Tour to Cozumel by Catamaran with Snorkeling and Buffet Lunch

Exploring the Cozumel Catamaran and Snorkeling Tour: A Practical Review

If you’re eyeing a full day out in the waters near Playa del Carmen, this Coanzumel by Catamaran tour might catch your interest. It offers a chance to sail on a spacious catamaran, snorkel at some of the top reefs, and unwind at a beach club—all in one package. While it’s not the cheapest option out there, the combination of scenic sailing, vibrant coral reefs, and relaxed beach time could make it worth the price for many travelers.

What we particularly appreciate about this tour is its organized flow, starting from Playa del Carmen with a smooth ferry transfer, and the fact that it includes snorkeling equipment and a buffet lunch—elements that add convenience. On the flip side, the tour does tend to attract a good number of people, which some review comments suggest can make snorkeling a bit crowded. It’s also worth noting that children under 8 are not allowed to snorkel, which could be a consideration if you’re traveling with young kids.

This tour seems best suited for those who want a combination of adventure and relaxation, with a good dose of social fun on the water. If your priority is high-quality, uncrowded snorkeling or a more intimate experience, you might want to explore smaller or private options. But if you’re fine with a lively, well-organized day that covers the highlights of Cozumel’s reefs, this tour could be a solid pick.

Key Points

• Balanced itinerary that combines sailing, snorkeling, beach time, and a quick visit to Cozumel’s town.
• Includes transportation, snorkeling gear, and lunch, offering good value for a full day trip.
• Crowded snorkeling spots might affect your experience; some reviews mention the reefs getting busy.
• Family-friendly aspects are limited; snorkeling is only for kids over 8, and the tour is more suited for adult or older children travelers.
• Knowledgeable guides help make the trip informative and enjoyable.
• Flexible cancellation policy allows for free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance, adding peace of mind.

The Experience in Detail

Meeting Point and Transfer

Your day kicks off around 7:30 am at Playa Mia, a convenient spot in Playa del Carmen. The tour provider’s guides are friendly and well-organized, helping you check in smoothly. From there, you’re whisked onto a ferry, which takes around 1.5 hours to cross over to Cozumel. It’s a relaxed way to start the day, with some onboard time to get excited about what’s ahead.

The Catamaran Sailing

Once in Cozumel, you’ll board a spacious catamaran around 11 am. The boat is crewed by knowledgeable guides who, from reviews, seem to truly know their way around the best snorkeling sites. The sailing itself lasts about two hours, giving you plenty of time to enjoy the breeze, take in the views, and snap some photos of the water and coastline.

Snorkeling at the Reefs

The real highlight for many is the snorkeling—especially at Palancar and Colombia reefs, known for their vibrant coral formations and multicolored fish. Expect a 30-minute swim at each site, with the equipment provided included in the tour. Some reviews hint that the reefs can get crowded, which might make it a little less serene than some travelers hope. Still, the reefs are stunning, and guides tend to be attentive, helping snorkelers get the most out of the experience.

Visiting Playa “El Cielo”

Next stop is the famous “El Cielo” area, known as a starfish sanctuary. Here, you’ll snorkel in crystal-clear waters and see plenty of the starfish that give it its name. The visit is short but sweet—about 25 minutes—so it’s more about quick photos and enjoying the water than a long underwater exploration. This spot is usually clear, and the starfish are friendly photo opportunities, though some reviews mention the water can be quite crowded here.

Relaxing at Mia Beach Club

After snorkeling, you’ll head over to the Playa Mia Grand Beach Park. This is a favorite part for those wanting some downtime. You’ll have about an hour and 15 minutes to relax, swim, or explore the beach. The beach club offers amenities like bathrooms, showers, kayaks, and a lovely atmosphere to unwind after a busy snorkeling session. The included buffet lunch is served here, giving you a hearty break before more fun in the sun.

Exploring Cozumel Town

Later in the afternoon, there’s a short visit to the charming town of San Miguel de Cozumel. This is a chance to stretch your legs, browse some local shops, or grab an ice cream. It’s a relaxed way to experience a bit of local culture before heading back to Playa del Carmen.

Return Voyage

The day wraps up with the ferry back to Playa del Carmen around 6:30 pm, arriving by 8 pm. It’s a pretty straightforward end to a packed day, with some time to reflect on the day’s highlights.

The Value of This Tour

At $179 per person, the price might seem steep, but if you value a full-day experience that combines sailing, snorkeling, and beach leisure, it’s fairly competitive. The tour includes everything—snorkeling gear, lunch, and transportation—meaning you don’t have to worry about extra costs. Plus, the reviews suggest that guides are knowledgeable, making the experience smoother and more enjoyable.

That said, the crowds at snorkeling spots are a common concern. If you’re after quieter, more intimate snorkeling, you might find this tour a bit busy. The company does offer a refund policy if weather cancels the trip, which adds a layer of security to your booking.

Practical Tips

• Bring a towel, as it’s not included.
• Photos of your underwater adventure aren’t included, so consider bringing a waterproof camera.
• The tour is suitable for those with moderate physical fitness levels.
• Children over 8 can snorkel, but younger kids might find the experience less accessible.
• Expect some port tax or surcharge of $22, payable locally.

Who Should Consider This Tour?

This trip is ideal for travelers who want a well-rounded day—sailing, snorkeling, and relaxing—without the hassle of planning each part individually. It’s a good fit for those comfortable with being part of a larger group and willing to share the reefs with other snorkelers. If your priority is high-quality, uncrowded snorkeling, or you’re traveling with very young children, you might want to explore alternative options.

If you’re looking for an efficient, fun way to see Cozumel’s reefs and enjoy a lively atmosphere on the water, this tour has a lot to offer.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the tour suitable for children?
Snorkeling is only allowed for children over 8 years old. The tour offers a fun environment, but very young kids or babies might find the water activities less accessible and should be considered carefully.

What should I bring?
A towel, sunscreen, waterproof camera, and a little cash for souvenirs or extras. The tour provides snorkeling gear, but not towels or photos.

How long is the entire experience?
It’s approximately 10 and a half hours, including transportation, snorkeling, beach time, and visiting Cozumel town.

Are the reefs crowded?
Some reviews mention that the snorkeling spots, like Palancar and Colombia reefs, can get busy, especially during peak times. This might affect the tranquility of your swim.

What’s included in the price?
Use of snorkeling equipment, buffet lunch, open bar, and ferry transfers are included. Port taxes or surcharges of $22 are not.

Can I cancel if my plans change?
Yes, free cancellation is available up to 24 hours before the trip, which provides some peace of mind.

What’s the best time of day for this tour?
Starting early at 7:30 am gives you a full day of activities, and the schedule is set to maximize time at each stop.

Is transportation from Playa del Carmen to the ferry included?
Yes, the ferry crossing from Playa del Carmen to Cozumel is included in the tour.

How many people usually join?
The maximum is 45 travelers, so it’s a reasonably sized group but not overly crowded.

Final Thoughts

This Cozumel catamaran and snorkeling tour offers a well-organized, enjoyable way to experience some of the best reef sites near Cozumel while enjoying the comfort and fun of a large catamaran. It combines scenic sailing, vibrant underwater life, and beach leisure into a single, manageable day. While it’s not a solitary adventure—crowds at the reefs can be a challenge—the guides’ knowledge and the variety of stops make it a solid choice for travelers wanting a lively, full-day trip.

If you’re after a straightforward, fun-filled day that balances adventure, relaxation, and good value, it’s worth considering. Just keep in mind the potential for crowding and plan accordingly if you’re seeking peace and quiet underwater.

Happy travels and I hope your trip to Cozumel turns out to be one to remember!