Cozumel Snorkeling: Private Speedboat for Groups

Four hours in the water, three reef stops, starfish sandbar included

Private speedboat snorkeling in Cozumel for groups of 8 to 12 people, visiting Colombia Reef, Bolones Reef, and El Cielo starfish sandbar with a bilingual captain and guide. The boat departs from Marina ASIPONA with snorkel gear, fresh ceviche, guacamole, unlimited drinks and 2 beers per person included; a Back to Ship Guarantee means cruise passengers return to the dock in time for departure. Marine Park fees ($11 USD per person, cash only) are paid at check-in.

Step-by-step itinerary

Private speedboat snorkeling tour

• Meet bilingual crew and check in
• Attend safety briefing and get snorkel gear
• Snorkel at Colombia Reef
• Snorkel at Bolones Reef
• Relax at El Cielo sandbar with snacks and drinks
• Snorkel at shallow waters with stingrays
• Cruise back to marina

The Experience

You arrive at Marina ASIPONA and meet your bilingual crew for a quick check-in, Marine Park fee payment, and safety briefing. Snorkel gear—mask, fins, life vest, snorkel—gets handed out sanitized and ready. The speedboat holds your group of 8 to 12, so nobody's crammed in with strangers, and the captain knows exactly when your cruise ship leaves if you're sailing out of Cozumel that day.

The boat heads to Colombia Reef first, one of Cozumel's most famous reef systems where tropical fish move through coral formations and sea turtles show up often enough that you're not just hoping. You drop in and spend time at depth with real visibility. The second stop is Bolones Reef, deeper and along the Mesoamerican Barrier Reef itself, where the coral structures and marine life shift enough to feel like a different world. Between stops the crew keeps the boat moving but not rushed—there's time to breathe, rinse off, and grab water or a soft drink.

The third stop is El Cielo, the starfish sandbar. The water here is shallow and calm, the bottom is sand studded with starfish, and the crew has fresh guacamole, ceviche, and tortilla chips waiting on deck. You get 2 beers per person and unlimited bottled water and soft drinks. The final snorkel is in even shallower water where stingrays glide through regularly. Then the boat heads back to the marina with time built in so cruise passengers make their ship. The whole thing runs 4 hours from start to finish.

What’s included

• Sanitized snorkel gear (mask, fins, life vest, snorkel).
• fresh ceviche or seasonal fruit.
• fresh guacamole and tortilla chips.
• 2 beers per person.
• unlimited bottled water and soft drinks.
• bilingual certified captain and snorkel guide.
• Back to Ship Guarantee for cruise passengers.

Good to know

Moderate physical levelPublic transport nearbyNot for pregnant travelersInfants must sit on laps

Operated by Boat Trips Club

Is this one for you?Four hours leaves room for a leisurely morning or afternoon without eating your whole day—long enough to hit three reef stops and the starfish sandbar, short enough to fit around a cruise ship departure or other plans. The private boat means your group sets the pace instead of waiting for a shared departure to fill up.

Top questions

What's the difference between Colombia Reef and Bolones Reef on this snorkeling trip?

Colombia Reef is Cozumel's most famous reef system with tropical fish, coral formations, and frequent sea turtle sightings in shallower water. Bolones Reef sits deeper along the Mesoamerican Barrier Reef itself, with stronger visibility and more dramatic coral structures.

Does this private speedboat snorkeling trip include transportation from my hotel?

Transportation to Marina ASIPONA is not included; you arrange your own way to the marina or book it separately. Public transportation options are available nearby. The boat itself departs and returns from the marina.

What happens if my cruise ship leaves before the snorkeling trip ends?

The Back to Ship Guarantee means the captain plans the timing so cruise passengers return to the marina before the ship's departure window. If you're sailing that day, let the crew know at check-in so they can adjust the schedule.

Is snorkel gear provided, or do I bring my own?

Sanitized snorkel gear is provided: mask, fins, life vest, and snorkel. You don't need to bring your own unless you prefer it.

How many people will be on the boat with me?

The boat is private for your group of 8 to 12 people. You're not sharing it with other groups, so the experience stays within your party.

What's included to eat and drink during the 4 hours?

Fresh ceviche or seasonal fruit, fresh guacamole with tortilla chips, 2 beers per person, and unlimited bottled water and soft drinks are all included onboard.