Cozumel: El Cielo & Palancar Snorkeling Tour on Glass-Bottom Boat

Duration4h

Free cancellationFull refund up to 24 hours before

Instant confirmationYour booking is confirmed right away

TicketMobile or paper ticket accepted

LanguagesEnglish, Spanish

Group sizeUp to 25 travelers

Overview

Cozumel is renowned worldwide for its reefs, crystal-clear waters and marine life—and this adventure lets you experience that underwater world in the water and from a glass-bottom boat

That's what makes this experience different. Snorkel among coral formations, tropical fish and marine life, then climb back aboard and enjoy the scenery through the glass bottom as you cruise Cozumel's waters

The experience brings together two of the island's most famous marine attractions: Palancar Reef and El Cielo, a spectacular sandbar known for its shallow turquoise water, white sandy bottom and starfish often seen beneath the surface. Together, they reveal two different sides of Cozumel's underwater world

Whether you're an experienced snorkeler or trying it for the first time, your guide and snorkeling equipment are included, along with snacks and drinks

Two iconic Cozumel locations and two ways to discover the incredible Caribbean waters that made the island famous—from the boat and in the sea

What's included

Certified Bilingual PADI Guide
Shared Glass-Bottom Boat Experience
Snorkeling Equipment
Snacks & Drinks

Marine Park Fee
Gratuities
Transportation to the Meeting Point

What to expect

Parque Nacional Arrecifes de Cozumel
2h · Admission ticket included

Your adventure begins at Marina FONATUR/ASIPONA Cozumel, located approximately 10 minutes from Cozumel's cruise piers. Please arrive 20 minutes before your departure and head to the waiting area, where your guide will be waiting to welcome you and confirm your reservation.

Once aboard the glass-bottom boat, head out into Cozumel's crystal-clear Caribbean waters toward Palancar Reef, part of the island's protected marine environment.

Jump into the water with the provided snorkeling equipment and explore spectacular coral formations, tropical fish and the diverse marine life that makes Cozumel such a famous snorkeling destination. Your guide will accompany you as you discover the reef, while the glass-bottom boat offers another perspective of the underwater scenery along the way.

After snorkeling, climb back aboard and continue across the Caribbean toward El Cielo.
Playa El Cielo Cozumel
2h · Admission ticket included

Continue approximately 20 minutes by boat to El Cielo, one of Cozumel's most famous natural attractions. Known for its white sandy bottom, shallow crystal-clear water and starfish that can often be observed beneath the surface, this beautiful sandbar is an incredible place to enjoy the Caribbean Sea.

Spend approximately 45 minutes in the warm, shallow water, which averages around three feet deep. Snorkel and observe the starfish and marine life without touching or disturbing them, or simply relax in the turquoise water and enjoy the surroundings.

Before heading back, enjoy a picnic prepared by the crew in a scenic coastal setting, with time to relax after your snorkeling adventure.

Then climb back aboard your glass-bottom boat for the return journey across Cozumel's turquoise waters. Your four-hour adventure concludes back at Marina FONATUR/ASIPONA Cozumel.

Meeting and pickup

Meeting point

Meet at Marina FONATUR/ASIPONA Cozumel, Carretera Costera Sur Km 6.5. Arrive 20 minutes before your departure. Cruise guests must provide ship name, arrival and departure times at the time of booking. At the marina, please ask for the Chac Choc Tours guide.

End point

Meet at Marina FONATUR/ASIPONA Cozumel, Carretera Costera Sur Km 6.5. Arrive 20 minutes before your departure. Cruise guests must provide ship name, arrival and departure times at the time of booking. At the marina, please ask for the Chac Choc Tours guide.

Additional information

Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
Public transportation options are available nearby
Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap
Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries
Not recommended for pregnant travelers
Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
Suitable for all physical fitness levels
The use of a life vest during the snorkeling activity is mandatory with no exception.
Shared Tour: This is a shared glass-bottom boat tour with other guests.
Tour Duration: The tour lasts approximately 4 hours, dock to dock, departing from and returning to Marina FONATUR/ASIPONA Cozumel.
Meeting Point: Please arrive at Marina FONATUR/ASIPONA Cozumel at least 20 minutes before your departure and head to the waiting area to meet your guide.
Cruise Guests: Please provide your cruise ship name, arrival time and departure time at the time of booking.
Marine Park Fee: The $6 USD per person Marine Park Fee is not included and must be paid separately.
Snorkeling Locations: The tour normally visits Palancar Reef and El Cielo. Locations may change due to weather, sea conditions or local restrictions.
Marine Life: Wildlife sightings are not guaranteed. Please do not touch, chase, feed or disturb marine life, including starfish and coral.
What to Bring: Bring a swimsuit, towel, comfortable clothing, sandals or water shoes, hat, sunglasses and biodegradable sunscreen.
Restroom: A restroom is available onboard.
Weather: This tour operates rain or shine. Please check the forecast and dress appropriately.
Water Activities: Snorkeling locations and water activities may be restricted or changed due to weather, sea conditions or local authority restrictions.
No Port, No Pay: Cruise guests will receive a full refund if their cruise ship does not call at the port of Cozumel.
Late Arrivals / No-Shows: Guests who arrive late or fail to show up for their scheduled activity are not eligible for a refund.
Guests must be able to climb up a ladder to get back into the boat.
The minimum age to snorkel is 5 years old but small gear limited but you are welcome to bring your own.

Cancellation policy

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.