Clear Boat Adventure to Shipwrecks and Snorkel

If you’re looking for a new way to explore Cozumel’s underwater world, the Clear Boat Adventure to Shipwrecks and Snorkel promises a different perspective. This experience takes you on a ride inside the world’s first fully transparent boat, giving you unobstructed views of the coral reefs, shipwrecks, and marine life while you sit back comfortably inside. It’s a concept that turns the usual snorkeling trip on its head, offering a blend of sightseeing and underwater discovery that’s both practical and fun.

We love the idea of seeing the underwater world from inside a clear boat, which promises spectacular views without getting wet — perfect for those who prefer to stay dry or want an easier way to enjoy the sea. The tour’s convenient departure points, flexible schedule with three different times, and inclusive amenities like bottled water and snacks make it appealing. However, some reviewers mention the snorkeling in a small confined area that might limit exposure compared to other reefs in Cozumel. This experience is well suited for travelers wanting a quick, comfy glimpse of the island’s marine environment, especially if they’re not huge fans of traditional snorkeling.

Good To Know

• Unique vessel: First of its kind in Cozumel, offering views from inside a transparent boat.
• Convenient location: Depart from Carlota Beach Club, with multiple departure times.
• Inclusive amenities: Bottled water, soda, beer, and snorkeling gear included.
• Short but scenic: About 2 hours of fun, perfect for a quick, memorable outing.
• Group size: Limited to 30 travelers, ensuring a more intimate experience.
• Mixed reviews: Some find the snorkeling area small; others appreciate the comfort and views.

What Makes This Tour Stand Out?

The main draw here is the boat itself — a fully transparent vessel that makes you feel like you’re floating in the middle of the ocean while staying dry inside. This innovative design means you get uninterrupted views of the reefs and shipwrecks, which can be a real treat if you prefer observing from a calm, stable environment rather than jumping into the water.

The tour lasts about 2 hours, making it a perfect addition to a busy itinerary or a standalone activity for those wanting a quick yet memorable experience. The departure from Carlota Beach Club is well-placed for ease of access, and with three different times to choose from, you can align it with your daily plans without hassle.

Detailed Breakdown of the Experience

The Departure and Welcome

All tours start at the Carlota Beach Club, located conveniently along the coast. The check-in process appears smooth, with participants receiving a mobile ticket, which streamlines boarding. The boat itself can carry up to 30 travelers, allowing for a manageable, less crowded environment.

The Transparent Boat Ride

Once on board, you’ll notice the innovative design immediately. Sitting comfortably inside, you’ll have panoramic views of the seascape, with the ability to look directly down into the water and see colorful reefs, marine life, and shipwrecks. The boat’s clarity promises an almost surreal experience, especially as you glide over these underwater features.

Snorkeling at the Reef

After exploring from inside the boat, you’ll get the opportunity to snorkel in one of the best reefs on the north side of Cozumel. The experience includes snorkeling equipment and marine fees, so you don’t need to worry about extra costs.

However, one review highlights that the snorkeling area is quite small and confined, which could be a downside if you’re eager to explore larger reef systems. The reviewer, Amy_M, noted that the snorkeling was limited with not much to see, which suggests that this tour prioritizes the boat experience over extensive underwater exploration. Still, it offers a more relaxed and comfortable way to see marine life compared to traditional snorkeling.

Refreshments and Comfort

The tour includes bottled water, soda, and beer, which is a nice touch, allowing you to sip while soaking in the views or during your snorkeling break. The use of snorkeling equipment is also covered, removing the hassle of renting gear separately.

Return and Flexibility

After roughly two hours of fun, the boat returns to the starting point. The flexible scheduling with three departure times means you can plan the rest of your day around this activity, whether it’s a beach day, shopping, or other excursions.

What Travelers Are Saying

While the overall rating is a decent 4/5 based on two reviews, insights from Amy_M highlight some important points. She appreciated the thoroughness and attentiveness of Captain Bill and his crew, which suggests a focus on safety and good service. However, she found the adventure somewhat rushed, and the snorkeling experience limited.

Another review, though less detailed, hints that this tour offers a “different way” to enjoy Cozumel’s marine scenery, emphasizing comfort and ease of access. The small, confined snorkeling area may not satisfy those seeking extensive underwater exploration but is perfect for visitors who prefer a relaxed, less physically demanding outing.

The Practicalities: Price, Duration, and Group Size

At $52 per person, this tour is priced competitively, especially considering it includes snorkeling gear, marine fees, and beverages. Compared to other Cozumel excursions, which can be more expensive and involve longer durations, this experience offers good value for a short, scenic cruise with added snorkeling.

The duration of roughly 2 hours makes it ideal for those with limited time or looking for a quick yet memorable adventure. The maximum group size of 30 travelers ensures that it doesn’t feel crowded, and there’s enough space for everyone to enjoy the views comfortably.

Who Should Consider This Tour?

This experience is perfect for families, couples, or groups who want a unique, comfortable way to see Cozumel’s underwater scenery without the physical exertion of traditional snorkeling. It’s especially appealing for travelers who might be less confident in the water or prefer to stay dry but still want to enjoy marine life up close.

It’s also a good option if you’re on a budget and want a quick, scenic activity that combines both sightseeing and snorkeling. However, if you’re a serious snorkeler or reef enthusiast looking for extensive underwater exploration, you might find this tour somewhat limited.

Final Thoughts

The Clear Boat Adventure to Shipwrecks and Snorkel offers a fresh, comfortable approach to discovering Cozumel’s aquatic beauty. Its innovative design provides stunning views that are typically only possible from above or on the water’s surface, making it a memorable experience for most.

While the snorkeling area may not satisfy those craving significant underwater exploration, the ease of access, scenic views, and inclusiveness make it an appealing choice for many types of travelers. It’s a great way to experience Cozumel without the hassle or physical demands of traditional snorkeling tours.

If you’re after a short, relaxing, and visually spectacular activity, this tour is a solid pick — especially for those who appreciate comfort and convenience with a touch of innovation.

FAQs

What is included in the tour?
The tour includes bottled water, soda, beer, snorkeling equipment, and marine fees. Everything you need for the experience is provided, so you can just relax and enjoy.

Where does the tour depart from?
It departs from Carlota Beach Club, a convenient location along Cozumel’s coast with easy access.

How long does the tour last?
The experience lasts approximately 2 hours, making it suitable for a quick activity without taking too much of your day.

Are there multiple departure times?
Yes, the tour offers three different departure times to fit various schedules.

Is this suitable for all travelers?
Most travelers can participate, and the group is limited to 30 travelers, ensuring a comfortable experience. However, those seeking extensive snorkeling might find it somewhat limited.

Can I cancel if my plans change?
Yes, cancellations are free if made at least 24 hours in advance. Cancellations within 24 hours are non-refundable.

What are the main drawbacks?
The snorkeling area is quite small and confined, which could be a downside for those wanting to explore larger reef systems. Some travelers also felt the trip was rushed, limiting underwater exploration.

Is the experience weather-dependent?
Yes, like most outdoor tours, it requires good weather. Poor weather can lead to cancellations or rescheduling, with full refunds or alternative dates offered.

This tour offers a unique twist on Cozumel’s marine adventures, blending comfort with a touch of innovation. Whether you’re seeking a relaxed viewing experience or a quick snorkel, it’s worth considering for a memorable, scenic outing.