Explore El Cielo in Cozumel. Snorkel in 3 different reefs & visit Cielito Beach.

Choosing a snorkeling tour in Cozumel promises a day filled with colorful marine life, stunning underwater landscapes, and relaxing beaches. This particular tour, offered by Mexico Top Vacations, presents an opportunity to explore three of the island’s top reef sites, including the famed El Cielo, renowned for its starfish-filled white sands. It also includes transportation from Cancun, making it a convenient way for travelers to maximize their time on the water.

What we particularly like about this experience is its focus on visiting diverse reefs in one day, which means more variety for your snorkel adventures. Plus, the added visit to Cielito Beach makes for a relaxing finish with options for swimming, chilling, or enjoying a hearty meal. However, it’s worth noting that during September 2023, some reefs are closed for preservation, requiring a slight change of plans. Still, the tour’s flexible approach and inclusive amenities make it a solid choice for those craving a full-day Caribbean underwater outing.

This tour is ideal for active travelers who enjoy snorkeling, want to see multiple coral reefs, and prefer a well-organized trip that handles transportation and logistics. It’s also suited to those looking for a balanced mix of adventure and relaxation, with drinks, lunch, and beach time included.

Key Points

• Multiple Reef Visits: Snorkel in three different reefs—Colombia, Palancar, and El Cielo—offering a wide range of marine environments.
• El Cielo Highlight: Experience the unique white sandbar with starfish, a true highlight for underwater photography and nature lovers.
• All-Inclusive Convenience: Transportation, gear, lunch, drinks, and beach access are included, simplifying your day.
• Weather and Reef Changes: Reef closures during September 2023 mean some sites are substituted, which is good to know for planning.
• Group Size and Flexibility: Tours are limited to 25 travelers, fostering a more personalized experience.
• Authentic Beach Stop: The visit to Cielito Beach offers a relaxing break and a chance to enjoy delicious local food.

A Detailed Look at the Tour Experience

Starting the Day: From Cancun to Cozumel

The adventure begins early, with pickup from your hotel in Cancun—an added convenience that saves you from figuring out transportation. The tour departs at 8:00 a.m., giving you plenty of time for what promises to be a full day of exploration. The 12-hour duration covers travel, snorkeling, beach time, and meals, so packing light but comfortably is wise. The ferry ride from Playa del Carmen to Cozumel offers scenic views of the Caribbean, and we liked that the roundtrip ferry ticket is included, removing one more logistical concern.

Snorkeling at Three Unique Reefs

The main attraction here is the chance to visit three of Cozumel’s top reefs—Palancar, Colombia, and El Cielo. Unfortunately, reef closures in September 2023 mean the original reefs are temporarily off-limits, leading guides to substitute with Xhul ha and Palancar (Herradura) reefs. While these are still beautiful sites, it’s good to be aware that the experience might differ slightly from the usual.

We loved the way the tour packs multiple reef visits into one trip, making it ideal for those who dislike “one-and-done” excursions. Each reef offers a different underwater landscape: Colombia Reef with its vibrant corals and myriad fish, Palancar Reef with its impressive formations, and El Cielo, a spectacular white sandbar teeming with starfish. Remember, touching or removing starfish is discouraged—it’s a fragile ecosystem, and guides emphasize this.

The Highlight: El Cielo Reef and Beach

El Cielo is often the star of the show. Its shallow waters and abundance of starfish make it perfect for both snorkelers and underwater photographers. As one reviewer pointed out, the experience of swimming among the starfish is “a world of its own,” though the guides remind visitors to handle with care. The scenery here is quite surreal—the white sands contrasting with the blue waters, dotted with orange starfish, creates an almost otherworldly feel.

After snorkeling, you’ll head to Cielito Beach, a well-known spot for swimming, relaxing, and enjoying cold drinks and tasty dishes from the menu. The beach club setting offers a casual atmosphere where you can unwind before heading back to Cancun.

Lunch and Relaxation

Lunch at the beach club is included, offering a choice of main dishes. While the menu isn’t detailed, the inclusion of a hearty meal adds good value, especially after a morning of swimming. The tour also supplies two drinks per person on the boat, which helps keep everyone refreshed, especially in the Caribbean sun.

Return Journey: Ferry and Hotel Drop-Off

Post-lunch, the group boards the ferry for the return trip, followed by transportation back to your hotel. The overall timeline ensures you get a full day of activities without feeling rushed, but keep in mind that the timing depends on weather and ferry schedules. As some reviews note, delays can happen, so flexibility is helpful.

What Travelers Say: Authentic Perspectives

One traveler said, “The boat guys were great. Giovanni, Narciso, and the photographer were really good and overall we had a great time,” highlighting the positive attitude of the staff. Another mentioned, “Transportation was late getting us, and we were packed into a small van,” which reminds future travelers to expect shared transport conditions and plan accordingly.

A couple of reviews also point out that weather can impact the trip—cancellations are possible if ports close due to rough seas, especially during September. This is worth considering if you’re planning your trip during the hurricane season.

Analyzing the Value and Practicalities

At $165 per person, this tour offers a lot for water lovers, especially considering it covers transportation, gear, multiple reef visits, lunch, and beach access. The all-inclusive approach makes for a stress-free day, without the need to arrange separate transport or meals. The group size cap at 25 travelers helps maintain a friendly vibe, avoiding the chaos of larger tours.

However, it’s important to have moderate physical fitness, as snorkeling in reefs involves swimming in open water, sometimes in currents or with varying visibility. The tour’s flexibility in reef choice during September ensures that marine conservation is a priority, but it might slightly change the typical experience.

The inclusion of a free cancellation policy adds peace of mind, allowing you to plan confidently knowing you can adjust if weather or other factors threaten your plans.

Who Should Consider This Tour?

This experience best suits active travelers eager for a full day of marine exploration. It’s perfect if you’re interested in seeing diverse coral reefs and love the idea of swimming among starfish at El Cielo. Those who enjoy relaxing on the beach after snorkeling will appreciate the visit to Cielito Beach.

It’s also a good fit for visitors who prefer organized logistics—with transportation, gear, and meals all included, you won’t need to worry about extra arrangements. However, if you prefer small, private tours or are sensitive to group sizes, this might feel a little crowded.

The Sum Up

In sum, this snorkeling tour in Cozumel offers a comprehensive, hassle-free experience that combines marine exploration with relaxing beach time. The inclusion of multiple reefs ensures variety, and the opportunity to swim with starfish at El Cielo provides a memorable highlight. While reef closures during September 2023 mean the experience will be slightly different, the tour still delivers on its promise of a fun, well-organized day.

For travelers who want an all-inclusive, active day with the chance to explore underwater worlds, this tour offers great value. It’s especially suitable for those who don’t mind sharing the experience with other snorkelers and are comfortable with moderate physical activity. If you’re looking for a balanced mix of adventure, comfort, and authentic marine sights, this trip is worth considering.

FAQ – Practical Questions about the Tour

Is transportation included?
Yes, roundtrip transportation from your hotel in Cancun is included, making it easy to start and end your day without extra planning.

What reefs will I visit?
Typically, you would visit Colombia, Palancar, and El Cielo reefs. However, during September 2023, due to reef closures, the substitutes are Xhul ha and Palancar (Herradura) reefs.

How long is the tour?
The full day lasts approximately 12 hours, starting at 8:00 a.m. and returning in the evening, including ferry rides, snorkeling, beach time, and lunch.

What’s included in the price?
Snorkeling gear, ferry tickets, boat rides, lunch, two drinks onboard, and access to Cielito Beach are included. Government fees are extra.

Can I cancel this tour?
Yes, you can cancel for a full refund up to 24 hours before the activity, making it flexible if weather conditions threaten the trip.

Is this tour suitable for children or non-swimmers?
It’s best suited for those with a moderate fitness level comfortable in open water; non-swimmers might find snorkeling challenging but could still enjoy relaxing at the beach.

Are there any hidden costs?
Additional drinks at the restaurant and transportation around Cozumel are not included, nor are tips or personal purchases.

This snorkeling trip to Cozumel offers a well-rounded day for marine lovers and beach enthusiasts alike. With reliable logistics, diverse reef options, and a chance to relax by the sea, it’s a trip that balances adventure with comfort, making it a worthwhile choice for many visitors to Cancun eager to explore the underwater treasures of the Caribbean.