Boat & catamaran tours — Cozumel

1 option from MXN 1,100 per person. Departures from Asta Bandera monument. Duration 4h. Operators: Cozumel Snorkel Center.

A snorkelling boat trip in Cozumel costs 1,100 MXN per adult (about $55) with Cozumel Snorkel Center: four hours on a group boat to the turtle sanctuary, where sea turtles graze on the seagrass, and then to the shallow water of El Cielo among wild starfish.

MXN 1,100 From

4h Duration

4.8 / 5 2 526 reviews

1option

The short version

Children pay 1,000 MXN, and infants under four cannot join.

Snorkel gear, life jackets, a bilingual crew, insurance and food made on board — ceviche, guacamole, fruit, sodas, and beer and cocktails for adults — are in the price. The government marine park fee is paid on top by everyone who goes in the water. The price:

1,100 MXN per adult — Cozumel Snorkel Center, four hours to the turtle sanctuary and El Cielo, departures at 9:30 am, midday and 2:00 pm; 1,000 MXN per child, so two adults and a child pay 3,200 MXN plus the park fee.

Options 1

Cozumel · Boat & catamaran tours

Cozumel Turtle Sanctuary and El Cielo Snorkel Tour

A four-hour group boat trip from central Cozumel: over the reefs, a snorkel in the turtle sanctuary where sea turtles graze on the seagrass, then anchor in the shallow water of El Cielo among wild starfish for ceviche, guacamole, fruit and drinks. Departures at 9:30 am, midday and 2:00 pm. 1,100 MXN per adult, 1,000 MXN per child, gear included.

4h 4.8(2526)

from MXN 1,100 per adult, snorkel gear, fresh snacks and drinks included

View details

What's included

About four hours on the boat with snorkelling stops
All snorkel gear, sanitised before and after every tour, and life jackets
Fish ceviche, guacamole, pico de gallo and chips made on board, seasonal fruit
Sodas, water, and beer and cocktails for adults
English- and Spanish-speaking crew
Insurance for the duration of the trip

Not included

Marine park fee — mandated by the government for everyone entering the water; the page does not give the amount
Toilet — there is none on this boat
Fees some hotels charge for pier pick-up

Good to know

Families with children aged four and up, cruise passengers who want a guaranteed return to the ship, and anyone who wants turtles and starfish without diving. Non-swimmers can come too.
No experience needed. Life jackets are compulsory while the boat is moving; strong swimmers may take them off in the water at their own risk.
Swimwear, a towel, a long-sleeved UV rash guard and flip-flops, sandals or water shoes you don't mind getting wet. Only coral-safe sunscreen is allowed on board. Arrive 30 minutes early, and use the toilet before you board.

Asta Bandera monument, next to the ferry terminal in downtown Cozumel and a short walk from the Punta Langosta cruise terminal; or El Cid La Ceiba hotel, a short walk from the International and Puerta Maya piers; or a private hotel pier on the way (terms and fees may apply). Arrive 30 minutes before departure. Office: Av. Rafael E. Melgar between 2 and 4 Norte, Centro; phone on its Google listing.

Boat & catamaran tours prices in Cozumel

Tour	Duration	Group	From
Cozumel Turtle Sanctuary and El Cielo Snorkel Tour	4h	—	MXN 1,100 per person

Operators: Cozumel Snorkel Center

What guests say in Cozumel

4.8 2 526 reviews Average across every option in this destination, weighted by the number of reviews.

SL Solveig Lilli
Cozumel Turtle Sanctuary and El Cielo Snorkel Tour

We booked the standard snorkel tour and were more than satisfied. We paid 1100 MX$ per person, so around €55. On top of that came a 33 MX$ booking fee, 200 MX$ national park fee per person and tips. We booked online through the official website of the Cozumel Snorkel Center. We received invoices and information by email in a trustworthy way. We could also contact the center with questions and requests via WhatsApp and got a reply very quickly. The tour was led by Gasper and Emilio, who always kept the mood high. The boat was big enough and very well kept. There were 4 stops, including El Cielo with its many starfish. We also saw a turtle, small rays and reef sharks. Rodrigo took nice pictures of everyone with his GoPro. At €50–65 that was too expensive for us, though, since we had brought our own camera anyway. For €30 I would have thought about it again. Also, the tips are not shared with the photographer. We tipped him separately, because he was really very nice and always made an effort, even though we didn't want to buy his photos. In my view the tipping situation could be communicated better in advance. At the last stop, in the shallow, super clear water, there were also lots of big rays to see, and plenty of drinks and a snack platter for each couple/family. The platter included ceviche (a fish dish). As we are vegetarian, that was unfortunately very unpleasant for us. In future guests could perhaps be asked directly whether they are vegetarian/vegan. The tour is highly recommended all round!

ИФ Ирина Фоминых
Cozumel Turtle Sanctuary and El Cielo Snorkel Tour

Our tour went simply wonderfully, thank you to the whole team — Alfredo, Miguel, Lalo — the guys were super friendly and professionals at what they do. We saw everything we wanted — lots of fish, turtles, starfish, and at the end of the tour we ate ceviche surrounded by stingrays, it was just magical! On top of that we got gorgeous photos to remember the day — thank you for this experience, we are delighted!

AG Adriana Garcia
Cozumel Turtle Sanctuary and El Cielo Snorkel Tour

Going on this excursion was the best! The group of fewer than 20 people was perfect, and it was super convenient that they could pick me up at my hotel's pier. Each reef has its own thing. Super cool. We saw manta rays, turtles, sharks, barracudas. And loads of really lovely starfish. Gasper was an excellent guide, always giving clear instructions and expectations. Emilio was our captain and set a great mood. Rodrigo was our photographer and offers the photo package at a really good price. The food was delicious and prepared fresh by the guys. 100% recommend this excursion!

GS Gideon Schnog
Cozumel Turtle Sanctuary and El Cielo Snorkel Tour

Boat Intrepid was great! Captain Miguel and crew Leonardo and Fernanda took great care of us. The food was fresh and tasty as well. The boat was solid and secure with enough power for to haul all the guests. They took us to a few snorkel spots and a beach stop where they made fresh ceviche. Hope to visit with them again in the future. One thing to keep in mind is that they don't have flippers onboard, so if you prefer swimming with those and have them, bring it along.

All reviews in Cozumel →

FAQ

How much is the turtle snorkel trip in Cozumel?

With Cozumel Snorkel Center, 1,100 MXN (about $55) per adult and 1,000 MXN per child for four hours, with gear, food and drinks. The marine park fee is paid on top by everyone who goes in the water.

Are turtles guaranteed?

The operator does not guarantee them. It says it regularly meets sea turtles feeding on the seagrass in the sanctuary, and that groups of three or four are not uncommon.

Can I bring a toddler?

No. Because of current restrictions the operator does not accept children under four on this tour, even with an adult.

I can't swim. Can I still come?

Yes. Non-swimmers can stay on the boat or, with someone who can help them, float holding a life ring with a guide. You answer a few questions about your ability when booking.

Where do we board?

At the Asta Bandera monument by the downtown ferry terminal, a short walk from Punta Langosta, or at the El Cid La Ceiba hotel near the International and Puerta Maya piers. Arrive 30 minutes before departure.

What if the weather is bad?

Tours run rain or shine. If the Cozumel Port Authority closes the port, you choose another day or a full refund. Your own cancellation is free up to 24 hours before departure.

Ely Not sure which one is yours? Ask Ely — she knows every tour in “Boat & catamaran tours”.Ask Ely

The turtle and starfish trip costs 1,100 MXN per adult (about $55) and 1,000 MXN per child with Cozumel Snorkel Center, for four hours with gear, food and drinks included. The marine park fee is extra for everyone who swims, and the operator does not print the amount.

Checked against the operator's own site on 19 September 2026

3,200 MXNtwo adults and a child, before the park fee
4 yearsthe youngest age on board, even with an adult
1 hourhow early the operator promises to return cruise guests before the ship leaves

Cozumel Snorkel Center, turtle sanctuary and El Cielo: what a group pays. Checked on the operator's site on 19 September 2026.
Who goes	Tickets	On top
One adultCozumel Snorkel Center	1,100 MXN	marine park fee
Two adultsCozumel Snorkel Center	2,200 MXN	marine park fee × 2
Two adults and a childCozumel Snorkel Center	3,200 MXN	marine park fee × 3

You check in 30 minutes early at the Asta Bandera monument next to the downtown ferry terminal, a short walk from the Punta Langosta cruise terminal, or at the El Cid La Ceiba hotel near the International and Puerta Maya piers. Guests of hotels with a private pier can usually be collected on the way, where extra terms and fees may apply.

What do you see?#

Two stops. The turtle sanctuary is a shallow area of reef where the operator says it regularly meets sea turtles feeding on the seagrass, often three or four together. El Cielo is warm, shallow water reachable only by boat and full of wild starfish; the boat anchors there, and the ceviche and drinks are served in the shallows.

Can non-swimmers come?#

Yes. Non-swimmers can stay on the boat or, with someone to help them, float holding a life ring with a guide. Everyone wears a life jacket while the boat is moving. Depending on the reef, the guide may ask you to snorkel without fins, a marine park rule to protect the coral.

What if you are on a cruise?#

The operator guarantees in writing that you will be back at the departure point at least an hour before your ship leaves, and pays your way to the next port if it makes you miss it. Book in Cozumel local time, not ship time. If your ship cannot dock, you get a full refund.

El Cielo: the shallow sandy area off Cozumel where the starfish are, reachable only by boat.
Marine park fee: a government fee for everyone who enters the water, paid on top of the ticket.

The amount of the marine park fee: ask when you book.
Your children's ages: no one under four, and the page does not say where a child fare ends.
Your ship's name and times, if you come by cruise.
That there is no toilet on this boat.

Important

The operator does not take guests with back, heart or cardiovascular problems, after recent surgery or during pregnancy, and the boat is not wheelchair accessible.

Guides & articles about Cozumel

Tips, destinations and everything water-sports.

Cozumel · 9 min

Cozumel from a cruise ship: how much time you need, who pays and what if you miss the sailing

Four hours for the snorkel trip, half an hour for check-in, twelve to seventeen minutes by taxi from the three terminals: the arithmetic of a port call on Cozumel, with the back-to-ship guarantee of Cozumel Snorkel Center quoted in full, its exclusions, and what happens when the ship cannot dock. Checked in September 2026.

Read article →

Cancun · 9 min

With kids in Cancún and on Cozumel: the minimum ages for snorkelling, discover scuba and parasailing

Four years to board a boat on Cozumel, ten to snorkel in Cancún, three to sit in a speedboat, ten for a first dive, five for a parasail flight on one island and ten on the other: every threshold six operators print, with the supervision they require, the child rates and the three places where one page argues with itself. Checked in September 2026.

Read article →

Cozumel · 9 min

Cancún or Cozumel: where to dive and snorkel — prices and conditions

Two tanks cost $110 at the MUSA sculptures off Cancún, $135 on a six-diver boat in Cozumel with the marine park fee included, and $219 in a freshwater cenote. Snorkelling runs from $45 plus a $20 fee to 1,100 MXN for turtles and starfish. What each price buys, who can go and how to get there, checked in September 2026.

Read article →

All articles

The short version

Options 1

Cozumel Turtle Sanctuary and El Cielo Snorkel Tour

What's included

Not included

Good to know

Boat & catamaran tours prices in Cozumel

What guests say in Cozumel

FAQ

What do you see?#

Can non-swimmers come?#

What if you are on a cruise?#

Guides & articles about Cozumel

Cozumel from a cruise ship: how much time you need, who pays and what if you miss the sailing

With kids in Cancún and on Cozumel: the minimum ages for snorkelling, discover scuba and parasailing

Cancún or Cozumel: where to dive and snorkel — prices and conditions

Also in Cozumel

Prices by destination

Boat & catamaran tours elsewhere

Plan your trip with Ely