San Miguel de Cozumel in 1 Day for Families - Guided 4-hour snorkel tour visiting El Cielo and marine-park reefs
In Collaboration with Cozumel Snorkel Center. Updated on February 13, 2026.
A relaxed, family-focused version of The Cozumel Turtle Sanctuary Snorkel Tour. Meet downtown, snorkel in El Cielo and the Cozumel marine-park reef areas to look for turtles, then return to town for a kid-friendly lunch and a short stroll along the waterfront. All snorkeling equipment, snacks and soft drinks are included.
This itinerary was created in collaboration with Cozumel Snorkel Center, inspired by the tour The Cozumel Turtle Sanctuary Snorkel Tour. Please check the tour information during your booking process.
Highlights
- Guided 4-hour snorkel tour visiting El Cielo and marine-park reefs
- Snorkel near sea turtles and shallow sandbars — great for kids aged 5+
- All snorkel gear plus fresh snacks, ceviche and drinks included
Itinerary
Day 1
Arrival and check-in options. Choose the Downtown meeting point if you arrive by ferry, or the Cid La Ceiba meeting point if you arrive by cruise.
Meeting point — Downtown (Ferry terminal / Eagles monument) — Check-in
Arrive at the downtown meeting point 20 minutes before the scheduled sailing time. The Cozumel Snorkel Center team will be next to the ferry terminal near the eagle monument and flagpole wearing branded shirts and holding a 'Check In' sign. This is the main meeting point for guests arriving from Playa del Carmen by ferry or walking from Punta Langosta.
Tips from local experts:
- Stroller note: The promenade near the ferry terminal is cobbled in places — bring a lightweight stroller or a child carrier for easier movement.
- Restrooms: Public restrooms are available inside the ferry terminal — use them before check-in to avoid missing the boat.
- Arrival time: Plan to be at least 20 minutes early (as requested by the operator). If you arrive by ferry, the ferry docks just a short walk from the meeting point.
Meeting point — Cruise passengers (Hotel Cid La Ceiba) — Check-in option
If you are arriving by cruise to the SSA or Puerta Maya terminals, select the Hotel Cid La Ceiba meeting option. A staff member will meet you at the hotel entrance and accompany you to the dock; you pay any small dock tax there. This is intended to make boarding easier for cruise guests with children and luggage.
Tips from local experts:
- Dock tax: Have small change (USD or MXN) ready — the hotel may request approx. $3 USD per passenger for dock access.
- Meet & assist: Hotel staff will help with short transfers to the boarding area; ask them for help with wheelchairs or stroller folds if needed.
- Timing: Plan to be ready at the hotel entrance 25–45 minutes before the tour start depending on your terminal — this gives time to walk and sort dock fees.
Day 1
The guided snorkel experience — family-friendly, with shallow sandbars and reef sites. Life jackets and kids' equipment available.
Cozumel Snorkel Tour — Board & Guided Snorkeling (El Cielo + Turtle/reef sites)
Board the boat and enjoy a guided 4‑hour snorkel adventure. The captain and guides will visit 3–4 sites including the shallow sandbar 'El Cielo' (great for children) and reef areas inside the Parque Nacional Arrecifes de Cozumel where turtles are commonly seen. Snorkel gear, fresh fruit, ceviche, and soft drinks are provided on board; alcoholic drinks are available for adults (2 per person, over 18).
Tips from local experts:
- Kids & gear: The operator provides child-size snorkel masks and flotation vests — request these when you check in to ensure the right fit.
- Sun protection: Use only coral-safe sunscreen and bring a long-sleeve rash guard for children — the guides often encourage short, frequent shade breaks on the boat.
- Marine park fee & cash: Bring $10 USD (or ~200 MXN) per person for the marine-park fee if you haven’t prepaid; keep small bills and include cash for tips and any extra photos.
Day 1
Return to shore, freshen up and enjoy a casual, family-friendly lunch along Avenida Rafael E. Melgar.
Return to Punta Langosta — Break & Freshen up
The boat returns downtown. You’ll have time to rinse off, use restrooms and change if needed before lunch. Crew will help with boarding and unloading; minor pier taxes may apply for hotel dock users.
Tips from local experts:
- Rinse stations: Some operators have a fresh-water rinse on the dock — use it to remove salt before changing into dry clothes.
- Towels: Towels are not always provided — pack a quick-dry towel in your beach bag so kids can change comfortably.
- Timing buffer: Allow at least 20–30 minutes to disembark, move to a restroom and change — families with small children often need the extra time.
Lunch — Casa Denis (family-friendly waterfront restaurant)
A relaxed, shaded spot on Avenida Rafael E. Melgar with a long history on the island — offers familiar dishes and options children like (burgers, grilled fish, mild tacos). Choose the VIP add‑on at booking if you'd prefer the operator's arranged meal option; otherwise, Casa Denis is a convenient, family-friendly alternative.
Tips from local experts:
- Kids' menu & seating: Casa Denis typically accommodates families with high chairs and kid-friendly meals — ask for a shaded table on the terrace.
- Food allergies: The staff are used to visitors — tell them about any allergies and they will suggest safe options (grilled fish, plain rice, fruit).
- Payment & tipping: Most places accept cards but small restaurants prefer cash for quick service; keep some pesos for small purchases and tips.
Short stroll along Avenida Rafael E. Melgar — Ice cream & souvenirs
After lunch, enjoy an easy 20–30 minute waterfront walk: gelato/ice-cream stops, small souvenir boutiques and shaded benches make this a calm end to the excursion. Keep the walk short for younger children.
Tips from local experts:
- Stroller-friendly route: The main promenade is generally flat but has some uneven paving; a compact stroller works best for families.
- Cold treats: Grab a local fruit sorbet (mango/guava) — it’s refreshing after snorkeling and good for picky eaters.
- Souvenir shopping: If you plan to buy handcrafted goods, check for 'Hecho en México' tags and bargain politely — small sellers appreciate cash.
Itinerary Attributes
| Days | 1 |
| Highlights | 3 |
| Season | - |
| Month | - |
| Persona | Families |
| Transfers | - |
| Restaurants | 1 |
| Total Activities | 6 |
| Total Places | 6 |
| Activities Types | Attraction, Hotel, Experience, Break, Restaurant, Neighborhood |
