San Miguel de Cozumel in 1 Day for Friends - Snorkel Palancar Reef: abundant marine life and coral formations
In Collaboration with COZUMEL TOURS AND EXCURSIONS. Updated on February 13, 2026.
Half-day guided snorkeling tour visiting Palancar Reef, Colombia (Columbia) Reef and the El Cielo sandbar / El Cielito Beach. Meets at Marina Cozumel ASIPONA, with snorkel gear, drinks (beer, water, soda) and a light snack included. Marine park entry fee is not included and is collected locally. Operated by trained guides; not wheelchair or stroller accessible. Meeting is 10 minutes before the cho
This itinerary was created in collaboration with COZUMEL TOURS AND EXCURSIONS, inspired by the tour Cozumel Snorkeling Tour: Palancar, Columbia and El Cielo Reefs. Please check the tour information during your booking process.
Highlights
- Snorkel Palancar Reef: abundant marine life and coral formations
- Snorkel Colombia (Columbia) Reef: colorful fish and frequent turtle sightings
- El Cielo sandbar & El Cielito Beach: shallow sandbar with starfish and clear water
Itinerary
Day 1
Full itinerary for the 4-hour snorkeling tour (meeting 10 minutes before tour time at Marina ASIPONA). Times shown assume a 10:00 tour start (meeting 09:50) but the operator offers other departure slots; confirm your booked start time on your voucher.
Meet & check-in — Marina Cozumel ASIPONA
Arrive to the operator's desk at Marina Cozumel ASIPONA to check in, sign waivers and collect wristbands. Look for the COZUMEL MAYBE-TOURS office next to the tequila shop.
Tips from local experts:
- Arrive 10 minutes before your booked start time; staff will check waivers and fit snorkel gear.
- Bring a small towel and a change of clothes; a shaded waiting area is limited at the marina.
- Marine park entry fee is not included and is collected locally at the marina—have a small bill or card ready.
Boarding & short boat transfer
Board the covered, shaded boat and depart the marina. Crew will give a short safety briefing and fit life vests and snorkel gear before the first stop.
Tips from local experts:
- Secure loose items or leave them at the marina — pockets and open decks can lose small items during transit.
- If you're prone to seasickness, take preventative medication at least 30 minutes before departure.
- Follow crew instructions for boarding and where to store personal items to keep the deck clear for guests.
Snorkel — Palancar Reef
First snorkeling stop at Palancar Reef to view abundant corals, reef structures and tropical fish. Guided snorkeling with vest and new snorkel tube provided.
Tips from local experts:
- Wear reef-safe sunscreen and apply it before arrival; guides may ask you to rinse hands to avoid contaminating gear.
- Put on your mask and practice clearing in shallow water if you’re not fully comfortable — guides will assist before entering.
- Keep a safe distance from coral and marine life; avoid touching or standing on the reef to protect it and yourself.
Short transit to next reef
Boat transfer between snorkeling sites; use this time to rehydrate and snack. Crew will brief the next stop and safety procedures.
Tips from local experts:
- Use the transit time to sip water and avoid getting cold once you re-enter the water.
- Store your mask and snorkel in the shaded area if directed, and listen for the crew's instructions for re-entry.
- Ask the guide about what species you might see at the next reef — they often point out turtles and larger reef structures.
Snorkel — Colombia (Columbia) Reef
Guided snorkeling at Colombia Reef to see colorful fish, coral formations and commonly observed turtles.
Tips from local experts:
- Enter and exit where the guide instructs to avoid boat propeller zones and fragile reef areas.
- If you want underwater photos, use a wrist strap on your camera or phone housing — waves can toss gear.
- Keep mask strap tight and avoid removing gear while in the water to limit splashing and issues with visibility.
Transit to El Cielo sandbar
Boat ride to El Cielo sandbar area. Short on-deck time to reapply reef-safe sunscreen, hydrate and prepare for a shallow-water stop.
Tips from local experts:
- Cover any exposed electronics or cameras and secure them before approach to the shallow sandbar.
- If traveling with non-swimmers, request a guide vest and a brief floatation review before entering shallow water.
- Keep footwear waterproof if you plan to walk on the sandbar — small shells and edges can be sharp.
El Cielo sandbar — shallow swim & starfish viewing
Shallow-water stop at El Cielo sandbar to walk in waist-to-ankle-deep water, view starfish and enjoy clear Caribbean shallows.
Tips from local experts:
- Do not remove or handle starfish; admire them in place and avoid standing on the sandbar's fragile areas.
- Bring water shoes for walking on the sandbar and to protect feet from small shells.
- Limit sunscreen reapplication directly into the water — use a towel and apply on the boat to protect marine life.
El Cielito Beach — snack & drinks
Short beach stop for a light snack and included beverages on arrival to a shallow beach area (El Cielito). Time to relax, take photos and dry off.
Tips from local experts:
- Use the brief beach stop to rehydrate; beers and soft drinks are included but carry a refillable bottle for the rest of the day.
- Keep valuables secure on the boat while you visit the beach; request a crew member to watch items if needed.
- Wear a light cover-up and bring sunglasses — the white sand reflects a lot of sun and dries quickly after snorkeling.
Return transit to Marina
Boat return to Marina Cozumel ASIPONA. Time to rinse off gear, change and collect personal items onboard.
Tips from local experts:
- Store any wet items in a plastic bag to keep the taxi or car dry after disembarking.
- If you need taxi assistance at the marina, ask the crew — they can help coordinate quick transport to the cruise port or downtown.
- Double-check all personal belongings and camera mounts before leaving the boat; crew will announce disembarkation procedures.
Disembark, gear return & brief debrief
Disembark at the marina, return any rented gear and receive a short debrief from the guides about highlights and safety.
Tips from local experts:
- Return all rented snorkel equipment to staff before leaving the marina to avoid extra charges.
- Ask guides for quick local directions if you need to get to a cruise terminal or downtown; they commonly direct to nearby taxi stands.
- Rinse off with the marina's freshwater showers if available to remove salt before dressing.
Tour end — arrival at marina
Tour concludes back at Marina Cozumel ASIPONA. From here, taxis to cruise piers and downtown are a short drive.
Tips from local experts:
- If you're returning to a cruise ship, allow extra time for port re-entry—confirm your ship's boarding time.
- Taxis to downtown and cruise piers are available at the marina; agree on the route with the driver if you have a tight schedule.
- If keeping photos from the trip, ask guides when and how they will share any group images taken during the tour.
Itinerary Attributes
| Days | 1 |
| Highlights | 3 |
| Season | - |
| Month | - |
| Persona | Friends |
| Transfers | 4 |
| Restaurants | - |
| Total Activities | 7 |
| Total Places | 11 |
| Activities Types | Neighborhood, Transfer, Outdoor, Attraction, Break, Experience |
