Snorkeling in Cozumel: floating brunch at El Cielo
Reef snorkel, then a sandbank breakfast in the shallows
A 5-hour snorkeling boat tour in Cozumel that sails from your choice of dock to Colombia reef for 30 minutes of snorkeling, then drifts to El Cielo sandbank where brunch arrives in a floating basket. The Sea Ray 280 carries the group, snorkeling gear and water inflatables are included, and a guide speaks English or Spanish.
Step-by-step itinerary
Boat tour with snorkeling and brunch
- Board the boat at selected dock
- Sail 20 minutes to Colombia reef
- Snorkel for 30 minutes
- Sail 10 minutes to El Cielo sandbank
- Enjoy floating brunch basket in water
- Relax and observe starfish and manta rays
- Return to dock to end tour
The Experience
What makes this different is the floating basket—your meal arrives on the water instead of at a table, served while you're still in the turquoise shallows at El Cielo. The day starts when you board at your chosen dock. After a 20-minute sail, you reach Colombia reef and spend 30 minutes snorkeling in water clear enough to see the bottom. Then another 10 minutes gets you to El Cielo, a sandbank unique to the Mexican Caribbean, where the water is so shallow and calm that you can stand, float or wade while eating. Starfish scatter across the sand, and manta rays drift through regularly enough that seeing them is ordinary here, not luck.
The brunch menu includes fresh fruit, snacks, fish ceviche and guacamole, plus margaritas or beer and bottled water. Snorkeling equipment and water inflatables come with the boat. The whole tour runs 5 hours and ends back at the dock where you started, so you're free for the rest of your afternoon in Cozumel.
What’s included
- Snorkeling equipment and water inflatables.
- floating brunch with fruit, snacks, fish ceviche and guacamole.
- margaritas or beer.
- bottled water.
- live guide in English or Spanish.
- pickup from your choice of dock.
Operated by El Cielo Cozumel Tours
Is this one for you?The 5-hour commitment means you can snorkel and eat without rushing, then have the afternoon free for the rest of Cozumel—the timing leaves room for a beach or a second activity without the day feeling packed.
Traveler reviews
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How long is the actual snorkeling time at Colombia reef?
You snorkel at Colombia reef for 30 minutes after a 20-minute boat ride from the dock.
What is El Cielo and why do people go there?
El Cielo is a shallow sandbank in the Mexican Caribbean where the water is calm and clear enough to see starfish on the bottom and manta rays passing through; it's where your brunch is served while you float.
Is snorkeling equipment included, or do I need to bring my own?
Snorkeling equipment and water inflatables are both included with the tour.
Can I choose which dock to leave from?
Yes, you select your dock when you book, and the boat returns you to the same place after the 5-hour tour.
What's included to eat and drink?
The floating brunch includes fresh fruit, snacks, fish ceviche, guacamole, margaritas or beer, and bottled water.
Do I need any experience to snorkel on this tour?
The tour suits all physical fitness levels, though it's not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries, poor cardiovascular health, or if you're pregnant.
Snorkeling in Cozumel: floating brunch at El Cielo
5h · EN · ES · at your hotel
from US$ 799 per group
★★★★★★★★★★4.229 reviews









