El Cielo and El Cielito in Cozumel with Beach Club, Food, and Open Bar

If you’re considering a day in Cozumel that combines sailing, snorkeling, and relaxation, the El Cielo and El Cielito tour offers a lively taste of the island’s most famous spots. Offered by Chichén Travel, this six-hour excursion on a comfortable catamaran promises stunning views, marine adventures, and plenty of opportunities to unwind.

What makes this trip stand out? We love the chance to snorkel at Palancar Reef, one of the Caribbean’s gems, and the experience of lounging at El Cielo, famed for its crystal-clear shallow waters and starfish. The open bar with margaritas and beers is also a big plus, ensuring that the fun flows freely. However, some might find the organization a bit rushed or the price a tad steep for what’s included.

This tour is best suited for travelers who enjoy a mix of adventure and relaxation—families, couples, or friends seeking a lively day out in Cozumel. Just keep in mind that if you’re looking for a totally seamless experience or prefer a more intimate setting, a different tour might suit you better. Still, for the price, you get a packed day of marine beauty, delicious food, and tropical vibes.

Key Points

• Stunning snorkeling at Palancar Reef offers vibrant marine life and beautiful coral formations.
• Iconic El Cielo delivers shallow waters perfect for relaxing and starfish sightings.
• Open bar on board keeps the mood lively with margaritas, beers, and soft drinks.
• Beach club access provides pools, water trampolines, kayaks, and a delicious fajita meal.
• The tour combines adventure, scenery, and leisure in a way that’s great for a diverse group.
• Timing and organization may vary, so flexibility and patience are key.

You can check availability for your dates here:

A Detailed Look at the Experience

Starting Point and Transportation

The adventure begins in Playa del Carmen, with a short ferry ride to Cozumel. The ferry itself takes about 40 minutes, which is part of the journey that some reviews have found less-than-ideal. One traveler from Italy mentioned their experience was “rough” with more time spent on the ferry than exploring, hinting that logistics might be stretched for some. But overall, the ferry ride adds to the sense of crossing into a different Caribbean world.

The Catamaran Ride

Once aboard the comfortable catamaran, you’re in for a relaxed cruise of roughly 6.5 hours. The vessel is well-equipped, featuring bathroom facilities and a bilingual guide to help you navigate the day’s schedule. An open bar with margaritas, beers, and soft drinks keeps spirits high as you glide over the turquoise waters, enjoying the sea breeze and stunning coastal scenery. The group size tends to be moderate, fostering a friendly atmosphere without feeling crowded.

Snorkeling at Palancar Reef

The first major highlight is Palancar Reef—a highlight for many. With snorkel gear provided, you’ll explore a vibrant underwater world teeming with colorful fish and coral formations. At roughly 40 minutes of underwater exploring, you get enough time to appreciate the reef’s beauty without feeling rushed.

According to reviews, the guides here are knowledgeable and helpful, making sure everyone is comfortable and knows what to look for. One visitor from Mexico called the experience “amazing” and praised the views, which truly are some of the best in the Caribbean.

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El Cielo: The “Heavenly” Shallow Waters

Next, the boat heads to El Cielo, the tour’s star attraction. Known for its crystal-clear, shallow waters, it’s a perfect spot for relaxing with your feet in the sand and watching starfish scuttle beneath you. The 30-minute stop here allows plenty of time to take photos, wade through the calm waters, and enjoy the unique setting.

One guest mentioned that this site “was well worth the visit,” appreciating the photo opportunities and peaceful environment. It’s a brief stop, but the scenery is so distinctive that it sticks with travelers long after the trip.

El Cielito: White Sand and Water Fun

The afternoon continues with a visit to El Cielito, a white sand beach with shallow waters ideal for swimming, floating, or just soaking up the sun. For about an hour, you can unwind, take a gentle swim, or enjoy the water activities available at the beach club.

Access involves a short walk through waist-deep water—a fun and slightly adventurous way to reach the shores. The beach is equipped with lounge chairs, showers, and restrooms, making it easy to refresh after snorkeling.

Beach Club and Lunch

The tour includes a fajita plate at the beach club, with options for chicken, pork, or vegetarian. Many reviews emphasize the quality of the food, describing it as delicious and satisfying after a morning of activity.

The Bahía Beach Club is a lively spot with amenities like pools, water trampolines, kayaks, and water slides. While activities are not included in the price, having access to such facilities adds great value for families or groups seeking more fun and relaxation. One traveler from Mexico said the service was “very punctual” and the views “beautiful,” highlighting the overall quality.

Returning to Playa del Carmen

The tour wraps up with a 40-minute ferry ride back to Playa del Carmen, where you’ll be dropped off at the same starting point. This part of the journey might be the least favorite for some, especially if they find the ferry schedule unpredictable or the experience less organized—one review from Italy found the organization lacking.

What to Keep in Mind

While this tour packs a lot into six hours, it’s worth noting some practical considerations. The price of $180 per person includes ferry, boat ride, snorkeling gear, lunch, and some facilities—good value, but not including drinks at the beach club or extra activities. If you’re looking for a completely seamless experience, be aware that the schedule may vary by up to an hour, and the ferry ride can feel lengthy or hectic.

Travelers should also bring essentials like sunglasses, swimwear, towels, comfortable clothes, and beachwear. Sunscreen isn’t provided, so consider packing some—just avoid spray-on sunscreen as it can harm marine life.

Who This Tour Is Best For

This experience is perfect for adventurous travelers who want a full day of snorkeling, beaches, and tropical scenery without the hassle of planning every detail themselves. Families and couples will appreciate the mix of structured activities and free time. The open bar adds a social vibe, making it an ideal choice for groups wanting a lively, shared experience.

However, if you prefer a more tranquil, less crowded, or more flexible day, this might not be your best fit. The organization, while generally good, has room for improvement, and some travelers have found the ferry logistics less than ideal.

Final Thoughts

This El Cielo and El Cielito tour offers a lively, scenic way to experience some of Cozumel’s most celebrated locations. You’ll snorkel among stunning reefs, relax in shallow waters filled with starfish, and enjoy a hearty meal at the beach club—all wrapped in a fun, social atmosphere.

The combination of marine beauty, delicious food, and tropical leisure makes it a strong choice for those wanting a comprehensive day of Caribbean delights. For travelers seeking adventure with a splash of relaxation, this tour delivers on many levels—just keep expectations flexible regarding organization and timing.

If you’re after a day that mixes vibrant underwater life, picture-perfect beaches, and a lively vibe, this tour could very well be your highlight in Cozumel.

FAQs

Is transportation included from my hotel?
No, transportation to the starting point is not included. You’ll need to make your way to the meeting spot in front of Six store in Playa del Carmen.

How long is the ferry ride?
The ferry between Playa del Carmen and Cozumel takes approximately 40 minutes each way.

What’s included in the tour price?
The $180 fee covers ferry transportation, the catamaran ride, snorkeling gear, a guided tour in both English and Spanish, an open bar, and a fajita lunch at the beach club.

Are drinks at the beach club included?
No, drinks at the beach club are not included, but you can purchase beverages separately.

Can I participate if I don’t snorkel?
Yes, you can enjoy the beaches and relax at the beach club even if snorkeling isn’t your thing.

Is this tour suitable for young children or pregnant women?
It’s not recommended for pregnant women. Children may enjoy the shallow waters and water activities but should be supervised at all times.

This tour provides a balanced mix of adventure, relaxation, and lively socialization—a great way to savor Cozumel’s best sights and flavors in one fun-filled day.

You can check availability for your dates here: