Snorkeling in Cozumel: Private Boat to Passion Island

Shallow coral and a shipwreck in water clear enough to see 100 feet down.

A private 4-hour snorkeling boat tour in Cozumel takes you north to Passion Island with stops at Paradise Reef and a sunken ferry where coral and fish have colonized the wreck. You snorkel both sites with a bilingual guide and full equipment; the boat carries snacks, fresh fruit and beer. The tour adapts to wind and weather, and you spend time on the island's untouched beaches between water stops.

Step-by-step itinerary

Boat tour to Passion Island and snorkeling

• Snorkel at Paradise reef and shipwreck
• Stop at sunken ferry to see coral
• Enjoy beaches and swim at Passion Island
• Relax and walk along Passion Island beaches

The Experience

The boat leaves from Cozumel and heads north toward Passion Island, stopping first at Paradise Reef. You drop into shallow water where coral formations are already established and fish breed in the warm current. The visibility runs over 100 feet, so the reef structure and the marine life around it stay sharp the whole time you're down. A bilingual guide goes in with you and points out what's worth watching.

The second stop is a sunken ferry in shallow water—the kind of wreck that becomes a reef over time. Coral has grown across the hull and into the cabins, and the fish have moved in. You snorkel the ship and the reef around it with the same guide. Between the two stops and the time on Passion Island, the tour fills four hours without feeling rushed.

Passion Island itself is undeveloped—no resort, no crowds. You can walk the beaches, swim off the sand or just sit. The boat provides snacks and fresh fruit while you're there, plus beer if you want it. The tour skips the beach club that sits on the island; if you walk over to it, you can look but can't use the facilities. The whole day adapts to the weather and wind, so the operator may shift stops or timing if conditions change.

What’s included

• Snorkel equipment and a bilingual guide at both reef sites.
• bottled water, fresh fruit or guacamole, and beer for adults.
• time on Passion Island's beaches to swim or rest between stops.

Good to know

Easy physical levelNot for pregnant travelersNot for heart conditionsNot for back problems

Operated by Leon Tours

Is this one for you?Book this if you want to snorkel two different sites—a living reef and a colonized wreck—without the crowds of a shared boat. The private format means the guide can move at your pace and the boat adjusts to your group's interests and the day's conditions.

Traveler reviews

4.79★★★★★★★★★★

28 verified traveler reviews

5 ★26

4 ★0

3 ★0

2 ★2

1 ★0

Read all the reviews ›

Top questions

What's the water like when I snorkel at Paradise Reef and the sunken ferry?

Both stops sit in shallow water with visibility over 100 feet. Coral formations and fish have colonized the sunken ferry, and the reef at Paradise Reef is established and active. The water stays warm and clear enough to see the structure and marine life the whole time you're underwater.

Is snorkel equipment included, or do I need to bring my own?

Snorkel equipment is included—mask, fins, snorkel and wetsuit if you need one. A bilingual guide goes in the water with you at both stops.

What do I do on Passion Island itself?

Passion Island has untouched natural beaches where you can walk, swim or relax between snorkel stops. The boat provides snacks and fresh fruit while you're there. The tour stops away from the beach club on the island, though you're welcome to walk over and look at it.

How long is the whole tour, and what's included to eat and drink?

The tour runs 4 hours total. Bottled water, fresh fruit or guacamole, and beer (for guests 18 and older) are included. A photographer may be on board and can sell you pictures of the day for around 40 dollars, arranged directly with them.

Does the tour go to the same place every day, or does it change?

The operator reserves the right to adapt the tour to wind and weather conditions, so stops and timing may shift depending on the day. The core snorkel sites—Paradise Reef and the sunken ferry—are the main focus, with Passion Island as the destination.

Is this tour private, or will there be other groups?

This is a private boat tour, so it's your group only. The guide is bilingual in English and Spanish.