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

Two reefs, calm hosts, and great value. This Chivis del Mar snorkel trip takes you to two nearby reefs in about 90 minutes, and you get help from a bilingual guide so you spend more time in the water and less time figuring things out. I also like that the whole setup feels practical, with straightforward timing and gear provided, so a first-time snorkeler can keep it simple.

I especially appreciate the human touch. Guides like Barbara (and Captain Jose) are repeatedly praised for safety prep, friendly coaching, and pointing out what you are seeing, which makes the experience feel more like a guided outing than a rushed cattle call.

One thing to plan for: reef rules mean no sunscreen is allowed, and there are extra on-site charges in pesos for facilities and the bathroom.

Key points to know before you go

• Two reef stops with coral areas and photo spots, so you get more than one underwater moment
• Small-group feel (max 12) that usually avoids the chaotic pace of bigger boats
• Snorkel gear included: mask plus life jacket, with a snorkel tube provided
• Fruit and drinks on board, plus soda and beer after snorkeling for adults
• Reef-friendly rules: sunscreen is not allowed, so pack smart
• Facilities fees in pesos may apply on arrival, plus a bathroom fee

A 90-Minute Cozumel Snorkel That Feels Like a Real Excursion

Cozumel has no shortage of snorkel tours, but this one is built for people who want the good stuff without turning your day into logistics math. Your total experience runs about 1 hour 30 minutes, and that time is mainly about getting in the water, snorkeling, and getting back.

The format is simple. You start at Marina Caleta near the boat, gear up, and then you rotate through the reef time. The pace tends to feel manageable, with time to get ready before each entry and time for photos and watching fish. If you have limited shore time from a cruise port, this kind of schedule can be a lifesaver.

The other reason I like it: this is a smaller operation. The boat can have up to 12 travelers, and that often translates to less waiting around and a more personal feel. When the group is small, you get room to swim at your own comfort level.

Getting to Marina Caleta and Finding Chivis del Mar Fast

Your meeting point is at the marina: Glass bottom boat – Chivis del mar, Caleta 77600, Marina, 77688 Q.R., Mexico. The ending point is the same place, so there is no guessing games after you get wet.

If you are coming from cruise ports, here is the practical bit:

• Puerta Maya and SSA MEXICO are only about 2 km away, roughly 5 minutes by car (or 20 to 25 minutes walking, if you really want the walk).
• From Punta Langosta, it is not recommended to walk. It is about 25 minutes by car.

If you are coming from the mainland (via the Playa del Carmen ferry), plan like you mean it. The trip starts in Cozumel, and you should aim to arrive at the ferry terminal about 45 minutes before your ferry departure so you can get to Marina Caleta on time. After you get off the ferry, grab a taxi to Marina Caleta, which takes about 25 minutes.

Two timing notes that matter: show up 15 minutes before departure, and if you are late, the operator says they cannot help and refunds are not available. That is not them being tough, it is just how small boats work.

Paradise Reef and Dzul-Ha Reef: Two Stops, More Chances to See Coral

This tour is built around two reef visits with coral areas that are ideal for snorkeling and for taking photos.

Paradise Reef (Paraiso)

You visit Paradise Reef first. Expect coral formations and photo opportunities, including areas with statues. That combo matters if you like taking pictures. Coral alone can look great, but statues give your photos more of a focal point.

This stop is timed at about 30 minutes of admission included snorkeling time. Before you get in, there is a short setup window (you are expected to get ready, then enter the water). That structure helps keep the group moving without feeling frantic.

Dzul-Ha Reef

After the on-board break, you head to Dzul-Ha Reef. This is the second reef stop, also around 30 minutes. Here, the emphasis is on coral formations and the chance to take very nice souvenir photos.

In practice, two reef stops can be a big advantage. It increases your odds of seeing something that really clicks, even if one spot has more current, fewer visible fish, or rougher visibility at that moment. You do not feel locked into a single area for the whole time.

Centro on the Water: The Short Break That Keeps It Pleasant

Between reef stops, you have a Centro segment on board. It is not another reef, but it is part of why this trip stays comfortable.

You should plan on about 15 minutes to get ready to enter the water at each stop. So you are not just dropped into the sea with gear half on. During the on-board time, the tour includes drinks and fruit as an appetizer.

That might sound minor, but it matters. Snorkeling is tiring in a different way than walking. A quick snack and something to drink helps you bounce back before the second reef. And after the snorkeling activity, included drinks include soda and 2 beers per adult.

Gear and Safety: What’s Included and Why It Matters

You get the key gear you need, without having to rent or hunt for it:

• Snorkel tube
• Mask
• Life jacket
• Bilingual guide

Safety is also a central theme here. In the way this experience is run, you are not treated like a drop-in participant. You get general safety guidance before you enter the water, and the hosts are described as attentive to safety and comfort throughout.

The names that show up again and again are Barbara and Captain Jose. Barbara is often mentioned for being patient during gear fitting and for helping people feel confident in the water, including people who snorkel less often or who feel a bit anxious. Captain Jose also gets credit for friendly hosting and keeping things smooth onboard.

One more detail that affects your day: this is a glass bottom boat at the marina. Even if you do not spend your whole trip staring at the bottom, that kind of boat setup usually means you can still get a sense of what is beneath you before your snorkeling time.

Drinks, Fruit, and the Photo Factor

Let’s be honest, underwater photos are half the fun. This tour includes photo opportunities by design. Both reefs are described as good for beautiful souvenir photos, and the reef structure includes things like coral formations and statues that give your photos a clear subject.

You also get the comfort extras that make it feel like a small outing rather than just a rental:

• drinks on board
• fruit as an appetizer
• soda, plus 2 beers per adult available after snorkeling

If you want photos beyond what you can shoot with your own camera, the tour also offers souvenir photos for purchase. Those are not included, but it is nice to know there is an option.

Price and Value: What $35.85 Really Buys

The listed price is $35.85 per person, for a trip that is about 90 minutes long. On paper, it is not the cheapest option in Cozumel, but it is a fair value for what is included.

Here is what you get in your ticket value:

• Snorkel equipment (mask and life jacket) plus snorkel tube
• Bilingual guide
• Fruit and drinks on board
• Soda and 2 beers per adult after snorkeling
• Reef admissions included for at least one reef stop (and the other stops are listed as free in the activity details)

And here is what you should budget separately:

• $15 pesos per person for use of facilities (paid at the entrance with the security man)
• $5 pesos for bathroom use (pay on arrival)
• Souvenir photos (sold separately)
• Lunch (not included)
• Tips for the crew (not included)
• Private transportation (not included)

That facilities fee and bathroom fee are the two costs that can catch people off guard. If you treat this as a snorkel outing plus a couple small on-site charges, the price feels more reasonable. If you only look at the base price, it can feel like a surprise.

What to Bring: Reef Rules and Comfort Moves That Actually Help

Your packing list matters more than usual because this experience has reef protection rules. Sunscreen is not allowed in this activity. That is a big deal. If you rely on sunscreen, plan alternative protection.

Here is what the operator recommends:

• Flip flops that can get wet
• Swimsuit under your garments
• Extra t-shirt to protect yourself from the sun while you swim
• Towel and dry clothes to change into

Also bring practical thinking: wear something you can rinse and change out of quickly. Marina mornings and sun exposure can be intense, and you will want to feel comfortable on the ride back.

Who This Tour Fits Best (and Who Should Skip It)

This snorkel trip fits best if you want:

• Two reefs in a short time
• a small-group feel (max 12)
• help for first-time snorkelers, or anyone who prefers not to fight for space in crowded water
• a guided experience with safety prep and attention to comfort

It is also family-friendly in the sense that it can work for mixed ages, but there are rules. Children must be accompanied by an adult to participate.

You might consider a different tour if:

• you want lunch included (it is not)
• you hate extra fees in pesos and do not want to carry that budget mindset
• you strongly depend on sunscreen and do not have a plan for reef-safe sun protection

Should You Book Chivis del Mar?

If you are choosing a Cozumel snorkel for a shore day, I think this one is a smart pick. The big reasons are the two reef stops, the quick, marina-based start, and the small-boat vibe that tends to feel calmer than the bigger operations. The included gear and bilingual guidance remove the main friction points for first-timers.

Book it if you can follow the reef rules (no sunscreen) and if you are okay budgeting a little extra for facilities and the bathroom fee in pesos. Also, go into it expecting a focused 90 minutes, not a whole-day adventure.

If you want a simple question to guide your decision: do you want coral, fish, and a more personal host experience without turning your day into a production? If yes, Chivis del Mar is worth your time.

FAQ

How long is the Chivis del Mar snorkel experience?

The tour duration is about 1 hour 30 minutes (approx.). In the 1:30 duration, transportation time is not included.

Where does the tour start and end?

It starts at Glass bottom boat – Chivis del mar at Marina Caleta, and it ends back at the same meeting point.

How much does it cost per person?

The price is $35.85 per person.

What snorkel gear is included?

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

What drinks and snacks are included?

The tour includes drinks on board and fruit as an appetizer. Soda is included, and after the snorkeling activity, 2 beers per adult are provided.

Is sunscreen allowed?

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

Are there extra fees besides the tour price?

Yes. There is a $15 pesos per person fee for use of facilities, and the establishment charges $5 pesos for bathroom use.