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Cozumel Snorkeling Tour: Palancar, Columbia and El Cielo Reefs

star-4.5312 reviews
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San Miguel de Cozumel, Mexico
Cozumel Snorkeling Tour: Palancar, Columbia and El Cielo Reefs
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Cozumel Snorkeling Tour: Palancar, Columbia and El Cielo Reefs
El Cielo reef cozumel
El Cielo snorkeling tour
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From USD59.00

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Free cancellation
Up to 24 hours in advance. Learn more
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Safety measures
icon4 hours  (approx.)
Mobile ticket
iconOffered in: English and 1 more
Good for avoiding crowds

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
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From USD59.00

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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 Not included
Cozumel Ferry Terminal (Muelle Fiscal) , Avenida Rafael E. Melgar, Av Lic Benito Juárez con, Centro, 77600 San Miguel de Cozumel, Q.R., Mexico
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Meeting time is 10 minutes before your Tour time at the Cozumel Ferry Terminal. Please Read the “Before you Go” section in your confirmation voucher after making your booking.

This activity will end right where it started.
  • Confirmation will be received at time of booking
  • Not wheelchair accessible
  • Near public transportation
  • No Sunscreen Allowed due to Reef protection (Please apply before tour starts)
  • Most travellers can participate
  • This tour/activity will have a maximum of 15 travellers
  • OPERATED BY Cozumel Tours and Excursions
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 cancelled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund.

Learn more about cancellations.

The answers provided below are based on answers previously given by the tour provider to customers’ questions.
Q:
What is the policy on face masks and attendee health during Cozumel Snorkeling Tour: Palancar, Columbia and El Cielo Reefs?
A:The policies on face masks and attendee health are:

  • Face masks required for travellers in public areas
  • Face masks required for guides in public areas
  • Temperature checks for travellers upon arrival
See all safety measures taken by Cozumel Snorkeling Tour: Palancar, Columbia and El Cielo Reefs.
Q:
What is the policy on sanitisation during Cozumel Snorkeling Tour: Palancar, Columbia and El Cielo Reefs?
A:The policies on sanitisation are:

  • Hand sanitiser available to travellers and staff
  • Regularly sanitised high-traffic areas
  • Gear/equipment sanitised between use
  • Transportation vehicles regularly sanitised
See all safety measures taken by Cozumel Snorkeling Tour: Palancar, Columbia and El Cielo Reefs.
Q:
What is the social distancing policy during Cozumel Snorkeling Tour: Palancar, Columbia and El Cielo Reefs?
A:The policy on social distancing is:

  • Social distancing enforced throughout experience
See all safety measures taken by Cozumel Snorkeling Tour: Palancar, Columbia and El Cielo Reefs.
Q:
What measures are being taken to ensure staff health & safety during Cozumel Snorkeling Tour: Palancar, Columbia and El Cielo Reefs?
A:The policies on staff health & safety are:

  • Guides required to regularly wash hands
  • Regular temperature checks for staff
  • Paid stay-at-home policy for staff with symptoms
See all safety measures taken by Cozumel Snorkeling Tour: Palancar, Columbia and El Cielo Reefs.

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Reviews

4.5
star-4.5
312 reviews
5 stars
214
4 stars
41
3 stars
20
2 stars
18
1 star
19

Reviews by Viator travellers

We perform checks on reviews

Showing 1-10 of 312 reviews
star-4
Cozumel Day Trip - DO IT
Catherine_K
, Jun. 2022
The snorkel tour was amazing! The guide and the crew were very nice and helpful! He pointed out sea life while snorkeling to make sure we got the most out of the trip! One of the crew members even made handmade guacamole for everyone to enjoy while we hung out on the sand bar with our beers! The only reason it's a 4 and not a 5 is simply because the boat doesn't have a restroom on-board. After being out for nearly 4 hours while drinking water and beers a toilet is an absolute necessity.
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star-5
Beautiful Reefs!
Sarthak_G
, Jun. 2022
A great experience. The reefs really are quite splendid. The guides bring fish food along with attracts so many fishes! It’s wild. Some feedback though: 1. Guides should ask if everyone knows how to snorkel and give instructions on how to wear them perfectly, that you need to baby shampoo to avoid fogging, and how one should use flippers. 2. We end up staying in water from extended periods, which can get tiring. Would be good to have the boat close by at all times or include a break period. Especially if someone fidgets with their snorkel mask and gets water in it or fogs it up. All in a great experience. All tours take you to the same reef, so the price gets you the overall service and comfort. We enjoyed this tour and recommend it.
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star-5
Wonderful experience - great crew
Scott_M
, Jun. 2022
Our boat crew was very friendly and knowledgeable! The reefs were amazing. This was a highlight of our entire cruise. Be sure to wear a shirt in the water. The sun is unforgiving!
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star-5
Would definitely...
Jennifer_G
, Jun. 2022
Would definitely recommend & do this again! Such an amazing experience. Alex did such a great job!!!!
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star-5
It was our lucky day!
Tom_M
, Jun. 2022
We have snorkeled at 5 different places We saw sea turtles, a shark, sea stars, sting rays and baracudas. Great experience! After snorkeling we ate some guacemole and drank some cervezas. Thanks Juan and his colleague for this great day!
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icon Response from Host , Jun. 2022
Dear Tom, Thank you very much for your great comments and excellent feedback. We are really glad to know you really enjoyed our cozumel snorkeling trip and you were able to watch great marine life. We also appreciate your kind comments towards our tour guides as they really work hard in order for everyone to have a great time, specially with the Cervezas! On behalf of the Cozumel tours and Excursions family, thank you once again for your trust and preference. Kind regards,
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star-2
El Ciel-No
j_h
, Jun. 2022
Waters were so rough that only got to really stop at one reef. We had to skip the Columbia reef and only stayed about 5 minutes at El Cielo. It was mostly just looking at sand on bottom of sea as we saw a total of 2 starfish and nothing else. There was another stop (El Cielito?) which was shallow water that was supposed to have lots starfish. There was zero visibility even though the water was only waist deep so not sure there were any starfish. We stayed at this location the longest. Rough waters back and what seemed like boat issues made the ride back take an extremely long time. Multiple people on trip got sick and there was very little to see when actually snorkeling.
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icon Response from Host , Jun. 2022
Dear Customer, Thank you for taking the time to share your feedback and comments about your experience. In regards to your review, we apologize if you felt water was rough for you, we do recommend for those who take this tour to have experience about snorkeling or know how to swim. We wish we had control over weather conditions, sometimes weather is unexpected and change without notice. So even when we have No control over this, we offer an apoly about it. We have verified with our Captain and crew and time spent at the first reefs was the regular time and not 5 minutes as mentioned. However we apologize if you felt your time was kept short. The snorkeling portion is about 25 to 30 minutes at the first stop and then the time at El Cielo Sandbar and el Cielito beach is up to 1 hour as the main attarction is the sandbar and beach time there. We cant make times longer as most customers are on a schedule. We can only apologize about the weather and we totally respect your opinion but as mentioned before we really cant have control over weather, hopefully one day we will. Thank you once again for sharing your experience. Kind regards,
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star-5
Greatest experience and great price!
Dianna_S
, May 2022
My husband and I enjoyed the crew. Very friendly and encouraging. Alex the tour guide assisted in begginers who needed assistance and gave the experienced swimmers guide to seeing things. He dived to show snorklers what was around coral and coves deep in the water. He dived 30 feet that was amazing to my husband and i. Thanks for the wonderful experience! I would recommend. There was no lunch but served drinks with gucamole and chips at end.
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star-5
Clear water snorkeling
Anna_O
, May 2022
We had a great time snorkeling through the clear waters. Our captain and tour guide were amazing! At our last stop we saw lots of stingrays while enjoying a cold beer and the BEST guacamole we ever had!
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icon Response from Host , May 2022
Dear Anna, Thank you very much for your great comments and excellent review. It is so nice to read you enjoyed our Cozumel snorkeling tour and had fun with our crew and team. We are also happy yo know you loved El Cielo Beach with sting rays and enjoyed the tasty Guacamole. We truly appreciate you value the work of our team and take the time to share it with us. On behalf of the Cozumel Tours and Excursions family thank you for your trust and preference. Kind regards,
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star-5
Great price, great tour!
Matt_R
, May 2022
Carlos was an incredible guide. The tour was lovely, incredibly scenic, and ended with great snacks and cold beer. We had a really perfect day.
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icon Response from Host , May 2022
Dear Matt, Thank you for your excellent comments and great review. We know there are many Cozumel snorkeling tours out there but is the treatment and service of the staff what makes the difference, So we are glad you valued the work Carlos put into it and enjoyed your experience. On behalf of the Cozumel Tours and Excursions family, Thank you once again for your trust snd preference. Kind regards,
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star-3
delayed trip
Gary_D
, May 2022
Boat left the dock 45 minutes late. Seas were too rough for me to snorkel the first two reefs we visited. Crew was fine, but we really shouldn't have snorkeled on this day; too windy
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icon Response from Host , May 2022
Dear Customer, Thank you for sharing your comments about this Cozumel snorkeling trip. We apologize if your experience was not the best or if you think the locations were rough. This Cozumel snorkeling tour is available for everyone and for all ages but you do have to have knowledge about snorkeling. If needed you could have request the assistance of our crew and tour guides, remember they are there for you at all times. Snorkeling tours in Cozumel operate according to weather and Ocean conditions and of Port is open we will operate on a regular way, so if you feel it was too windy for you we offer you an apology but weather conditions were suitable to perform this activity. However we appreciate your feedback as this will allow our tour guides to be on the look out if they see a customer is hesitant to do this activity and provide better insight. Thank you,
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star-5
Amazing!
Lynn_S
, May 2022
We had a wonderful time. The snorkeling was amazing. The tour guide, captain and photographer were great and kept a close eye on everyone in the water. We ended the excursion at a clear shallow area and provided drinks and some great chips/ guacamole. While sitting in the water we saw numerous stingrays swimming by. Such a memorable experience!
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icon Response from Host , May 2022
Dear Lynn, Thank you very much for your great comments, we are glad to know you truly enjoyed our Cozumel snorkeling tour. As mentioned in your comment, this tour is a great way to know the marine life and beauty of Cozumel reefs. We really appreciate you share your feedback with us and let us know it was a memorable experience. Thank you once again for your trust and preference. Kind regards
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star-5
Excellent experience
Elsa_G
, May 2022
Excellent experience! The tour guys Alex & Philly were so helpful. The water was nothing I’ve seen better. So clear and clean. I would definitely recommend it.
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1 traveller found this review helpful
star-3
Nice trip
Alun_P
, May 2022
Nice tour. Snack is only nachos and a dip. Obliged to tip at the end. Kids enjoyed it and we saw turtles, stingrays, barracuda and plenty of sealife.
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star-5
Wow!
Alice_Q
, May 2022
The reefs were beautiful! Most beautiful thing I have seen in my life. The boat ride was fun and the capitain and the guide were super kind and helpful. Thank you again Alex and Juanito! We really appreciated our tour!
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icon Response from Host , May 2022
Dear Alice, Thank you very much for your lovely comment. Even though our main purpose is for you to enjoy our Cozumel reefs, we are also focused on you to have a great and fun time while discovering Cozumel marine life. Thank you for giving us the chance to do that. On behalf of the Cozumel tours and excursions family, Thank you for your trust and preference. Kind regards,
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star-5
Great Experience!
Gavin_M
, May 2022
The tour guides were very nice and always asking if we were ok during the whole trip. The chips and guacamole they made right on the boat was to die for and we got to see a lot of fish, a sea turtle, and a few stingrays!! Highly recommend for anyone wanting a fun adventure!
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star-1
Shipwreck
Mark_F
, May 2022
The boat was small and uncomfortable. The engine gave out after 45 minutes. No snorkeling. No fun. At least the crew was pleasant.
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1 traveller found this review helpful
star-5
Excellent & Fun Tour!
DianaDunn
, May 2022
This was an excellent tour. The crew worked hard to make us feel safe & comfortable. They also were very fun!
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1 traveller found this review helpful
star-3
Not very friendly
nap0320
, May 2022
When we showed up at the ferry the lady there was not very welcoming! She was like what’s your name ok I need your $6 marine fee. Ok you can stand over there . Motioning for us to move aside , mind you nobody else was there to check in! No explanations just follow me , to taxi puts in taxi and walks away. When we arrived at marina it was like ok now what. Two guys walked up and told us we could use restrooms and go wait over there. They were waiting for the rest to arrive . We were told to be there by 10 we didn’t leave out till almost 11. No explanations. The boat Capt was rude . The one who was the nicest was photographer (Miguel) the trip was ok for the price maybe a better crew!
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star-2
Not what I expected
nitza_j
, May 2022
Pros: The snorkeling sites were great, and impressive, water the most gorgeous blue and clear I’ve ever seen. Cons: The boat was tiny, tight and uncomfortable and it kept leaning. Did not have appropriate equipment for children under 12. Our guide Alex was not very friendly. He made us put our phones away in a bucket before we got to any sites and we would have to ask to get it which wouldn’t happen right away so no memories except for the last stop I got to take some pics. He was also very arrogant with his responses and it made it awkward. Let’s just say nobody was very happy with him by the end. They limit you to 2 beers(oh and he counted) The snack was fresh guacamole but not enough for our group. So eat before you go. I’d return to sites but not with “maybe tours”
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star-2
Can be improved about exact effective time
Edward_H
, Apr. 2022
We lost 45 minutes of the tour because the group was not complete. Besides we took the for 1 our together 2-way, so we had no 4 hours which was planned for the trip. Besides the last part, which we have relaxed with the group can be longer.
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icon Response from Host , Apr. 2022
Dear Customer, Thank you for your message. In regards to your comment this a total of 4 Hours tour duration. This includes the boat ride from the Marina to the first reefs, the snorkeling portion at the reefs and the boat ride from these reefs to El Cielo sandbar, the time at El Cielo and El Cielito beach plus the boat ride back to the Marina. We can't stay longer time at the locations visited as most of our customers are in schedule and we have to respect their time and follow tour logistics. We appreciate you took the time to share your review with everyone as we always encourage customers to share their experiences. Thank you
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1 traveller found this review helpful
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