Cozumel Excursion
FAQ
Everything you need to know before your Cozumel port day. Answered by local experts with 28 years of experience and 3,000+ five-star reviews.
Booking & Pricing
How much do excursions cost in Cozumel?
Our tours range from $40–70 per person for most activities. Snorkeling starts at $40, scuba from $60, jeep tours at $69. All prices include gear, guides, and free pier pickup. Cruise ships charge 50–100% more for the same tours.
How far in advance should I book?
We recommend booking at least 48 hours in advance, especially for peak season (December–April). Popular tours like our snorkel tour sell out 3–5 days ahead during busy cruise ship days. Same-day bookings are sometimes available but not guaranteed.
What's your cancellation policy?
Full refund if you cancel 24 hours before your tour. No questions asked. If your cruise ship skips Cozumel due to weather, you get an automatic full refund. NO TOUR, NO FEE — it's that simple.
Do you offer group discounts?
Groups of 8+ adults get a private boat at no additional cost for snorkel tours. For 12+ people, contact us for custom group pricing. We regularly handle wedding parties, corporate groups, and family reunions.
Do I pay in USD or Mexican pesos?
All our prices are in USD. We accept cash (USD), credit cards, and PayPal. Tips are appreciated in either currency.
Are there hidden fees?
No. Our prices include Marine Park fees, docking fees, gear, and pier transportation. What you see is what you pay. The only extras: optional tips for your guide ($5–10 suggested) and underwater photos if you want them.
Safety & Comfort
Is it safe to book excursions outside the cruise ship?
Yes. We've operated safely for 28 years with 3,000+ five-star reviews. We carry full liability insurance, our boats are Coast Guard inspected, and our guides are certified. The same local guides often work both cruise-ship and independent tours.
Is Cozumel safe for tourists?
Cozumel is one of the safest destinations in Mexico. It's an island separate from the mainland with its own police force and very low crime rates. The US State Department rates it Level 2 (exercise increased caution) — the same rating as most European countries.
What if I can't swim?
Non-swimmers are welcome on our snorkel tours. You'll wear a life jacket the entire time and your guide stays with you. Our platform boats make getting in and out easy. At El Cielo, the water is waist-deep — no swimming needed at all.
What about jellyfish or sharks?
Jellyfish stings are rare in Cozumel and usually mild. We carry vinegar and first aid on every boat. Reef sharks and nurse sharks are present but completely harmless to humans — they're actually a highlight for many snorkelers!
Do you provide life jackets for children?
Yes, Coast Guard-approved life jackets in all sizes, including infant sizes. Children must wear them at all times in the water. Our guides are specifically trained to work with young children.
Snorkeling & Diving
Do I need snorkel experience?
No experience needed. Your guide will teach you proper breathing technique and stay with you the entire time. We provide all gear (mask, snorkel, fins, life jacket). About 30% of our guests are first-time snorkelers.
Do I need certification to scuba dive in Cozumel?
Not for our Discover Scuba experience ($60). An instructor stays with you the entire dive at 30–40 feet. For our 2-Tank Boat Dive ($109), you need an Open Water certification. Cozumel is one of the best places in the world to get certified.
What will I see snorkeling in Cozumel?
Cozumel has the second-largest reef system in the world. Expect: sea turtles (almost guaranteed on our tours), eagle rays, nurse sharks, parrotfish, angelfish, moray eels, massive coral formations, and hundreds of species of tropical fish. At El Cielo, you'll see starfish on the sandy bottom.
What if the weather is bad?
If conditions are unsafe, we'll reschedule or give a full refund. Light rain doesn't affect snorkeling — visibility underwater stays excellent. We monitor conditions daily and will contact you if there's any concern about your tour.
Can I wear glasses while snorkeling?
Regular glasses don't work under a mask. Options: wear contact lenses (ideal), or we have prescription mask inserts available for common prescriptions. Let us know when booking.
Cruise Port Logistics
How do I get from my cruise ship to your tours?
Free pier pickup is included with every tour. Our guide meets you at the pier exit with a name sign. No taxi needed, no extra cost. We pick up from all three Cozumel cruise piers: Punta Langosta, International Pier, and Puerta Maya.
Which pier will my ship dock at?
Cozumel has three piers. Your cruise line announces the pier 1–2 days before arrival. It doesn't matter which pier — we pick up from all of them. Punta Langosta is downtown (walking distance to shops). International and Puerta Maya are 10–15 minutes from town.
Will I make it back to my ship on time?
In 28 years, we have never caused a passenger to miss their ship. We build 60+ minutes of buffer into every tour and monitor cruise ship departure times daily. We'll have you back at the pier well before all-aboard time.
What if my ship arrives late or leaves early?
We monitor all cruise schedules in real-time. If your ship arrives late, we'll adjust your tour start time. If departure changes, we adjust the return. Just let us know your ship name when booking.
How much time do I need for an excursion?
Our snorkel tour is 4–4.5 hours (most popular for cruise passengers). We also have 2.5-hour options like Sunset El Cielo. For a full-day experience, combine a morning snorkel with an afternoon jeep or ATV tour.
What to Bring & Prepare
What should I bring on my excursion?
Reef-safe sunscreen (regular is banned), waterproof phone case, towel, cash for tips ($5–10), your ship card, and water shoes. We provide all snorkel/dive gear, life jackets, and drinking water.
Why is reef-safe sunscreen required?
Cozumel's reefs are protected. Regular sunscreen chemicals (oxybenzone, octinoxate) kill coral. Mexico law requires biodegradable sunscreen in marine parks. Buy zinc-based sunscreen before your trip — it's expensive at the port.
Is there food on the tours?
Our snorkel tours include fresh guacamole made on the boat, fruit, and unlimited drinks (beer, tequila, soda, water) at El Cielo. No limits — we've never run out of beer. For other tours, we'll recommend great local restaurants.
Do you provide towels?
We don't provide towels — please bring one from your ship (they're free at the pool deck). We do provide all water equipment: masks, snorkels, fins, life jackets, and wetsuits (optional, for cold months).
Still Have Questions?
We respond within 2 hours during business hours. No chatbots — real local humans.
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