Snorkeling in Cozumel: Catamaran to El Cielo or Passion Island

Two hours sailing, two and a half hours in the water: meals and drinks waiting when you climb back aboard.

A shared catamaran snorkeling trip in Cozumel where you choose between El Cielo or Passion Island, with five hours total including sailing, reef snorkeling, and time on the sandbar. The boat carries a certified captain and crew. Snorkeling gear, life jackets, a full meal with grilled chicken and fresh fruit, beer, rum punch and soft drinks are all included. You meet 15 minutes before departure, and the tour runs either 9am–2pm or 2pm–7pm depending on which destination you pick.

Step-by-step itinerary

Luxury catamaran tour to El Cielo

• Board luxury catamaran in Cozumel
• Sail approximately 1 hour to El Cielo
• Snorkel vibrant coral reefs
• Relax at El Cielo sandbar
• Enjoy grilled chicken, rice, and tortillas
• Have fresh fruit, snacks, and drinks
• Sail approximately 1 hour back to Cozumel

The experience

The catamaran leaves from Cozumel with about two hours of sailing round-trip, roughly an hour each way, to reach either El Cielo or Passion Island. El Cielo is known for its clear turquoise water and sandbars shallow enough to stand in. Passion Island sits near coral reefs. Once you arrive, you spend up to two and a half hours in the water: snorkeling the reef first, then moving to the sandbar or beach to swim and float. The crew provides snorkeling equipment, life jackets, a floating water mat, a hanging hammock and a paddleboard, so you can choose how to spend your time on the water.

Meals and drinks run continuously. You get grilled chicken, rice and tortillas at El Cielo, plus chips, pico de gallo, seasonal fruit and guacamole at both stops. Beer, margaritas, rum punch and soft drinks are available throughout the day: alcohol is for guests 18 and older. The crew handles the boat and the timing. You just show up 15 minutes before the departure time your confirmation email provides. Snorkeling equipment is available for ages 7 and up, and snorkeling itself is recommended for ages 6 and older.

The El Cielo tour runs 2pm–7pm. Passion Island runs 9am–2pm. Meeting point details arrive once you book. If you're arriving by cruise ship, provide your ship's name and port time when you reserve. The operator will confirm your meeting location. Public transportation is available nearby if you need it. Guests who arrive late forfeit their spot and refund.

What’s included

• Snorkeling equipment and life jackets.
• floating water mat, hanging hammock and paddleboard.
• full meal with grilled chicken, rice, tortillas, fresh fruit, chips and pico de gallo.
• beer, margaritas, rum punch and soft drinks.
• certified captain and crew.

Options for this experience

2 options

El Cielo CatamaranUp to 15 people · Guide in English or Spanish · 14:30

Isla PasionUp to 20 people · Guide in English or Spanish · 09:00Isla Pasion

You pick the guide language when booking.

You see the exact price of each option when you check availability.See dates & prices

Before you book

Days and timesEvery dayDepartures at 09:00 and 14:30

AgesAdult (13 and older) · Child (4 to 12 years) · Infant (under 4): free

GroupUp to 30

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.

Prices and times updated yesterday

Good to know

Easy physical levelPublic transport nearbyNot for back problems

Operated by Shore Adventures Tours

Is this one for you?Book the El Cielo afternoon departure if you want calm, shallow water and a relaxed sandbar setting. Choose Passion Island in the morning if you're drawn to reef snorkeling and don't mind a longer boat ride. Either way, the crew handles the navigation and the meal timing, so your only job is to decide when to snorkel and when to float.

Traveler reviews

5.00★★★★★★★★★★

2 verified traveler reviews

Read all the reviews ›

Top questions

What languages is the guide in?

Live guide in English and Spanish.

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Child (4 to 12 years); Infant (under 4): free.

What's the difference between El Cielo and Passion Island on this catamaran?

El Cielo is famous for its crystal-clear turquoise water and sandbars where you can stand in shallow water and relax. Passion Island sits closer to coral reefs, so snorkeling is the main draw. Both include the same meals, drinks and equipment. You're choosing the setting and what you want to focus on in the water.

How much time do I actually spend snorkeling versus sailing?

You sail for about two hours round-trip (roughly an hour each way), then spend up to two and a half hours at your chosen destination in the water: snorkeling the reef first, then moving to the sandbar or beach.

What food and drinks are included on the boat?

The catamaran provides grilled chicken, rice, tortillas, fresh seasonal fruit, chips, pico de gallo and guacamole. Beer, margaritas, rum punch and soft drinks are available throughout the day. Alcohol is for guests 18 and older.

Do I need to bring my own snorkeling gear?

No, snorkeling equipment, life jackets, a floating water mat, a hanging hammock and a paddleboard are all provided. Snorkeling gear is available for guests aged 7 and older.

What time does the tour start and how long is it?

The El Cielo tour runs 2pm–7pm and the Passion Island tour runs 9am–2pm. Both are five hours total. You'll meet 15 minutes before your departure time, and the meeting point details arrive in your confirmation email.

If I'm on a cruise ship, how does this work?

When you book, provide your ship's name and the time it will be at port. The operator will send you the exact meeting location once your tour is confirmed. Public transportation is available nearby if you need it to reach the departure point.