Catamaran Snorkel Adventure to El Cielo and The Money Bar Beach

If you’re considering a day out on the water in Cozumel, this catamaran snorkel tour to El Cielo and The Money Bar is a compelling choice. It’s a well-loved experience, with a stellar 5.0 rating from over 200 reviews, and offered at a reasonable price of just under $80 per person. Whether you’re a seasoned snorkeler or a curious first-timer, this trip promises colorful reefs, a gorgeous sandbar, and a lively, social atmosphere.

What we particularly appreciate is how this tour balances adventure and relaxation—you get fantastic reefs to explore, a serene starfish-filled bay, and plenty of time to unwind with drinks and snacks. On the flip side, a possible consideration is that the tour may have a more crowded feel, given the limit of just 20 participants, and some travelers noted the timing at stops can feel a bit rushed.

This tour is perfect for families, couples, or groups eager for a lively but well-organized day on the water. It suits those who want to combine marine life encounters with a taste of local culture and fun, with the right mix of guided snorkeling and free time. If you’re looking for a memorable, value-packed outing that showcases Cozumel’s underwater beauty, this is a strong contender.

Key Points

• Vast Reefs & Marine Life: Explore Colombia and Palancar Reefs, home to colorful fish, sea turtles, and rays.
• El Cielo’s Unique Charm: Known for starfish and a giant sandbank perfect for floating and relaxing.
• All-Inclusive Snacking & Drinks: Open bar, fresh fruit, ceviche, and snacks keep you fueled.
• Expert Guides & Comfortable Crew: Knowledgeable staff manage logistics and safety smoothly.
• A Well-Baced Schedule: Stops are timed just right—no long waits, no rushing.
• Great for All Ages: Minimum age 6, and many reviews note how kids and adults alike loved it.

The Experience in Detail

Starting Point & Duration

The adventure begins at The Money Bar Beach Club in Cozumel, a convenient spot close to the cruise port and easily accessible by public transportation or taxi. The entire trip lasts about 4 hours, which is ample time to enjoy multiple snorkeling sites and the sandbar without feeling hurried.

The Reef Stops: Colombia & Palancar

The first two stops are at Palancar Reef and Colombia Deep Reef. These reefs are famous in the snorkeling world for their vibrant coral formations and abundant marine life. We loved the way the tour keeps the snorkel segments to around 20-25 minutes—enough to see a variety of fish and perhaps a sea turtle or stingray, but not so long that you get exhausted.

Reviewers mention the reefs as “breath-taking,” and one noted, “The spots on the reef they brought us was breath-taking.” The reefs are part of Cozumel’s reefs system, the second-largest in the world, and you’ll find yourself swimming alongside colorful tropical fish, graceful rays, and maybe even a turtle—an experience that generally exceeds expectations for casual snorkelers.

The Highlight: El Cielo & The Sandbar

The crown jewel here is El Cielo, which translates to “Heaven” in Spanish—and once you see it, you’ll understand why. The water is crystal-clear, and the sandy bottom is dotted with starfish. It’s a perfect spot to float, take photos, and simply soak in the tranquility.

One reviewer called it “the best snorkeling site in Cozumel,” thanks to the chance to see starfish up close and enjoy the gigantic natural pool formed by a sandbank. Tour guides often take underwater photos, capturing your moments with starfish or rays, which guests appreciate as a special memory.

The Food & Drinks

Throughout the tour, an open bar offers sodas, beers, margaritas, and rum punch. Complementing this are seasonal fresh fruit, ceviche, and corn chips, which make for a perfect break after snorkeling. Several reviews highlight the ceviche as “some of the best I’ve had,” and many mention how the drinks help keep the energy high.

A unique aspect is the ceviche served on a surfboard, a fun and memorable touch. The guides are attentive about safety and timing, ensuring everyone gets a chance to unwind and enjoy at each stop.

The Crew & Guides

Repeated praise in reviews underscores how knowledgeable, friendly, and professional the crew is. They handle all logistics smoothly, from equipment to timing, creating an environment where guests can relax. One reviewer even mentioned that the crew “handled everything wonderfully,” which is a sign of a well-run operation.

Guests feel safe with guides who are clear with instructions, especially helpful for first-time snorkelers or families. Many reviews mention guides like Jonathan and Carlos, who take the time to take underwater photos and make everyone feel comfortable.

Group Size & Atmosphere

With a maximum of 20 travelers, the tour maintains an intimate feel, allowing for personal interactions with guides and fellow guests. Some reviewers even share moments of dancing and local music on the boat, adding a lively, festive vibe to the day.

Timing & Value

The schedule spreads out the stops well—about 45 minutes to reach the reefs, 20 minutes at each reef, an hour at El Cielo, and some free time at the end. This balance ensures each site gets enough attention without feeling rushed.

For the price of $79.99, the tour offers excellent value, considering the included snorkeling, access to reefs and the bay, snacks, drinks, and guided assistance. Additional costs like the $6 marine park fee are paid on-site, but overall, the experience packs a lot into four hours.

Authentic Feedback from Reviewers

Many guests highlight the quality of the snorkeling—noting encounters with sea turtles, stingrays, starfish, and colorful fish. One reviewer said, “Swimming alongside turtles, stingrays, starfish, and colorful fish makes the day truly unforgettable.”

Others appreciated the friendly guides, with comments like “Jonathan made us feel comfortable” and “Luis, Iztel, and Camara guy were absolutely the BEST.” These personal touches turn a fun trip into an unforgettable adventure.

The food and drinks consistently get praise, especially the ceviche, which some say is “some of the best I’ve had.” The music and relaxed vibe also stand out, with guests mentioning dance parties and tropical tunes making the boat feel like a floating party.

What Could Be Better?

A few reviews pointed out that snorkeling fins are not provided, which might be a downside for some. Others noted the timing at stops can sometimes feel a bit rushed, especially if you’re eager to linger longer at certain sites. The marine park fee of $6 per person is cash-only and adds a small extra to the overall cost.

Who Will Love This Tour?

This snorkel adventure suits families with kids, couples, and groups who want a fun, social day on the water. The inclusive atmosphere, lively guides, and scenic stops create a great setting for making memories.

It’s especially good for those who want more than just a quick snorkeling session — the 4-hour duration allows for a relaxed pace without long waits or overly rushed stops. If you’re a marine life enthusiast, the reefs and El Cielo promise encounters with colorful fish, rays, and starfish, while picture-takers will love capturing the underwater moments.

This tour likely appeals most to travelers who appreciate value for money—including food, drinks, and guided snorkeling—without sacrificing quality or safety.

The Sum Up

This catamaran snorkel trip is a standout option for anyone visiting Cozumel who wants a full, lively day on the water. It combines stellar reefs, a stunning sandbar, and a friendly crew, all packed into four hours of fun. The well-structured itinerary and included amenities make it a practical choice, especially for families and first-timers.

You’ll love the vibrant marine life, the relaxing atmosphere at El Cielo, and the delicious snacks and drinks that keep spirits high. The guides’ warmth and professionalism turn what could be a simple snorkel into an engaging, memorable adventure.

If you’re after a balanced mix of activity and leisure, with a dash of local culture and plenty of photo opportunities, this tour offers excellent value. It’s a lively, well-organized way to experience Cozumel’s underwater world — a highlight worth considering during your visit.

FAQs

Is transportation included?
No, transportation to the meeting point at The Money Bar Beach Club is not included. You’ll need to arrange your own ride or take public transit.

What is the price and what does it include?
The tour costs $79.99 per person. It includes snorkeling equipment, visits to Colombia & Palancar Reefs, El Cielo and the sandbar, an open bar with sodas, beer, margaritas, rum punch, snacks like fruit, ceviche, and chips, plus access to The Money Bar.

Are there any age restrictions?
Yes, the minimum age for participation is 6 years old. Participants under 18 must be accompanied by an adult, and the minimum age for drinking alcohol is 18.

Is snorkeling equipment provided?
Yes, the tour provides use of snorkeling equipment. However, some reviews noted that fins are not included, so you might want to bring your own fins if you prefer.

What about the marine park fee?
A fee of $6 US per person, payable in cash, is required for marine park preservation. This fee is paid upon arrival.

Is the tour suitable for people with limited mobility or motion sickness?
No, this tour is not recommended for those with limited mobility or suffering from motion sickness, as it involves boat time and snorkeling.

In essence, this Cozumel catamaran snorkel adventure offers a lively, well-organized way to experience the island’s best underwater spots, with plenty of comfort, camaraderie, and beautiful sights along the way.