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.
Cozumel, Mexico · 4h · MXN 1,100 per adult, snorkel gear, fresh snacks and drinks included · EN · ES
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!
What is this tour like?
Cozumel Snorkel Center runs its own boats and crews from central Cozumel, and this is its turtle trip: four hours on a group boat that glides over the reefs, stops at the turtle sanctuary — a little-known area of reef where sea turtles feed on the seagrass and, in the operator's words, groups of three or four are not uncommon — and then anchors in the shallow, clear water of El Cielo, surrounded by wild starfish. Departures are at 9:30 am, midday and 2:00 pm every day, and you are asked to arrive 30 minutes early to check in.
It costs 1,100 MXN per adult and 1,000 MXN per child; infants under four cannot join. The price covers all the snorkel gear, life jackets, English- and Spanish-speaking crew, insurance, and the food and drink: fish ceviche, guacamole and pico de gallo with chips made fresh on board, seasonal fruit with Tajín, sodas and water, and beer and cocktails for adults. A government marine park fee applies to everyone who enters the water; the page does not give the amount. There is no toilet on this boat and it is not wheelchair accessible, and the operator does not take guests with back, heart or cardiovascular problems, recent surgery or pregnancy.
What are the highlights?
- The turtle sanctuary: a little-known patch of reef where, the operator says, it is not uncommon to see three or four turtles feeding together
- Anchor in the shallow, clear water of El Cielo among wild starfish
- Fish ceviche, guacamole, pico de gallo and chips made fresh on board, plus fruit, sodas, beer and cocktails
- Timed for cruise passengers, with a written back-to-ship guarantee
- Non-swimmers welcome — they can stay on board or float with a life ring beside a guide
How does the day go, hour by hour?tap a photo to enlarge
- 9:30Check-in 30 minutes before departure
At the Asta Bandera monument by the downtown ferry terminal, at El Cid La Ceiba, or from a private hotel pier on the way. Departures are at 9:30 am, midday and 2:00 pm, and they leave on time.
- —Out along the coast
Life jackets are mandatory for everyone while the boat is moving.
- —Over the reefs
The boat glides over Cozumel's reefs. Depending on conditions and the reef, the guide may ask you to snorkel without fins — a marine park rule to protect the coral.
- —Snorkelling in the turtle sanctuary
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 and its starfish
The boat drops anchor in the warm, shallow water of El Cielo, reachable only by boat and full of wild starfish.
- —Ceviche and drinks in the shallows
Fish ceviche, guacamole and pico de gallo with chips, fruit with Tajín, sodas and water — and beer and cocktails for adults. Life jackets can come off here.
What's included in the price?
- 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
What's 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
What should you know before you go?
Who runs this tour?
Where do we meet?
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.
Exact meeting point shared after booking.
FAQ
How much for two adults and a child?
Can I bring a baby or toddler?
I can't swim. Can I still come?
I'm on a cruise. Will I make it back to the ship?
Can I cancel or change my booking?
What happens if the weather is bad?
Do I need my own snorkel gear or fins?
Where do we meet?
Who should not take this tour?
Quick questions
What do guests say?
“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!”
“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!”
“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!”
“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.”
“Good afternoon, I want to tell you that I loved the tour; it was a very pleasant experience from start to finish. The whole team was extremely kind and gave excellent service. In particular, I thank Darwin, captain Mike, the photographer and Maugui for their attention and professionalism. Even though I can't swim, I felt safe and looked after the whole time. Mr Darwin was very patient and dedicated in teaching us to swim and snorkel, which made me enjoy the activity even more. I recommend them wholeheartedly. Thank you so much for everything! #Cozumel 🫰🏻”
How can you pay?
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