Snorkeling in Cozumel: Private Boat to El Cielo Reef

Sail to El Cielo and snorkel coral heads far from the crowds

Private snorkeling boat in Cozumel takes you to uncrowded reef sites and a natural reserve in the island's farthest reaches, with a live guide in English or Spanish. The boat holds your group alone. You choose the duration (3 to 8 hours) and the captain adjusts the itinerary if you want to stay longer. Fresh ceviche, tropical fruit, snacks and premium drinks are prepared on board. Snorkeling gear is included.

The experience

The boat departs from the marina and sails south to the reef barrier, where you enter the water at coral heads set apart from the tour groups. After snorkeling there, the captain takes you to a natural reserve in the farthest part of the island: a shallow area where the water reaches your waist, so children can wade safely while you float and explore. This is where the crew prepares fresh ceviche, guacamole, tuna sashimi, quesadillas, seasonal fruit and snacks. Beer, whiskey, tequila, rum and vodka are available throughout the day.

Because the boat is private, you set the rhythm. If a spot holds your attention or the snorkeling is good, tell the captain and stay longer. The usual rental is six hours, though you can book three hours for a sunset departure, five hours with a gourmet beach stop, or eight hours combining both El Cielo and the sunset run. The crew provides snorkeling equipment and a restroom on board. A live guide speaks English and Spanish and steers you toward the best conditions and the safest entry points for your group.

The return to the marina is slow, giving you time to dry off and settle in. Bring reef-safe sunscreen or buy organic sunscreen at the office. The crew can also help with any gear adjustments or questions about what you've seen. Pickup to the marina is included.

What’s included

• Snorkeling equipment.
• fresh ceviche, guacamole, tuna sashimi, quesadillas, seasonal fruit, chips, snacks and vegetables.
• beer, whiskey, tequila, rum and vodka.
• restroom on board.
• live guide in English or Spanish.
• pickup to the marina.

Options for this experience

4 options

3 Hour SunsetUp to 8 people · Guide in English or Spanish · 16:30Lasts 3 hours on a 40-foot Sundancer. The three-hour cost covers sunset, beach time, and an open bar with white wine and premium snacks prepared by our chef.

5-Hour Gourmet Private BeachUp to 10 people · Guide in English or Spanish · 09:00, 10:00, 11:00 and 12:00Lasts 5 hours aboard a SEA RAY 40 MINT, and pickup is included.

6-hour tour to El CieloUp to 10 people · Guide in English or Spanish · 09:00, 10:00, 11:00 and 12:00Lasts 6 hours, with private beaches, El Cielo, snorkeling, reefs, a gourmet lunch, and a top-shelf bar. Aboard a 40-foot Sundancer.

8-Hour Cielo & SunsetUp to 10 people · Guide in English or Spanish · 09:00, 10:00, 11:00 and 12:00Lasts 8 hours, with a private beach, El Cielo, snorkeling in the nicest reefs, fishing, Palancar beach, a gourmet lunch, and a top-shelf bar. On a 40-foot Sundancer, pickup is included.

You pick the guide language when booking.

You see the exact price of each option when you check availability.See dates & prices

Before you book

Days and timesEvery day5 departure times: the first at 09:00, the last at 16:30

Book up to1d before

Live guideEnglish and Spanish

Meeting point and pickupHotel pickup is optional; you can also go straight to the meeting point. Ends back at the starting point.You can choose from 3 pickup points.

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

Prices and times updated 9 days ago

Good to know

Easy physical levelWheelchair accessibleStroller friendlyPublic transport nearby

Operated by DELUXE PRIVATE BOATS

Is this one for you?Choose the private boat if your group wants to control the pace and avoid the large tour groups anchored at the popular reef sites. The shallow natural reserve works well for families with children who can wade while adults snorkel nearby.

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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 makes El Cielo different from the snorkeling spots the big tour boats visit?

El Cielo is a natural reserve in the farthest part of Cozumel where the water is shallow enough for children to wade safely while adults snorkel the coral heads nearby. The private boat means you avoid the crowded reef sites where the large group tours congregate.

Can we stay longer at one spot if we're having a good day?

Yes. The captain adjusts the itinerary based on what you want to do. If the snorkeling is excellent or your group wants more time at the natural reserve, just let the captain know and he will extend your time on the water.

What food and drinks are included on the boat?

The crew prepares fresh ceviche, guacamole, tuna sashimi, quesadillas, seasonal fruit, chips, snacks and vegetables. Beer, Johnny Walker Black label whiskey, tequila, rum and vodka are available. The minimum drinking age is 18.

Do I need to bring my own snorkeling gear or is it provided?

Snorkeling equipment is included with your booking. The crew can help you fit the gear and answer questions about the reefs and marine life you'll encounter.

How long is the typical snorkeling trip?

Most people book a six-hour trip, which includes snorkeling at the reef, time at the natural reserve, lunch and drinks. You can also choose three hours for a sunset departure, five hours with a gourmet beach stop, or eight hours combining both reef and sunset sites.