Cozumel: Private El Cielo Snorkeling & Beach Lunch by Boat

Summary

Private boat ride to El Cielo snorkeling reefs plus ceviche lunch

You’ll cruise along Cozumel’s coast by private boat with a local crew, snorkel two vibrant reefs near El Cielo, then unwind on a secluded white sand beach. Enjoy fresh fish ceviche and cold margaritas right on the water. It’s relaxed, personal, and leaves you with those small moments you don’t really plan for but remember anyway.

What’s the experience like?

We met our captain, Javier, at the dock — he greeted us with this easy smile and a quick “¿Listos?” that made me feel like we were in on something good. The boat was just for us, no crowds or loud music, just the soft slap of water against fiberglass as we pulled away from Cozumel’s main drag. I caught a whiff of salt mixed with sunscreen (even though you’re not supposed to wear it here), and Javier grinned when I asked about the rules. “For the reefs,” he said, tapping his heart. Fair enough.

The first stop was a reef I can’t pronounce — Palancar? — where our guide handed over fins and masks. The water was so clear it felt like cheating, like someone had cranked up the color saturation just for us. Fish zipped past in little bursts of silver and blue, and every now and then I’d hear muffled laughter through my snorkel when someone spotted something weird (starfish bigger than my hand). At one point I lost track of time completely; there’s something about floating there, sun on your back, that makes you forget whatever else you’re supposed to care about.

After the second reef (I think it was Colombia?), we drifted toward this patch of white sand called El Cielo — “the sky,” which made sense once you saw how shallow and bright everything got. Javier anchored us in knee-deep turquoise water, then passed around icy margaritas and a tray of fish ceviche that tasted way better than anything I’ve tried back home. There was fruit too, but honestly I kept going back for more ceviche until someone finally laughed and told me to save some for the crew. We hung out there for a while — toes in the sand, sun everywhere — before heading to a quiet stretch of beach where nobody else seemed to exist except us and a couple pelicans eyeing our leftovers.

I didn’t expect how peaceful it would feel after all the colors underwater — just wind, distant music from another boat somewhere far off, maybe a nap if you let yourself drift. On the way back I tried to thank Javier in Spanish; he just laughed and said “De nada.” Still think about that view sometimes when things get noisy at home.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Private boat snorkeling and beach stop

• Cruise along Cozumel coastline
• Snorkel at two reefs
• Admire marine life and coral
• Taste fish ceviche and margaritas
• Relax at secluded white sandy beach

Top questions

Is snorkeling equipment included on this Cozumel private boat tour?

Yes, all snorkel gear is provided by the crew during your tour.

Do they serve lunch or drinks during the El Cielo snorkeling trip?

Yes, you’ll get fresh fish ceviche, seasonal fruit, beer, soda, bottled water, and margaritas.

Are there age or health restrictions for snorkeling at El Cielo?

The tour isn’t recommended for pregnant travelers or those with mobility/back/neck/cardiovascular issues; kids 5+ can join.

What happens if weather is bad or seas are rough near El Cielo?

If strong winds make El Cielo unsafe, snorkeling will be moved to another area nearby.

Can I use sunscreen during this Cozumel reef tour?

No sunscreen is allowed to protect the reefs; wear long sleeves or hats instead.

How many snorkeling stops are included in this private boat trip?

You’ll stop at two different reefs before relaxing at El Cielo sandbar and beach.

What’s included

Your day includes all snorkel equipment set up by certified staff, fresh fish ceviche served alongside seasonal fruit and cold drinks (beer, soda, bottled water), plus classic margaritas poured right on board before relaxing at an uncrowded beach spot in Cozumel.