Snorkeling in Cozumel from Tulum: Three Reefs & El Cielo

Starfish and rays scatter across El Cielo's shallow turquoise floor

Snorkel three sites in Cozumel (El Cielo, Palancar Reef and Colombia Reef) departing from Tulum City with ferry passage, boat tour, lunch and equipment included. Jump into shallow turquoise waters to spot starfish, stingrays and tropical fish, then relax on Cielito Beach before free time in Cozumel town. The 13-hour day splits between transport and water time, with a meal and drinks at a beachfront restaurant.

Step-by-step itinerary

Snorkeling and exploring Cozumel

• Ferry ride to Cozumel
• Boat ride to El Cielo
• Snorkel at El Cielo
• Snorkel at Palancar Reef
• Snorkel at Colombia Reef
• Lunch and swim at restaurant pool
• Free time in Cozumel town

The experience

The day starts with a scenic ferry ride from Tulum City to Cozumel, then a boat ride to three snorkeling spots. El Cielo comes first: a shallow reef famous for starfish scattered across the sandy floor, stingrays gliding past, and the bright turquoise water the spot is named for. Palancar Reef and Colombia Reef follow, both deeper sites where turtles, spotted eagle rays and dense schools of tropical fish move through coral formations. You bring your own snorkel gear or use the equipment provided, and the guide speaks English or Spanish throughout.

After the three reefs, the boat heads to Cielito Beach for a wind-down hour in the sand and shallows. Then comes lunch at a beachfront restaurant with your choice of dish, plus one drink and access to the pool if you want to rinse off and cool down. The meal gives you a break before the final two hours: free time to walk Cozumel town, browse shops, grab coffee by the water, or just sit.

The full day runs 13 hours door-to-door, though about five of those are transport: ferry to the island, boat between sites, ferry back. Round-trip pickup happens at Super Aki store in Tulum City. Box lunch (ham sandwich, juice, fruit) is packed for the boat, and one drink per person comes during the snorkel portion. Biodegradable sunscreen only. Bring your swimsuit, towel and extra clothes. A preservation tax of 4 USD per person is not included in the price.

What’s included

• Round-trip transport from Super Aki store in Tulum City.
• ferry tickets to and from Cozumel.
• boat tour between the three snorkel sites.
• snorkel equipment.
• box lunch with ham sandwich, juice and fruit.
• one drink per person during the boat tour (soda, beer or water).
• one beverage at the restaurant.
• access to the restaurant pool.
• two hours of free time in Cozumel town.

Before you book

Days and timesEvery day except WednesdayDeparts at 07:00

AgesAdult (11 to 79 years) · Child (4 to 10 years) · Infant (under 4): free

GroupUp to 45

Live guideEnglish and Spanish

Meeting point and pickupNo hotel pickup: you go to the meeting point. Ends back at the starting point.

Cancellation and refundsFree cancellation up to 24 h before the start. After that, no refund.It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund.

Paid on siteUS$ 4

Prices and times updated today

Good to know

Low physical effortNot recommended during pregnancyNot recommended with heart problemsNot recommended with back problemsInfants must sit on laps

Operated by Cancun Smart Pass

Is this one for you?You're snorkeling at three reef sites with a group on a fixed itinerary, so book this if you want to see Palancar Reef, Colombia Reef, and El Cielo's starfish all in one day rather than piecing together separate boat trips.

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Top questions

What languages is the tour guided in?

Live guide in English and Spanish.

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Child (4 to 10 years); Infant (under 4): free.

What happens if it rains?

It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund. Free cancellation up to 24 h before the start.

Can I snorkel if I'm not a strong swimmer?

Snorkel is not available for non-swimmers, people over 59 years old, or children under 10 years old. El Cielo's shallow waters are the gentlest of the three sites, but the activity requires basic water comfort and the ability to breathe through a snorkel.

What's the difference between El Cielo and the two reefs?

El Cielo is shallow with a sandy floor where starfish and stingrays rest in plain sight. Palancar Reef and Colombia Reef are deeper coral formations where turtles, spotted eagle rays and larger schools of fish live. You visit all three in one day.

How much time do I actually spend in the water?

About five hours of the 13-hour day is ferry and boat transport. The rest splits between snorkeling at the three sites, relaxing on Cielito Beach, lunch and drinks at the restaurant, and free time in Cozumel town.

What's included in the meal at the restaurant?

Lunch is a dish you choose from the menu, plus one beverage. The restaurant has a pool, so you can rinse off and swim if you want. Drinks at the restaurant beyond the one included are not covered.

Do I need to bring my own snorkel gear?

Equipment to snorkel is provided, so you don't need to bring your own. Bring your swimsuit, towel, extra clothes and biodegradable sunscreen only: regular sunscreen damages the reef.