Cozumel Luxury Sailing & Snorkeling with Lunch and Open Bar Onboard

If you’re considering a day out on the water in Playa del Carmen, this Cozumel Luxury Sailing & Snorkeling tour offers a blend of comfort, fun, and scenic beauty that’s hard to beat. While I haven’t personally taken this exact trip, the reviews and details paint a pretty inviting picture. We love that it combines the thrill of snorkeling with the laid-back luxury of a sailboat, plus the included light lunch and open bar make it feel like a real treat.

One of the most appealing aspects? The professional guides and attentive staff consistently get praise, making the experience feel personalized and safe. The other? The chance to snorkel among vibrant coral reefs and explore the waters from a paddleboard—a great way to stay active while soaking in the views. On the flip side, a potential drawback is the overall organization, which some reviews suggest could be smoother, particularly around logistics and timing. Still, for those who prioritize a relaxed, scenic day with good amenities, this tour looks like a solid choice.

This experience really suits travelers who want a luxurious, all-in-one water adventure without sacrificing comfort. Families with older kids, couples, or groups of friends looking for a memorable day on the Caribbean are likely to enjoy it. If you’re after a laid-back vibe with plenty of opportunities to snorkel, sip cocktails, and lounge, this trip might be just what you need.

Key Points

• Luxury and Comfort: The trip is aboard a deluxe catamaran, ensuring a smooth and comfortable ride.
• All-Inclusive Amenities: Light lunch, soft drinks, and an open bar are included, so no need to pack extra snacks or drinks.
• Snorkeling & Water Fun: Top-tier snorkel gear and paddleboards are available, plus guided snorkeling in vibrant reefs.
• Hotel Pickup Included: Convenience is key, with pickup from select hotels in Cancun and Riviera Maya.
• Flexible Free Time: You get some leisure time to explore Cozumel at your own pace after the boat trip.
• Decent Group Size: Limited to around 34 people, maintaining a friendly, less crowded atmosphere.

The Itinerary: What You Can Expect

Starting at 8:30 am, you’ll be picked up from most hotels in Cancun or Riviera Maya, which is a real plus for those staying inland or in busy resorts. The transportation involves a drive, then a short walk to the ferry terminal to cross over to Cozumel. While this process adds some time to your day, it’s generally smooth, and reviews mention the check-in at a pharmacy/gift shop as part of the process—something to keep in mind for timing.

Once aboard the luxury catamaran, you’ll immediately notice the relaxed, upscale vibe. The crew is described as attentive and bilingual, ready to make your cruise enjoyable. The boat itself offers plenty of space to lounge, and the sails up add a touch of classic charm that many find enjoyable—one reviewer said it was one of their favorite parts of the trip.

Snorkeling and Water Activities

The star of the day is undoubtedly the snorkeling. You’ll be taken to several scenic spots where the coral reefs are teeming with colorful marine life. The top-notch snorkel gear and life jackets are provided, making it accessible for most swimmers, provided you’re comfortable in the water. Reviewers loved the patience and friendliness of the guides, with one mentioning that the snorkel guide, Diego, was particularly great.

For those who prefer to stay dry or want a different perspective, paddleboards are available—an easy way to glide over the water and enjoy the scenery from above. Weather conditions might affect snorkeling, so it’s worth noting that if the weather isn’t cooperating, snorkeling could be limited.

Lunch, Drinks, and Relaxation

While snorkeling or paddling, the crew anchors at serene spots, giving you options: swim, float, or relax on the boat. The light lunch is described as delicious, with reviews highlighting how satisfying it is after a morning of water fun. The fully stocked open bar is a highlight, with drinks flowing and bartenders attentive—some reviewers called the cocktails top-notch.

Post-Water Exploration

After the water activities, there’s time to explore Cozumel itself. While the tour doesn’t specify detailed land excursions, the free time allows for strolling, shopping, or just relaxing by the shoreline—a good chance to soak in some local flavor.

Price and Value: Is It Worth It?

At $139 per person, this tour is on the higher side compared to basic snorkeling trips. But given the inclusive amenities—luxury boat, lunch, drinks, equipment—it offers a lot for the price. The convenience of hotel pickup and the quality of the guides make it feel like a worthwhile splurge, especially if you want a hassle-free day without worries about organizing transport or gear.

Reviewers repeatedly mention the value, especially for the experience of sailing on a deluxe catamaran, enjoying a good meal, and snorkeling in beautiful waters. Some reviews hint at organizational hiccups, but overall, the quality of the water activities and amenities seem to justify the cost.

What the Reviews Say

While most reviews are glowing, with a 4.8 to 5-star rating, a few point out organizational issues. One reviewer noted the pickup logistics could be confusing, and another mentioned the reef wasn’t as vibrant as expected. Still, these seem like minor concerns compared to the overwhelmingly positive feedback on staff friendliness, the food, and the water activities.

Many travelers appreciated the knowledgeable guides, often praising how patient and accommodating they were. The snorkeling views drew rave reviews, with many saying they saw a variety of colorful fish and coral. The light lunch and cocktails scored high, with multiple mentions of the delicious food and flowing drinks.

The Bottom Line: Is This Tour for You?

This trip is ideal if you’re after a luxurious day by the water, with plenty of opportunities to snorkel and relax. It’s a good pick for adventure lovers who want to see marine life but also enjoy comfort and good service. If you’re traveling with children over eight or adults who enjoy water sports, this could fit well.

However, if you’re prone to organizational stress or prefer more structured land tours, you might find some of the logistics a little cumbersome. Remember, the tour involves some travel time and waiting at the ferry, so patience is helpful.

This is a well-rated, engaging experience that combines the best parts of boating, snorkeling, and Caribbean scenery. It’s best suited for travelers who value comfort, good food, and a lively atmosphere on the water.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is included in the tour?
The tour includes round-trip transportation from most hotels in Cancun and Riviera Maya, a luxury sailboat cruise, snorkeling gear and life jackets, a light lunch, an open bar, and some free time to explore Cozumel afterward.

Is the tour suitable for children?
The minimum age to board the catamaran is 4 years old, but water activities require children to be at least 8. Guests should be relatively fit and capable swimmers.

How long does the tour last?
The total duration is approximately 4.5 hours, starting with pickup at 8:30 am, including boat time, water activities, and free time on Cozumel.

Are there any extra fees?
Yes, there’s a $30 USD ferry fee per person payable at the pier, and souvenir photos are available for purchase but not included.

What should I bring?
Bring swimwear, a towel, sun protection, and maybe a waterproof camera or phone case. Since lunch and drinks are provided, there’s no need to bring extra provisions.

Is this tour weather-dependent?
Yes, the experience requires good weather. If canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund.

What if I need to cancel?
You can cancel free of charge up to 24 hours before the tour. Cancellations made less than 24 hours in advance are not refundable.

In all, if a day on the water with good food, drinks, and beautiful snorkeling sounds appealing, this tour offers a high-quality experience that’s worth considering. Just keep in mind the organizational aspects and plan accordingly to make the most of your time.