Cozumel Catamaran Tour: Snorkel at Top Reefs & Open Bar

If you’re dreaming of a day on the water filled with snorkeling, lively music, and relaxing drinks, this Cozumel Catamaran Tour offers an enticing mix. For just $35 per person, you’ll spend about five hours aboard a spacious double-deck vessel, cruising through the turquoise Caribbean and exploring some of the island’s most celebrated reefs and sandbars. Led by friendly guides and accompanied by a lively entertainment team, this trip promises a fun, laid-back way to experience Cozumel’s underwater treasures and beachside charm.

Two things we really appreciate about this tour are the quality snorkeling gear provided—so you don’t have to worry about bringing your own—and the unlimited open bar, which keeps the mood festive from start to finish. The inclusion of a Caribbean-style lunch with ceviche and hotdogs adds a satisfying touch after your aquatic adventures. However, potential travelers should note that the crowd size can sometimes feel larger than expected, and the loud music on board might not suit everyone. Still, if you’re looking for a budget-friendly, lively day of exploration and relaxation, this tour could be just right.

This experience is perfect for social travelers or groups seeking a lively, social atmosphere with plenty of opportunities for snorkeling and fun. If you prefer a peaceful, serene experience or a more private setting, you might want to consider other options. But for those who want a combination of adventure, entertainment, and tropical scenery, this tour offers good value.

Key Points

• Affordable Price: At $35, this tour offers a lot for a modest cost, especially with all the included amenities.
• Multiple Top Reefs: Snorkel at Colombia Reef, Palancar Reef, El Cielo, and El Cielitotwo, all renowned for their vibrant marine life.
• Lively Atmosphere: Expect energetic music, an open bar, and onboard entertainment, making the trip feel more like a party than a typical tour.
• Quality Equipment: Snorkeling gear is included, ensuring you’re prepared to see the underwater world without hassle.
• Flexible Schedule: The tour runs daily from 1:00 pm, with optional sunset cruises for a more romantic finish.
• Mixed Reviews: While some praise the guides, views, and food, others mention issues like loud music and larger crowds than expected.

A Detailed Look at What to Expect

Start: Heading Out from Cozumel

Your journey begins around 1:00 pm in San Miguel de Cozumel. From the dock, you’ll step aboard a double-deck catamaran, which promises a luxurious yet energetic setting. As the boat departs, you’ll enjoy panoramic views of clear waters and the sound of lively music, setting a festive tone right from the start.

Many travelers find the staff friendly and helpful, with guides working to keep everyone engaged. The group size is capped at 35 participants, which strikes a balance between a fun social environment and avoiding overcrowding. Still, some reviews indicate that the boat can sometimes feel crowded, especially when the music is turned up loud, which might be overwhelming if you prefer a quieter experience.

Snorkeling at Colombia Reef

The first snorkeling stop is Colombia Reef, one of Cozumel’s top spots. Here, you’ll have around an hour to explore the vibrant underwater scenery. The snorkeling equipment provided is of good quality, allowing you to comfortably float among coral formations teeming with marine life. Expect to see colorful fish, corals, and possibly sea turtles, depending on the day.

One reviewer noted, “This is not as advertised!! Give me a refund!!” citing concerns over impressions of crowding and music. It’s worth mentioning that some travelers had different expectations—some hoping for a quieter, more subdued snorkeling experience. If you love vibrant marine environments and don’t mind a lively atmosphere, you’ll find Colombia Reef an exciting start.

Palancar Reef: The Big Name

Next, the boat moves to Palancar Reef, another renowned snorkeling site. This stop offers around an hour of exploration in a more serene yet equally stunning environment. Here, colorful fish, sea turtles, and elaborate coral formations make for mesmerizing sights. We loved the way guides helped us spot sea creatures, making the experience both enjoyable and educational.

Some travelers mention that the marine life is abundant and the reef’s clarity allows for excellent viewing. But again, expect a more lively vibe onboard—music and chatter may continue as you swim, so it’s ideal for those who enjoy a energetic atmosphere rather than complete tranquility.

El Cielo Sandbar: Float and Photograph

The highlight for many is El Cielo, famous for its shallow, clear waters and starfish. It’s a photographer’s dream—perfect for floating and capturing stunning pictures of the starfish and the shallow seabed. This stop is about an hour long, giving you plenty of time to relax in the calm waters and take in the natural beauty.

A lot of visitors mention how peaceful and beautiful this spot is, with some describing it as “the most magical part of the trip.” However, since it’s a shallow sandbar, it can get crowded, especially during peak times, which might detract from the tranquil vibe some seek.

El Cielito Beach: Beachside Snacks and Drinks

The final stop is El Cielito Beach, where the party continues with more unlimited drinks, lively music, and a tasty lunch featuring ceviche, hotdogs, and fresh fruit. This is a perfect way to wind down, soak up the sun, and enjoy a casual beach atmosphere. Many travelers appreciate the informal, fun vibe here, although one review noted a crowd that felt larger than expected, which could make relaxing more challenging.

Optional Sunset Cruise

For those seeking an extra romantic or scenic ending, an optional sunset cruise is available. This premium experience offers stunning views as the sun dips into the sea, perfect for couples or anyone who loves a peaceful, scenic finale to their day.

How Does It All Add Up?

What’s Included and What’s Not

The included parts of this tour are quite generous: snorkeling gear, a luxury catamaran cruise, visits to four beautiful reefs and sandbars, an open bar (beer and margaritas for guests 18+), and a Caribbean-style lunch. The guides are bilingual and knowledgeable, aiming to make the experience both fun and informative.

However, you’ll need to pay a dock tax of 500 MXN ($25 USD) at check-in, which is a common practice but worth noting for your budget. Tips and souvenirs are not included, so if you want to tip your guides or buy a keepsake, bring extra cash.

Is It Good Value?

At $35, this tour offers considerable value—especially when you factor in the snorkeling gear, drinks, and food. For a budget-friendly day on the water, it’s hard to beat the price. But, as some reviews suggest, the lively atmosphere and occasional crowding might not suit everyone, especially those seeking a quieter experience.

How Travelers Feel

The overall rating is 3.5 out of 5 based on seven reviews, with some travelers loving the fun, energetic vibe, and scenic stops, while others felt the music and crowds detracted from the experience. One reviewer exclaimed, “No Title,” lamenting that the experience was not as advertised and complaining about loud music and crowding. This contrasts with many who enjoyed the guides, views, and the food.

Who Would Enjoy This Tour?

This catamaran experience is ideal for party-minded travelers, groups celebrating special occasions, or anyone looking for a lively, social day on the water. If you love snorkeling in vibrant reefs, drinks and music onboard, and meeting other travelers, you’ll find a lot to love here.

However, if you prefer peaceful snorkeling or a quiet day at the beach, or if you’re sensitive to loud music, this might not be your best choice. Remember, the crowd size and the energetic atmosphere are part of what makes this tour unique—and potentially overwhelming if you’re seeking a more tranquil experience.

Final Thoughts

This Cozumel catamaran tour offers a fantastic blend of snorkeling, entertainment, and tropical scenery at a very accessible price. The value for money is undeniable, especially considering the included gear, food, drinks, and guided visits to some of Cozumel’s top reefs.

It’s a great choice for travelers who enjoy a lively atmosphere and social settings, or those wanting to combine marine exploration with a festive vibe. The longer stops at reefs and sandbars mean you have ample time to enjoy the underwater world and take memorable photos, though expect some noisy moments and crowded spots.

If you’re comfortable with a party atmosphere and energetic guides, this tour will likely meet your expectations and provide a fun, memorable day. For anyone seeking serenity or a smaller group experience, consider alternative options.

FAQ

Is the tour suitable for all ages?
Most travelers can participate, but the open bar is only for guests 18 and over. The lively atmosphere might be more appealing to adults than families with young children.

How long is the entire tour?
The tour lasts about five hours, including stops at four different snorkeling sites, a beach stop, and time onboard cruising.

What is included in the price?
You get snorkeling gear, a double-deck luxury catamaran cruise, visits to top reefs, an open bar with beer and margaritas (for 18+), and a Caribbean lunch.

Are the reef stops worthwhile?
Yes, Colombia Reef and Palancar Reef are considered top snorkeling spots, offering vibrant marine life and stunning coral formations. The El Cielo sandbar is famous for starfish and shallow waters perfect for relaxing floats.

Is there an option to do a sunset cruise?
Yes, an additional sunset cruise is available, providing a more scenic and romantic end to your day.

Do I need to pay extra for anything?
Yes, a dock tax of 500 MXN ($25 USD) is payable at check-in. Tips and souvenirs are also extra.

In summary, this Cozumel catamaran tour combines affordability, fun, and beautiful scenery—ideal for travelers eager to enjoy a lively day with snorkeling and socializing. Just be prepared for a noisy, crowded environment if you choose to join, and you’ll leave with plenty of memorable moments from your Caribbean adventure.