El Cielo
El Cielo private snorkel tour
Starfish, sandbar, nobody else
What to expect
El Cielo — "heaven" in Spanish — is a shallow sandbar off Cozumel's southwest coast where the water is waist-deep, crystal clear and dotted with red cushion starfish. On a private charter you arrive on your own schedule, before or after the shared tour boats, so the sandbar feels like it belongs to your group. You can stand on soft white sand, watch rays glide past and snorkel in calm, warm water while your crew keeps an eye on everyone.
What is included
Every charter includes a licensed bilingual crew, snorkel gear (masks, fins and life vests for every guest), an open bar with beer, soft drinks and bottled water, and snacks or food depending on the length of your trip. Fuel, towels, a cooler with ice and Bluetooth music are also on board. Taxes are included.
Best time to go
El Cielo is good all year, but the calmest, clearest water is usually from late morning to early afternoon when the sun lights up the sandbar. Cruise passengers typically visit between 10 am and 2 pm; resort guests can go earlier for the quietest experience. We always check wind and current the same morning and adjust the route if needed.
How long the trip takes
Most El Cielo trips are 4 hours, which leaves time for the sandbar plus a snorkeling stop at a nearby reef. With 6 or 8 hours you can add Palancar Reef, a beach stop or a slow cruise along the coast. The boat ride from the marina to El Cielo takes about 30 to 40 minutes each way, and you set the pace for everything in between.
Choose your boat
- Añoranza · 30 ft · 13 guests
- Coconut · 24 ft · 8 guests
- Coconut Groove · 24 ft · 8 guests
- Good Fellas · 32 ft · 12 guests
- Cosa Nostra · 53 ft · 12 guests
FAQ
Instant charter quote
Estimated total
$800
$800 / 4h
≈ $133 per person