Cozumel: Clear Boat Ride and Snorkeling Trip

Imagine cruising over Cozumel’s crystal-clear waters in a see-through boat, with the Caribbean sun overhead and the vibrant underwater world just below. For just $32 per person, this 1.5-hour trip offers a chance to see the coast from a unique perspective and explore the marine life that makes Cozumel famous. Led by friendly guides and including some drinks on deck, this tour is a playful and accessible way to enjoy the island’s natural beauty.

What we really love about this experience are the stunning views from the fully transparent boat and the opportunity to snorkel in waters known for their clarity and vibrant coral formations. Plus, the relaxed pace and small group size create an intimate setting perfect for families, couples, or solo travelers. But, keep in mind that the snorkeling time can be a bit limited, and the additional dock fee is not included in the price, which is something to remember when budgeting.

This tour is ideal if you’re looking for a light, scenic adventure with easy access to Cozumel’s marine environment. It’s especially suited for those who want a casual activity, enjoy boat rides, and value the chance to snap photos of the coastline and marine life without a strenuous commitment. If you’re after a quick, well-organized introduction to Cozumel’s waters, this trip hits the mark.

Key Points

• Unique transparent boat experience offers unobstructed views of the coastline and sea life
• Snorkeling in clear waters provides a glimpse of coral formations and marine creatures
• Small group size ensures personalized attention from guides and a more relaxed atmosphere
• Drinks included make for a comfortable, leisurely ride on deck
• Additional dock fee (100 MXN) is payable on arrival and not included in the ticket price
• Limited snorkeling time might be a drawback for more experienced snorkelers seeking extensive underwater exploration

You can check availability for your dates here:

An Authentic Cozumel Experience: Cruising and Snorkeling in Style

When we first read about this tour, the idea of cruising on a fully transparent boat immediately appealed to us. There’s something magical about gliding over the water while being able to see directly below, rather than peering through glass from inside a boat. The crystal-clear waters around Cozumel are ideal for this, showcasing colorful coral formations and marine life that might otherwise be hidden from view.

The tour begins at the waterfront location at Av. Rafael E. Melgar 221, a popular spot in town, making it easy to find and convenient to access. Once you meet your guide, typically friendly and knowledgeable (as some reviews suggest, guides like Emmanuel help make the trip special with their warmth and local insights), you’ll hop aboard a beautiful, well-maintained boat. The vessel’s transparent hull offers a panoramic view of the shoreline and water below, adding a touch of novelty to a typical sightseeing cruise.

The Itinerary: What You’ll Experience

The entire trip lasts about 1.5 hours, which makes it a perfect quick escape from the busy cruise port or hotel. The boat departs from the same location where it returns, simplifying logistics and eliminating the need for transport or additional planning.

Once underway, you’ll enjoy scenic views of Cozumel’s coastline, with the blue waters stretching in every direction. The guides typically point out interesting sights — from local landmarks to spots where colorful fish and coral are visible below the boat. The highlight for many is the chance to stop and snorkel at carefully selected locations, often with supplied snorkeling gear to make entering the water easy.

In the water, you might see sunken ships, coral formations, and a variety of marine creatures, although one review notes that the snorkeling time isn’t very long — a valid consideration if you’re hoping for an extensive underwater adventure. Still, the capability to swim and snorkel freely in such clear waters is a big plus.

What’s Included and What’s Not

For the price, you’re getting a fully transparent boat ride, snorkeling equipment, and two drinks per person (choices include water, soda, or beer). The drinks are a nice touch, making the cruise feel more relaxed, especially as you sit back and enjoy the scenic views.

However, a dock fee of 100 MXN per person is not included in the ticket price and must be paid upon arrival—something to keep in mind when planning your budget. The tour does not include hotel pickups or drop-offs, so you’ll need to arrange your own transportation to the meeting point.

What the Reviews Say

The feedback on this tour offers a balanced picture. Many travelers praise the friendly guides and the beautiful boat, with some noting guides like Emmanuel going above and beyond to ensure everyone is comfortable and takes good photos — “He helped us and all the other guests get in and out and always made sure that the floor was wiped dry and clean so that we could observe the fish well,” one review mentions.

Others appreciated the value for money — “Good value for the price,” and found the views impressive and well worth the experience. However, a few noted that the snorkeling time was somewhat limited, with comments like “there wasn’t much time for snorkeling, and there wasn’t really much to see.” This suggests that if you’re a serious snorkeler or marine enthusiast, you might wish for longer underwater.

One traveler from Germany highlight that the prices for children under 5 are a bit confusing, as they were asked to pay the adult price, and tickets could only be purchased in advance for children 5 and older. So, if you’re traveling with very young kids, it’s worth clarifying the pricing beforehand.

More Great Tours Nearby

Why You Should Consider This Tour

If your goal is to enjoy a beautiful, relaxing boat ride with a unique transparent vessel, this tour delivers just that. It’s perfect if you want quick, scenic views of Cozumel’s coastline and a chance to snorkel in clear, shallow waters with some marine life. The small group size ensures you won’t feel lost in a crowd, and the friendly guides can enhance your experience with local insights.

This is less suited for those seeking an extended or highly detailed underwater exploration, but it’s often praised for value and the fun of cruising in a boat you can see through. It also works well for travelers who prefer a laid-back activity with drinks on deck and beautiful scenery.

Final Thoughts

This Cozumel transparent boat and snorkeling tour offers a charming blend of adventure, relaxation, and sightseeing. For a modest price, you get an experience that combines spectacular views with the chance to explore marine environments in a way that’s easy and accessible. The small group size and friendly guides make it a comfortable choice, especially if you enjoy a more personal touch.

While the snorkeling might be brief for underwater enthusiasts or those hoping to see a wide array of marine life, the visual experience from the boat itself is worth the price. It’s an especially good option for travelers who want a fun, casual activity that’s easy to fit into a day of exploring Cozumel.

If you’re after a straightforward, scenic, and fun introduction to Cozumel’s waters, this tour fits the bill nicely. It’s best suited for those who value authentic, well-organized experiences that don’t require a lot of time or expense but still deliver memorable views and a taste of the island’s natural beauty.

FAQ

What is the duration of the tour?
The tour lasts approximately 1.5 hours, including cruising, snorkeling, and stops.

Where does the tour start?
It begins at Av. Rafael E. Melgar 221, a central location on Cozumel’s waterfront.

Is transportation included?
No, the tour does not provide hotel pickup or drop-off. You need to arrange your own transportation to the meeting point.

Are drinks included?
Yes, each person receives two drinks—options include beer, water, or soda.

What is the cost of the dock fee?
The dock fee of 100 MXN per person is paid upon arrival and is not included in the ticket price.

Is snorkeling equipment provided?
Yes, snorkeling gear is supplied for participants.

Can children participate?
Yes, but keep in mind that children under 5 years are not recommended. Some reviews mention that tickets can only be purchased in advance for children 5 and older.

Is this tour suitable for pregnant women or people with mobility issues?
No, the tour is not recommended for pregnant women or those with mobility impairments.

Do I need to book in advance?
Yes, it’s advisable to reserve ahead as spots are limited to small groups, and you can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.

In all, this Cozumel transparent boat and snorkeling trip offers a practical and enjoyable way to experience the island’s stunning waters with minimal fuss. It’s a good choice for travelers seeking simple, scenic fun with some marine exploration thrown in.

You can check availability for your dates here: