What it's like
El Cielo is a shallow reef and sandbar off the coast of Cozumel. It sits inside the national park area, which also includes coral reefs, a beach and the sunken ship C-53. Boats and catamarans carry visitors out to it from the island.
A visit is mostly time in the water. The reef is shallow and very clear, with starfish on the bottom, so it works for beginners and children. Many trips add a sandbar stop after the snorkel, which gives time on the sand before the boat heads back to Cozumel.
Good to know
- The reef is shallow and very clear, so it suits first-time snorkelers and young children.
- Trips to El Cielo are by boat, so the timing of the visit depends on the tour's departure time.
El Cielo
El Cielo is a shallow reef and sandbar off Cozumel, reached by boat and used for snorkeling and time on the sand. Boats and catamarans leave from the island for the trip.
Tours that go here
Prices are per person, booked with our partner, Shore Excursions Group.
Private Turtle and Starfish Catamaran Snorkel at Turtle Bay and El Cielo
KUZA Beach Park and Snorkel El Cielo (Transfers Included)
Chankanaab Park
Chankanaab is a natural park on Cozumel's south coast, with a sandy beach, a shallow snorkel area and a lagoon. Visitors snorkel off the sand, swim with animals or try a reef dive from here.
Playa Palancar
Playa Palancar is a white-sand beach club on the quiet west side of Cozumel, reached from the southern hotel zone. Day passes give you a lounge chair and umbrella, with a seafood restaurant and bar on site.
Paradise Beach
Paradise Beach is a beach club on Carretera Sur, south of town. You pay for a day of lounge chairs, a heated pool and the sand, with extra water toys on top.
Mr. Sancho's Beach Club
Mr. Sancho's Beach Club is an all-inclusive beach day pass club on the southwest coast of Cozumel. Visitors come for a full day of sand, sea and spa time without leaving the property.
The same kind of day, elsewhere
Snorkeling
