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

Exploring El Cielo in Cozumel: A Practical Guide to the Snorkeling Adventure

If you’re thinking about a day trip to Cozumel for some snorkeling, this tour offers a packaged experience that covers the essentials—visiting three top reefs, relaxing at a beach, and enjoying some good food. We’ve looked into it from the perspective of someone who loves exploring the water and appreciates well-organized trips.

What we really like about this tour is how it’s designed to maximize your time—covering multiple reefs in one day and including transport from Cancun or Playa del Carmen, which helps avoid logistical hassles. Plus, the stop at Cielito Beach looks perfect for unwinding and enjoying the Caribbean vibe.

However, a potential downside is that during September 2023, some reefs (Palancar and Colombia) are closed for marine protection, which means you’ll visit different reefs than originally planned. If reef variety is a big draw for you, this might be a consideration.

This tour feels best suited for travelers who want a straightforward, all-in-one snorkeling experience with the convenience of transport and a scenic beach break. It’s especially handy if you’re short on time but still want to see some of Cozumel’s underwater highlights.

Key Points

• All-in-One Experience: Snorkel at three of Cozumel’s top reefs in one day, with logistics and transport handled for you.
• Includes Transportation: Roundtrip ferry and hotel pickup make it easy and stress-free.
• Focus on Highlights: Visit El Cielo, a notable white sandbar with starfish, and two reefs with vibrant coral.
• Relaxing Break: End the day at Cielito Beach, with options to swim, relax, and enjoy a meal.
• Food & Drinks Included: Your day comes with a box lunch, and two drinks on the boat—adding value and comfort.
• Weather & Reef Closures: Be aware that during certain times (like September 2023), some reefs may be closed for preservation.

A Closer Look at the Itinerary

Starting Point and Transfer

The day begins bright and early with pickup from your hotel—an aspect many travelers find convenient, especially given the tour’s 8:00 am start. After a short drive, you’ll be whisked to Playa del Carmen to catch the ferry to Cozumel. The ferry ride across the Caribbean Sea is a highlight in itself, offering a scenic start to your adventure. We loved the way the transfer is included, removing the stress of figuring out how to get to the island on your own, which can often be a logistical headache.

Snorkeling at Three Reefs

Once on Cozumel, the focus shifts to exploring reefs. The original plan included visits to Palancar and Colombia reefs, but during September 2023, these are temporarily closed for marine protection. Instead, you’ll visit Xhul ha and Palancar (Herradura) reefs—still beautiful spots teeming with colorful fish and coral formations.

You can expect to see a variety of tropical fish and vibrant corals, with the added thrill of swimming in clear, warm Caribbean waters. The standout attraction here is El Cielo Reef, famed for its shallow white sandbar filled with starfish—an experience that’s often a highlight for snorkelers. Just a quick reminder from the tour instructions: avoid touching or removing starfish, as doing so harms these delicate creatures.

What You’ll Experience

You’ll spend time swimming and snorkeling in the reefs, with the boat providing basic snorkeling equipment. As one reviewer pointed out, the crew was friendly and attentive, making the whole process smooth and enjoyable. In fact, some noted that the boat crew, including Giovanni, Narciso, and the photographer, really made the trip memorable.

Visiting Cielito Beach

After your reef adventures, the tour takes you to Cielito Beach, where you can unwind, swim, or just soak up the sun. The beach is private, offering a quieter escape from the busier parts of the island. Here, you’ll enjoy a tasty meal from the main menu at the beachfront restaurant—something many travelers appreciate after a morning of water activity. Drinks are included on the boat (two per person), which helps keep you refreshed on the ride back.

Return Journey

After a few hours of relaxation, you’ll hop back on the ferry for the return trip to Playa del Carmen or Cancun, depending on where you started. The entire day is designed to be roughly 12 hours, balancing activity with downtime.

What’s Good About It

Ease and Convenience: The included pickup and ferry tickets mean you don’t have to worry about organizing transport—just show up and enjoy. This takes a lot of stress out of a day trip.

Multiple Reef Stops: Snorkeling at three different reefs gives you variety and a good chance to see diverse marine life. The reefs are famous for vibrant coral and tropical fish, making it a visual feast.

Starfish at El Cielo: Visiting El Cielo is often the star feature of this trip—swimming among starfish in shallow waters is a unique experience.

Food & Drinks: The included box lunch and two drinks on board add good value and keep you energized throughout the day.

Points to Consider

Reef Closures in September 2023: As noted, some reefs are temporarily closed for marine conservation. This could mean visiting different reefs than the ones initially advertised, which might impact your experience if reef diversity is important.

Group Size and Timing: With a maximum of 25 travelers, this is a relatively intimate experience but still enough to feel like a group tour. Be prepared for a busy schedule, as the day is quite full.

Weather Dependency: Like all outdoor water activities, the trip relies heavily on good weather. Canceled trips due to weather are possible, but the tour offers full refunds or rescheduling if that happens.

Additional Expenses: Government fees of $4 are payable on-site. Drinks at the restaurant aren’t included, so bring some cash if you want extra beverages.

Who Is This Tour Best For?

If you’re after a well-organized, all-inclusive day of snorkeling, this tour hits the mark. It’s perfect for travelers who want to see a variety of reefs without having to arrange individual transport or worry about logistics. The visit to El Cielo with starfish often makes this a memorable highlight, especially for first-timers or those eager to see marine life up close.

However, if you’re a reef enthusiast looking for specific coral types or a more in-depth underwater experience, you might want to research other options that focus exclusively on diving or longer reef visits. Also, if your schedule is tight, note the 12-hour duration—it’s a full day.

The Sum Up

This Cozumel snorkeling tour provides a practical, enjoyable way to explore the island’s marine wonders. With included transport, access to three reefs, and a relaxing beach break, it offers good value for those wanting an all-in-one experience without the hassle of planning each step. The highlight, of course, is the chance to swim with starfish at El Cielo, which is often a once-in-a-lifetime moment.

While reef closures during certain months might limit the original variety, the trip still delivers stunning views, vibrant marine life, and a chance to unwind at a beautiful beach. It’s best suited for travelers who want a straightforward day of snorkeling, good food, and easy logistics. If you enjoy being in the water and want a hassle-free way to see some of Cozumel’s top spots, this tour deserves a look.

FAQ

How early does the tour start?
The tour begins at 8:00 am, so expect a morning pickup from your hotel, which helps maximize daylight for your activities.

Is transport included?
Yes, roundtrip transportation from your hotel and ferry tickets are included, making the day smooth and worry-free.

What reefs will I visit?
Originally, the plan was to visit Colombia and Palancar reefs, but in September 2023, these are closed for conservation, so you’ll visit alternative reefs instead.

Are drinks included?
On the boat, you get two drinks per person included. Additional drinks at the beach or restaurant are extra.

Can I snorkel at El Cielo if I’m a beginner?
Yes, El Cielo’s shallow waters make it accessible for beginners. Just remember not to touch or remove starfish.

What about the food?
A box lunch is included, and you can choose a dish from the main menu at the beach restaurant, which offers a good variety.

If you’re after a relaxed, well-structured day to enjoy some of Cozumel’s best underwater sights, this tour offers a solid balance of adventure, comfort, and convenience. Just keep in mind the weather and reef closures, and you’ll have a memorable Caribbean outing.