Boat Tours in Cozumel

Boat tours in Cozumel feature Mexico’s most well-known island getaways. Located just off the Yucatan Peninsula in the Caribbean Sea, the island is an easy trip away from Playa Del Carmen and the Cancun airport.

With its white sandy beaches, magnificent coral reefs, turquoise waters and lush jungle interior, Cozumel is an island paradise waiting to be explored.

Here's everything you should know about boat tours, one of the most invigorating outdoor activities in Cozumel.

What are the best boat tours in Cozumel?

From short glass bottomed boat tours and sunset cruises to full day private boat excursions, there are a variety of boat trips to choose between.

Glass-bottom boat tours

Admire the underwater life around Cozumel from a glass bottomed boat tour that last between 2 and 5 hours, depending on the tour you book.

You will sail to some of the top sites for snorkeling in Cozumel, where you can jump into the water or simply watch the scenes unfold beneath you. These tours usually provide snacks and refreshments onboard.

Catamaran boat tours with snorkeling

Embark on a catamaran cruise along the Cozumel coast to the El Palancar Reef, where you can dive and snorkel.

After exploring the reef’s fascinating marine life, you will sail on to the El Cielo beach. At a private beach club, you can have fun in the inflatable water park, kayak, paddleboard or relax under the shade of a beach umbrella.

After lunch, unwind on the deck or join in the party atmosphere with the boat’s crew as you return to the pier.

Sunset sailing tours

Head out on a catamaran or yacht with a small group or on a private basis to savor a Caribbean sunset over the island of Cozumel.

On this 3-hour excursion you will be able to relax, unwind and enjoy a sundowner and some snacks, while the boat captain and crew make sure you have a wonderful time.

Pirate ship dinner cruise

One of the best dinners in Cozumel, this fun pirate ship cruise onboard a 17th-century replica Spanish galleon. You will have a gourmet dinner and a variety of entertaining shows and games, making it an evening to remember.

You can upgrade your tour to include a deluxe open bar ticket.

Private scuba diving boat tours

With an experienced PADI divemaster onboard, you can head out on a private two-tank scuba diving tours in Cozumel.

You have the benefit of a fully customizable itinerary and can choose between famous dive sites such as Palancar Reef, Santa Rosa Wall and Columbia Reef.

Up to five divers can be accommodated on this type of tour that also includes snacks and refreshments.

Fishing charters

From Cozumel, you can choose between a four and eight hour private fishing charter for up to six people.

An expert crew will ensure that you have top quality fishing equipment and that your day out at sea positions you at the spots where you have the best chance of a successful catch.

Luxury yacht tour

On a full day or half day yacht tour, your yacht crew will set sail for some of Cozumel’s prime snorkeling and beach spots. Depending on the weather and sea conditions, you may visit sites like the North Zone, Punta Sur and El Cielo.

There is plenty of space to relax or sunbathe on the deck, or you can take advantage of the air conditioned cabin to cool down.

The cruise is fully catered and you will have a choice of snacks, fruit and refreshing alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages to choose from.

Can boat tours in Cozumel be combined with other activities?

Sightseeing and speedboat tour

Discover the island's most photo-worthy sites on a guided walking tour in Cozumel, followed by a speedboat trip to four snorkeling sites.

The tour also includes access to the Punta Morena Beach club, where you can join in on the many beach activities or just relax on the tropical shore.

Jeep tour and boat tour with snorkeling

Explore Cozumel by land and sea on a private excursion that includes a jeep tour in Cozumel and a boat trip to snorkel at a nearby reef. These combo tours also provide a tequila tasting and a traditional Mexican lunch at Tortugas Beach Club.

ATV ride and boat tour with snorkeling

This quad tour in Cozumel offers a half-day adventure that starts with an ATV ride on Passion Island, followed by a glass-bottom boat trip to snorkel at a sunken shipwreck.

After the morning’s entertainment, you can relax and enjoy lunch and the facilities at the Uvas Beach Club.

How much do boat tours in Cozumel cost?

Glass bottom boat tours in Cozumel start at US$50 per person for a small group tour, or US$150 per person for an exclusive group of up to 15 people.

Catamaran cruises with snorkeling start at US$80 per adult and US$70 per child aged 6-12. No charge applies to children under the age of 6. Entrance fees to the National Parks and beach clubs are included in this rate.

Sunset sailing tours cost around US$70 per person, while a private cruises for 10 to 15 people will cost between US$1,100 and US$1,300 for a 3-hour experience.

A Pirate ship dinner cruise lasts 3.5 hours and starts at US$90 per person. There is an additional charge if you want a deluxe open bar ticket.

Private scuba diving tours cost from US$650 for a group of up to six divers. The price includes scuba equipment and the services of an experienced dive master.

Fishing charters for up to six people start at US$500 for up to 4 hours on the water and include all gear, bait and lunch.

Luxury yacht tours typically operate on a private basis. Expect to pay from US$1,300 for a 5-hour charter or US$2,300 for an 8-hour tour. Up to 10 guests can be accommodated on most yachts.

What will I see and do on boat tour in Cozumel?

On a boat tour in Cozumel, you can expect your focus to be the many prime snorkeling sites around the island.

The Mesoamerican Reef System is the second biggest reef system on Earth, after the Great Barrier Reef, and there are extensive reefs and coral gardens and a rich diversity of fish and other marine life.

Visibility in the water is excellent and there are sites suitable for both beginner and experienced snorkelers and divers.

There are several beach clubs dotted around the island where water activities, beach bars and restaurants are available to cater for the whole family.

If your boat tour is combined with a land based adventure, you may experience some of the island’s caves, trails and jungle interior.

Sailfish, Barracuda, Mahi Mahi and Kingfish are all found near Cozumel and you can hope to reel one of these great sports fish in on a fishing charter.

What is the typical duration of boat trips?

Sunset and dinner cruises last between 2 and 3.5 hours. A half-day boat excursion typically takes around 5 hours, while a full-day tour is up to 8 hours long.

Where is the departure point?

Many boat tours in Cozumel depart from the Marina Fonatur Cozumel or from the Cozumel cruise terminal or ferry pier. Some tours provide a pickup from hotels in the area.

The cruise and ferry terminal are located close to the center of town while the Marina Fonatur is about 10 minutes south of the town center. You can get a taxi to the marina and make your way to the pier to find your day tour.

When is the best time to go on a boat tour in Cozumel?

November and December are considered the best months for boat tours in Cozumel, as is warm, but humidity is low and the hurricane season has passed. The island has a tropical climate and the temperatures are warm throughout the year.

Travel tips

• Wear sunscreen and a hat.
• Bring a spare change of clothing if you want to change at a beach club.
• Aqua shoes will protect your feet when snorkeling in shallow waters.
• Advise your tour company in advance if you have any dietary requirements or allergies.
• Bring anti-nausea tablets if you are prone to motion sickness.