Snorkel along the coast, explore two reefs by Chivis del Mar

Cozumel’s reefs are the reason to book this short outing: you get into the water soon after leaving Marina Caleta, then visit Paradise and Dzul-Ha reefs on a small glass-bottom boat. I like the intimate group size, capped at 12, and the patient, hands-on guidance that can help a nervous first-timer enjoy the water.

There is fruit and cold water or soda on board, plus two beers per adult after snorkeling. The main caveat is the brief schedule: 90 minutes is the tour duration, not 90 minutes of swimming, and getting to the marina is up to you. Sunscreen is not allowed, so bring a shirt or rash guard for sun protection.

What to know before you book

• Two reef stops: Visit Paradise Reef and Dzul-Ha Reef for coral formations, fish, and photo opportunities.
• Small boat, limited group: The tour has a maximum of 12 people, a more personal scale than a large excursion boat.
• Help for new snorkelers: Barbara and Captain Jose have been praised for fitting gear, giving safety instructions, and helping families feel comfortable.
• Snorkel gear and refreshments included: You get a mask, life jacket, snorkel tube, water, soda, fruit, and two beers per adult after the activity.
• Plan for the marina fees: Bring pesos for the 15-peso facility charge and the 5-peso bathroom fee.
• Protect yourself without sunscreen: Sunscreen is not allowed on this tour. Wear a swim shirt and bring a towel and dry clothes.

Two reefs, one small boat

Chivis del Mar’s outing is a compact way to see Cozumel’s underwater life without giving up most of your day. The boat leaves from Marina Caleta, and the listed stops are Paradise Reef and Dzul-Ha Reef. The route also includes time along the coast aboard the boat, which has a glass bottom, so you can look for sea life between swims.

The boat is limited to 12 people. That makes a difference if you prefer a quieter outing over a crowded group, or if your party needs more attention than a guide can give from across a packed deck. Some departures may be especially small, even just a couple or one family, but that depends on who books the same time.

The experience is offered in English, and the guide is bilingual. Barbara and Captain Jose are names associated with many trips. Their roles, as described by people who have gone out with them, suit this kind of tour: the captain handles the boat while the guide helps with equipment, safety, and spotting sea life.

Paradise Reef: the first underwater stop

Paradise Reef is the first reef stop. The draw is its coral formations and statues, which make for striking underwater photographs. If you’re new to snorkeling, this is also where the guide’s safety briefing and help with a properly fitting mask and life jacket can make the first minutes in the water feel less daunting.

Expect the guide to explain basic safety before you get in and to point out fish and other creatures along the way. Barbara has helped first-time snorkelers and families, and has been described as taking underwater photos with a GoPro. Photos are not included in the price, so ask before the trip if you want to know whether pictures are available to buy or if the guide can take any during your outing.

The stop is listed as 30 minutes, but that should not be read as 30 minutes of swimming for every person. The tour information says you’ll need about 15 minutes to get ready to enter the water at each stop. Some of that window goes to fitting gear and getting instructions, leaving less time to snorkel than the total stop duration might suggest.

Dzul-Ha Reef: coral, fish, and photo time

Dzul-Ha is the second reef stop. Like Paradise, it offers coral formations and a chance to take souvenir photos. Visiting two sites gives you a change of scenery and a second chance to spot fish or marine life you missed earlier.

There is no promise of a particular animal sighting. You might see a variety of fish, and some outings have included a stingray, starfish, or barracuda, but sea life changes from day to day. Go for the reef experience, not a checklist of species.

The boat returns to Marina Caleta at the end. Water, soda, fruit, and two beers per adult are included, with the beer available after snorkeling. That timing makes sense: the refreshments are a pleasant wind-down once you’re back aboard, not a reason to bring alcohol into the water portion of the trip.

What the 90-minute schedule really means

The tour lasts about 1 hour and 30 minutes, and transportation to the marina is not included in that time. The route description breaks the outing into three 30-minute segments: Paradise Reef, the coastal boat portion, and Dzul-Ha Reef. It also says to allow about 15 minutes to prepare for entering the water at each stop.

In practical terms, think of this as a short snorkel excursion with two water stops, not a long day at sea. The compact schedule is useful if you’re in port for only a few hours or want to combine snorkeling with other plans. It also means the pace is fairly fixed, and you should be ready to get in the water when the boat reaches each reef.

Show up 15 minutes before departure. The tour has a minimum reservation of two adults, and children must be accompanied by an adult. The stated maximum is 12 people, so book ahead if you have a preferred date or want to keep your group together.

A good fit for families and first-timers

This tour is well suited to families, couples, and small groups who want a friendly introduction to snorkeling rather than a party boat. The supplied mask, snorkel tube, and life jacket remove the need to bring your own gear. The guide can help you get fitted and offer safety advice before you enter the water.

You don’t need to be an experienced snorkeler to take part. The tour information says most people can participate, and the attention to safety and gear fitting is a plus for anyone who feels unsure. Still, you should be comfortable entering the water and should consider your own swimming ability and comfort level before booking. There is no detailed information about specific physical or medical requirements.

The outing can also work well for a mixed-age group. People who prefer to stay aboard can see through the glass bottom, though the experience is built around two snorkel stops. If someone in your group does not want to snorkel, check with the operator in advance about what they can expect during those stops.

The $35.85 price and what it covers

At $35.85 per person, this is an inexpensive way to visit two reefs by boat. The price includes the snorkel tube, mask, life jacket, a bilingual guide, water, soda, fruit, and two beers per adult after snorkeling. The glass-bottom boat adds another way to look for marine life between reef stops.

The value is strongest if you want a small-group outing with equipment and basic refreshments included. You’ll need to arrange your own transport, and the price does not include lunch, private transportation, tips for the crew, or souvenir photos. There is also a 15-peso-per-person charge to use the facilities, paid at the entrance to the security attendant, plus 5 pesos to use the bathroom. Bring pesos for these small fees.

The tour is often booked around 20 days ahead on average. That is a useful guide if your schedule is fixed, particularly for cruise days or a family outing. It’s not a guarantee that a particular date will sell out, but waiting until the last moment may leave fewer choices.

Getting to Marina Caleta without a scramble

The meeting point is the glass-bottom boat Chivis del Mar at Marina Caleta, in Cozumel. Check that you’re boarding the right boat: several operators work in the marina, so look for the Chivis del Mar name rather than assuming any nearby boat is yours.

If you’re coming from the mainland, the activity begins in Cozumel, not Playa del Carmen. The operator advises reaching the Playa del Carmen ferry terminal 45 minutes before your ferry departure, then taking a taxi from the Cozumel ferry terminal to Marina Caleta. The taxi ride is about 25 minutes. If you miss the departure, the operator says it cannot assist with a refund.

Cruise passengers should check their ship’s port and clock carefully. Puerta Maya and SSA Mexico are about 2 kilometers from the meeting point, while Punta Langosta is farther away and is not recommended as a walking route. One cruise passenger found the international port walkable, but another had a long walk from Punta Langosta and needed a taxi back. Your best choice depends on which pier your ship uses; don’t assume every Cozumel port is equally close.

The tour follows Cozumel time, which may differ from your ship’s time. Confirm the local departure time and leave a sensible buffer. For a cruise stop, the taxi is usually the simpler choice than testing your pace on foot and hoping the return route is just as easy.

Sun protection, cash, and a dry change of clothes

Sunscreen is not permitted on this activity because of reef protection. Bring a swim shirt or an extra T-shirt to cover your shoulders while you snorkel, and wear your swimsuit under your clothes. Flip-flops that can get wet, a towel, and dry clothes for changing afterward are also recommended.

This rule is worth taking seriously. Cozumel’s reefs are the focus of the trip, and keeping sunscreen out of the water helps protect the environment you’ve come to see. If you rely on sunscreen for medical or skin reasons, contact the operator before booking to ask what options are acceptable. The supplied information does not name an approved product.

Carry a little cash in pesos for the facility and bathroom charges. Lunch is not included, so plan to eat before or after the tour if you’ll want more than the fruit snack. Tips for the crew are also not included.

Is Chivis del Mar the right Cozumel snorkel trip for you?

Book this outing if you want two reef stops, a small boat, included gear, and personal help from a local crew, all without paying for a longer excursion. It’s especially appealing for first-time snorkelers, families, and cruise passengers whose port schedule leaves a short window for an activity.

Choose another option if you want a full-day trip, a large range of included food, or a tour where sunscreen is allowed. The schedule is short, transport is on you, and the booking is non-refundable if you cancel or request a change. Poor weather or failure to meet the minimum number of participants are exceptions: in those cases, you’ll be offered another date or experience, or a full refund.

If the timing works and you’re comfortable with the no-sunscreen rule, Chivis del Mar offers a straightforward, good-value way to snorkel two Cozumel reefs with a small local crew. Plan the ride to the marina carefully, arrive early, and bring a swim shirt. That preparation will do more for a relaxed outing than packing one more pair of sandals.

FAQ

How long is the snorkeling tour?

The tour lasts about 1 hour and 30 minutes, not including transportation to or from Marina Caleta.

Which reefs does the tour visit?

It visits Paradise Reef first and Dzul-Ha Reef second.

What snorkeling equipment is included?

A snorkel tube, mask, and life jacket are included.

Are drinks and snacks included?

Yes. Water, soda, fruit, and two beers per adult are included. The beer is available after the snorkeling activity.

Is the tour suitable for someone new to snorkeling?

The tour is described as suitable for most participants, and the guide gives safety instructions and helps with equipment. Children must be accompanied by an adult.

Is sunscreen allowed?

No. Sunscreen is not allowed on this activity because of reef protection. A swim shirt or extra T-shirt is recommended for sun protection.

Where does the tour meet?

It meets at the Chivis del Mar glass-bottom boat in Marina Caleta, Cozumel, and returns to the same meeting point.

What extra fees should I bring pesos for?

There is a 15-peso-per-person fee for use of the facilities and a 5-peso fee to use the bathroom.

Can I get a refund if I cancel?

No. The experience is non-refundable and cannot be changed for any reason. If poor weather cancels the tour, or the minimum number of participants is not met, you’ll be offered another date or experience, or a full refund.