Cozumel: Turtle Sanctuary Catamaran & El Cielo Snorkel Tour

Summary

Snorkeling with turtles, floating at El Cielo, snacks and laughter on Cozumel’s water

You’ll swim alongside gentle turtles at Cozumel’s sanctuary, float over El Cielo’s starfish beds, and relax at Cielito sandbar with fresh fruit and ceviche. With drinks flowing and a local guide sharing stories along the way, this catamaran tour feels more like a laid-back day among friends than anything else.

What’s the experience like?

The first thing I noticed was the sound — that soft slap of waves against the catamaran hull as we set off from Cozumel’s marina. There was this faint smell of sunscreen (the reef-safe kind, our guide Luis kept reminding us) mixed with lime from someone’s margarita. I’d barely settled in when Luis grinned and said, “We’re heading to the turtle sanctuary first — you’ll want your mask ready.” He wasn’t kidding. The water was so clear I could see my own feet dangling above the reef before we even jumped in. And then, just like that, there were turtles. Not just one or two — I lost count after five. They moved so slowly it almost felt rude to splash.

After that, we drifted toward El Cielo. Luis called it “Heaven” but honestly, it’s more like a sunlit dream — shallow turquoise water and these bright red starfish scattered everywhere. Someone handed me a slice of cold pineapple while I floated on my back, which felt weirdly fancy for a snorkel trip. There was laughter from somewhere behind me (I think someone tried tequila for the first time), and for a minute everything went quiet except for water lapping and distant gulls. I still think about that silence sometimes.

We ended up at this place called Cielito — “Little Heaven,” which fits because it’s basically a sandbar where you can stand waist-deep in glassy water and eat ceviche out of a paper cup. The snacks tasted extra fresh after swimming; maybe it was just being out there in the sun with nothing but sea all around. On the way back, Luis poured rum punch for whoever wanted it and pointed out some clouds shaped like turtles (he swore he saw them every week). We cruised toward port as the sky started to turn orange — not quite sunset yet but close enough that nobody really wanted to talk much anymore.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Cozumel reef and sanctuary tour

• Arrive 30 minutes before sailing
• Snorkel at green turtle sanctuary
• Visit El Cielo starfish sanctuary
• Relax at Cielito sandbank
• Enjoy snacks and drinks
• Cruise back to port at sunset

Top questions

How long does the Cozumel Turtle Sanctuary Catamaran tour last?

The tour lasts about 4 hours from departure to return.

Is snorkeling equipment provided on this tour?

Yes, all snorkeling equipment is included in your booking.

Are drinks included during the catamaran tour?

You get rum punch, margaritas, tequila, beer (two per person if over 18), plus sodas and soft drinks.

What food is served during the tour?

You’ll have freshly prepared Mexican snacks like fruit and ceviche onboard.

Do I need to bring reef-safe sunscreen?

You should avoid using sunscreen before or during the tour; wearing a rash vest and hat is recommended instead.

Where does the tour depart from in Cozumel?

The catamaran departs from Cozumel’s marina; arrive 30 minutes early to check in.

Will we visit El Cielo on this day trip?

Yes, El Cielo is one of several stops included on this snorkeling day trip from Cozumel.

Is transportation provided to the marina?

No hotel pickup is included; public transportation options are available nearby.

What’s included

Your day includes use of all snorkelling equipment, freshly prepared Mexican snacks like fruit and ceviche served onboard with ice-cold drinks—rum punch, margaritas, tequila or beer for adults—plus soft drinks for everyone. There’s an onboard bathroom for comfort throughout your 4-hour catamaran adventure before returning to port near sunset.