Cozumel Snorkel Tour: Starfish, Stingrays and Turtle Sanctuary
Difficulty
easy
Duration
4 hours
Fitness Level
Suitable for most fitness levels; participants should be comfortable swimming short distances and floating for guided snorkel stops.
Overview
Spend four hours snorkeling three of Cozumel’s most photographed marine sites—El Cielo’s starfish sandbar, the shallow stingray flats of El Cielito, and a protected turtle bay. This guided boat tour is accessible, gear-included, and ideal for cruise passengers with limited time on the island.
Cozumel Snorkel Tour: Starfish, Stingrays and Turtle Sanctuary
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The boat slips away from Marina Asipona and the shoreline of San Miguel de Cozumel slides astern like a watercolor left to dry. Salt air pulls at your hair and the guide points the bow toward a shallow, gleaming patch of sea dubbed El Cielo — a sand-flat where sunlight pours through clear water and starfish spread out on the white bottom like scattered coins. You climb down a small ladder, the ocean cool around your calves, and the first mask peek reveals a slow-motion world: bright orange tube sponges, parrotfish inspecting coral, and the unmistakable silhouettes of knobby sea stars resting on the sand.
Adventure Photos
Adventure Tips
Arrive Early at the Marina
Meeting is 10 minutes before departure at Marina Asipona—plan a short taxi from cruise terminals or downtown to avoid delays.
Use Reef-Safe Sunscreen
Apply biodegradable sunscreen before boarding to protect coral and reduce the need to reapply from the boat.
Bring a Waterproof Camera
A small action camera on a wrist strap captures encounters with turtles and rays without risking your phone.
Stay Calm Around Wildlife
When you spot a turtle or ray, float still and let the animals come closer—fast movements push them away.
Local Insights
Wildlife
- Green sea turtles
- Southern stingrays
History
Cozumel’s reefs have long supported local fishing communities and were mapped by early Caribbean navigators; modern tourism and dive culture expanded here in the late 20th century.
Conservation
Operators emphasize no-touch policies and reef-safe sunscreen; supporting tours that follow local regulations helps reduce reef stress and supports sanctuary efforts.
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Adventure Hotspots in San Miguel de Cozumel
Frequently Asked Questions
Recommended Gear
Mask & Snorkel (if you have your own)
Familiar gear can fit better and fog less than rental equipment.
Rashguard or Swim Shirt
Protects from sun and chafing during repeated entries and exits.
summer specific
Waterproof Camera or Action Cam
Captures underwater encounters without risking your phone.
Reusable Water Bottle
Boat provides drinks but a personal bottle helps you stay hydrated between stops.