If you want to be one of the few people allowed to snorkel in the world’s second largest totally protected coral reef that teems with the widest possible variety of exotic fish, then ...
Get Ready For The Experience Of A Lifetime
With our Playa del Carmen Snorkeling Tours to Cozumel Reefs
Snorkel in the Waters of the MOST Spectacular Coral Reefs - Entry to Which is Forbidden to Most Travelers …
Unlike the other snorkeling tours operating in Playa del Carmen, we hold one of the very limited licenses to snorkel the breathtaking coral reefs in the Cozumel Marine Park with its abundance of sea life.
So we don’t have to offer you a second class experience snorkeling in cenotes. Cenotes are a type of sinkhole – and cannot be compared with the beautiful colorful reefs in the Cozumel Marine Park.
Which means you will enjoy an exceptional PREMIUM snorkeling experience with us that is second to none.
You'll experience a Cozumel Snorkeling Adventure - virtually no one else can match in the whole Mayan Riviera …
Just like Michelle and her family from California did …
Michelle Robinson
Sebastopol, California
October 2024
One turtle camly ate his breakfast while I watched less than ten feet away!"
My family and I love to snorkel and when we book an excursion, I do my homework, checking out all the companies, reading reviews, and looking for the best fit for my family.
If you want a trip that spends most of the time in the water, with a friendly crew and clean boat, this is the trip for you!
We thoroughly enjoyed our time with Alberto, our guide. When we booked, we knew that we would be in a small group of eight or less passengers, what we didn't know was that we were the only passengers with a guide, and captain--yes, a private tour!
Alberto set us up with equipment and helped us practice before we set off on our adventure. He knew just where to find the most colorful fish and my favorite, turtles!
We saw five turtles (up close!). One turtle, calmly ate his breakfast while I watched, less than ten feet away.
Alberto found us towels when he realized we had forgotten them and offered us prescription snorkeling masks when he noticed we both wore glasses.
He couldn't be any more welcoming! He did not hurry us but offered to let us stay out longer than expected.
I have already recommended his outfit to several guests. Their prices are also considerably less than what the hotels offered. Check them out--you will be glad you did!
What sets us apart from the other Snorkeling Tours available at Playa del Carmen & Mayan Riviera?
- Unlike the other snorkeling tours operating in Playa del Carmen, we hold one of the very limited licenses to snorkel the breathtaking coral reefs in the Cozumel Marine Park with its abundance of sea life.
- So we don’t have to offer you a second class experience snorkeling in cenotes. Cenotes are a type of sinkhole – and cannot be compared with the beautiful colorful reefs in the Cozumel Marine Park.
- Nor do these cenotes enjoy the sheer abundance of fish and other marine life that the Cozumel Reefs attract.
And the even worse news is that the nearest cenote is in Tulum, a Town south from Playa del Carmen, needed a 1 hour 30 minutes drive before you reach it.
- Contrast that with the ease of visiting the far superior Cozumel Marine Park with us, where you simply hop on the Cozumel Ferry, which takes about 20-25 minutes to arrive at Cozumel. Once there, a three minute taxi ride brings you right to our boat.
- So, in about 30 minutes from leaving Playa del Carmen you can be at the beautiful Cozumel Marine Park getting ready to take your first snorkel trip.
And these are some of the reasons why – everyday – we have so many Playa del Carmen & Riviera Maya visitors coming to Snorkel in Cozumel with us …
INTRODUCING… The 3 Reefs Cozumel Snorkeling Excursion
You'll be amazed at the absolute volume and variety of colorful fish swimming among the majestic Cozumel reefs — we actually feed the fish to encourage them to stay in the Coral Barriers.
If you're fortunate enough, you might spot a clawless lobster, turtles, or a graceful ray with its dazzling wave-like motion.
The most spectacular reefs in the Caribbean lie within the protected Cozumel Marine Park area, just 20 minutes off Playa del Carmen.
And, because we are one of the very few businesses who have invested in superior quality glass-bottomed boats, with the latest eco-friendly engines, to meet the stringent requirements needed to preserve this marine wonderland, you will enjoy a magnificent trip of a lifetime with us.
YOU'll visit a total of 3 Shallow Snorkeling Reefs.. Which – needless to say – are 3 of the most extraordinary among a whole area of spectacular reefs in this Caribbean island.
The first Reef you’ll visit is named 'Paradise Reef' …
The Reef boasts a collection of sea fans, brain corals, star corals, gorgonians, and sponges. If you are thinking on using your GoPro while you are on this snorkeling excursion, you can be certain that you will take fantastic photos and videos that will make your pals back home “Green with Envy”.
And, this is the Reef area where you will have a great view of the rare and endemic Cozumel Splendid toadfish.
This shallow reef is perfect for beginners and first time snorkelers. Both because of its shallow waters, as for its beautiful marine life.
Then, you'll stopover at the gorgeous 'Villablanca Gardens Reef' …
A beautiful shallow reef of its own. Just like Paradise Reef, the Villablanca gardens reefs are a mix of hard and soft coral, each type of coral having its own innate marine plant life and fish swimming among them.
Villablanca Gardens Reef is a perfect place for snorkeling, diving, and swimming in beautiful Cozumel Island. This reef has everything that every snorkeler, no matter his or her experience, wants to live at least once.
There is abundant marine life here. The place is not very deep; there are organized excursions, and there are attractions around you can enjoy too; this is the reason why so many snorkelers highly recommend Villa Blanca Reef.
Finally, you'll discover the most magnificent of the three reefs -
the 'Dzul-Ha Reef' …
That means ‘Royal Water’ in the ancient Mayan language.
There are beautiful corals, sponges, and unique colorful fish in abundance. It is common for first time snorkelers to be amazed at the sheer beauty of this Reef, and as a result they want to stay here for hours.
Even if you are a beginner snorkeler, you can rest assured that you will see some of the most amazing living marine beings found here at Dzul-Ha Reef. Like serpent stars, anemones, sea fans, and other tropical fish and corals.
Although, it’s not guarantee most of the times you can see turtles here too.
And, if you are really lucky, you’ll enjoy the heart-stopping sight of a turtle swimming close by – just like Tammy Williams …
Tammy Williams
Los Alamos, Nuevo Mexico
October 2024
We saw everything they advertised - Tons of tropical fish, starfish, stingrays, sea turtles, and coral reefs"
Everything we expected from start to finish -- wonderful experience and great for kids too...
Booking the trip was easy, we were met on time at the Marina in Cozumel. We were briefed and shown how to properly use the snorkel equipment which by the way is in great condition -- there is shade cover on the boat and the ride from each location was very short.
They take great care to make sure your masks and flippers fit well and then have you test them out right by the dock to ensure everything works.
Nice small trip with great staff. Our two boys - 9 and 11 were well taken care of and Alberto, our guide never left their side and ensured all of our safety and enjoyment.
The day was amazing from start to finish -- the trip to each location was only about 10 minutes and the water was warm and clear.
We saw everything they advertised from tons of tropical fish, starfish, barracuda, sea turtles and the whole Coral Reefs environment was amazing.
Our boys felt comfortable since the water was only about 15 feet deep at the most and the length of the three trips with all the sea life kept them so excited.
Alberto, our guide and Santiago the boat captain, were knowledgeable and pleasant. I would go back again and highly recommend this snorkel trip for a perfect half-day excursion. We totally enjoyed ourselves!
Our TOUR IN NUMBERS
Years in Business
Customers Served
Client Satisfaction
At ‘Playa Snorkeling Tours’ we're a family-owned business …
Hola … my name is Alberto Novelo and I and my family have been providing snorkeling tours in Cozumel for Riviera Maya & Playa del Carmen visitors for over 20 years.
Over those two decades we have amazed and delighted many thousands of snorkelers, many of whom return to Cozumel time and time again.
That’s because we have the great good fortune to live near the second largest coral reef barrier on the planet, only beaten by the Great Barrier Reef off the coast of Australia.
Because this is a family business – not staffed by disinterested employees – every single member of my family is dedicated to making this day a golden one.
You'll be guided by fully Licensed & English Speaking Staff …
Every boat captain and snorkeling guide (mostly my uncles and cousins) are certified snorkeling guides. And we all Speak English.
Snorkeling or Not - You'll enjoy the ride on our Glass-Bottomed Boats with plenty of Shade, Seating & Drinks …
As part of our premium service, our boats are all glass-bottomed with ample shade and plenty of comfortable seating.
So, if you don’t want to snorkel or are simply coming along for the ride, you will still derive great enjoyment watching the awesome sights in the crystal clear water below the boat while sipping a cool drink from the comfort of your seat, amply shaded from the sun.
And if you are planning on snorkeling, then, during the short trip to the reefs, our guide will demonstrate exactly how to use the snorkeling equipment and how to snorkel for maximum comfort and safety.
You'll experience a Snorkeling Tour full of Adventure, like David Hall, who was lucky enough to see a Spotted Manta Ray …
David Hall
Brunswick, Maine
October 2024
Within 5 minutes of being in the water, we saw a spotted manta ray..."
The booking process was easy and painless and we were met up on time the next day for our excursion. Our guide was Alberto who was a mild mannered and friendly guy. We arrived at Cozumel Marine Park for snorkelling - 3 sessions of 45 minutes each - and we were joined by three additional customers from Canada.
And to my surprise, within 5 minutes of being in the water, we saw a spotted manta ray. It was amazing. The area boasted many varieties of fish and very interesting coral. Some fish looked like they were out of Nemo and there was even a trumpet fish too.
All in all, it was a great trip, Alberto made a great guide and we had tons of fun and never felt rushed. I would definitely recommend Playa Snorkeling Tours for anyone looking for a snorkelling tour.
No overcrowding on our boats!
Although our boats are designed to safely transport 22 people, we set a limit of 12 passengers per boat, so we can give every one of our VIP guests a five star service, with ample room to relax on our comfortable seating, which is carefully shaded for your maximum comfort.
Because we are determined you will enjoy the best possible experience with us, despite them being able to carry 22 people in perfect comfort.
So, sit back and relax and enjoy the personal attention you will get as our valued guest.
Enjoy a FREE upgrade to a ‘Private Boat For Your Group Only’
10 or more in your party? Then here’s some GREAT NEWS
Because, if you have 10 or more people in your party you qualify for a FREE upgrade to a totally private trip with all the regular comforts and facilities – PLUS you’ll have the boat entirely to yourselves.
There is no extra charge for this – you simply have to ask when you make your booking.
You're in GOOD COMPANY WITH US
Even if this is your First Time Snorkeling, YOU will experience an Amazing Tour that no other operators can match!
First time snorkeling? No problem, because during the short trip to the reefs, our guide will demonstrate exactly how to use the snorkeling equipment and how to snorkel for maximum comfort and safety.
And, if this is your first time here, the sheer volume and variety of the dazzling tropical fish coupled with the truly impressive reefs of both hard and soft coral will astonish you.
We encourage the fish by feeding them!
And that's Because we specialize in Families with Children - and First Time Snorkelers …
Just like our client Christine Morgan and her party from Fairview, Illinois. Read what happened next …
Christine Morgan
Fairview, Illinois
October 2024
First Time Snorkeling, so we were a bit nervous - but from the moment we stepped on Alberto's Boat all apprehensions vanished!"
As it was the first time we’d snorkeled, we were a bit nervous. But from the moment we stepped on his boat, all apprehensions subsided.
Such a caring, fun and upbeat crew to be with on his boat. Laughter was constant and drinks were plentiful! Alberto and his crew consistently ensured that we were comfortable, laughing and well taken care of.
Another crew member was constantly taking pictures so that we could solely enjoy the snorkeling experience.
The tour was great in every way. Their website, their responsiveness, and especially the owner/guide Alberto, who was just outstanding.
As a Familiy Friendly Snorkeling Excursion, we go the extra mile to cater the needs of the little ones …
Needless to say, we provide only the very best snorkeling equipment, including high quality, comfortable life vests in all sizes.
Children of 3 years or older, can also enjoy the experience of a lifetime by snorkeling alongside you, provided you closely supervise them at all time.
And infants aged one and upwards are also welcome, provided you can care from them while the rest of your party are away snorkeling.
They must all be supervised by one of your party at all time. What’s more, a member of our crew will also be close at hand when under the water for extra safety.
The TOUR OVERVIEW
The DEPARTURE HOURS
A convenient start time for all Mayan Riviera Visitors
Morning
Afternoon
Your choice time
- For Groups of 10 or more people, we offer Private Charter Trips at no extra cost.
- You get to choose your own depart time.
If you are coming from Playa del Carmen, the Ferry ride to Cozumel lasts 30 minutes, and costs only $6usd each way. Ferries depart every hour both ways starting at 7am until 11pm.
Make sure to catch a Ferry at least 1 hour before your scheduled depart time.
Your tour lasts approximately 2 ½ hours.
The MEETING POINT
Meeting up is simple – no matter if you’re coming from Playa del Carmen...
We meet at the Motor Lobby of El Cid La Ceiba Hotel (located directly next door to the Cruise Pier), a very well known Hotel by the Cruise Pier area.
Wherever you’re coming from, you’ll receive full directions with your Confirmation Email that will be instantly sent to you when you book your snorkel tour.
The PROGRAM
Here's what you can expect from this Awesome Excursion:
-
The Ferry ride to Cozumel
Catch the Ferry from Playa del Carmen to Cozumel, at least one hour before - depending on your scheduled departure time.
You will be in Cozumel in just 20 to 25 minutes. And the ride costs $6usd each way — no need to buy round trip tickets.
-
Meeting up for your Snorkeling Tour
You’ll find our Meeting Point at the Motor Lobby of El Cid La Ceiba Hotel, located next to the Cruise Ship Pier.
We have our Boats moored at the Pier of El Cid La Ceiba Hotel, conveniently located just steps from the Cruise Piers.
-
On our Way to the First Reef
During the 10 mins boat ride, Your guide will explain how to use snorkeling equipment, and you’ll feel your excitement start to rise.
We visit a total of three reefs.
-
Paradise Reef (the first stop)
The first of these are the aptly named ‘Paradise Reef’. Located in the western part of Cozumel, Paradise Reef is one of the most visited spots for snorkeling tours and scuba diving on this island because it offers breathtaking snorkeling spots.
-
Villablanca Reef
Then we’ll visit the ‘Villablanca Gardens Reef’, which is no less beautiful. Both reefs are a mix of hard and soft coral, each type of coral having its own indigenous marine plant life.
-
Dzul-Ha Reef
As a grand finale, we visit probably the most magnificent of the three reefs: the ‘Dzul-Ha Reef’. That means ‘Royal Water’ in the ancient Mayan language.
These reefs are just eight feet deep from the water surface to the sandy bottom, and so enjoys full sunlight and is a most impressive sight, even when viewed through the glass bottom of your boat.
-
On our way back to the Pier
Can we really have packed so much excitement and lifetime memories in two hours?
Relax on board between dives, with ample shade provided while you sip a cool soft drink, beer or water with our compliments, and excitedly swap experiences with your fellow divers.
All too soon, it’s time to head back to the pier.
-
Back at the Meeting Point
Once the Tour is over, we’ll go back to our original Meeting Location at the El Cid La Ceiba Hotel (next door to the Cruise Pier) the Place where we first met you in the morning.
From here you can walk back to your Cruise Ship, or take a Taxi back to your Hotel is you’re staying in Cozumel.
TOUR PRICING
You get all this – and much more for just...
It’s very clear this is the sort of day that you’ll remember forever, where you’ll be seeing sights very few others are privileged to see, so you’re concerned if the cost is sky-high.
Fortunately, by booking directly with us, you will slash your cost by as much as 40%, compared with booking via a hotel or other ‘middle man’. What’s more, by booking Online, we manage to hold down the cost even more.
In addition, you’ll be able to instantly check if the day you want is still available.
What’s more, many of the items that other operators might charge you for – such as the one time only use snorkeling tube, the entry fee to the protected Marine Park and the beach party with all the drinks - are all included in the basic fee.
$59
Adults (age 13+)
$49
Kids (age 1-12)
Keep in mind that...
- Cozumel Marine Park Conservation Fee is INCLUDED in the Price.
- All Fees & Taxes included. No surprises.
Immediately after your payment is processed you’ll receive a Confirmation Email with full directions to our meeting point, and all your Reservation details.
If you can’t print the Confirmation Email because you don’t have access to a printer, simply make a note of the directions and arrive at our meeting point with your passport or any other photo ID.
And don’t worry about bad weather stopping our boat from leaving the harbor. In that unlikely event, I will immediately refund every penny of your payment or, if it suits you better, we can quickly reschedule for another day.
BOOK WITH CONFIDENCE
My Refund Policy has you covered:
- If there's bad weather on the day of your trip, and the harbour master shuts down the port for small boats like mine. I will give you a FULL REFUND.
- No questions asked.
The CLOCK IS TICKING
As I’ve already mentioned, access to the fragile ecosystems that make up the protected Cozumel Marine Park is severely limited.
Despite this, the eco-friendly nature of our high end glass-bottomed boats, fully equipped with shading and comfortable seating for 22 qualify us to operate 3 boats.
However, despite being licensed to take 22 passengers, we restrict most parties to 12 so you enjoy maximum comfort and close personal attention at all times, particularly when snorkeling. It’s almost like a private charter.
So, between our 3 boats, we can take a total of 36 passengers.
That sounds a lot – until you consider most of our clients come from the cruise ships, with about 20,000 cruise visitors daily.
So, because we are one of the few snorkeling tours able to enter the closely guarded Cozumel Marine Park, we tend to get booked up very quickly for all five tours and for every day of the week.
So if you snooze you might very well lose
As the most sought after snorkeling tour company, thanks to our stellar service, the superb value we offer and – unique among all the Playa del Carmen snorkeling tours – the ability to take you right into the forbidden heart of the Cozumel Marine Park with its spectacular coral reefs and even more spectacular marine life we get booked up very quickly, despite running 15 boats daily.
So, if you know what day you want, I urge you to make your booking right away, before you are disappointed...
I and all my family are eagerly looking forward to welcoming you to Cozumel and sharing our stunning coral reefs with you!
Alberto Novelo
Playa del Carmen Snorkeling Tours
The EXCURSION SUMMARY
- 3 different stops (3 Shallow Reefs inside Cozumel’s Marine Park).
- No previous Snorkeling experience necessary.
- Instructions and assistance with all aspects of Snorkeling gear and safety.
- Small groups with personal attention.
- Our meeting point is next door to the Cruise Pier.
- Yes, our Guides speak English.
- Your choice of 5 convenient start times: 9:30am, 10:30am, 12pm (noon), 1pm, and 3pm.
- Our Trips in two words: No Worries.
TOUR PRICING
You get all this – and much more for just...
It’s very clear this is the sort of day that you’ll remember forever, where you’ll be seeing sights very few others are privileged to see, so you’re concerned if the cost is sky-high.
Fortunately, by booking directly with us, you will slash your cost by as much as 40%, compared with booking via a hotel or other ‘middle man’. What’s more, by booking Online, we manage to hold down the cost even more.
In addition, you’ll be able to instantly check if the day you want is still available.
What’s more, many of the items that other operators might charge you for – such as the one time only use snorkeling tube, the entry fee to the protected Marine Park and the beach party with all the drinks - are all included in the basic fee.
$59
Adults (age 13+)
$49
Kids (age 1-12)
Keep in mind that...
- Cozumel Marine Park Conservation Fee is INCLUDED in the Price.
- All Fees & Taxes included. No surprises.
Immediately after your payment is processed you’ll receive a Confirmation Email with full directions to our meeting point, and all your Reservation details.
If you can’t print the Confirmation Email because you don’t have access to a printer, simply make a note of the directions and arrive at our meeting point with your passport or any other photo ID.
And don’t worry about bad weather stopping our boat from leaving the harbor. In that unlikely event, I will immediately refund every penny of your payment or, if it suits you better, we can quickly reschedule for another day.
Why should the best be reserved for others & not you?
Haven’t you worked hard to afford this trip to Cozumel and so don’t you deserve the best that is on offer?
Because of our small fleet of just 3 boats and our strict limit on passenger numbers, designed to give you the best possible personal experience, we often have difficulty coping with all the bookings coming from the 20,000 cruise passengers that arrive in Cozumel daily.
So, now you know what a wonderland the Cozumel’s Fishing grounds are, I’d hate it if your hesitation in booking your fishing charters with us condemned you to having to settle for a second best charter that does not take good care of you and your fishing party, or worst, puts you in the hands of inexperienced Staff that speak Spanish only and you can’t understand a word they say.
So I strongly suggest you check the availability on your chosen day - right now – and then go ahead and book your fishing trip.
I’ll leave the last word to Linda Davis from North Carolina …
Linda Davis
Carrboro, North Carolina
October 2024
This was by far the Best Snorkeling - Book Playa Snorkeling. You wil be not disappointed!"
This was by far the best snorkeling we did! The water was more shallow so you got a better view of the reef. I felt like I was snorkeling in a saltwater fish tank, it was that amazing!
This is one experience I will always look back on.
Alberto was our guide for the day and I'm glad he was our guy. He had a wealth of knowledge and very passionate about the conservation and use of his country. I found that very refreshing and appreciated his love and concern for the reef and mangroves that surround the beach.
We did four 45 minute snorkel trips to different locations. My favorite sighting was the "refrigerator" where there were a bunch of large spiny lobsters holed up. Super cool!
My husband found this company online and we did all the booking and payment online while still in the States.I was a little concerned doing it this way, but they were nothing but professional.
If you have the chance, book the Playa Snorkeling Tours for your snorkeling excursion! You will not be disappointed!
Frequently Asked Questions
You will arrive at the Ferry Pier, which is next door from our meeting point at the Motor Lobby of El Cid La Ceiba Hotel. You will receive full directions with the confirmation of your booking.
YES. The meeting point for cruise passengers is located directly next door from the Cruise Pier at the Motor Lobby of El Cid La Ceiba Hotel.
We set off at 9.30 am, 11 am, 12 pm (noon), 1.00 pm or 3.00 pm.
The tours last approximately two and a half hours.
All three of our top quality glass-bottomed boats are designed to take a total of 22 passengers in safety.
But, to guarantee your comfort and give you our personal attention, we rarely exceed 12 passengers in each boat.
That means you enjoy a wide choice seating and receive personal attention at all times.
But limiting each to tour to just 36 passengers means those limited seats get take very quickly.
So booking your seats without delay is the best way to be certain of securing your trip of a lifetime.
You can check our website at any time, night or day, and get a constantly updated completely accurate picture of our availability.
But please note, that can change in a heartbeat.
So – if you see a slot you want – book it right away. Because, with 80% of our bookings coming from the 20,000 daily cruise visitors, available slots tend to disappear lightening fast.
As you are coming by cruise ship, please remember there will be plenty of other folks all trying to disembark at the same time as you. So – even though our meeting point is only 50 yards from the Cruise Pier - pick a departure time at least 30 MINUTES AFTER you are scheduled to dock to allow for the inevitable delays in embarkation.
You will need to catch a ferry at least ONE HOUR BEFORE our scheduled departure time. Bear in mind our meeting point is about a mile from the Ferry Pier, which is where you will arrive on Cozumel.
You will receive full directions with your emailed booking confirmation.
NO. Unlike other tour companies, the cost of your disposable one time use snorkel tube plus the Marine Park entry fee and the beach party meal of freshly prepared guacamole, salsa, french fries and drinks are all provided, with our compliments, free of extra charge.
NO. This is one small expense you will have to carry.
NO. This is the other small expense you will have to carry, but everything you need on the trip – the one time use snorkel tube … entry fee to the Marine Park and your drinks are all provided, with our compliments, free of extra charge.
In that very rare event, we would immediately issue you with a full refund.