Cozumel: Glass Bottom Boat Reef Snorkeling & Drinks Tour

Summary

Snorkel Cozumel’s reefs by glass bottom boat with local guide and drinks

You’ll float above Cozumel’s reefs in a glass bottom boat with a local guide who keeps things easygoing. Snorkel Villa Blanca Wall and Paradise Reef, spot tropical fish up close, then relax with cold drinks as you dry off in the sun. It’s two hours of color, laughter, and those little moments you’ll remember later.

What’s the experience like?

The first thing I noticed was how clear the water looked through the glass bottom of our little boat — almost like staring into an aquarium, except it kept shifting with sunlight. We’d barely left the pier in Cozumel when our guide, Mario, grinned and handed out snorkel tubes (he called them “souvenirs,” which made me laugh). There was this salty breeze that stuck to my skin and I could already hear someone opening a can of soda behind me. Honestly, I felt half-nervous about my mask fitting right, but Mario just showed me how to pull the strap down so it didn’t tug at my hair. He’s done this a thousand times.

Villa Blanca Wall was our first stop — not far at all from downtown. The photographer dove in before us (I’m still not sure how he managed that camera underwater), and suddenly there were these tiny blue fish darting past my hands. The water tasted faintly metallic and warm near the surface. There was a couple from Mérida who kept pointing at things I couldn’t see until Mario swam over and pointed out a spiky sea urchin wedged in some coral. I tried to say “erizo” like he did — probably butchered it — but he just laughed and gave me a thumbs up.

We drifted over to Paradise Reef next, both shallow and deep parts, though honestly I lost track of which was which because everything just blurred into color and movement. There was this moment where I floated on my back for a second, mask fogging up, sun on my face — and everything felt quiet except for the slap of water against the hull. It’s weird what sticks with you; I still think about that view sometimes when things get noisy back home.

Back on board, someone passed around cold beer (after we finished swimming — strict rule), plus soft drinks for anyone who wanted them. My fingers were wrinkled from the saltwater but nobody seemed to care. We swapped stories about where we were from as we headed back toward town, wind tangling my hair again. If you’re looking for some huge adventure or wild party, this isn’t really that — but if you want two hours where life feels simple and bright? Well… yeah.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Cozumel coral reef snorkeling tour

• Board glass bottom boat
• Receive snorkel gear
• Snorkel at Villa Blanca Wall reef
• Photographer takes underwater photos
• Snorkel at Shallow Paraiso reef
• Snorkel at Deep Paraiso reef
• Enjoy included drinks onboard

Top questions

How long is the Cozumel glass bottom boat snorkeling tour?

The snorkeling tour lasts about 2 hours from departure to return.

Which reefs do you visit during this snorkeling trip?

You visit Villa Blanca Wall first, then both parts of Paradise Reef (shallow and deep).

Is snorkel equipment included on this tour?

Yes, all snorkel gear is provided: fins, mask, life vest, plus a new tube as a souvenir.

Are drinks included during the snorkeling tour?

Yes—soft drinks and bottled water are available throughout; beer is served after swimming.

Is there hotel pickup for this Cozumel snorkeling trip?

No hotel pickup; you meet at the pier in downtown Cozumel before departure.

Can children join this glass bottom boat snorkeling tour?

Yes—children can join but must be accompanied by an adult at all times.

Do I need to pay any extra fees on arrival?

Yes—there’s an $8 USD marine/pier fee per passenger payable in cash before boarding.

Is this tour suitable for cruise ship passengers?

Yes—but check your ship’s time against Cozumel time since they may differ.

What’s included

Your trip includes use of fins, mask, life vest, and a fresh snorkel tube you can keep as a souvenir. You’ll have soft drinks or bottled water during the ride (and beer after your swim), plus guidance from a bilingual local guide throughout your two-hour reef adventure before returning to town together.