Cozumel Shore Excursion: Mini-SUB Diving Adventure

Cozumel Shore Excursion: Mini-SUB Diving Adventure
Rating: 4.5/5 (145 reviews)
Location: Cozumel, Mexico
Price: $89.99 per person
Duration: Approximately 1 hour
Supplier: Oceanus Activities

A quick look at the experience
Imagine gliding silently in a personal mini-SUB through Cozumel’s shimmering Caribbean waters, surrounded by colorful fish and coral. For around an hour, you’ll be guided through the underwater world without needing prior experience or a diving license. The price, about $90, makes this an accessible way to see marine life from a unique perspective, especially if snorkeling isn’t your thing.

What we love about this adventure is how easy and approachable it is—you don’t need to know how to swim, and the guides are friendly and attentive. Plus, the underwater photos and videos available for purchase are a fantastic souvenir. The only slight consideration? The activity is limited to a maximum group size of five, so if you’re traveling with a larger party, you’ll be split into multiple sessions.

This tour best suits travelers craving a safe yet thrilling glimpse into the underwater world, especially those who prefer a guided experience with excellent safety standards. It’s ideal for curious non-swimmers, families, or anyone looking for a memorable photo opportunity without the hassle of traditional snorkeling or diving.

Key Points

• Accessible for all: No diving experience or swimming skills required.
• Small group size: Up to 5 per mini-SUB, ensuring personalized attention.
• Safety focus: Well-trained guides prioritize safety and clear instructions.
• Great value: About an hour of underwater exploration plus hotel facilities included.
• Photo package: Optional, but a popular way to capture underwater moments.
• Ideal for diverse travelers: Family-friendly, adventurous, or those with medical restrictions.

Exploring the Mini-SUB Cozumel Experience in Detail

An inviting start: from port to water

As you disembark your cruise, the walk from the port to the meeting point is straightforward—about a 40-minute stroll from the cruise dock, which many find is a nice way to stretch your legs and see a bit of the local scenery. Alternatively, there’s clear signage and local guidance to help you reach the hotel where the tour begins. The staff are friendly, and the area around the hotel has restrooms and changing facilities, adding a layer of convenience.

Once there, you’ll be welcomed and introduced to your guides, who clearly explain the safety procedures and give a brief tutorial on operating the mini-SUB. Many reviews emphasize how diligent and considerate the staff are—this focus on safety is crucial when dealing with underwater devices that are new to most guests.

What’s a mini-SUB?

The mini-SUB is a high-tech underwater scooter that lets you breathe normally without a mask or snorkel. It’s designed for easy operation, with simple controls that anyone can learn in minutes. You’ll be sitting comfortably inside a bubble-like compartment while the guide navigates the group, or in some cases, you’ll be driving your own mini-SUB.

The underwater adventure begins

After donning your gear, you’ll step into the water, where the experience truly comes alive. Expect to see parrotfish, needlefish, and even nurse sharks — according to reviews, these are common sights. Your guide will point out various creatures like manta rays, garden eels, and vibrant coral formations, making sure that you don’t miss the highlights.

One review mentions how “holding a puffer fish and feeding fish from your hand” became a memorable part of the trip. Since the group size is small, the guide can focus on individual attention and help you spot hidden marine life you might otherwise overlook.

The true highlight: close encounters with marine life

Several guests commented on the quality of the underwater views. With the clear waters of Cozumel and the controlled environment of the mini-SUB, you’ll feel safe yet able to get close enough to appreciate the details of the coral and the movement of the fish.

The experience lasts around 30 minutes underwater, which many found just enough to satisfy their curiosity without feeling rushed. It’s worth noting that most reviews agree the guides are considerate and safety-focused, checking in with each guest regularly and giving clear signals for communication.

Post-adventure relaxation and souvenirs

After climbing out of the water, your adventure concludes back at the hotel or meeting point. Many guests take a moment to relax on the nearby beach, soaking in the sun and rehydrating with a fresh juice or cocktail at a local restaurant—expenses are on you, but it’s a nice way to unwind after the underwater ride.

For those interested in capturing their memories, the photo and video packages are popular. However, note that photos cost $70 USD per group and are cash only, as some reviewers have pointed out. Guests have expressed mixed feelings about this—some cherish the images, while others are disappointed they didn’t know about the cost beforehand.

Who is this tour right for?

This activity suits a variety of travelers. Families with kids over 12 years old and at least 4 feet tall find it a safe, engaging alternative to snorkeling or scuba. Couples and solo travelers who want a small-group, guided experience tend to enjoy the personalized attention. If you’re not comfortable swimming or have medical restrictions, this could be a perfect way to see marine life without the physical demands of diving.

Practical Tips for Your Mini-SUB Adventure

• Arrive prepared: The meeting point is easy to find, but consider walking or arranging transport early, especially if on a tight schedule.
• Bring cash if you want photos: The $70 USD fee is cash-only, so plan accordingly.
• Use the locker rental: For $10, you can securely store belongings, making your underwater experience worry-free.
• Dress comfortably: You’ll wear your swimsuit underneath, and there are changing facilities at the hotel.
• Age and weight restrictions: Participants must be at least 12 years old, 4 feet tall, and under 300 pounds.
• Timing matters: Ensure your cruise disembarkation and tour times align; reviews mention some confusion, so double-check your bookings.

Authentic Experiences from Travelers

Many reviews mention how friendly and reassuring the staff are — descriptions like “very considerate” and “diligent about safety” are common. Guests appreciated the clear instructions and the feeling of safety, even those who were initially nervous, like Canela, who called it “the craziest experience I ever had” in a good way.

Other travelers highlighted how the guides displayed their knowledge, making the underwater world accessible and fun. The ability to hold a puffer fish or feed fish from your hand really stood out as a memorable highlight, turning this tour into more than just a ride but an interactive experience.

A few reviews pointed out logistical challenges, especially regarding photo pricing or timing issues with cruise disembarkation, so planning ahead is key. Overall, guests agree this tour offers excellent value for money—an hour of guided underwater exploration for less than $90 is hard to beat in Cozumel.

The Sum Up: Who should consider this tour?

This Mini-SUB Diving Adventure in Cozumel is perfect for travelers who want to see marine life up close without the need for extensive training or swimming skills. It offers personalized, small-group attention in a safe and engaging environment—ideal for families, couples, or solo adventurers looking for something different from traditional snorkeling or diving.

If you love the idea of capturing underwater photos or want a guided exploration with friendly, professional staff, this tour is a solid choice. It’s especially appealing if your cruise schedule allows for a relatively short but memorable underwater experience. Just remember to coordinate timing and budget for the photo package if you want a lasting souvenir.

For those seeking a fun, accessible, and visually spectacular way to enjoy Cozumel’s underwater beauty, this tour ranks high in both value and experience. It’s the kind of adventure that leaves you with stories—and photos—to cherish long after your cruise has docked.

FAQs

Is this tour suitable for non-swimmers?
Yes. The mini-SUB is designed for those who don’t know how to swim. You breathe normally and are guided closely, so no swimming skills are necessary.

How long do I spend underwater?
Most guests are underwater for about 30 minutes, with the total experience lasting around an hour including instructions and preparation.

What is included in the price?
Your fee covers the use of the mini-SUB, a bilingual guide, access to hotel facilities such as restrooms and changing rooms, and a worry-free guarantee ensuring you’ll return to your cruise on time.

Are the guides knowledgeable?
Absolutely. Many reviewers mention how friendly and attentive the guides are, with clear instructions that enhance safety and enjoyment.

Where do I meet the tour?
The meeting point is at the Hotel Cozumel & Resort, located at Carretera Costera Sur Lote Kilometro 1-7. The tour ends back at the same location.

What should I bring?
Bring cash if you want to purchase photos or videos ($70 USD per group), and a towel or sunscreen if you plan to relax on the beach afterward. Towel rental is available for $10 USD.

Is there an age limit?
Participants must be at least 12 years old and up to 75 years. The maximum weight is 300 pounds.

Can I do this if I have medical conditions?
Guests with heart, lung, back, or neck conditions, asthma, recent surgery, or medical histories are advised not to participate.

What about photos and videos?
They are available for $70 USD per group, cash only. Many guests find the photos worth the expense for lasting memories.

What if my cruise is delayed or I’m late?
The tour offers a worry-free guarantee—if you’re delayed or miss your scheduled time, they will reschedule or refund, provided you contact them in advance.

This Mini-SUB adventure in Cozumel strikes a fine balance between adventure and safety, offering a fascinating window into marine life that’s accessible to most travelers. Whether you’re looking for a fun family activity, a romantic escape, or just a different way to see the ocean, it’s a solid choice that leaves plenty of room for memorable photos and stories.