From Cozumel: Starfish, Stingrays and the Turtle Sanctuary

Travelers looking for a quick, rewarding escape into the underwater world of the Mexican Caribbean often turn to Cozumel’s renowned snorkeling tours. This particular excursion, offered by COZUMELTOURS AND EXCURSIONS, promises a half-day of vibrant marine encounters, from swimming alongside turtles in a sanctuary to marveling at starfish on the sandy bottom of El Cielo. With a solid 4.4 out of 5 rating based on over 450 reviews, it’s clear this experience resonates with many visitors—and for good reason.

What makes this trip stand out? We love how accessible it is, with close proximity to the cruise port. The guides consistently earn praise for their expertise and friendly attitude, making even first-time snorkelers feel comfortable. The variety of locations, especially El Cielo’s starfish-filled waters, offers a snapshot of Cozumel’s underwater beauty. Plus, the inclusive snacks and drinks add a touch of relaxation to the adventure.

However, a notable consideration is the water temperature and sun exposure—some reviewers suggest bringing or wearing a wetsuit or extra coverage to avoid sunburn, especially during peak heat. This tour is ideal for travelers who want a balanced mix of marine life, scenic beauty, and convenience. It suits both beginners and those comfortable in the water, and is perfect for cruise passengers seeking a well-organized shore excursion.

Good To Know

• Convenient Location: Close to Cozumel cruise port, making it easy to fit into a day ashore
• Diverse Marine Life: Opportunities to see turtles, rays, starfish, and colorful fish
• Expert Guides: Knowledgeable guides like Nicholas and Gaspar enhance safety and enjoyment
• All-Inclusive Comfort: Snorkeling gear, snacks, drinks, and insured boat provide value
• Short & Sweet: Four-hour duration fits well into a busy cruise schedule or half-day outing
• Beautiful Spots: El Cielo and Playa Ell Cielito are visually stunning with calm waters

You can check if your dates are available here:

Exploring the Snorkeling Experience

Starting Point and Transportation

This tour kicks off at Marina Asipona in Cozumel, a straightforward location easily reached by taxi from the main cruise port. Once there, you’ll meet the team, look for the Maybe-Tours office, and get ready for a 10-minute ride in a black cab to Playa Palancar. The transportation is quick and comfortable, getting you out on the water without long waits or complicated transfers.

The Itinerary Breakdown

The tour features three main snorkel stops, each offering unique sights and experiences, plus a scenic ride in between:

• Playa Palancar: The initial stop is a gentle introduction to the area’s underwater world. Here, guided tours kick off with safety briefs and gear distribution. Expect to see a variety of fish and coral, setting the tone for the rest of the trip.

• El Cielo: This is the highlight for many—famous for its white sandy bottom and vast starfish populations. Visitors often describe it as magical, with reviews mentioning the chance to swim with huge schools of colorful fish and starfish. As one reviewer states, “The water is exactly as on the photos—crystal clear with stunning marine life.” You’ll have about 75 minutes here, enough time to relax, take photos, and soak in the scenery.

• Playa Ell Cielito: A shallow beach area famous for its stingrays. This spot provides a calmer environment to frolic and observe these gentle creatures. Several travelers mention how the guides expertly assist with safety, especially for non-swimmers or kids. One guest remarks, “The stingrays in the shallow waters are so calm, it’s like swimming with friendly pets.”

What You’ll Experience

The water around Cozumel is praised for being warm, calm, and clear most of the year. It’s perfect for beginners yet still interesting enough for experienced snorkelers. Visibility is typically good, making it easier to see the vibrant marine life.

Expect your guides to be attentive and knowledgeable. For example, one reviewer highlights guide Nicholas, who “felt safe and well-informed throughout,” and Gaspar, who was “very attentive,” especially with the safety of children.

More Great Thing To Do Nearby

Snorkeling Gear & Safety

All snorkeling gear—vest, mask, and tube—is included, ensuring a hassle-free experience. Reviews emphasize the professionalism and friendliness of guides, which significantly boosts confidence for those new to snorkeling. One reviewer notes that the guides “knew all the best spots,” which means you’re likely to encounter a variety of species like turtles, rays, and starfish with minimal fuss.

Food, Drinks, & Extras

After snorkeling, you’ll be treated to a snack—commonly ceviche—and drinks, including water, sodas, and beer. Guests appreciate the relaxed vibe this creates, especially when floating in shallow waters afterwards. Several reviews mention how the ceviche is homemade and delicious, adding a special touch to the trip.

The Value of the Tour

At $52 per person, this tour offers excellent value, especially considering the inclusions and the quality of the experience. The boat is insured, with shaded areas to keep guests comfortable, and the guides are fluent in both English and Spanish.

While it does not include hotel pickup, the meeting point at the marina is straightforward for cruise passengers. The tour duration of four hours makes it a perfect half-day activity that complements shore time, avoiding the exhaustion of longer trips.

Guests consistently mention the tour’s good price for the quality of marine encounters. Reviews highlight the variety of animals seen—such as turtles, rays, and starfish—and the added bonus of scenic rides and friendly guides. One guest comments, “It’s the best value for money—seeing everything with a relaxed pace.”

The Highlights and Limitations

What you’ll love: The diversity of marine life, particularly the starfish at El Cielo and the chance to swim with turtles in the sanctuary. The guides’ local knowledge and friendliness come through time and again, making the experience feel personal and safe. The included snacks and drinks add a relaxed, social element to what could otherwise be a quick, activity-driven tour.

Considerations: Some reviews mention the importance of sun protection—wearing wetsuits or full coverage to avoid sunburn. Also, since the trip involves multiple stops and boat rides, a sense of comfort with water is helpful, though beginners are well-cared for.

Who Will Love This Tour?

This snorkeling tour is best suited for cruise passengers or day-trippers who want a short, well-organized marine adventure without the need for extensive gear or equipment. Perfect for families, first-timers, and casual snorkelers, it provides easy access to some of Cozumel’s most iconic underwater spots.

Travelers who value guides with local expertise, scenic beauty, and good food will find the experience particularly satisfying. It’s also a great choice if you want a balanced mix of activity and relaxation in a manageable timeframe.

Final Thoughts

This Cozumel snorkeling experience delivers a solid combination of marine wildlife, scenic stops, and professional guidance. It offers excellent value for money, with friendly guides ensuring safety and fun at every turn. The inclusion of ceviche and drinks, along with the proximity to port, makes it convenient and inviting.

If you’re looking for a family-friendly, accessible, and visually stunning way to discover the Mexican Caribbean’s underwater world, this tour should be on your list. It’s especially perfect for those who want to see turtles, starfish, and rays without the fuss of a full-day commitment.

FAQ

How long is the tour?
The entire experience lasts around 4 hours, starting and ending close to the cruise port.

Is hotel pickup included?
No, guests meet directly at Marina Asipona in Cozumel.

What marine animals will I see?
You can expect to see turtles, stingrays, starfish, and many colorful fish.

Are snorkeling gear and safety briefings included?
Yes, all gear is provided, along with guided safety instructions.

Can children participate?
Yes, guides are attentive to safety, and the tours are suitable for families, including non-swimmers with proper support.

Is there a meal or drinks included?
Yes, a snack, ceviche, and drinks (beer, water, sodas) are part of the trip.

Will I have enough time at each stop?
Most reviews say yes; you’ll have about 75 minutes at El Cielo and shorter times at other stops.

Do I need to bring anything?
Bring swimwear, a towel, biodegradable sunscreen, beachwear, and cash for optional extras.

Is the water safe for non-swimmers?
Yes, the shallow areas and guides’ assistance make it suitable, especially at Playa Ell Cielito.

What is the typical group size?
Most tours are small enough for personalized attention but can vary depending on demand.

Final Verdict

This snorkeling tour in Cozumel strikes a fine balance between adventure, comfort, and value. It’s a fantastic way for travelers to connect with the marine environment without overextending their schedule. With knowledgeable guides, stunning sights, and tasty snacks, it’s a shore excursion that truly delivers on its promise: an unforgettable splash into the colorful world beneath the waves.

You can check if your dates are available here: