Clear Boat Adventure to Shipwrecks and Snorkel

If you’re looking for a water-based adventure that’s a little different from the usual, the Clear Boat Adventure in Cozumel might catch your interest. This tour promises a chance to see the island’s vibrant reefs and wrecks from a fully transparent vessel—the first of its kind in Cozumel. While it’s not a full-day excursion and has some mixed reviews, it offers a distinctive experience that could suit travelers who want a relaxed, above-water view of the marine life.

What we like about this tour is its innovative boat design, allowing you to sit comfortably inside a see-through vessel, offering an unobstructed view of the underwater world without getting wet. Plus, the convenient meeting point at Carlota Beach Club makes it easy to fit into a day of exploring. However, some might find the experience a bit rushed or limited in scope, especially considering the famous reefs Cozumel has to offer.

This tour is best suited for those who prefer a less strenuous, family-friendly activity with a focus on snorkeling in a manageable, intimate setting. If you’re after a quick glimpse of Cozumel’s underwater beauty, rather than a full exploration, this could be a good fit. But if you’re craving a longer, more immersive reef experience, you might want to consider other options.

Key Points

• Innovative vessel: The only fully clear boat in Cozumel, providing unique views from inside.
• Short but sweet: Approximately 2 hours, ideal for those with limited time.
• All-in-one: Includes bottled water, soda, beer, and snorkeling equipment.
• Meeting point: Conveniently located at Carlota Beach Club.
• Mixed reviews: Some find the experience rushed with limited snorkeling areas.
• Cost: At $52 per person, it’s a reasonably priced, quick introduction to Cozumel’s underwater scene.

What to Expect from the Experience

The highlight of this tour is the fully clear boat that lets you sit inside while still witnessing the underwater scenery. For many, the novelty alone makes this tour worth the price. You’ll be seated comfortably inside the boat, which sits on the surface of the water, giving you a panoramic view of coral reefs, shipwrecks, and marine life without the need to swim or get cold.

Departure from Carlota Beach Club is convenient, with three different times to choose from, letting you plan the rest of your day accordingly. The boat’s design is especially attractive for those who prefer not to snorkel extensively or simply want to relax and take in the colorful underwater scenery at a leisurely pace.

The Reefs and Shipwrecks

You’ll visit some of the best reefs on the north side of Cozumel, renowned for their clarity and vibrant marine life. While the tour includes snorkeling, it’s important to note that the snorkeling area is described as small and confined. As one reviewer pointed out, “the snorkeling was in a very small confined area with not much to see when you consider what Cozumel has to offer.” That might be disappointing for travelers hoping for a more expansive or diverse snorkeling experience.

Snorkeling Equipment and Refreshments

Included in the tour are snorkeling gear, bottled water, sodas, and beer, which adds a nice touch of convenience. The marine fee is also covered, ensuring no hidden costs. Keep in mind that the equipment use is straightforward, so if you’re an experienced snorkeler, it’s a quick, easy setup. For beginners, it provides a safe and sheltered way to observe underwater life.

Details of the Itinerary

The tour is roughly 2 hours long, making it ideal for a quick but memorable experience. After meeting at Carlota Beach Club, you’ll board the fully clear boat, which slowly makes its way to the reefs. During the trip, you’ll be able to sit inside the vessel and observe the underwater environment through the transparent sides.

The actual snorkeling is usually done in a small, designated area on the reef, which some travelers find limiting. As Amy_M noted in her review, “the adventure was very rushed,” suggesting there’s not much time to explore or truly savor the surroundings. This quick pace might suit those who want a taste of Cozumel’s underwater world without committing to a longer or more strenuous tour.

The Experience of Sitting in a Clear Boat

We loved the novelty of sitting inside the transparent vessel, which provides a comfortable and dry vantage point for enjoying marine views. It’s a different perspective from traditional snorkeling or glass-bottom boats, making it especially appealing for families or less confident swimmers.

The Quality of Reefs and Marine Life

While the reefs on the north side of Cozumel are known for their clarity and biodiversity, the limited snorkeling area may not showcase the full spectrum of marine life. Several reviews mention the snorkeling experience as being “small” and “not much to see,” which is worth considering if your primary goal is an extensive underwater exploration.

Cost and Value Analysis

At $52 per person, the tour offers a reasonable price point for a unique experience that combines comfort with underwater views. The inclusion of snorkeling equipment, water, beverages, and marine fees means no hidden costs, and the experience lasts about two hours—perfect for travelers with limited time.

However, the short duration and limited snorkeling area mean that if you’re looking for a more comprehensive reef adventure, you might find this tour somewhat superficial. Still, for those who value ease, novelty, and a relaxing environment, it’s a solid choice.

Who This Tour Is Best For

This tour is ideal for families with children, seniors, or anyone who prefers a more relaxed, non-strenuous activity. If you’re curious about Cozumel’s underwater scenery but prefer to stay dry or avoid long swims, this transparent boat ride provides a fun and safe way to see marine life.

It’s also suited for travelers who want a quick, affordable introduction to Cozumel’s reefs without dedicating a full day or engaging in more physically demanding tours. However, if you’re an avid snorkeler seeking a longer, more immersive reef experience, you might want to explore other options with larger or more diverse snorkeling zones.

The Experience Provider: Cozumel Tours Excursions

The tour is operated by Cozumel Tours Excursions, a reputable local company. They offer a straightforward booking process, and the tour is confirmed immediately upon booking. With a maximum group size of 30, it maintains a comfortable, manageable group setting.

Summary

In essence, the Clear Boat Adventure to Shipwrecks and Snorkel offers a distinctive way to enjoy Cozumel’s marine environments. Its innovative vessel and convenient location make it an attractive choice for those who want a relaxed, scenic overview of the reefs and shipwrecks without getting wet or overly active. While some may find the snorkeling experience somewhat limited, the unique perspective from inside the transparent boat makes it worth considering, especially for travelers seeking something a little different.

This tour is best suited for families, older travelers, or anyone wanting a hassle-free, enjoyable snapshot of Cozumel’s underwater beauty. It’s a quick, fun activity that complements a busy day of sightseeing, offering a memorable, if brief, glimpse beneath the waves.

FAQ

Is this tour suitable for children?
Yes, the tour’s relaxed setting and safe boat design make it appropriate for children, especially those who prefer not to swim or snorkel extensively.

How long does the tour last?
The tour lasts approximately 2 hours, making it a manageable activity for fitting into a larger day of exploring Cozumel.

What’s included in the price?
The fee covers snorkeling equipment, bottled water, sodas, beer, and marine fees, with no hidden costs.

Where does the tour depart from?
It departs from Carlota Beach Club at Carr. Costera Sur km 2.85, Cozumel.

Can I cancel if the weather is bad?
Yes, you can cancel free of charge up to 24 hours in advance, and if the tour is canceled due to weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund.

Is this a good choice if I want a full reef experience?
Probably not. The snorkeling area is small and confining, so if you’re looking for a more in-depth or expansive reef adventure, consider other tours with larger or more diverse snorkeling zones.

In the end, this tour offers a fun, unique perspective of Cozumel’s underwater world that’s perfect for travelers seeking an easy, comfortable, and memorable experience.