El Cielo the Breathtaking Snorkel Tour of Cozumel Cielito Beach & Lunch Included

An Honest Look at the El Cielo Snorkel Tour of Cozumel

This 10- to 11-hour adventure takes you from Cancun to the vibrant waters of Cozumel, where you’ll snorkel in three renowned reefs—Palancar, Colombia, and El Cielo. The tour kicks off early with a pickup from your hotel or a designated meeting point, followed by a ferry ride to the island, making it a full-day journey packed with underwater wonders and scenic beach moments. The cost sits at $165 per person, a price that makes sense when you consider the inclusion of snorkel gear, lunch, drinks, and access to private Cielito Beach.

Two things we love about this experience are the opportunity to snorkel in multiple reefs, which means plenty of variety, and the chance to relax at a stunning private beach after your underwater exploration. The tour’s focus on marine life like turtles, manta rays, and starfish promises a memorable encounter with nature in its purest form.

One potential consideration is the reef closures in September—a temporary change that might disappoint those eager to see the original reefs but also shows the tour’s commitment to marine conservation. While the tour offers a lot, transportation around Cozumel isn’t included, so you’ll want to budget for taxis if needed.

This tour suits nature lovers and snorkel enthusiasts who are comfortable spending a good part of the day on the water. It’s particularly appealing if you’re eager to see the famous El Cielo reef and its starfish, even if the reefs are temporarily different during certain months.

Key Points

• All equipment provided, making it hassle-free for travelers.
• Visit three reefs, with the highlight being the El Cielo reef, famous for its starfish.
• Includes a box lunch and drinks, simplifying the logistics.
• Transportation is provided from your hotel or meeting point, but not around Cozumel.
• Reef closures in September mean visiting alternative sites like Xhul ha and Palancar (Herradura).
• The small group size (up to 25 travelers) offers a more personalized experience.

Exploring the Snorkel Tour of Cozumel: What You Need to Know

If you’re contemplating this tour, you’ll want to get a sense of what makes it worth your time—and what might give you pause.

The tour begins very early, around 8:00 am, with pickup from your hotel or a designated meeting point. We appreciate the convenience of door-to-door transportation, which takes the hassle out of coordinating multiple pickups or figuring out local transit. After a brief drive, you’ll arrive in Playa del Carmen, where you’ll enjoy a box breakfast before boarding the ferry to Cozumel. This part of the journey is straightforward and sets a relaxed tone for the day.

Once on the island, you’ll hop onto a boat that will take you around three of Cozumel’s most famed reefs. The boat ride itself is part of the fun, offering views of the Caribbean Sea and a chance to get excited about the snorkeling ahead. The reefs you’ll visit are Palancar, Colombia, and El Cielo—although during September 2023, these may be temporarily replaced with other reefs like Xhul ha and Palancar (Herradura) to protect marine life. This shows a commendable commitment to conservation, though it might mean slightly different coral and marine animal encounters than usual.

Snorkeling in Palancar, Colombia, and El Cielo

The main draw of this tour is snorkeling in these three reefs. Palancar and Colombia reefs are known for their colorful coral formations and abundant marine life, making them attractive spots for underwater photography and close-up encounters with tropical fish. The El Cielo reef gets top billing because of its starfish population—hence the name, “El Cielo” meaning “the sky,” because of the way the starfish seem to float across the sea floor.

One reviewer describes the experience as “fascinating” and highlights the colors and marine life as “super incredible,” noting that you’ll be amazed by the natural beauty created by God’s hand. The chance to swim alongside turtles and manta rays adds an element of thrill, as these gentle giants are often spotted in the deeper waters of these reefs.

All snorkel gear and life vests are included, removing any burden of rental fees or equipment worries. Guides are certified, providing safety and insight as you glide through the water. The drinks served on board help keep you hydrated, especially under the Caribbean sun.

Lunch and Beach Relaxation

After your underwater adventures, you’ll be served a lunch of your choice—a simple but effective way to refuel. The tour includes one dish, which is enough to keep you going through the day. Post-snorkeling, you’ll have time to relax at Cielito Beach, where amenities are available to unwind and absorb the stunning scenery.

We love the fact that the tour includes access to a private beach club, offering a more exclusive feel, fewer crowds, and comfort after your snorkeling. It’s the perfect spot to soak up the sun, take some photos, or just relax in the shade.

Considerations and Tips

While this tour is well-organized, it does have some considerations. The reefs’ temporary closures in September mean you might not see the original sites, but the replacement reefs still offer plenty of marine life and beautiful coral. Be prepared for a long day, as the total duration is approximately 10-11 hours, including transportation, ferry, and water activities.

In terms of value, the package covers most essentials—snorkeling gear, lunch, drinks, and beach access—but do remember you’ll need to cover your own transportation around Cozumel unless you arrange it separately.

Who Will Love This Tour

If you’re someone who enjoys being in the water, loves snorkeling in vibrant reefs, and is curious about marine life like starfish, turtles, and manta rays, this tour is a solid choice. It’s especially suitable for those who want a full-day experience that combines adventure with relaxation.

Travelers who appreciate small group sizes and guided tours will find this a more personal approach than large cruise excursions. However, if you’re not comfortable on boats or in the water, this might not be the best fit.

The Sum Up

This snorkel tour of Cozumel offers a comprehensive and scenic day for those eager to explore the Caribbean’s underwater world. It balances adventure, relaxation, and convenience, making it a worthwhile option for travelers staying in Cancun who want to experience the best of Cozumel’s reefs without the hassle of planning every detail.

The inclusion of multiple reefs, marine life encounters, and access to a private beach are significant value adds, especially for snorkel enthusiasts. While the reef closures during September might be a disappointment for some, the tour’s flexible nature and commitment to marine conservation still ensure a rewarding experience.

For travelers wanting a full-day, guided adventure that combines snorkeling, scenic views, and beach relaxation, this tour hits the mark. Just be prepared for a long day, and consider your comfort on the water to make the most of this memorable journey.

FAQ

Is transportation included in the tour?
Yes, transportation from your hotel or the meeting point to Playa del Carmen and from the ferry to the meeting point is included. However, transportation around Cozumel itself is not included and you may need to arrange taxis.

What is the duration of the tour?
The entire experience lasts approximately 10 to 11 hours, including pickups, ferry rides, snorkeling, lunch, and beach time.

Are snorkel equipment and life vests provided?
Yes, all snorkel gear and life vests are included, so you don’t need to bring or rent your own.

What reefs will be visited?
Under normal conditions, you’ll visit Palancar, Colombia, and El Cielo reefs. During September 2023, reefs may be temporarily replaced due to conservation efforts.

Is lunch included?
Yes, you’ll receive a box lunch with one dish of your choice to keep you energized throughout the day.

Can I swim with marine animals like turtles or manta rays?
Yes, the reefs are home to turtles and manta rays, and guided snorkeling increases your chances of seeing these gentle creatures.

What should I wear or bring?
Bring sunscreen, a hat, waterproof camera if you like, and a towel. Wear your swimwear under light clothing, and consider bringing seasickness medication if you’re prone.

Is the tour suitable for children or non-swimmers?
Most travelers can participate, but children or non-swimmers should be comfortable with being in the water with flotation devices and under guidance.

What is the cost of this tour?
The price is $165 per person, which includes most essentials—snorkel gear, lunch, drinks, and beach access.

What if the weather is bad?
The tour requires good weather. If canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered an alternative date or a full refund.

This detailed look hopefully helps you decide if this Cozumel snorkel adventure is right for you. Whether you’re after vibrant marine life, stunning scenery, or a relaxing day on the beach, it offers a well-rounded taste of the Caribbean’s underwater allure.