Catamaran in Cozumel with snorkeling at El Cielo and open Bar

Introduction
If you’re dreaming of a fun-filled day on the water exploring Cozumel’s vibrant marine life, this catamaran snorkeling tour offers a lively and authentic experience. Though we haven’t personally been on this exact trip, reviews and detailed descriptions paint a compelling picture of what you can expect—think crystal-clear waters, colorful fish, and a laid-back island vibe.

Two things we particularly like about this tour are the inclusion of snorkeling at El Cielo, renowned for its starfish sanctuary and shallow turquoise waters, and the open bar that keeps the mood festive throughout the afternoon. It’s a great way to relax and socialize with fellow travelers while enjoying the stunning scenery.

One potential drawback is the cancellation policy, which requires a full 24 hours’ notice for a full refund—so if your plans are uncertain, keep that in mind. But overall, this tour seems well-suited for travelers looking for an energetic, all-inclusive day of snorkeling, good drinks, and tropical fun. It’s particularly appealing for those who value guided experiences and a friendly atmosphere, making it ideal for singles, couples, or groups wanting a taste of Cozumel’s underwater magic with a lively social scene.

Key Points

• Snorkeling at El Cielo provides a shallow, starfish-filled paradise perfect for relaxed swimming and photo ops.
• Open bar offers unlimited margaritas, beer, soft drinks, and bottled water—just watch the legal age requirement.
• The tour includes visits to a virgin reef with tropical fish and to El Cielito, a shallow sandbank with manta rays.
• Food included offers a tasty onboard meal of grilled chicken, rice, and fresh seasonal fruit—good fuel after snorkeling.
• Group size is limited to 35 travelers, balancing social energy with enough space on the double-deck catamaran.
• Timing starts at 1:00 PM, with a roughly 5-hour duration—perfect for a relaxed afternoon in tropical waters.
• The cost at around $38.50 per person offers solid value, considering the inclusions and the experience.

The Experience: What to Expect

Booking and Meeting Point

Your adventure begins around 1:00 PM at the anchor of Cozumel’s Muelle, in the Centro area. The check-in process can be a little confusing—one reviewer mentioned difficulty finding the check-in spot despite clear signs—but once onboard, your day of fun kicks off with a friendly crew welcoming you aboard. Expect a lively, festive atmosphere right from the start, with music setting a carefree tone.

The Catamaran and Atmosphere

The boat itself is a double-deck catamaran, offering plenty of space for lounging and socializing. The crew keeps spirits high with a great playlist and friendly chatter. As you sail from one snorkeling spot to another, the panoramic views of Cozumel’s coastline are worth soaking in, especially as sunlight dances across the water. The crew’s professionalism and cleanliness of the vessel are often praised, creating a comfortable environment for all.

Snorkeling at the Virgin Reef

The first stop is a pristine, untouched reef where you’ll spend about 35 minutes snorkeling among tropical fish and coral. The water here is crystal-clear, offering excellent visibility and vibrant marine life. This part of the tour is perfect for snorkelers of all levels, and equipment is provided. If you love marine life and bright coral, you’ll appreciate the chance to see it up close without feeling rushed.

El Cielo: Mexico’s Starfish Sanctuary

Next, you’ll glide into El Cielo, Mexico’s largest starfish sanctuary. Here, you’ll spend approximately 20 minutes swimming or floating among an array of colorful starfish and tropical fish. The shallow waters—just over a meter deep—make this a relaxed, almost meditative experience. One guest described it as “shallow turquoise bliss,” which captures the vibe perfectly. It’s a photo-worthy spot and a highlight for many travelers.

El Cielito: Manta Rays and Laid-back Vibes

Your journey continues to El Cielito, a shallow sandbank just 1.2 meters deep, famous for its friendly manta rays and gentle currents. You can relax here for about 40-60 minutes, enjoying the warm water, soaking up the sun, and sipping drinks from the open bar. The relaxed, island atmosphere is complemented by the “laid-back island vibes” noted in reviews. It’s a great spot to chill out, take photos, or even paddleboard if you bring your own gear.

The Onboard Meal and Final Cheers

As your adventure winds down, the crew serves a delicious onboard meal of grilled chicken, rice, and seasonal fruit—simple but satisfying after a day in the sun and water. The food gets good reviews for being flavorful and fresh, providing a perfect end to the snorkeling day. Throughout the tour, the open bar keeps spirits high, and many guests comment on the friendly, lively crew making the experience enjoyable.

Practical Details and Tips

Inclusives and Extras

Your ticket includes snorkeling gear, guided visits, the open bar, and the meal. It’s a comprehensive package, especially considering the price. However, remember there’s a docking tax and service fee of 500 MXN per person, payable separately at the end.

Group Size and Atmosphere

With a maximum of 35 participants, the tour strikes a good balance between lively socializing and personal space. The smaller group size helps ensure you get personal attention from guides and crew, making it easier to ask questions or seek assistance while snorkeling.

Timing and Duration

Starting at 1:00 PM, the tour lasts about 5 hours, which includes sailing, snorkeling, relaxing, and dining. This timing is ideal for those arriving in Cozumel in the early afternoon, giving plenty of time to enjoy the water without feeling rushed.

Price and Value

At around $38.50 per person, this tour offers great value for a full afternoon of snorkeling, drinks, food, and fun. The all-inclusive nature means you won’t need extra cash for drinks or meals, and the guide-led visits ensure you get the most out of each stop.

What Travelers Say

While most reviews are positive, some mention minor issues like difficulty with check-in or last-minute cancellations. However, the overall feedback points to professional guides, stunning views, and good food. One reviewer summed it up well: “Great experience. Will do it again. Fury was fun,” highlighting the energetic vibe and reliable crew.

Who Will Love This Tour?

This experience suits travelers looking for an active, social day on the water. If you enjoy snorkeling in calm, shallow waters and want a lively atmosphere with unlimited drinks and onboard food, you’ll find plenty to love here. It’s ideal for groups of friends, couples, or solo travelers eager to meet fellow adventurers. Keep in mind, if you prefer a quieter, more secluded experience, this tour’s energetic vibe might feel a little too lively.

The Sum Up

This catamaran snorkeling tour in Cozumel packs a lot of value into a 5-hour adventure. With stops at El Cielo, one of Mexico’s most famous starfish sanctuaries, and a shallow sandbank where manta rays swim freely, you’ll experience the best of the island’s marine environment. The open bar and onboard meal add to the relaxed, festive atmosphere, making it a perfect pick for travelers wanting to combine active exploration with fun social moments.

While not the quietest or most exclusive experience, it’s a reliable, well-organized tour that emphasizes authentic marine encounters and lively camaraderie. If you’re looking for a vibrant, all-inclusive day on the water with plenty of opportunities for snorkeling and relaxing, this Cozumel catamaran tour is worth considering.

FAQs

Is the tour suitable for all ages?
While most travelers can participate, the open bar is only for those over 18. The snorkeling stops are suitable for most ages, but children should be comfortable in the water, and parental discretion is advised for the alcohol consumption.

What should I bring?
Bring a swimsuit, waterproof sunscreen, a hat, sunglasses, and a towel. Snorkel gear is provided, but if you have your own mask and fins, feel free to bring them for a more comfortable fit.

Can I cancel if my plans change?
Yes, the tour offers free cancellation up to 24 hours before the start time for a full refund. Cancellations made less than 24 hours in advance won’t be refunded.

Is food included?
Yes, a onboard meal of grilled chicken, rice, and seasonal fruit is included. Many guests find it satisfying after a day of swimming and sunbathing.

How long is each snorkeling stop?
The reef stop is about 35 minutes, El Cielo around 20 minutes, and El Cielito roughly 40-60 minutes, giving enough time to enjoy each location comfortably.

What’s the capacity of the boat?
The vessel holds up to 35 travelers, ensuring a lively but not overcrowded atmosphere.

Are there any hidden costs?
The price covers most things, but remember the docking tax and service fee of 500 MXN per person is payable separately at the end of the tour.

This Cozumel catamaran tour offers a vibrant, well-rounded day of snorkeling, socializing, and island fun—perfect for those looking to experience the best of what Cozumel’s waters have to offer, all with good value and friendly guides.