El Cielo Snorkel: Private Boat to Cozumel’s Reefs and Secluded White Sand
Difficulty
easy
Duration
4 hours
Fitness Level
Suitable for most fitness levels; participants should be comfortable floating and swimming short distances with a snorkel.
Overview
Cruise from Tortugas Beach Club to world-class reef sites and a pale sandbar on a private boat—two reef snorkeling stops, a secluded beach break, and local ceviche. This four-hour trip pairs easy snorkeling with strong conservation rules and insider timing tips.
El Cielo Snorkel: Private Boat to Cozumel’s Reefs and Secluded White Sand
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The motor purrs and the shoreline of San Miguel slides aft as the private boat eases out from Tortugas Beach Club. Sunlight punches through a thin breeze and the Caribbean stretches a pure, improbable blue; beneath the surface, the reef is already at work, corralling parrotfish and clouds of silver baitfish. Onboard, the crew sorts masks and fins with quiet efficiency—this is less spectacle than choreography: two reef stops, a sandbar called El Cielo, then a sheltered slice of white sand away from the day-trippers.
Adventure Photos
Adventure Tips
Arrive early for calmer water
Morning departures usually have better visibility and lighter winds—ideal for spotting rays at El Cielo.
Bring cash for park fee
Carry $6 USD per person for the National Marine Park entrance fee; the booth at Tortugas accepts cash only.
No sunscreen on the reef
Sunscreen is prohibited to protect corals—wear a UPF shirt and wide-brim hat instead.
Use provided gear or bring your own
Masks and fins are supplied, but if you have a custom mask or snorkel, bring it for comfort and clearer photos.
Local Insights
Wildlife
- Southern stingray
- Parrotfish
History
Cozumel was an important stop in the pre-Columbian Maya maritime network and today the island’s reef system is protected as part of the Arrecifes de Cozumel National Park.
Conservation
The tour operates under park rules that restrict sunscreen and regulate access; minimizing contact with coral and paying the park fee help sustain local ecosystems.
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Adventure Hotspots in San Miguel de Cozumel
Frequently Asked Questions
Recommended Gear
UPF long-sleeve rash guard
Protects skin and complies with reef rules that restrict sunscreen use.
summer specific
Water shoes
Useful for boarding, shallow sandbars, and rocky beach approaches at landings.
summer specific
Small dry bag
Keeps phone, ID, and cash dry during transfers and on the beach break.
Personal snorkel mask (optional)
If you prefer a custom fit, bringing your own mask improves comfort and reduces fogging.