Catamaran Snorkel to El Cielo and Tortugas Beach Club

Setting out on a 4-hour catamaran snorkel tour to El Cielo and Tortugas Beach Club promises an unforgettable experience for adventure-seekers. Guests can enjoy the vibrant underwater world of Palancar and Columbia Reefs, followed by a refreshing swim at the stunning Playa El Cielo. With delicious snacks, an open bar, and ample time to bask in the sun, this tour offers the perfect blend of exploration and relaxation. However, what truly sets this experience apart are the stories waiting to be discovered by those willing to embark on this aquatic adventure.

Key Points

• This 4-hour catamaran tour includes snorkeling at Palancar and Columbia Reefs, visiting the beautiful Playa El Cielo, and relaxing at Tortugas Beach Club.
• The tour provides snorkeling equipment, snacks, beverages, and includes the National Marine Park fee, with gratuities covered for a hassle-free experience.
• Snorkeling is not recommended for wheelchair users, pregnant travelers, or individuals with certain medical conditions due to health and safety restrictions.
• Guests can expect positive experiences with the beautiful scenery and friendly crew, though some have reported issues with boat availability and service delays.
• The tour starts and ends at the Tortugas Snorkel Center and Beach Bar, with the highlight being the 1 hour and 30 minutes spent at Playa El Cielo.

Tour Overview

The Catamaran Snorkel to El Cielo and Tortugas Beach Club tour in Cozumel, Mexico, offers an approximately 4-hour experience that has earned a 4.5-star rating from 446 reviews.

Guests will enjoy snorkeling at Palancar and Columbia Reefs, spending time at the beautiful El Cielo beach, and relaxing at the Tortugas Snorkel Center and Beach Bar.

The tour includes snorkeling equipment, a variety of snacks and beverages, and pick-up/drop-off service.

However, the tour isn’t suitable for wheelchair users, pregnant travelers, or individuals with certain health conditions, and strong winds may require alternative locations to be used.

Inclusions

The Catamaran Snorkel to El Cielo and Tortugas Beach Club tour includes a variety of amenities to enhance the experience.

Snorkeling equipment is provided for use, and guests can enjoy fresh seasonal fruit, fish ceviche, and corn chips.

The open bar offers domestic beer, margaritas, and rum punch, along with non-alcoholic options like soda and bottled water.

The $6.00 US per person National Marine Park Fee is included, as well as pick-up/drop-off service and towels.

Gratuities are also covered, ensuring a hassle-free and inclusive adventure.

Itinerary and Locations

The tour begins at the Tortugas Snorkel Center and Beach Bar, where guests embark on their aquatic adventure.

The first stop is Palancar Reef, followed by Columbia Reef, each lasting approximately 25 minutes.

The highlight is Playa El Cielo, where visitors spend 1 hour and 30 minutes swimming and snorkeling in the turquoise waters.

The final destination is the Tortugas Snorkel Center and Beach Bar, where guests can relax for 1 hour and enjoy the inflatable water park.

Throughout the tour, guests have the opportunity to snorkel at the reefs, swim at the beach, and unwind at the beach club.

Health and Safety Restrictions

Certain travelers may not be suitable for this tour. The activity isn’t recommended for wheelchair users, pregnant individuals, or those with asthma, diabetes, epilepsy, heart problems, recent surgeries, or limited mobility.

Strong winds can affect the tour areas, and alternative locations may be used as a result.

To preserve the reefs, guests are reminded to avoid wearing sunscreen and instead opt for long sleeves and hats.

Customer Experiences

Guests have generally enjoyed the Catamaran Snorkel to El Cielo and Tortugas Beach Club tour, often highlighting the beautiful scenery, friendly crew, and rewarding snorkeling experiences.

Many praise the delicious ceviche and refreshing drinks provided.

However, some guests have reported issues, such as boat availability problems, service delays, and dissatisfaction with the switch from catamaran to smaller boats.

Common complaints include late pickups, overcrowded conditions, and lack of communication regarding changes to the tour.

Meeting Point and Stops

The Catamaran Snorkel to El Cielo and Tortugas Beach Club tour begins at the Tortugas Snorkel Center and Beach Bar, which serves as the meeting point.

From there, the adventure unfolds with three distinct stops:

1. Palancar Reef, where guests spend 25 minutes snorkeling the vibrant underwater landscape.

2. Columbia Reef, offering another 25 minutes of snorkeling exploration.

3. Playa El Cielo, the tour’s highlight, where travelers enjoy 1 hour and 30 minutes of swimming, relaxing, and accessing the inflatable water park at the Tortugas Snorkel Center and Beach Bar.

Snorkeling Equipment

Snorkeling equipment is provided for use during the tour. This includes masks, snorkels, and fins. The equipment is in good condition and properly sanitized for each guest.

It’s designed to ensure a comfortable and safe snorkeling experience. Guests can easily adjust the gear to their individual needs, ensuring a proper fit.

The tour company takes pride in providing high-quality snorkeling equipment to enhance the overall experience. Proper use of the gear is emphasized during the safety briefing, ensuring guests are prepared for their underwater adventures.

With the provided equipment, guests can fully enjoy the vibrant marine life of the Palancar and Columbia reefs.

Food and Beverages

Offering a delightful array of refreshments, the tour includes a selection of snacks and beverages to fuel guests’ underwater adventures.

The menu features:

• Fresh seasonal fruit, providing a light and healthy option.
• Zesty fish ceviche, offering a taste of local flavors.
• Crisp corn chips, perfect for dipping into the ceviche.

Along With the snacks, the open bar provides a range of domestic beer, margaritas, and rum punch, allowing guests to unwind after their snorkeling excursions.

Non-alcoholic options, such as soda and bottled water, are also available to keep everyone hydrated.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the Tour Suitable for Families With Children?

The tour may be suitable for families with children, as it includes snorkeling equipment and a water park. However, it’s not recommended for pregnant travelers or those with certain health conditions, so parents should carefully consider their children’s abilities and needs.

Are There Any Additional Fees or Costs Not Mentioned?

The tour information does not mention any additional fees or costs beyond the $6.00 US per person National Marine Park Fee. The price likely includes all other listed inclusions like snorkeling equipment, food, drinks, and gratuities.

Can I Bring My Own Snorkeling Equipment?

You can bring your own snorkeling equipment, but the tour provides snorkel gear for use. Using the provided equipment is recommended to ensure proper fit and function for the snorkeling activities.

Are There Any Restrictions on Photography or Videography?

Guests are allowed to bring and use their own cameras and video equipment during the snorkel tour. However, they’re asked to refrain from using sunscreen to preserve the reef’s delicate ecosystem.

Is There an Option to Extend the Tour Duration?

There doesn’t appear to be an option to extend the tour duration. The tour is approximately 4 hours long, and the itinerary and schedule are fixed according to the information provided. Extending the tour may not be possible.

The Sum Up

This 4-hour Catamaran Snorkel tour offers a chance to explore the vibrant underwater world of Palancar and Columbia Reefs, followed by a refreshing swim at Playa El Cielo. Guests can enjoy delicious snacks, drinks from the open bar, and the stunning beach and inflatable water park at Tortugas Beach Club, all while basking in the sun and beautiful scenery. With a 4.5-star rating, it’s a highly recommended experience.