Catamaran Sky Tour in Cozumel

A trip to Cozumel isn’t complete without exploring its world-famous reefs and crystal-clear waters. The Catamaran Sky Tour, offered by Excursiones Cozumel y Más, promises an immersive day on the water with snorkeling, sightseeing, and plenty of fun. Based on glowing reviews and detailed itineraries, this tour stands out as an excellent choice for travelers seeking a blend of adventure, relaxation, and authentic marine encounters.

What we truly love about this experience are its stunning reef stops, the friendly, certified guides, and the generous drinks package that keeps spirits high. However, potential guests should be aware that the reef conservation fee isn’t included in the listed price, which adds a small extra cost. This tour is best suited for those who enjoy boating, snorkeling, and are comfortable spending several hours on the water in a private group setting.

Good To Know

• Comprehensive snorkeling stops at Palancar, Columbia, and El Cielo reefs provide varied underwater experiences.
• Experienced, certified guides ensure safety and enhance the overall enjoyment of the trip.
• Unlimited drinks, including beers and sodas, add a fun, social element to the voyage.
• The five-to-six-hour duration balances adventure with relaxation, making it suitable for most travelers.
• Cost considerations include a reef conservation fee and port fee not covered in the base price.
• The private group nature ensures an intimate experience free from crowds.

Let’s walk through what makes this tour interesting, and what you can expect at each stage of the day.

Starting Point and Departure Time

The tour begins at excursiones Cozumel y Más, located on Avenida Rafael E. Melgar in Cozumel’s bustling center. The start time is set for 2:00 pm, which is ideal for enjoying the afternoon sun and sunset views. Since it’s a private tour, only your group will be on the boat, offering a personalized atmosphere that many travelers appreciate. The convenience of being near public transport makes it accessible, and most travelers will find this location easy to reach.

The First Stop: Palancar Reef

After a short boat ride, you’ll arrive at Palancar Reef, known for its depth of about 7 meters and impressive coral formations. This site tends to host larger marine life—think turtles, manta rays, and an array of colorful fish—making it a favorite for snorkelers eager to see bigger, more noticeable creatures. The reef’s structure provides a dramatic backdrop for underwater exploration, and the guides are well-versed in pointing out interesting species, ensuring you don’t miss the highlights.

Travelers have noted the guides’ knowledge and friendly attitude significantly enhance the experience. One reviewer mentioned, “The attention of all was very well,” highlighting the professionalism of the crew, including guide Juan, who’s known for his helpful tips and safety instructions. Expect around 35 minutes at this site, giving enough time to enjoy the vibrant underwater scenes.

The Second Stop: Columbia Reef

Next, you’ll explore Columbia Reef, at a shallower around 5 meters deep. Here, the focus shifts to appreciating coral formations and the vivid display of tropical fish. This site tends to be a bit more accessible for less experienced snorkelers or those wanting a lighter, more relaxed swim. The vibrant colors and formations make for fantastic photos, which you’ll likely want to capture.

Again, the 35-minute window allows ample time to admire the marine life, and the guides are adept at helping everyone get the most out of their snorkel adventure. The reef’s popularity is reflected in reviews, with one noting the “formation of corals and variety of colorful fish” as a favorite part of the tour.

The Highlight: Playa El Cielo

The third stop is Playa El Cielo, often called “The Sky” or “Starfish Sanctuary.” It’s a shallow, 2-meter-deep area famous for its starfish. This site is perfect for those who want a chance to see and gently handle these beautiful creatures, with the added benefit of stunning surroundings. Many travelers find this stop a serene, almost magical experience—”the sanctuary of stars,” as it’s affectionately called.

Expect around 40 minutes here, giving plenty of time to stroll, take photos, and enjoy the tranquil environment. Since it’s not a reef but a sandy area dotted with starfish, this stop offers a peaceful break from the underwater snorkeling and a unique chance to connect with nature.

The White Sandbank: El Skylito

One of the most praised features of this tour is the visit to El Skylito, the lowest part of the sandbank, where water reaches your waist. It’s a perfect spot for relaxing, enjoying the sunset, and spotting manta rays in the surrounding shallow waters. The pure white sand and calm environment make it an ideal place to unwind after the snorkeling.

Guests often mention the “excellent atmosphere” on the boat and the “amazing views,” highlighting how this segment offers a peaceful respite. The guides are attentive to ensuring everyone feels comfortable, whether you want to bask in the sun or dip your toes in the water.

The Sunset Return

As the tour winds down, you’ll head back along the coast, enjoying the spectacle of the sunset over Cozumel. Many reviews praise the relaxed vibe and the genuine fun of the trip, including unlimited beers, soft drinks, and waters. The live DJ and animation keep the atmosphere lively, making it not just a snorkeling trip but also a social event.

What’s Included and What’s Not

This tour includes scuba gear, so you can explore underwater without needing to rent equipment locally. The all-you-can-drink policy with beers, sodas, and waters is a highlight, especially if you’re looking to add a fun, carefree element to your day.

However, keep in mind that fees and taxes aren’t included in the price. Specifically, there’s a reef conservation fee of 120 MXN per week and a port usage fee, which you’ll need to pay locally. Also, souvenirs or photographs aren’t part of the package, so plan to bring your own camera or buy pictures separately if you wish.

The Authenticity and Value

What makes this tour stand out is the balance of structured snorkeling and free time at the sandbank and El Cielo. The private group setting ensures a more intimate experience—no crowded reefs here—plus the knowledgeable guides boost your confidence and enhance your marine encounters.

Reviewers consistently mention the professionalism of the guides and the stunning views, which suggest this tour offers excellent value for the price. At roughly $94 per person, with most of the key sites covered, it’s an accessible way to see the best Cozumel has to offer.

This experience is perfect for snorkelers of all levels who appreciate marine life, beautiful scenery, and laid-back fun. It suits travelers looking for a day of adventure that’s not overly strenuous but still packed with memorable sights. Families, couples, or groups of friends will find the private setting and unlimited drinks particularly appealing.

If you’re someone who values professional guides, diverse underwater environments, and beautiful tranquil spots like El Skylito, this tour will meet your expectations.

This Cozumel tour offers a well-rounded experience: snorkel stops at iconic reefs, the chance to meet starfish, and relaxing moments at a white sandbank—all with a friendly crew and beautiful surroundings. The inclusions of scuba gear and unlimited drinks add to its appeal, making it especially attractive for those seeking both adventure and comfort.

The five-to-six-hour duration strikes a good balance; not too rushed, yet packed with enough activities to feel fulfilling. The private group format ensures an intimate, personalized experience that is often missing from larger tours.

While the reef conservation fee is an extra consideration, it’s a small price to pay for access to some of the most beautiful marine sites in Cozumel. If you’re an active traveler eager to explore underwater habitats and relax in serene settings, this tour deserves a top spot on your Cozumel itinerary.

FAQs

Is the tour suitable for beginners?
Yes, the tour is suitable for most travelers, including snorkelers who might be new or experienced. The guides are knowledgeable and ensure everyone’s safety.

What should I bring?
Bring your own camera or waterproof device if you want photos; the tour doesn’t include photos, and you might want to capture the vibrant coral and starfish. Swimwear, a towel, and sun protection are advisable.

Are the drinks included in the price?
Yes, unlimited beers, sodas, and waters are included, making it a fun and social experience.

Are there any additional costs?
Yes, the reef conservation fee (120 MXN per week) and port usage fee aren’t included and must be paid locally.

How long are the snorkeling stops?
Each reef stop lasts approximately 30 to 40 minutes, which is enough time to see the highlights without feeling rushed.

Can I participate if I don’t want to snorkel?
The experience is primarily snorkel-focused, but you can relax on the boat or at El Skylito if you prefer not to snorkel.

In summary, the Catamaran Sky Tour in Cozumel offers a fantastic blend of vibrant marine life, stunning scenery, and relaxed enjoyment. Whether you’re an avid snorkeler or simply want to experience Cozumel’s beauty from a boat, this tour presents excellent value and memorable moments.