Snorkeling in Cozumel: Private 40' Catamaran, 2 Reefs & Sunset

Snorkel two reefs and troll for fish on your own private boat

A private 8-hour snorkeling tour from Puerto Aventuras on a 40-foot catamaran to Cozumel, with two reef stops, lunch, and an open bar. The boat departs in the morning, cruises across the Caribbean with optional troll fishing, anchors at Playa Palancar for snorkeling and a meal, then moves to a second reef where sea turtles and tropical fish gather before returning at sunset. The tour is fully customizable to your group and includes snorkel gear, towels, floats, and an underwater camera.

Step-by-step itinerary

Private yacht tour to Cozumel and snorkeling

• Depart from Puerto Aventuras
• Cruise to southern Cozumel Island
• Troll fishing from the yacht
• Anchor at Playa Palancar beach
• Snorkel at Playa Palancar reef
• Enjoy lunch onboard or on beach
• Snorkel at nearby reef with sea life
• Return cruise with Caribbean sunset

The experience

Eight hours gives you the full arc: departure from Puerto Aventuras in the morning, a crossing to the southern side of Cozumel Island where you can troll fish from the yacht if you want to participate, and two separate snorkel stops. The first is Playa Palancar, a secluded beach with clear water and a reef close to shore. You anchor there and snorkel the reef, then break for lunch: either served onboard the yacht or set up on the beach under a palapa with your feet in the sand. The menu includes fresh ceviche, grilled cheeseburgers, guacamole, and cold beer or margaritas from the open bar.

After lunch, the boat moves to a second nearby reef where sea turtles, tropical fish, and coral are the draw. Snorkel gear, life jackets, towels, floats, and an underwater camera are all provided. The return journey times out so you watch the sunset over the jungle region of the Riviera Maya from the water. Because it's a private charter, the itinerary is customizable. You set the pace and the stops. A live guide speaks English or Spanish.

The boat is wheelchair accessible, though water activities depend on safety requirements. Infants sit on an adult's lap. Vegetarian and vegan meals are available if you request them at booking. The restroom is onboard. Gratuities, dock fees, and any price variation based on your exact pickup location are separate from the quoted rate.

What’s included

• Snorkel gear, life jackets, and floats.
• towels and an underwater camera.
• lunch with fresh ceviche, grilled cheeseburgers, and guacamole.
• open bar with unlimited beer, margaritas, and non-alcoholic drinks.
• onboard restroom.
• a live guide in English or Spanish.
• and full customization of the itinerary for your private group.

Before you book

Days and timesEvery dayDepartures at 09:00 and 10:00

Book up to18h before

GroupPrivate

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.

ConfirmationConfirmation within 48h

Paid on siteUS$ 20

Prices and times updated 4 days ago

Good to know

Easy physical levelWheelchair accessibleStroller friendlyPets welcomePublic transport nearbyInfants must sit on laps

Operated by Riviera Elite

Is this one for you?The boat departs from Puerto Aventuras, so if you're staying in the Riviera Maya without a car, you can arrange transport or use public options nearby and meet the boat there. The private charter means your group controls the pace and the stops, and the open bar and lunch are included, so you're not hunting for restaurants or paying separately for drinks throughout the day.

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Top questions

What languages is the guide in?

Live guide in English and Spanish.

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.

What is Playa Palancar like for snorkeling?

Playa Palancar is a secluded beach on the southern side of Cozumel with clear aquamarine water and a reef close enough to snorkel from the shore. It's the first stop after the crossing from Puerto Aventuras, and you'll have time to snorkel the reef and then eat lunch either on the boat or on the beach.

Can I fish on this snorkeling tour?

Yes. During the crossing to Cozumel, you can troll fish from the yacht and help reel in your catch, which the crew can prepare fresh onboard if you'd like. Fishing is optional. You can participate or simply watch.

Where do I board the boat, and how do I get there?

The boat departs from Puerto Aventuras. Public transportation options are available nearby, and you can arrange your own transport or ask about pickup when you book.

What's included in the open bar?

The open bar includes unlimited alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks throughout the day: beer, margaritas, and other refreshments. The minimum drinking age is 18.

Can I choose where to eat lunch, onboard or on the beach?

Yes. At Playa Palancar, you can eat lunch onboard the yacht or have it served on the beach under a palapa. Either way, the meal includes fresh ceviche, grilled cheeseburgers, guacamole, and drinks from the open bar.

What sea life will I see when snorkeling the second reef?

The second reef stop is known for sea turtles, tropical fish, and coral. You'll snorkel close to the reef after lunch, and an underwater camera is provided so you can capture the encounter.