Catamaran Snorkel Adventure to El Cielo and The Money Bar Beach

This catamaran snorkel adventure in Cozumel offers an engaging 4-hour journey aboard La Chula or Poseidon, with a focus on exploring some of the island’s most celebrated underwater spots. For $79.99 per person, travelers enjoy visits to Palancar Reef and Colombia Deep Reef, followed by a relaxing stop at El Cielo, renowned for its starfish and stunning sandbank. The tour includes snorkeling gear, an open bar with sodas, beer, margaritas, and rum punch, and tasty snacks like fresh fruit, ceviche, and corn chips. It’s a lively, well-organized experience suited for those wanting a full day of marine activity combined with great food and drinks.

This tour is recommended by 98% of participants and garners a perfect 5.0-star rating based on 212 reviews, emphasizing its popularity and consistent quality. While the tour isn’t designed for participants with limited mobility or certain health conditions, it suits most active travelers, families with children over 6, and cruise visitors eager for top-tier snorkeling combined with a fun, social atmosphere.

Key Points

• Includes visits to Palancar Reef, Colombia Deep Reef, and El Cielo for varied marine encounters.
• Four-hour tour aboard La Chula or Poseidon with snorkeling gear provided.
• Open bar and snacks of fresh fruit, ceviche, and chips included, with beverages available throughout the trip.
• Group size limited to 20 guests, ensuring a more intimate experience.
• Starts and ends at The Money Bar Beach Club, with no transportation included.
• Suitable for ages 6 and up, but not recommended for those with mobility issues or certain health conditions.

The Catamaran Experience on La Chula and Poseidon

Starting at The Money Bar Beach Club, this tour departs on two lively catamarans, La Chula and Poseidon. The vessels are well-equipped to host up to 20 guests, creating a friendly, social environment while ensuring enough space for everyone to relax. The crew handles all logistics smoothly, so guests can simply enjoy the ride.

The boat ride itself is part of the fun, with a chance to enjoy music, the breeze, and spectacular views of the coastline as the catamarans glide toward the first marine stops. The guides are known for their professionalism and engaging attitude, making sure everyone feels comfortable and informed about each activity.

Exploring Palancar Reef and Colombia Deep Reef

The itinerary includes two major reef stops, Palancar and Colombia Deep. The voyage to these reefs takes roughly 45 minutes for the first stop, and each site allows snorkelers about 20-25 minutes to marvel at the vibrant coral formations and marine life.

Palancar Reef is famous for its colorful fish, coral formations, and marine diversity, making it a favorite for snorkelers. Next, at Colombia Deep Reef, visitors encounter a second spectacular reef teeming with life, often described as one of the best snorkeling spots in Cozumel.

Both reefs are part of Cozumel’s world-famous coral reef system, offering an array of marine species including turtles, stingrays, and various tropical fish. The underwater scenery provides plenty of photo opportunities, especially with guides like Carlos, known for capturing great underwater shots with a GoPro.

The Highlight: El Cielo and Its Natural Sandbank

The trip’s main attraction is El Cielo, which is reached after approximately 20 minutes of sailing. Named for the starfish that cover its sandy bottom, El Cielo boasts crystal-clear waters and a massive natural sandbank that functions as a giant, shallow swimming pool.

At El Cielo, visitors enjoy snorkeling in tranquil waters, spotting starfish, stingrays, and tropical fish, with plenty of space for kids and adults to relax and explore. The sandbank encourages swimming, wading, and photos in a stunning setting that feels like a slice of paradise.

Marine Life Encounters at Each Stop

Throughout the tour, the crew is attentive in pointing out marine species and ensuring everyone gets great pictures. Guest reviews highlight turtle sightings, stingrays, baby sharks, starfish, and sand dollars as some of the most memorable moments. The diverse marine ecosystem makes each stop a new opportunity to witness sea creatures in their natural habitat.

Snorkelers can expect to observe colorful fish, majestic sea turtles, and gentle rays. The marine environment is protected, with a $6 Marine Park Fee payable in cash, which supports reef preservation efforts.

Food, Drinks, and Onboard Amenities

The tour features an open bar, offering sodas, beers, margaritas, and rum punch throughout the four hours. Snacks such as seasonal fresh fruit, ceviche, and corn chips are served, providing a tasty break after snorkeling sessions.

Guests have access to The Money Bar and its facilities at the start and end of the tour, where food and additional drinks can be purchased. The ceviche is frequently praised as delicious, and the drinks add a festive touch to the trip.

Practical Details: Meeting Point and Physical Considerations

The tour departs from The Money Bar Beach Club, located on Carr. Costera Sur Km 6.5-Sur. No pick-up or drop-off services are included, so visitors should arrange their own transportation to the meeting point.

Participants should have moderate physical fitness, as snorkeling and swimming are involved. The tour is not suitable for individuals with limited mobility, or those suffering from certain health conditions such as heart or lung problems, asthma, epilepsy, recent surgery, or pregnancy. Towels are not provided, so travelers should bring their own if desired.

Timing, Pacing, and Tour Length

The 4-hour duration includes travel time, snorkeling at two reef sites, and El Cielo. The schedule is paced to give sufficient time at each stop while maintaining a relaxed rhythm. The last stop at El Cielo tends to be longer, allowing for more marine encounters and leisure time.

Guests should be aware that time is limited at each stop, so early discussions with the crew can help prioritize marine life viewing and photos.

Value for Money and Overall Quality

With a price of $79.99, this tour offers excellent value, considering the inclusions: snorkeling gear, multiple reef stops, El Cielo, open bar, and snacks. The high review ratings and positive guest feedback confirm the tour’s reliability and quality.

The small group size enhances the experience, making it less crowded and more personal. The professional crew, especially guides like Carlos and Jonathan, are praised for their knowledge, friendliness, and attention to safety.

Who Will Appreciate This Tour Most?

This snorkeling adventure suits those who enjoy marine environments, social atmospheres, and active days on the water. It’s ideal for families with kids over 6, cruise ship passengers, and adventurers looking for a well-organized, fun-filled day.

While the tour isn’t designed for participants with limited mobility or certain health issues, it remains a popular choice for most active travelers wanting a balanced mix of snorkeling, relaxation, and social fun.

Exploring Similar Experiences and Additional Options

Guests interested in this tour might also consider other Cozumel activities, such as all-inclusive beach clubs or private snorkeling trips. Links to similar tours include options like La Chula Catamaran, Mr. Sanchos Beach Club, and Paradise Beach.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is transportation included in this tour?
No, transportation to the meeting point at The Money Bar is not included. Guests need to arrange their own transport.

What marine life can I expect to see?
Expect to encounter turtles, stingrays, starfish, and a variety of colorful fish at the reef stops and El Cielo.

Are there age restrictions?
Yes, participants must be at least 6 years old. The tour has a maximum group size of 20.

What should I bring on the tour?
A towel is recommended (not provided), wear long-sleeve clothing and a hat to prevent sunburn, and bring cash for the Marine Park Fee.

Can I snorkel if I have health issues?
Snorkeling is not recommended for those with heart or lung problems, asthma, epilepsy, or if recent surgery has been undergone. The tour is not suitable for pregnant women.

How long is each snorkeling stop?
Each reef stop lasts about 20-25 minutes, with additional time allocated for travel and the El Cielo visit.

This catamaran snorkeling tour in Cozumel combines stunning reef sites, a relaxing stop at El Cielo, and fun onboard amenities, making it an engaging choice for those seeking marine adventures with great service and lively atmosphere. Its high ratings and positive reviews reflect its consistent quality and appeal.