Private Snorkeling in Cozumel: Remote Reefs & Beach Stops

Snorkel alone on a reef, then drift to your own stretch of beach.

Private snorkeling in Cozumel aboard a 27-foot Sea Ray with a live English or Spanish-speaking captain, snorkeling gear included, and a gourmet lunch prepared on board. You choose between the north or south side of the island depending on weather and preference, make one or two reef stops in Cozumel Reefs National Marine Park away from the tourist routes, and return at your own pace—or extend the day to a private beach. The boat holds your group alone; all drinks and food are included.

Step-by-step itinerary

Private boat tour around Cozumel

• Choose north or south island area
• Snorkel at exclusive reefs
• Slow return to marina
• Optional stop at private beach

The Experience

The boat leaves the marina and heads toward either the north or south end of Cozumel—a 40-minute ride that gives you time to settle in. Your captain will explain the options and recommend the best reefs based on the day's conditions, then take you to spots where you won't find crowds. You snorkel one or two stops in Cozumel Reefs National Marine Park, each one chosen for what's living there rather than how many people are already in the water. The gear is yours to use; the captain stays aboard and available if you need anything.

Between snorkeling stops, the crew prepares ceviche from fish delivered that morning by local fishermen, and sets out guacamole, seasonal fruit, snacks and vegetables. Beer, whiskey, tequila, rum and vodka are all included and waiting. The return to the marina is slow enough to let you decompress, but if you want more time, you can ask the captain to add a stop at Playa Palancar—a private beach with five kilometers of open sand. That second beach stop only fits into the longer tours, so it's something to mention when you book if the extended day appeals to you.

The boat is wheelchair accessible, and the crew can accommodate infants and small children. If you're traveling with a service animal, it's welcome aboard. A restroom is on board for the full duration. Pickup to the marina is included, and public transportation options are available nearby if you prefer to make your own way.

What’s included

• Snorkeling equipment.
• all drinks (beer, whiskey, tequila, rum, vodka).
• gourmet lunch prepared on board including fresh ceviche, guacamole, seasonal fruit, snacks and vegetables.
• restroom on board.
• a live captain who speaks English and Spanish.
• pickup to the marina.

Good to know

Easy physical levelWheelchair accessibleAccessible transportStroller friendlyPets welcomePublic transport nearby

Operated by DELUXE PRIVATE BOATS

Is this one for you?Book this if your group wants to snorkel without sharing the reef with dozens of other boats—the private boat and the captain's knowledge of which reefs are empty that day are what make that possible. The longer 5-hour option gives you more time in the water; the 4-hour option trades reef time for a private beach, so pick based on whether you'd rather maximize snorkeling or have a beach break built in.

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Top questions

How many people will be on the boat with us?

It's your group alone—the 27-foot Sea Ray is private, so nobody else is aboard. The captain and crew are there to run the boat and prepare your meals.

What's the difference between the 5-hour and 4-hour options?

The 5-hour tour includes one or two snorkeling stops and a return to the marina. The 4-hour option adds a stop at Playa Palancar, a private beach with five kilometers of sand, which shortens the time at the reefs but gives you a beach break instead.

Can the captain take us to a specific reef, or does he choose?

The captain recommends the best reefs based on the weather and what you want to see, and he'll take you to the spots he thinks will be best that day. Let him know your preferences—whether you want to see more fish, coral, or a mix—and he'll adjust the route.

What happens if the weather is bad on the day we book?

The captain decides whether to head north or south based on the conditions that morning, so you get the calmer side of the island. If conditions are unsafe, the operator will work with you to reschedule.

Is snorkeling gear included, or do we need to bring our own?

Snorkeling equipment is included—mask, fins and snorkel are provided. Bring a towel if you have one, as towels are not part of the package.

What's in the lunch you prepare on board?

The crew makes ceviche fresh from fish delivered that morning by local fishermen, and serves it with guacamole, seasonal fruit, snacks and vegetables. All drinks—beer, whiskey, tequila, rum and vodka—are included throughout the day.