time, and they'll have everything ready.

What’s included

• Certified captain and crew of four.
• snorkeling gear and towels.
• two reef snorkels and time at El Cielo sand bar.
• paddleboards and inflatable water mat.
• gourmet lunch with fresh fruit, ceviche, poke bowl, guacamole, quesadillas and veggie sticks.
• open bar with four bottles of your choice (Absolut, Don Julio, Jack Daniel's or Bacardi), house wine, 48 beers and soft drinks all day.
• WiFi and Bluetooth sound system.

Good to know

Easy physical levelWheelchair accessibleStroller friendlyPublic transport nearbyNot for heart conditionsInfants must sit on laps

Operated by Next Experience Travel

Is this one for you?Book the 5-hour version if you want the full reef-and-sand-bar experience with a leisurely lunch; choose the 6-hour option if you're staying in Cozumel and want maximum time at each stop; the 4-hour sail works for cruise passengers with a tight schedule. Cruise travelers must provide their ship name and docking time at checkout to lock in the tour.

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Top questions

What's the difference between the 4-hour, 5-hour and 6-hour versions of this tour?

The 4-hour Sail & Snorkel Experience covers snorkeling at two reefs and a shorter time at El Cielo. The 5-hour Full Experience adds more time at the sand bar and a full gourmet lunch. The 6-hour Full Experience gives you the most time at each stop, including the complete lunch and bar service. All three include snorkeling gear, towels and paddleboards.

Can I paddleboard at El Cielo, or is it just for swimming?

Paddleboards and an inflatable water mat are available at El Cielo sand bar, so you can paddleboard, float, wade or swim depending on what you want to do. The water is shallow and calm, and the crew is there if you need help.

What happens if my cruise ship doesn't dock in Cozumel?

The operator guarantees a full refund if your cruise ship does not call port in Cozumel at all. You must provide your ship's name and docking time when you book so they can confirm the tour will run.

Is snorkeling gear included, and do I need experience?

Snorkeling gear, towels and instruction are all included. The crew guides both first-timers and experienced snorkelers, and they watch over everyone in the water to keep it safe and fun.

What's included in the open bar and the lunch?

The open bar includes four bottles of your choice (Absolut Vodka, Don Julio Tequila, Jack Daniel's Whiskey or Bacardi Rum), one bottle of house wine, and 48 beers (XX Lager and Corona). Lunch is fresh seasonal fruit, fish ceviche, tuna poke bowl, guacamole, quesadillas and veggie sticks. Soft drinks—Coca-Cola, Sprite, Squirt, water and juices—are available all day. Tell the crew about your drink preferences and any dietary restrictions when you book.

Do I need to bring anything, or is everything provided?

Snorkeling gear, towels, paddleboards and the inflatable mat are all provided. Bring sunscreen, sunglasses and a hat if you want them; the catamaran has an open deck with sun exposure, though there is shaded seating.