El Cielo Private Snorkel and Secluded Beach — Cozumel Private Boat Tour
Board a private boat to El Cielo and swim over turquoise shallows, starfish-strewn sandbars, and vibrant coral gardens. This four-hour trip pairs easy drift snorkeling with a secluded white-sand beach stop, local ceviche, and cocktails—ideal for beginners and reef enthusiasts who want a focused, conservation-minded ocean experience.
The Experience
Before You Go
Bring cash for the park fee
The National Marine Park fee (~$11 US) is paid in cash at Tortugas Beach Club and is not included in your ticket.
Wear a UV top—no sunscreen on reefs
Reef protection rules prohibit sunscreen—use a long-sleeve rashguard and a wide-brim hat for sun protection.
Take seasickness precautions
Mornings are calmer; take preventive medication if you’re prone to motion sickness or choose earlier departures.
Bring a well-fitting mask
Although snorkeling equipment is provided, your personal mask often seals better and improves underwater time.
Local Knowledge
Hidden Gems
- •El Cielo’s shallow starfish pockets—calm, low-tide pools ideal for photos
- •The quiet backshore of the tour’s secluded beach, perfect for a late-afternoon stroll away from day-trippers
Wildlife
- •Southern stingrays (often gliding in channels)
- •Green and hawksbill sea turtles
Conservation Note
The tour supports the National Marine Park through entrance fees and enforces no-sunscreen rules and anchoring restrictions to protect coral and seagrass habitats.
Cozumel has long maritime and Maya cultural roots; the island was an important ceremonial site for the goddess Ixchel and today sits adjacent to protected marine reserves.
Photographer's Notes
- • From the boat’s bow to capture reef lines and water color
- • Directly above the shallow sandbar to frame starfish against pale sand
- • Secluded beach shoreline for shoreline and sunset silhouettes
What to Bring
UV-protective rashguardEssential
Protects skin since sunscreen is restricted near the reef and adds warmth in early mornings.
Well-fitting snorkel maskEssential
Personal masks reduce leaks and fogging compared with rental gear.
Motion-sickness tablets or wrist bands
Useful when winds pick up; take before boarding if you’re susceptible.
Water shoes or reef sandals
Make walking on rocky piers and the beach more comfortable and protect feet during boat landings.
Common Questions
Is the trip suitable for beginners?
Yes—this private-boat option includes crew guidance, flotation devices, and gentle reef stops suitable for first-time snorkelers.
How do I pay the National Marine Park fee?
Bring US cash (about $11 per person) and pay at the Tortugas Beach Club ticket booth upon check-in; it is not included in the booking price.
Are snorkeling equipment and drinks included?
Snorkel equipment, bottled water, fish ceviche, soda, beer, and margaritas are included in the tour package.
Can children join this trip?
Families are welcome but policies vary—confirm age limits and safety arrangements with the operator if traveling with young children.
What happens if the weather is rough?
Operators monitor conditions and may relocate snorkeling to safer sites or cancel for rough seas; check the cancellation window and rebooking policy.
Is sunscreen allowed?
To protect coral, sunscreen is restricted at reef sites—wear UV-protective clothing instead and use sunscreen only on land areas away from the reef.
Book This Experience
Check AvailabilityDuration
4 hours
Location
San Miguel de Cozumel, Quintana Roo
Difficulty
easy
Fitness Level
Light fitness—comfortable swimming and basic snorkeling ability; suitable for most active travelers.
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