Cozumel

Cozumel Snorkeling Tour: Palancar, Columbia and El Cielo Reefs

Badge of ExcellenceCozumel, Mexico
Cozumel Snorkel tour Palancar reef Columbia reef and El Cielo Sandbar
  • 4 hours
  • Mobile ticket
  • Offered in: English

Overview

Whether you're an experienced snorkeler or an absolute beginner, fully trained guides let you make the most of Cozumel's famous reef on this half-day snorkeling tour. Hit three of the island's hottest snorkeling spots: Palancar Reef, Columbia Reef and Playa el Cielo, known for the starfish that decorate its white sands. Your package includes drinks and snorkeling gear; marine fees are payable in cash on the day.
  • Snorkel Cozumel hotspots Palancar Reef, Columbia Reef and Playa el Cielo
  • Stay fueled with water, sodas, beers and a snack
  • Veteran guides point out marine life and can assist new snorkelers
  • Choice of departure times lets you plan your day and fit more in

What's Included

  • Visit to Palancar and Columbia reefs, El Cielo Sandbar and El Cielito Beach
  • Guided snorkeling tour
  • Drinks: Beers, Water, Sodas and a Snack
  • Snorkel gear: Vest, Mask, New tube
  • Insured Shaded Boat
  • Experienced trained guides
  • Marine fee $6 usd

Meeting and Pickup

Meeting point

  • Marina FONATUR Cozumel
    Carr. Costera Sur Km 6.5, Zona Hotelera Sur, 77675 Cozumel, Q.R., Mexico

    Meeting time is 10 minutes before your Tour time is at the MARINA FONATUR located 5 minutes by taxi from SSA and PUERTA MAYA cruise ports and 10 minutes from Downtown. Upon arrival look for the MAYBE TOURS office. Please Note Our Tours are operated in Cozumel local time.

End point

This activity ends back at the meeting point.

What To Expect

Pick from a variety of start times and arrive at your departure point with cash for marine fees in hand. Then, allow your guides to brief you on the adventure, suitable for both beginners and experts, and begin the journey to your first snorkeling point.

Your first stop is Palancar Reef, where you have the opportunity to be surrounded with an abundance of marine life. Throughout the day, stay hydrated with refreshing drinks and fuel up with a snack. Next, make your way to Columbia Reef to swim around the coral formations.

Finally, make another stop at the starry-sand paradise of Playa el Cielo to spot some starfish before heading back for the day.

Additional Info

  • Confirmation will be received at time of booking
  • Not wheelchair accessible
  • Near public transportation
  • Most travelers can participate
  • No Sunscreen Allowed due to Reef protection (Please apply before tour starts)
  • This tour/activity will have a maximum of 15 travelers
Operated by Cozumel Tours and Excursions

Cancellation Policy

You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance of the experience for a full refund.

  • For a full refund, you must cancel at least 24 hours before the experience’s start time.
  • If you cancel less than 24 hours before the experience’s start time, the amount you paid will not be refunded.
  • Any changes made less than 24 hours before the experience’s start time will not be accepted.
  • Cut-off times are based on the experience’s local time.
  • This experience requires good weather. If it’s canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund.

Traveler Photos

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Featured review
Dana_K
Our guide Christian was amazing ! He was so informative and knowledgeable. We saw Sea turtle, many starfish and Sting Ray and gorgeous fish. The waters were so beautiful. Captain Roman knew how to navigate perfectly. We definitely recommend this snorkeling tour!

Reviews

4.5
1,038 reviews
Total review count and overall rating based on Viator and Tripadvisor reviews
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0
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Reviews by Viator travelers.
Showing 1-10 of 1,038 reviews
Amazing
Jiana_C, Apr 2024
I had a great time and Carlos took really great pictures and video. Btw that guacamole was the best I ever had.
Response from Host, Apr 2024
Dear Jiana Thank you for your review. Carlos is really experienced in taking the best pictures you could ask for! He never disappoints! We are pleased to know you had a great time and made excellent memories as well as tasting the best guacamole of your life! Kind regards,
Best snorkelling experience
Jacob_K, Apr 2024
We had an amazing time on this trip, got to see an eagle ray, turtles and lots of stingrays! Would definitely recommend, the guides were fun and made us feel safe!
Response from Host, Apr 2024
Dear Jacob Thank you for your review. We are happy to know you had an amazing experience, we definitely appreciate your comments and we can't wait to see you soon! Kind regards,
Unforgettable experience!...
Victor_D, Apr 2024
Unforgettable experience! We were out for majority of the day exploring some of the reef locations outside Cozumel. We saw turtles, Barracudas, sea stars, sting rays etc and received drinks and guacamole by the end. Safety and control great. Could have wished for free underwater photos (had to pay the guide after) and perhaps some more detailed descriptions of what we saw in the water, but overall fantastic!
Response from Host, Apr 2024
Dear Victor Thank you so much for your great comments and review. Let us know next time you come back, as it will be a pleasure to have you taking one of our many tours and activities. We hope to see you soon! Kind regards,
Great experience
Jim_B, Apr 2024
This was our first real snorkeling trip. It was a great trip, turtles, stingrays and plenty of fish.
Response from Host, Apr 2024
Dear JIm Thank you for your review. We are glad you had an amazing time with us and were able to spot the marine life Cozumel is known for. We sure hope to see you soon again and create the best memories with Cozumel Tours and Excursions! Kind regards,
Catamaran -fantastic
Julie_E, Apr 2024
We booked this thinking it was a catamaran but actually it was a tiny boat. We upgraded to the catamaran and had an amazing time with the crew. Snorkeling was great!! Then they did an amazing ceviche/ drinks chips on the surfboard at the sandbar!! I wish I had a picture!! Then shots dancing and music the entire way back!! EVERYONE had a great time!! Thank you!!
Hustled along with a bored guide
Joel_C, Apr 2024
Our experience on this tour was mixed. The locations are incredible and the natural beauty of Cozumel would make it difficult to have a bad time. We had a great time, but we would absolutely not use this tour company again. - the guide made no attempts to find or point out interesting things in the locations, and seemed bored and just getting through it - this was a 4 hour tour, snorkeling in Salt water, in 30 degree sun. No water was provided or offered until we were give the choice of a 200ml bottle of water OR a beer at the very end. Our own water bottle was in our bag, which was made inaccessible by the guide at the beginning - The tour had about half Spanish and half English speakers, but 95% of the narration was in Spanish, with a cursory "you good?" nod to the English speakers, it very much felt like we were after thoughts So absolutely do this itinerary! But I would consider a different operator
it’s ok. boat is crap
Jackie_F, Apr 2024
The reefs were nice. the boat was crappy, bad steps getting into water. hard to hold onto railings. minimal help getting into and out of boat - no flippers given out which would have been nice as some of the water was rough. I thought going thru viator I would have gotten a better boat/ expierance
Turtles and Starfish
Roy_R, Apr 2024
Great snirjeling, Starfish and turtles were wonderful! Great crew very accommodating! Definitely would book again
Response from Host, Apr 2024
Dear Roy Thank you for your review. We thank you for your preference and we hope to see you soon to enjoy more of our amazing tours. Kind regards,
Great time
Holly_M, Apr 2024
Was really fun our group of 10 and 1 infant all had a great time, they could make it a little easier to find them but once we got there it was overall a great day!!!
Response from Host, Apr 2024
Dear Holly Thank you for your comments, it helps us to improve and make an even better experience for our future clients. We are thrilled to know your party had an amazing time and hope to see you again! Kind regards,
Great tour
David_B, Apr 2024
We recommend this tour. Took our 16 year old on spring break. We saw a sea turtle and nurse shark. Sandbar at the end was standing shallow depth with sting rays while enjoying the captains snack and cervesa. In water guide was great at pointing things out.
Response from Host, Apr 2024
Dear David Thank you for your review. It is great you were able to spot the beautiful sea life Cozumel Snorkeling Tour offers and can't wait to see you soon. Kind regards,
Fantastic snorkeling and beach exc
Ricardo_C, Apr 2024
The excursion was fantastic they took us to several places to snorkel as watched different fishes, turtles, a stingray and a small cat shark. They did a very good job on the boat safety and finally the star fish on heaven and little heaven was superb!! Blue colors o have never seen before.
Response from Host, Apr 2024
Dear Ricardo Thank you for your review. It is such a pleasure to know you had an excellent time and got to experience Cozumel's sea life. We hope you are able to visit again and explore our many tour options we have waiting for you! Kind regards,
A waste of time and money - not fun
Joyce_D, Apr 2024
Boat ride cold, noisy and wet Scuba sites (3) very poor Snacks - fruit not sweet at all Boat ride back even worse
Fun exploring
Debra_M, Apr 2024
Tour was great! Saw tons of stuff! Very friendly felt like family by the end of the tour!!! Will definitely do again
Response from Host, Apr 2024
Dear Debra Thank you for your review. We are delighted to know you had a great time at Cozumel Snorkeling Tour. It is greatly appreciated you sharing your experience and can’t wait to have you back. Your Cozumel Tour’s family awaits for you soon! Warm regards,
Worth doing
Jane_C, Apr 2024
I'm not a strong swimmer and felt safe as I had a life jacket and our guide put a ring in the water as a central point to make sure we stayed together. Saw lots of fish and turtles.
Response from Host, Apr 2024
Dear Jane Thank you for your review. We are pleased to know you spotted turtles and a variety of fish, it is our goal for you to feel safe and be able to enjoy the tour, thank you for sharing your comments. Kind regards,
We saw a medium-suzed...
Robert_W, Apr 2024
We saw a medium-suzed turtle swimming, then a huge fat turtle walking on the sea floor, eating, a barracuda, loads of big stingrays and a bunch of starfish. Also, loads and loads of other fish. Very cool. Crew was also very nice.
Response from Host, Apr 2024
Dear Robert Thank you for your review. It’s great to know you had a great time , our crew are experts in finding the right spots for you to see a lot of Cozumel’s sea life , we are glad you were able to spot them and hopefully you will come back soon to enjoy more experiences. Kind regards,
Does not respond
Loretta_H, Apr 2024
Operator did not respond to my inquiry until it was too late to cancel so I could not get refunded. Would not recommend doing business with an operator who does not respond to client questions.
Great snorkelling - Poor organization
MICHEL_D, Mar 2024
The snorkelling stops were great - We saw lots of fish, inverts, and a turtle. However they had mistakenly booked us for 10:00 am instead of 2:00 pm we booked with Viator and then they had a mechanical issue that caused a 1.5 hour delay. As a result, we only did two snorkelling spots instead of three. Attendant at meeting spot could barely speak English and communication about the delay was dismal. However, snorkelling guide was good along with boat skipper.
It was canceled
DonandCindy_J, Mar 2024
The excursion was canceled due to high winds. The trip was canceled at about 9:45 $fffffcggggggggggggghvhhhjkt
Cozumel snorkeling memories
Lucius_C, Mar 2024
The crew did a great job, taking us to a new place when the original place was not available due to seasonal winds. They were very helpful with our son who had never been snorkeling before and helped guide us to amazing fish and reef. Everything was clean and they provided delicious guacamole.
Response from Host, Apr 2024
Dear Lucius Thank you for your review. We really appreciate you taking time out of your day to share your lovely experience. Due to weather conditions and safety reasons , sometimes we are in need to go to different reefs , however you are able to spot marine life in these reefs as well. We are glad to know your whole family had an amazing day , what a first time snorkeling experience for your son ! As Cozumel is the way to go when it comes to snorkeling and diving. Can’t wait to have you back to enjoy more of our many options for you! Kind regards,
Delightful snorkel adventure
JuneYago, Mar 2024
The snorkel spots were taken to were gorgeous. I especially loved seeing the pillow starfish and so many fish! We also saw manta rays. However it would have been nice if the fins were offered for our use, not just snorkels. Our guide was funny and took us to have a snack in the water during our last spot. It started raining so we had the snack on the boat, chips and guacamole. In either case it might be a better idea to have little individual cups of snacks for future guest so they dont have to all crowd around one area. However overall this was a terrific excursion and we got back to our ship in plenty of time!
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From $65.00

up to 24 hours before the experience starts (local time)

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