Starfish, Stingrays and the Turtle Sanctuary Snorkeling Tour

If you’re considering a snorkeling adventure in Cozumel, this tour offers a solid way to see some of the most iconic marine life the island has to offer. While I haven’t tried it myself, looking into the details and reviews, I think it could be a good pick for those who want a relaxed, all-in-one snorkeling experience with friendly guides and beautiful scenery.

What really draws people in are the stunning marine highlights like El Cielo sandbar, famous for its starfish, and Turtle Bay, a natural sanctuary for friendly sea turtles. Plus, the inclusion of drinks, snacks, and gear makes it convenient and straightforward.

On the flip side, some travelers mention the boat ride can be quite long—about 1.5 hours to the first stop—and that the boat is on the smaller side, which might not suit everyone. Also, there’s a marine park fee of $11 USD per person that adds to the total cost.

This tour feels best suited for those who want a relaxed, guided snorkeling outing with multiple stops and don’t mind a bit of boat time. It’s especially good if you’re traveling with family or just want a hassle-free way to see marine life in Cozumel.

Key Points

• Multiple Marine Stops: Visit three top spots—El Cielo, El Cielito Beach, and Turtle Bay—each offering unique marine encounters.
• All-Inclusive: Gear, drinks, and a snack are included, so you won’t need to worry about bringing much along.
• Guided Experience: You’ll have trained guides helping you spot sea turtles, stingrays, starfish, and more.
• Boat Comfort and Accessibility: The boat is insured, shaded, and has a small ladder for easy water access.
• Group Size: The tour caps at 16 travelers, making it a more intimate and manageable experience.
• Additional Cost: The marine park fee is $11 per person, which is not included in the ticket price.

What to Expect from the Tour

This snorkeling tour runs about four hours, giving you plenty of time to explore without feeling rushed. Starting at Marina Cozumel, you’ll head out on a shaded boat, which is a plus—especially for those sensitive to sun. The boat is described as small but equipped with a ladder that makes water entry easier.

Your first stop is El Cielo sandbar, renowned for its soft sands and abundance of starfish. This spot is perfect for wading in shallow water and spotting these fascinating creatures. Multiple reviews mention how many starfish are found here, with one guest noting “thousands of colorful fish, many in large schools,” which hints at the vibrant underwater life you’ll encounter.

Next is El Cielito Beach, a shallow area teeming with stingrays. The calm, clear waters here make it accessible for swimmers of all levels, and many reviews highlight the chance to see stingrays up close, sometimes just casually swimming around you.

Finally, you’ll visit Turtle Bay, a natural sanctuary where sea turtles roam freely. Tour guides are knowledgeable and helpful, often pointing out turtles and other marine animals. Several travelers specifically appreciated the guide’s ability to spot and explain the marine life.

Detailed Breakdown of Each Stop

El Cielo Sandbar

This is the star attraction for many visitors. The sandbar’s shallow waters are dotted with starfish, creating a surreal underwater landscape. The gentle current and shallow depth make it ideal for both snorkelers and non-swimmers who enjoy wading in calm waters. Numerous reviews mention seeing starfish in abundance, which is quite a sight. One guest even described it as “casual swimming around you,” emphasizing how relaxed the experience can be here.

El Cielito Beach

A shallow, sandy spot perfect for snorkeling with stingrays. The calm waters and soft sands make it suitable for children and less experienced swimmers. Reviewers noted seeing stingrays and a baby shark, adding excitement to the trip. The shallow nature of this stop also means less concern about deep water fears, making it family-friendly for those with kids.

Turtle Bay

This sanctuary offers the chance to see sea turtles in their natural habitat. Guides are praised for their helpfulness and knowledge, making the experience informative as well as fun. While some reviews mention not hitting the turtle sanctuary as promised, most still enjoyed observing the turtles in this protected area.

The Experience and Guide Quality

Guides and crew are consistently praised for their friendliness and expertise. One reviewer mentioned, “Gerson took excellent underwater and candid above water photos,” which is a nice bonus if you want memories captured without extra effort. Several reviews highlight how guides kept an eye out for marine life and made the experience engaging for both adults and kids.

The boat itself is insured and has shade—a big plus on sunny days. However, some mention the boat’s small size and the long boat ride—about 1.5 hours each way—might be tiring. If you’re prone to seasickness or prefer a more spacious vessel, this might be a consideration.

Pricing and Value for Money

The tour costs $65 per person, which seems reasonable given the three stops, gear, drinks, and snacks included. The addition of the $11 marine park fee is worth noting, bringing the total closer to $76. When you consider that all gear and refreshments are included, it’s quite straightforward to see this as good value—especially when many reviews describe the marine life as abundant and the guides as attentive.

Some reviews mention the boat being older and smaller, which might affect comfort, but most agree that the quality of the experience outweighs this. If you’re looking for a budget-friendly way to see multiple underwater spots and encounter starfish, stingrays, and turtles, this tour offers a solid balance of price and experience.

The Pros and Cons

Pros:
– Multiple stops offering diverse marine life
– All gear and drinks included
– Knowledgeable, friendly guides
– Shaded, insured boat for comfort
– Good for families and snorkelers of various skill levels

Cons:
– Long boat ride (about 1.5 hours each way)
– Smaller boat, which may feel cramped for some
– Marine park fee of $11 is additional
– Some mention of not hitting all spots as advertised

Who Is This Tour Best For?

This tour works best for travelers who want a relaxed, guided snorkeling experience with multiple stops in Cozumel’s most notable marine areas. It’s ideal if you’re traveling with family, friends, or even as a solo traveler who doesn’t mind a boat ride. If you’re a marine life enthusiast eager to see starfish, stingrays, and turtles in their natural environment, this tour will meet your expectations.

However, if you’re sensitive to boat motion or prefer larger vessels, you might want to look elsewhere. Also, if visiting the turtle sanctuary is a top priority for you, consider clarifying if the tour will definitely include it, as some reviews mention it was skipped.

Final Thoughts

All in all, the Starfish, Stingrays, and Turtle Sanctuary Snorkeling Tour in Cozumel offers a well-rounded, enjoyable experience for those wanting to explore the best of the island’s marine life without fuss. The guides are praised for their friendliness and ability to spot sea creatures, and the multiple stops give you a taste of different aquatic habitats.

While the boat ride is on the longer side and the vessel small, the overall experience remains appealing, especially considering the all-inclusive nature of gear, drinks, and snacks. It’s a good option for travelers seeking a straightforward, fun day in the water that balances adventure with comfort.

If you’re after a reliable, reasonably priced snorkel tour that delivers on marine encounters and friendly service, this one deserves serious consideration.

FAQs

Is there a marine park fee I need to pay?
Yes, there’s an additional $11 USD per person fee for the marine park, which is not included in the ticket price.

How long is the boat ride to the snorkeling stops?
The boat ride to the first stop can be around 1.5 hours, so be prepared for some time on the water before reaching the snorkeling sites.

What gear is provided?
All needed snorkel gear—vest, mask, and tube—are included, so you don’t have to bring your own unless you prefer to.

Can everyone participate, even non-swimmers?
Most travelers can participate. The shallow stops like El Cielo and El Cielito Beach are suitable for less confident swimmers, and guides are there to assist.

Is food included?
A snack is provided, along with drinks including beers, water, and sodas, making it a nice touch for refreshment during or after snorkeling.

What should I bring?
Bring sunscreen (though some stops may restrict it), a towel, and possibly a waterproof camera if you want to capture underwater moments. Remember, some areas may not allow sunscreen to protect marine life.

To sum it up, this tour offers a good mix of marine encounters, guided support, and relaxed fun. It’s most suited for travelers who enjoy snorkeling, want a hassle-free day, and are comfortable on a smaller boat. With friendly guides and breathtaking waters, it’s a solid choice for making the most of your time in Cozumel’s vibrant marine environment.