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Clear-Boat Snorkeling in Cozumel: Crystal-Clear Boat Tour & Reef Snorkel - San Miguel de Cozumel

Clear-Boat Snorkeling in Cozumel: Crystal-Clear Boat Tour & Reef Snorkel

San Miguel de Cozumeleasy

Difficulty

easy

Duration

1.5 hours (95 minutes)

Fitness Level

Suitable for all fitness levels; basic mobility to board the vessel and swim in shallow reef areas is required

Overview

Step onto the world’s only fully transparent boat and watch Cozumel’s reefs come alive beneath your feet. This 95-minute clear-boat snorkeling tour combines above-water viewing with guided reef swims—ideal for families, first-time snorkelers, and anyone who wants a vivid, low-effort encounter with the Mesoamerican Barrier Reef.

Clear-Boat Snorkeling in Cozumel: Crystal-Clear Boat Tour & Reef Snorkel

The boat itself announces the day: a transparent hull that lets the Caribbean pour through the cabin like a living map. You step aboard at a small dock south of San Miguel, the town’s hum shrinking behind you, and the water takes over the scene. From the deck you can watch the reef unwind beneath the boat—pastel corals, darting angelfish, and the slow glide of a turtle that seems to inspect you as much as you inspect it.

Adventure Photos

Clear-Boat Snorkeling in Cozumel: Crystal-Clear Boat Tour & Reef Snorkel photo 1

Adventure Tips

Arrive early for check-in

Meet 30 minutes before departure at the ClearBoat office across from Villa Blanca Garden Beach Hotel to allow time for gear fitting and a safety briefing.

Use reef-safe sunscreen

Apply biodegradable sunscreen before arrival to protect coral and reduce glare for better underwater visibility.

Bring a small waterproof camera

A compact action camera or waterproof phone housing will capture both above-deck views through the hull and your in-water moments.

Consider motion-sickness prevention

If you’re prone to seasickness, take medication or use a patch ahead of time—the trip is short but the open ocean can roll unexpectedly.

Local Insights

Wildlife

  • green sea turtle
  • parrotfish

History

Cozumel was an important waypoint for Mayan sea routes; today its reefs are protected as part of the Mesoamerican Barrier Reef system.

Conservation

Operators follow reef-protection rules—use reef-safe sunscreen, avoid touching coral, and respect marked marine reserves to minimize impact.

Adventure Hotspots in San Miguel de Cozumel

Frequently Asked Questions

Recommended Gear

Reef-safe sunscreen

Essential

Protects coral and prevents bright surface glare during snorkel stops

summer specific

Swimsuit & quick-dry layer

Essential

Comfortable swimwear and a light cover-up for wind on the return ride

Small waterproof camera or housing

Captures clear-hull views and your in-water moments without risking your phone

Towel and dry bag

Essential

A towel for after snorkeling and a dry bag to keep valuables safe and salt-free