Private El Cielo Snorkel Tour in Cozumel (Boat, Food, Drinks & Beach)

Private El Cielo Snorkel Tour in Cozumel (Boat, Food, Drinks & Beach)

Exclusive El Cielo private snorkel for 1–5 guests – fast boat to Palancar + Colombia reefs, hundreds of starfish at El Cielo, gentle manta rays at El Cielito, fresh ceviche, guacamole, fruit, cold beer + soft drinks onboard, plus full San Francisco Beach Club access with pool, kayaks and loungers included (4 hours).

5
$ 398 per person
3 hours
796 + bookings
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Overview

Hop aboard your own private, fast boat at San Francisco Beach Club in Cozumel and set off for a half-day snorkeling adventure that packs four of the island’s best underwater spots into one unforgettable trip.

Start at Palancar Reef, where vibrant coral gardens and schools of tropical fish create a living rainbow below the surface. Move to Colombia Reef for more colorful marine life, then glide into El Cielo—the starfish capital of Cozumel—where hundreds of golden stars dot the white-sand bottom and sea turtles often cruise by. Finish at El Cielito, a natural shallow pool where harmless manta rays glide gracefully around you in crystal-clear water. Between dives, the crew serves fresh guacamole, ceviche, tropical fruit, cold beers, soft drinks, and purified water right on the boat.

This 4-hour private excursion (1–5 people) includes complete snorkeling gear, a professional bilingual guide (English/Spanish), and the flexibility to linger at your favorite spots.

Real talk: the water is warm and clear year-round, but bring reef-safe sunscreen and a towel—saltwater lingers.

Exclusive for your group; book early for calm seas and prime marine life.

What's Included

  • Private, comfortable, fast boat (your group only).
  • Complete snorkeling equipment (masks, fins, snorkels, life jackets).
  • Fresh snacks and drinks: guacamole, ceviche, tropical fruit, beer, soft drinks, purified water.
  • Onboard facilities: pool, Wi-Fi, restroom, shower.
  • Professional bilingual guide (English/Spanish).
  • Beach lounger, umbrella, inflatable toys, kayak, paddle (available for rent on site, ~US$20/person).
  • Gratuities for crew (optional but appreciated).

Itinerary

  1. Meet at San Francisco Beach Club (10-minute taxi from cruise pier; show reservation at main palapa).
  2. Board your private boat and receive a quick safety briefing.
  3. First stop: Palancar Reef—snorkel among vibrant coral reefs and tropical fish (~45 minutes).
  4. Second stop: Colombia Reef—explore more colorful coral gardens and marine life (~45 minutes).
  5. Third stop: El Cielo—swim with hundreds of starfish and possible sea turtles (~45 minutes).
  6. Fourth stop: El Cielito—float in the natural pool with harmless manta rays (~45 minutes).
  7. Enjoy fresh snacks and drinks onboard between stops.
  8. Return to San Francisco Beach Club.

What to Expect from the Tour

Here's practical advice to help your snorkeling day go well, based on common experiences with marine life, water conditions, and the boat. We've pulled this from what past guests told us after their trips.

  • Gear essentials. Swimsuit, towel, reef-safe sunscreen, hat, sunglasses, and a waterproof phone/camera aren't optional. Several guests said the sun reflects off water—strong SPF is a must. One packed a light rash guard for sun protection while snorkeling.
  • Snorkeling experience. Warm, clear waters with vibrant reefs and fish. Guests loved the starfish at El Cielo and manta rays at El Cielito—guides point out marine life and help beginners.
  • Boat comfort. Fast, comfortable boat with shaded areas and onboard facilities (restroom, shower). Guests said it felt luxurious and spacious for small groups.
  • Food and drinks. Fresh guacamole, ceviche, fruit, beer, soft drinks, and water—plenty to keep you fueled. People loved the onboard service.
  • Group setup. Private (1–5 people)—exclusive and flexible. Past guests loved the intimacy and freedom to linger at favorite spots.
  • Best time to visit. Year-round for warm water and marine life, but December–April adds whale shark potential. Guests early 2026 noted January–March offered calm seas and vibrant reefs.
Month/Season Upsides Downsides Recommended Start Time
Dec-Apr Whale shark sightings possible, calm seas Colder mornings Morning departures
May-Nov Warm water, fewer crowds Hotter sun Morning/afternoon

Common issues. Seas can be wavy—guests prone to motion sickness took meds. Not wheelchair accessible—steps to boat. Weather rarely cancels; dress in layers.

FAQ

Will we see lots of marine life?

High likelihood—guests reported vibrant reefs, fish, starfish, manta rays, and occasional turtles. Crew maximizes time in best spots; no guarantee but Cozumel’s waters are world-class.

How good is the snorkeling?

Excellent—clear, warm water with healthy reefs. Guides help beginners; equipment is brand-new and fits all sizes.

Suitable for kids?

Yes for children who handle water and boat motion. Families said kids loved the starfish and manta rays, but supervise closely.

Vegetarian food options?

Limited—snacks include guacamole and fruit. Notify early for adjustments. Guests found options sufficient.

Best photos from the boat?

Open deck and water-level views give great angles—bring a good zoom lens or phone with stabilizer. Crew pauses for shots at the Arch and snorkel spots.

Why this private snorkeling tour?

Private boat (1–5 people), four prime sites, fresh snacks, and premium service. Past guests preferred the exclusivity and comfort over larger or noisier group tours.

Book it today with Cozumel Snorkeling Tours or simply following this link.

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