Cielo y Cielito With Transfer, Catamaran, 5 hours Open Bar and Lunch

If you’re dreaming of a day sailing through the turquoise waters of Cozumel, with plenty of fun stops and good vibes along the way, then the Cielo y Cielito tour might catch your eye. Offered by Chichén Travel, this full-day experience blends snorkeling, scenic views, and a lively boat atmosphere for around $217 per person. It promises an adventurous yet relaxed day packed with natural beauty, tasty food, and drinks—and it often gets decent reviews for its overall vibe.

What we really like about this tour is how it combines several highlights—snorkeling at Palancar Reef, spotting starfish in El Cielo, and unwinding at a gorgeous beach—into one smooth package. Plus, the catamaran with a waterslide adds an element of playful fun that makes the day feel special. Another plus? The full open bar keeps the energy high, with beers, margaritas, and soft drinks flowing. Yet, it’s worth noting that, at around 10 hours from start to finish, it’s a longer day that might be tiring if you prefer shorter excursions.

A notable consideration is the group size and timing—since it involves transfers from multiple locations (Cancún, Tulum, Playa del Carmen), you’ll want to plan accordingly. Also, some travelers mention that the experience is best suited for those comfortable with water activities and boat trips; it’s not ideal for very young children or pregnant women. This tour is a solid pick for those wanting to indulge in a full day of Caribbean fun with a lively, social atmosphere.

Key Points

• All-in-one adventure: Combines snorkeling, sailing, and beach relaxation in one day
• Fun onboard features: Waterslide and vibrant music create a lively boat experience
• Natural highlights: Snorkel at Palancar Reef, see starfish at El Cielo, relax at El Cielito
• Food and drinks: Includes fresh fruit, ceviche, hot dogs, and a 5-hour open bar
• Transportation included: Round-trip transfers from major nearby locations
• Long but rewarding day: Approximately 10 hours from pickup to return

You can check availability for your dates here:

What to Expect on the Tour

Starting with pickup from your hotel or Airbnb—whether in Cancun, Tulum, or Playa del Carmen—you’ll hop into a van for a roughly 40-minute ride to the ferry. Once in Cozumel, you’ll board a well-equipped catamaran with a waterslide, music, and friendly waitstaff ready to set the mood. It’s a shared experience, so expect a lively group of travelers, some of whom might be celebrating special occasions or simply here for a good time.

The Snorkeling at Palancar Reef

Your first major stop is the famous Palancar Reef—a highlight of any Cozumel visit. We loved the way the tour is designed to maximize your snorkeling time in this vibrant ecosystem. The reef is known for its clear waters and abundant marine life, including tropical fish and, if luck is on your side, starfish. The provided snorkel equipment ensures a safe and comfortable experience, even for those who are newer to snorkeling.

Expect the water to be warm and inviting, though you should be comfortable swimming in open water. This stop typically lasts around 45 minutes, giving you enough time to see plenty of marine life without feeling hurried. “We saw so many colorful fish and starfish — it was like swimming in an aquarium,” one reviewer shared, highlighting how well the snorkeling is managed.

El Cielo: Starfish Paradise

Next, the boat heads to El Cielo, a shallow, turquoise spot famous for its dense population of starfish. The shallow waters mean you can walk around comfortably, marveling at these gentle creatures in their natural habitat. It’s a tranquil moment where you can relax, take photos, or float in the calm waters.

This part of the tour is often described as “breathtaking,” with many reviewers emphasizing the unforgettable sight of countless starfish decorating the seabed. It’s an environment that encourages slow, appreciative observation—perfect for disconnecting from everyday stresses. Just keep in mind that the water here can be quite shallow, so it’s best suited to swimmers, not those who prefer deeper waters or are uncomfortable standing in waist-high water.

El Cielito: Beachside Bliss

The final stop is El Cielito, a dreamy white-sand beach with crystal-clear, calm waters. Here, you’ll have time to relax, sunbathe, or just soak in the stunning surroundings. During this time, the crew serves a variety of snacks—fresh fruit, ceviche, hot dogs—and the bar is open for those wanting a cold drink.

Many guests enjoy just unwinding here, appreciating the tranquil scenery. The beach’s gentle waves and powdery sand make it an ideal spot for a laid-back afternoon. Reviewers often mention the delicious food and refreshing drinks as a highlight, along with the perfect setting to cool off after snorkeling.

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The Atmosphere and Extra Features

What sets this tour apart is its party vibe. The boat is outfitted with music and a lively crew, making it feel more like a floating celebration than a standard tour. The waterslide adds a fun element, especially for those who enjoy a bit of splashy play. The open bar, which lasts for about five hours, keeps the energy high and makes socializing easy.

The onboard service is generally friendly, and the music selection helps create a festive atmosphere. However, it’s worth noting that this lively environment might not appeal to travelers seeking a quiet, serene experience—think of it more as a day of fun with friends than a peaceful retreat.

Pricing and Value

At $217 per person, the tour is priced to reflect the full-day experience, including transport, snorkeling gear, food, drinks, and a lively atmosphere. Given that it covers multiple attractions plus the convenience of round-trip transfers, many find it offers good value. The inclusion of lunch and a 5-hour open bar is a big plus—these can otherwise add significant costs if booked separately.

Some might see the price as steep if they’re mainly interested in snorkeling or relaxing but worth considering if you want an all-inclusive experience with plenty of entertainment. The fact that taxes are included simplifies budgeting, and the flexibility of rescheduling or canceling up to 24 hours before adds peace of mind.

Practical Tips for Booking and Participation

• Book in advance to secure your spot, especially during peak seasons.
• Be sure to arrive prepared with essentials like sunscreen, a towel, and cash for personal expenses.
• Comfortable clothes are recommended, as you’ll need to change out of beachwear after snorkeling.
• The tour is not suitable for children under 4 years, pregnant women, or people with back problems.
• Remember to bring your passport or ID—both for the trip and to verify your identity.
• If you plan to take photos, note that photographs are not included in the package, so you might want to bring your own camera or phone.

Final Thoughts

This Cozumel trip is a lively, full-day adventure that balances snorkeling, scenic beauty, and social fun. If you enjoy being on the water, appreciate good music, and want to experience the reef and starfish in a relaxed setting, you’ll likely really enjoy this tour. It’s especially suited for those comfortable with boat rides and looking for a vibrant atmosphere.

While it’s a longer day—about 10 hours—many travelers find that the mix of activities keeps boredom at bay. The standout moments—seeing countless starfish, swimming on coral reefs, and relaxing on a beautiful beach—make it worth considering. Just keep in mind that it’s best suited for reasonably active travelers who enjoy a bit of party atmosphere and are ready for a full day of island fun.

Is transportation included? Yes, round-trip transfers are included from your hotel or Airbnb in Cancún, Tulum, or Playa del Carmen, plus ferry transfers to Cozumel.

How long is the tour? Expect about 10 hours from pickup to return, giving you plenty of time to enjoy each stop comfortably.

What should I bring? Pack your passport or ID, a towel, comfortable clothes, beachwear, and cash. Sunscreen and a camera are also recommended.

Can I snorkel at Palancar Reef? Absolutely. The tour provides snorkeling equipment, and Palancar Reef is known for its vibrant marine life, perfect for underwater viewing.

Is this tour suitable for children? It’s not recommended for children under 4, pregnant women, or people with back problems, mainly due to water activities and boat time.

Are meals and drinks included? Yes, there is a lunch with fresh fruit, ceviche, hot dogs, and a 5-hour open bar with beers, margaritas, soft drinks, and water.

If you’re craving a full day of Caribbean sights, sounds, and flavors with some playful added touches, this tour might be just what you need. It balances adventure with relaxation and delivers plenty of memorable moments—just be ready for a lively, sometimes energetic ride through Cozumel’s stunning waters.

You can check availability for your dates here: