Explore the sea of cozumel in a transprent boat with drinks and snorkel.

If you’re looking for a laid-back, visually engaging way to experience Cozumel’s stunning marine life without diving deep or spending hours in the water, this transparent boat tour might just fit the bill. We’ve come across this activity as a popular choice for travelers who want a taste of underwater beauty with minimal fuss—a quick 1.5-hour trip that promises memorable views and fun moments.

What immediately appeals to us is the unique transparent boat that lets you peer directly into the water below—no heavy gear or strenuous swimming required. Plus, the two complimentary drinks add a relaxing touch, making it feel more like a leisure cruise than a strict tour. On the flip side, a consideration is that the overall duration is pretty short, which might leave those craving more time a tad wanting.

This experience is well-suited for curious travelers and those with limited time who seek an easy, family-friendly way to enjoy Cozumel’s vibrant underwater world. If you’re okay with a brief outing and want to stay dry while still witnessing marine life, this could be a great pick.

Key Points

• Short and sweet: The tour lasts only 1.5 hours, making it ideal for a quick activity in your day.
• Affordable value: At $44, it’s a budget-friendly way to enjoy Cozumel’s underwater scenery.
• Unique perspective: The transparent boat offers a different angle—viewing fish and coral from above and below simultaneously.
• Includes drinks: Two free drinks help you unwind while enjoying the scenery.
• Snorkeling option: The tour ends with snorkeling at the artificial reef “Lego”, giving you a closer look at marine creatures.
• Accessible guide service: Bilingual guides and photographers add a friendly, professional touch.

You can check availability for your dates here:

What to Expect on This Tour

Starting from the Envatours Cozumel meeting point in downtown Cozumel, the journey begins with a scenic ride toward the San Miguel pier. This spot is historically significant as the original gateway to Cozumel, adding a small cultural twist to your adventure. As you cruise along, the guide shares insights about the island, setting the stage for what’s to come.

The highlight is the transparent boat itself—a modern, clear-bottom vessel that lets you look directly into the water beneath. From the comfort of your shaded seat, you’ll get a good view of the underwater landscape, including colorful coral reefs, sunken ships, and the variety of fish and tropical marine life that call these waters home. Many reviews mention that the boat’s design lets you see just as much as snorkelers, which is a big plus for those who prefer to stay dry but still want a taste of the underwater world.

After about an hour of cruising and sightseeing, the boat docks at the artificial reef called “Lego”, where snorkel gear is provided. Here, you have the chance to float above the reef and observe fish, rays, and maybe even turtles—if you’re lucky. The reef is known for its vibrant marine life, and the guide often captures photos during this part, which can be a nice extra.

The tour wraps up back at the starting point, leaving you with plenty of time to explore other parts of Cozumel or relax at your hotel.

The Highlights in Detail

The Shipwrecks and Coral Reefs

The boat tour offers a view of Cozumel’s famous shipwrecks and coral formations. From the comfort of your transparent vessel, you get a glimpse of these underwater features without the need to get into the water immediately. Several travelers note that seeing the wrecks from above is surprisingly engaging, especially with the commentary from guides.

Snorkeling at Lego Reef

The artificial reef “Lego” is the star of the snorkeling segment. It’s designed to be accessible and safe, making it a great spot for beginners or those who want to try snorkeling without too much hassle. The provided gear is disinfected, and the guide is reportedly friendly and helpful—important considerations if you’re new to snorkeling or traveling with kids.

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Drinks and Relaxation

The two included drinks are a nice touch, especially on a warm day. Whether you prefer a cold soda, beer, or water, it helps make the experience feel more leisurely and less rushed. The drinks are complimentary, which adds value, and many reviews mention how this small detail enhances the overall experience.

The Itinerary Breakdown

Start at Envatours Cozumel in downtown and head north toward San Miguel pier, the historical gateway of the island. The boat then glides along the coast, offering scenic views and insights from the bilingual guide. Passing the diver monument, you’ll learn about Cozumel’s underwater attractions, like the sunken ships and diverse coral reefs, all visible from the transparent boat.

The highlight is the artificial reef called “Lego”, where snorkeling allows you to get closer to marine life. Once the snorkel session ends, the boat returns to the starting point, providing a relaxed, no-pressure window into marine scenery.

What Reviewers Say

Many travelers praise the guides and crew for their friendliness and professionalism, calling out the “terrific” boat captain and the helpful, funny guide. One reviewer, Janice K from the US, loved the view from the boat, saying, “Looking down at fish through the bottom of the boat was so cool. I felt safe and comfortable in the shade of the boat.” She’s already planning to do it again.

Others appreciated the good value—Pamela from Canada called it “great value for money,” noting she saw a turtle, rays, and various fish within the short time frame. She also highlighted the clean, disinfected snorkeling equipment as a positive aspect.

A few found the boarding and disembarking process slightly challenging, with Carolina from Spain mentioning it was “quite complicated,” but overall, most reviews reflect satisfaction with the experience.

The Reviews Summed Up:

• Guides were friendly and professional
• The visual experience from the boat was impressive
• Snorkeling at Lego reef was enjoyable and accessible
• The short duration felt appropriate for some, limiting the number of fish seen from the boat
• The price point was generally considered fair or good value

Practical Details and Tips

The tour costs $44 per person, which is quite reasonable considering the views and the included drinks. It’s a short activity, but the price reflects that—if you’re after a full day of underwater exploration, you might want to add other excursions.

The activity lasts around 1.5 hours, making it perfect for fitting into a busy itinerary or as a quick break from other sightseeing. Available in both morning and afternoon slots, it offers flexibility.

You should bring comfortable clothes and perhaps a hat or sunglasses for sun protection, especially since most of the tour is spent outdoors in the boat. While the snorkeling activity is optional, beachwear is recommended if you decide to snorkel at Lego reef.

The only notable restrictions are for pregnant women, wheelchair users, those with recent surgeries, or anyone with motion sickness, as the boat ride might be uncomfortable for some.

Additional Info:

• Languages: Spanish and English
• Cancellation: Free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance
• Reserve & pay later: A flexible option widely appreciated by travelers

Final thoughts: Who is this tour for?

This transparent boat tour is ideal for travelers who want a fun, quick, and visually stunning experience without the hassle of heavy gear or long dives. It’s especially good for families, first-timers, or anyone with limited time who wants to see some of Cozumel’s best underwater sights while staying dry.

If you enjoy easygoing activities with friendly guides and a touch of relaxation, you’ll likely find this tour worth your time. However, if you’re looking for a full immersion or extensive snorkeling, this might feel a bit brief. Also, those with mobility issues might want to check the boarding process carefully due to the slight complication noted by some.

Overall, it’s a solid, affordable way to enjoy Cozumel’s waters, combining novelty, comfort, and good value. Just remember, it’s a brief peek rather than a deep dive, but sometimes that’s just what you need to make your day lighter and more fun.

FAQs

Is this activity suitable for children?
While not explicitly stated, the tour’s short duration, gentle cruise, and snorkel option suggest it can be suitable for children, especially if they’re comfortable around boats and water.

Do I need to know how to snorkel to enjoy this tour?
Not necessarily. The snorkeling at Lego reef is optional, and the provided equipment is disinfected. The main attraction—the transparent boat—allows you to see underwater without needing snorkel skills.

What should I bring on the tour?
Bring comfortable clothes, sun protection such as a hat or sunscreen, and perhaps a camera or phone for photos. Beachwear is recommended if you plan to snorkel.

Can I cancel my booking?
Yes, you can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund, giving you flexibility if your plans change.

Is the tour language-friendly?
Yes, guides speak both Spanish and English, making it accessible for most travelers.

Are drinks really included?
Yes, two drinks per person are included in the tour price, adding to the relaxed vibe.

Final Words

If a short, visually engaging tour that combines sightseeing with snorkeling sounds appealing, this Cozumel transparent boat experience hits the right notes. It’s perfect for those who want a laid-back, fun way to see marine life without the commitment of long or strenuous activities. The friendly guides, good value, and unique perspective make it a worthwhile addition to your Cozumel itinerary. Just manage expectations about the duration—if you’re craving an all-day adventure, this might be a quick peek rather than an in-depth exploration—but for a brief escape into the waters, it’s a solid choice that’s both enjoyable and easy.

You can check availability for your dates here: