Mexican Caribbean · PALANCAR REEF TOURS
Palancar is the reef that made Cozumel’s name with divers, and snorkelers can see the top of it from the surface. These 7 compare the boats, the companion stops and the prices.
Set out from Marina Cozumel ASIPONA for an approximately four-hour guided snorkeling trip to Palancar Reef, Columbia Reef and El Cielo. Experienced guides can help beginners, and your group is limited to 16. Masks, new snorkel tubes, flotation vests, drinks and a snack are included. Bring cash for the $11-per-person marine fee.
Spend about five hours aboard a 65-foot catamaran, snorkeling at a Cozumel reef before heading to a private beach for an Angus cheeseburger, drinks, and water activities. The afternoon trip leaves Fury Catamarans’ pier at 1:30 pm and returns there. Crew members named Angel and Angelito have led trips, though assignments can vary.
“Super fun experience. We saw sting rays at the little beach! Even the two teenagers had a good time!”
Spend five hours aboard a 65-foot Fury catamaran, snorkeling Palancar Reef and the shallow, starfish-dotted waters of El Cielo before heading to Fury Private Beach. Lunch, snorkel gear, a tube to keep, and beach toys are included. Beer and margaritas are served after snorkeling; transportation to the pier is not.
“Excellent trip, it was well worth the money with free flowing drinks and a laid back relaxed atmosphere… snorkelling was excellent and so was the beach club. Most of our trips in Mexico where overpriced and not worth it except this one.”
Join a bilingual guide for a four-hour Cozumel snorkel trip to Colombia Reef, Palancar Reef, and El Cielo. Gear, fruit, sandwiches, bottled water, soda, and beer are included. The boat holds up to 15 people, but may stop at hotel piers to collect others. Bring cash for the $13 marine fee.
“The crew was awesome! And we had a great time!! They accommodated to us and to the others on board with language and food and drink”
Spend about four hours and 15 minutes snorkeling three Cozumel stops: El Cielo’s shallow sandbar, Palancar Reef and Columbia Reef. Guides provide masks, snorkels, fins and optional life vests, plus drinks and a snack. The tour leaves from Marina Caleta, with a stated limit of 14 people. Stops can change, so confirm the day’s plan before setting out.
“What started with a large amount of trepidation ended in a wonderful experience. The first point to recognise is that the marina is located away from the cruise terminal. It's about a 5 minute taxi ride at a cost of $9-00USD (could likely be a tourist price). We were extremely nervous on arrival at the marina - it looks somewhat run down. The boat also looked as though it had seen better days. So - that was the worrying part. However, once on board everything was wonderful. It's about 20 minutes to the most southerly reef we visited. The journey was exhilerating. Once there we were provided masks, snorkels, fins…”
Join a guided Cozumel snorkel trip to sites such as Palancar Reef, Colombia Reef, El Cielo, and El Cielito, weather permitting. Snorkel gear, fruit, ceviche, soft drinks, and some alcoholic drinks are included. Crew members such as Federico, Rodrigo, Emilio, and Alex have led trips, but the team varies. Bring a rash guard, and budget for the $10 government fee.
“This excursion is a great value….3 dives+a nice ceviche to finish… the crew of 3 guys was friendly and not “pushy”…. Very great for spending an afternoon on/in water at a very reasonable price.”
Meet at Cozumel Fiscal Pier for a catamaran trip to Palancar Reef or Colombia Reef, then starfish-rich El Cielo Bay. A PADI guide leads the snorkeling, and gear, drinks, a light snack, buffet lunch, and cultural show are included. Bring the extra $11 marine park tax, and plan to reach the pier 20 minutes early.
“I truly enjoyed the whole experience — the tour guides, the music, the service, everything! It’s such a beautiful place for snorkeling, with stunning reefs. Embarcación 1 gave me the best memories and such a lovely moment. Even if you don’t know how to swim, you feel safe, cared for and guided at all times.”
Pick a reef, a road or a beach.
