Starfish, Stingrays and the Turtle Sanctuary Snorkeling Tour

Cozumel’s crystal-clear waters are a magnet for snorkeling enthusiasts, and this tour offers a well-rounded peek into the island’s most notable marine habitats. Promising visits to El Cielo sandbar, El Cielito Beach, and the Turtle Bay, it’s designed for those eager to see starfish, stingrays, and sea turtles in their natural setting without spending a fortune.

What we love about this experience is how accessible and family-friendly it is—all gear, drinks, and a snack are included, making it a hassle-free adventure. Plus, the guides and crew seem genuinely attentive, with many reviews praising their knowledge and friendliness.

One thing to keep in mind is the marine park fee of $11 per person, which adds to the overall expense but is typical for protected marine areas. Also, some travelers might find the boat ride a bit long—about 1.5 hours each way—or wish for more shade on the boat, as noted by a few reviewers.

This tour is perfect for those who want a straightforward, enjoyable introduction to Cozumel’s underwater world—great for families, first-time snorkelers, and anyone who appreciates good value and friendly guides.

Key Points

• Guided marine excursions to three top spots offer a good mix of shallow and deeper waters
• All gear, drinks, and snacks provided, simplifying the experience
• Marine park fee of $11 per person is an extra cost to consider
• Experienced guides help spot marine life and ensure safety
• Boat ride lasts about 1.5 hours each way, with some reviews noting it can feel long
• Group size limited to 16 travelers, maintaining a personal feel

What to Expect from the Tour

This snorkeling trip around Cozumel kicks off at the marina, where you’ll meet your crew and hop onto a shaded boat designed to keep everyone comfortable. The boat is equipped with a small ladder for easy water access, which is especially helpful for families or less confident swimmers. Most travelers seem to appreciate the boat’s cleanliness and safety measures, as well as the friendly, knowledgeable staff.

The itinerary includes visits to three natural marine wonders. First, there’s El Cielo Sandbar, renowned for its abundance of starfish. Here, you’ll float in shallow waters and see these fascinating creatures in large numbers, often amidst soft, white sands. One reviewer described it as “beautiful views” with “thousands of colorful fish,” adding that the underwater photos taken by the guide were “excellent.”

Next, the boat heads to El Cielito Beach, a shallow area known for its stingrays. This spot offers a calmer, shallow environment where you can wade and snorkel with gentle rays gliding underneath. Several reviews mention encountering baby sharks or stingrays swimming casually around. It’s an experience that feels both safe and thrilling, especially for those new to snorkeling.

Finally, the tour visits Cozumel’s Turtle Bay, a dedicated sea turtle sanctuary. The natural habitat hosts friendly turtles that often come close enough for swimmers to observe without disturbing them. Some reviews note that despite the tour’s description, not everyone saw turtles on every trip, but the chance to see them in their habitat is a highlight.

Throughout the journey, snorkel gear—vest, mask, and tube—is provided, and the guides are proactive in helping out and pointing out marine life. The inclusion of drinks (water, soda, beers) and a snack makes the trip more relaxed and fun.

Authentic Experiences and Insights from Reviews

Many travelers highlight the knowledge and friendliness of the guides, making the experience enjoyable and educational. One reviewer praised Gerson for “taking excellent underwater and candid above-water photos,” which adds a memorable souvenir to the trip.

The scenic boat ride is another standout—though some noted it’s quite a long trip, with about 1.5 hours each way. For most, the stunning water views and the chance to relax between snorkels are well worth the time.

A few reviews pointed out logistical issues, such as difficulty finding the meeting point or delays caused by weather or miscommunication. For instance, one group faced a lengthy wait after their booking didn’t go through, and another group was disappointed when snorkeling was canceled due to weather. These are important considerations—always double-check the confirmation and be adaptable.

Participants tend to agree that this tour offers great value for money, especially given the number of stops and inclusions. At $65 per person plus the $11 park fee, it’s a budget-friendly way to see a variety of marine life without paying for multiple separate excursions.

The Itinerary in Detail

Meeting Point and Logistics

The tour starts at the Marina Cozumel ASIPONA, located on the Carr. Costera Sur, easily accessible for most travelers. The check-in process can sometimes be a bit confusing, especially if the shop is closed or if you arrive late—so arriving early is recommended.

The Boat Ride

Expect about 1.5 hours of boat travel each way, with most reviews mentioning the boat’s cleanliness and safety. The boat has a small ladder for water entry, which is easy for most to manage. A couple of reviewers expressed that the boat felt a bit dated but still functional.

Snorkeling Stops

• El Cielo Sandbar: Visitors swim among starfish and many colorful fish. Snorkeling here is shallow, making it safe and ideal for all ages.
• El Cielito Beach: Known for stingrays and sometimes small sharks, this spot often feels like swimming with gentle marine life in clear, calm waters.
• Turtle Bay: A protected sea turtle sanctuary, where one can observe these creatures in their natural habitat, often coming close enough for a gentle look.

Onboard Amenities

The crew provides snorkel gear, drinks, and a snack, contributing to a relaxed atmosphere. Several reviews mention the helpfulness of guides who ensure everyone feels comfortable and safe, even novices.

Additional Costs

The $11 marine park fee is unavoidable but worth considering as part of the total cost of the experience.

Review Highlights and Authentic Perspectives

Many travelers praise the friendly, helpful guides and the beautiful sights they saw. One reviewer said, “Gerson took excellent underwater and candid above-water photos,” which many found to be a nice bonus.

Others loved the variety of marine life, mentioning encounters with sea turtles, stingrays, and starfish. Several note the good value, especially considering the all-inclusive nature—gear, drinks, and snacks—are covered.

A few criticisms are about the boat ride length and weather-related cancellations, which remind future travelers to be flexible and prepared for variable conditions. One reviewer expressed disappointment about not seeing turtles but still enjoyed the overall experience.

This tour offers a balanced mix of marine encounters, scenic boat rides, and casual fun, making it a popular choice for travelers wanting a relaxed but memorable snorkeling experience in Cozumel.

If you’re traveling with family or first-time snorkelers, the shallow, calm waters of El Cielo and El Cielito are perfect. The friendly guides and all-inclusive setup help minimize stress, allowing you to focus on enjoying the marine sights. The marine park fee is a small additional expense but standard for protected areas.

While the long boat ride might be a downside for some, most reviews suggest that the stunning waters and the chance to see turtles, starfish, and rays outweigh this inconvenience. The experience is best suited for those who value good value, authentic encounters, and a relaxed pace.

For serious snorkelers or those seeking a more advanced or secluded trip, this might not be the perfect fit. But if you’re after a family-friendly, accessible, and well-organized adventure with plenty of marine life sightings, this tour delivers on its promises.

FAQs

Is the tour suitable for children?
Yes, most reviews mention children enjoying the stops, especially since the snorkeling spots are shallow and safe for kids. Guides are helpful with small children.

What’s included in the price?
All snorkel gear, drinks (water, soda, beers), and a snack are included in the $65 fee.

How long is the boat ride?
The boat ride is approximately 1.5 hours each way, so plan for about 3 hours of travel time in total.

Do I need to pay the marine park fee separately?
Yes, the $11 per person fee is paid directly to the park authorities and is added to the tour’s cost.

Can I see turtles on this tour?
Yes, the third stop at Turtle Bay is a turtle sanctuary where you may see friendly sea turtles in their natural environment.

What if the weather cancels the snorkeling?
Weather-related cancellations are possible; the tour provider offers a full refund if this happens. It’s wise to check the forecast and confirm your booking before the day.

In the end, this Cozumel snorkeling tour is a reliable, reasonably priced way to enjoy some of the island’s best underwater sights with friendly guides, especially if you’re new to snorkeling or traveling with family. Just be prepared for a long boat ride and the extra park fee, and you’re set for a memorable half-day adventure.