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

Two reefs, little fuss, lots of fish.

This Chivis del Mar coastal snorkel in Cozumel is set up for fast action from Marina Caleta, with a small boat (max 12 people) and two reef stops to keep you out of the long, crowded tour shuffle. You get a bilingual guide, snorkel gear, and multiple chances to spot coral, statues, and sea life close to where the boat docks.

I especially like the small-group feel and the way the crew keeps the pace calm. I also like the value: for $35.85, you’re not just “taken somewhere,” you’re given real snorkeling support, plus fruit and drinks at the right moments. One drawback to plan for: there are reef-related limits (like sunscreen not being allowed) and extra on-site costs to use facilities, so the final total can be a bit more than the base price.

Key things to know before you go

• Two reef stops near the marina, so you’re in the water fast.
• Snorkel gear and safety support included, with a bilingual guide in English.
• Food and drinks are part of the experience (fruit appetizer, sodas, and beer after snorkeling).
• Small boat size (max 12), and sometimes it can feel almost private.
• Reef protection rules matter, especially the sunscreen restriction.
• On-site facility fees apply, including a bathroom charge.

Cozumel Snorkeling Without the Crowds: Chivis del Mar, Small Boat Style

Cozumel has a lot of snorkel options, but this one has a clear personality. Chivis del Mar runs a smaller operation out of Marina Caleta, and that changes the whole experience. You spend less time waiting around, less time getting squeezed into a schedule, and more time actually watching fish do their fish thing.

The boat has a glass bottom, too. That matters even before you strap on your mask, because it helps you get your bearings and spot movement underwater while you’re still dry. It’s a small detail, but it adds confidence if you’re not a hardcore snorkeler.

Most importantly, this tour feels friendly and guided. In the reviews, people keep calling out the hosts by name, especially Barbara and Captain Jose, for being warm, patient, and safety-focused. That combination is why first-timers often feel comfortable, and why families with mixed snorkeling comfort can relax.

Price and What You Really Get for $35.85

At $35.85 per person for about 1 hour 30 minutes, this is a budget-friendly way to snorkel two reefs without paying cruise-line markups. The value is mostly about what’s included: snorkel tube, mask, life jacket, and a bilingual guide who speaks English.

Then there’s the “comfort value,” which is less obvious but shows up in the day-to-day. You’re given drinks on board, fruit as an appetizer, and soda/refresco plus 2 beers per adult after the snorkeling ends. That turns the trip from a quick splash-and-go into a proper shore excursion.

One thing to keep straight: the base price does not cover everything you might expect. You should plan for $15 pesos per person for facility use (paid at entry) and $5 pesos for bathroom use. Also, souvenir photo packages are not included, even though the crew may take underwater pictures you can buy later.

So yes, it’s still a good deal. Just keep a little cash ready in pesos so the day doesn’t feel like a surprise quiz.

How the 1.5 Hour Plan Works: Timing, Water Entry, and Boat Rhythm

The total experience is about 1 hour 30 minutes, though you should note that the timing you see is about the tour itself. If you’re coming from a cruise port, your travel to the marina can take extra time, so build in cushion.

The day runs in a simple rhythm:

• You get brief time to get ready before each water entry, about 15 minutes.
• You spend around 30 minutes at each reef stop, which is long enough to snorkel at a relaxed pace, look around, and take a few photos without feeling rushed.
• Between reef stops, there’s the coast segment where they set you up with drinks and fruit.

This structure is one reason people like it so much. You don’t spend the whole tour stuck on a dock. You also avoid the “snorkel for 12 minutes, then hurry to the next big stop” feeling you get on some larger excursions.

And because the group is capped at 12, the flow stays manageable. In reviews, people even mention times when the boat felt unusually small, like having plenty of space to move and snorkel at your own pace.

Stop at Paraiso Reef: Coral, Statues, and That First Big Look

Paraiso (Paradise) Reef is your first reef stop. This is a good choice for the opening act because you’re likely to be more “ready to see things” after getting gear on and getting settled.

What you’re there for:

• Coral formations, with plenty of visual texture to keep your eyes busy.
• Statues underwater, which can make photos more interesting than just fish-and-corals shots.
• A chance to start spotting tropical fish almost immediately, especially since the marina is close and you’re in the water quickly.

This reef stop is also where the safety coaching pays off. If you’re new, a calm guide and clear tips make a big difference. In reviews, Barbara and the captain are repeatedly praised for giving safety instructions before you enter the water, plus helping people adjust gear and feel comfortable.

Possible downside: reef photography can be a little time-consuming because everyone wants a turn and positions matter. If you’re hoping for long, slow “photo shoot” sessions, you may want to treat photos as a bonus, not the main goal, since the reef time is set.

Stop at Dzul-Ha Reef: Coral Photos and a Second Chance at Sea Life

The second reef is Dzul-Ha Reef, and it’s built for a similar experience, but with a different underwater “setting” so you’re not just repeating the same views.

Why it’s worth the second stop:

• You get more time with coral formations, and this often means more variety in what you see.
• It’s another opportunity for souvenir photos, since the tour highlights photo moments at the reefs.
• The boat returns to the marina at the end, so the trip stays simple.

Dzul-Ha also benefits from the tour’s pacing. Because you’ve already done one reef, you’ll usually feel more comfortable on snorkel number two. That is when a lot of people start paying attention to the small stuff: fish behavior, coral shapes, and the way visibility changes from one spot to another.

Wildlife sightings can vary, but reviews include memorable moments like starfish, a stingray, and other sea life. While you can’t count on any specific animal, you can count on the underwater scenery being active enough to feel like snorkeling is the main event.

Centro Coast Segment: Drinks, Fruit, and Reset Time on the Water

Between the reef visits, you’ll spend time aboard while the crew gets you ready for the next entry. This is the “reset segment” called Centro in the tour description.

During this portion, you should expect:

• Drinks on board
• Fruit as an appetizer
• Time to get settled, hydrate, and keep warm or cool depending on conditions

That matters more than people think. Snorkeling can be surprisingly tiring, especially if you’re not used to treading water while breathing through a tube. A planned break with food and drinks helps you stay comfortable and makes the second reef visit more enjoyable.

Also, since it’s a small boat, this stretch of time feels less like a wait and more like a breather. It’s easier to ask questions, too. In reviews, the crew’s friendliness is a big part of what people remember.

Gear, Reef Rules, and Safety Prep That Affect Your Comfort

Included gear is solid and practical:

• Snorkel tube
• Use of mask and life jacket

The life jacket is particularly helpful for beginners or anyone who wants to keep the experience stress-free. It gives you a safety margin that lets you focus on looking around.

One big reef rule to respect: sunscreen is not allowed in this activity due to reef protection. That’s a dealbreaker only if you forget and show up with your usual sun block. If you want to protect your skin, go with:

• A swimsuit under your clothes
• An extra t-shirt to reduce sun exposure while swimming
• A towel and dry clothes for after

Flip-flops that can get wet are useful because you’ll be moving around the marina area before and after.

In reviews, people keep praising the safety prep. You’ll likely get clear instructions before you enter, and the crew helps with gear fit. If you’re anxious about snorkeling, this kind of setup does wonders for confidence.

Drinks, Beer After Snorkeling, and the Friendly Local Touch

The best part about the food and drink plan is timing. You get drinks on board during the coast segment, fruit as an appetizer, and then after snorkeling wraps up you get water, soda/refresco, and 2 beers per adult.

This matters because it means you don’t feel like you have to survive the day on willpower alone. It also makes the trip feel less like a drop-off activity and more like a hosted outing.

The crew personality is also a major selling point. Reviews consistently mention that Barbara is patient and encouraging, and that Captain Jose runs the boat in a friendly, attentive way. People highlight things like helping families with different comfort levels and giving guidance on what to look for underwater.

And yes, there may be underwater photos you can purchase later. Souvenir photo packages are not included in the base price, but the option shows that the crew is paying attention to memorable moments, not just logistics.

Meeting Point at Marina Caleta: Getting There From Cozumel Ports

Your start (and end) point is:

• Glass bottom boat, Chivis del mar, Caleta 77600, Marina, 77688 Q.R., Mexico

The tour ends back at the meeting point.

If you’re arriving from the main cruise area, the marina is close enough that you can sometimes walk, and reviews back that up with sidewalk access. Still, there’s a catch: it depends which port you’re at. You’re told not to walk from Punta Langosta, because it’s about 25 minutes by car and that can be a slog.

A practical approach:

• If you’re at Puerta Maya or SSA Mexico, it’s only about 2 km, so walking can be realistic.
• If you’re at Punta Langosta, take a taxi to avoid burning energy before snorkeling.

Show up 15 minutes before departure time. That buffer is not overkill. It helps you get gear sorted, use the restroom if you need to, and avoid stress.

What to Budget Beyond the Base Price

This is where you keep the day smooth. The $35.85 price is the starting point, but plan for:

• $15 pesos per person for facility use at entry
• $5 pesos for bathroom use

Also remember the tour includes drinks and fruit, but lunch is not included. So if you’re the type who needs a full meal to feel human, eat before you go. The itinerary has snack-style support, not a lunch stop.

One more small but important note: confirmation happens at booking time, and you’ll likely use a mobile ticket. That’s handy, but still keep an eye on the details so you don’t show up at a random boat.

Who This Snorkel Tour Fits Best (And Who Should Think Twice)

This tour is ideal for:

• First-time snorkelers who want safety coaching and calm pacing
• Families with kids who need a guide that stays patient
• People who dislike party-boat chaos and prefer a smaller boat environment
• Anyone who wants a shore excursion with enough time to actually snorkel twice

It might be less ideal if you:

• Want a long, lounge-on-the-beach type day, because this is snorkel-focused
• Plan to rely on sunscreen, since it’s not allowed
• Need guaranteed, super-detailed underwater photo packages included in the price

If you’re traveling with mixed snorkeling comfort, this is one of the better formats because the boat size and the crew attention keep the experience manageable for different comfort levels.

Should You Book Chivis del Mar for Your Cozumel Snorkel?

I think this is a strong pick if your goal is simple: get in the water fast, see coral and fish, and do it with a small, friendly crew.

Book it if you want:

• Two reefs with meaningful water time
• A small group feel (max 12)
• Helpful hosts like Barbara and Captain Jose, known for safety prep and a calm vibe
• Included gear and real support, not just a hand wave and good luck

Skip or compare if:

• You need lunch included
• You’re the type who absolutely must use sunscreen (you’ll need a reef-safe clothing plan)
• You hate paying on-site facility fees, since those are part of the real cost

Bottom line: if you’re visiting Cozumel and you want snorkeling that feels personal and well-run, Chivis del Mar is the kind of tour you’ll remember for the right reasons, fish included.

FAQ

Where does this snorkeling tour start?

The tour starts at Glass bottom boat – Chivis del mar, Caleta 77600, Marina, 77688 Q.R., Mexico. It also ends back at the same meeting point.

How long is the experience?

It is approximately 1 hour 30 minutes. Note that transportation time is not included in this duration.

What reefs do you visit?

You visit Paraiso (Paradise) Reef and Dzul-Ha Reef for snorkeling.

What snorkeling gear is included?

You get use of snorkel equipment, including a mask and life jacket, plus a snorkel tube.

Are drinks or snacks included?

Yes. The tour includes drinks on board and fruit as an appetizer. After the snorkeling activity, water, soda/refresco, and 2 beers per adult are included.

Is lunch included?

No, lunch is not included.

Are there extra on-site fees?

Yes. There is a $15 pesos per person fee for use of facilities paid at the entrance. The establishment also charges $5 pesos for bathroom use.

Is sunscreen allowed during the activity?

No. Sunscreen is not allowed in this activity due to reef protection.

Can children participate?

Children must be accompanied by an adult to participate. The tour also says most travelers can participate.