El Cielo Cozumel
A shallow, turquoise paradise in Cozumel, famous for its starfish and crystal-clear waters, accessible only by boat.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Calmer waters, fewer crowds
El Cielo Cozumel
Best Time
Calmer waters, fewer crowds
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A shallow, turquoise paradise in Cozumel, famous for its starfish and crystal-clear waters, accessible only by boat.
"The turquoise waters are just as beautiful as everyone says, it’s like stepping into a tropical paradise."
Book Your Boat Tour Early
Tours are essential for reaching El Cielo. Book in advance, especially during peak season. :ticket:
Respect Marine Life
Admire starfish from a distance; do not touch or remove them from the water. :ocean:
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
The Starfish Sanctuary
Shallow sandbar
Marvel at numerous starfish in their natural habitat. Admire them without touching to preserve their environment.
Crystal-Clear Turquoise Waters
El Cielo sandbar
Experience incredibly shallow, transparent waters with a stunning turquoise hue. Perfect for wading and photos.
Snorkeling Paradise
Near El Cielo reef
Explore vibrant coral reefs teeming with diverse marine life, including colorful fish and sea turtles.
Playa El Cielito
Adjacent to El Cielo
A pristine, undeveloped beach offering a serene escape with soft white sands and calm waters.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Accessing El Cielo: Boat Tours are Key
Best Time for Starfish Sightings
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
Book Your Boat Tour Early
Tours are essential for reaching El Cielo. Book in advance, especially during peak season.
Respect Marine Life
Admire starfish from a distance; do not touch or remove them from the water. :ocean:
Bring Your Own Snorkel Gear
While tours often include gear, having your own ensures a comfortable fit and hygiene. :athletic_shoe:
Stay Hydrated & Protected
The sun is strong! Bring reef-safe sunscreen, a hat, and drink plenty of water. :droplet:
Tips
from all over the internet
Book Your Boat Tour Early
Tours are essential for reaching El Cielo. Book in advance, especially during peak season.
Respect Marine Life
Admire starfish from a distance; do not touch or remove them from the water. :ocean:
Bring Your Own Snorkel Gear
While tours often include gear, having your own ensures a comfortable fit and hygiene. :athletic_shoe:
Stay Hydrated & Protected
The sun is strong! Bring reef-safe sunscreen, a hat, and drink plenty of water. :droplet:
Consider a Private Tour
For a more personalized experience and flexibility, a private boat tour is a great option. :moneybag:
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors consistently rave about El Cielo's breathtaking turquoise waters and the magical experience of seeing starfish up close. The boat tours are often praised for their organization, included amenities like drinks and snacks, and the fun, party-like atmosphere. It's highlighted as a must-do for families and a truly unforgettable part of a Cozumel trip.
"Our visit to El Cielo in Cozumel was absolutely incredible! The turquoise waters are just as beautiful as everyone says, it’s like stepping into a tropical paradise. We had the best time on the boat tour, exploring the crystal clear waters and amazing marine life. The water was calm, warm, and inviting, perfect for swimming and relaxing.
The tour itself was great, with water and drinks aboard. The ceviche and chips were delicious and hit the spot at the perfect moment. Everything was well organized, making for a enjoyable day on the water.
One of the highlights was swimming with the stingrays, such an incredible experience! We also got up close with sea stars, which was a real treat.
The party ambiance on the boat made the experience even more fun, with music and great vibe, shut out to our Captain and crew, they were very knowledgeable,fun and friendly.
The kids absolutely loved it, they had an amazing time swimming, exploring, and interacting with the marine life. It was the perfect family adventure!
If you’re looking for an amazing day out on the water, El Cielo is definitely a must-do in Cozumel.
The ferry ride from Playa del Carmen was good and comfortable.
A great experience that we won’t forget.Highly recommended!"
ludy casey
"The place is a paradise. Shallow, super clear water with turquoise color, white sand at the bottom. There are stingrays going around and you can see also starfish from El Cielo before the boats stops here at El Cielito. It a picture perfect place to take selfies or just landscape photos, though make sure to enjoy the scenery, the water and experience. I think this is the best water in all Cancun/Riviera Maya/Cozumel area. Surely the experience will vary depending on the tour company you book, but the experience at location should be the same for at tour booking."
Sung Park
"like heaven, a must go place in cozumel. You have to get a boat tour to arrive here as you cannot drive."
Cemal Aytekin
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
El Cielo Cozumel is only accessible by boat. You'll need to book a boat tour or a private charter from Cozumel. Many tours depart from the main ferry dock.
No, you cannot access El Cielo without a boat tour. It's a protected marine area and requires boat transportation.
To get to El Cielo from Cancun, you'll first take a ferry to Cozumel (approx. 45-60 minutes), then embark on your boat tour to El Cielo. +1
You can fly into Cozumel International Airport (CZM) or take a ferry from Playa del Carmen to Cozumel. From there, you'll join your boat tour. +1
There are no hotels directly at El Cielo as it's a natural marine park. Accommodation is available on Cozumel island.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Tour prices vary, but many travelers find group tours to be quite affordable, with some calling them the 'cheapest tour in Cancun'. Expect prices to range from $50-$100 USD per person for group tours. +1
Yes, it's highly recommended to book your El Cielo tour in advance, especially during peak travel seasons, to secure your spot.
Most tours include boat transportation, snorkeling gear, access to El Cielo and nearby reefs, and often drinks (water, soda, beer) and snacks like ceviche or fruit. +1
While there isn't a separate entrance fee for El Cielo itself, tour prices typically cover access to the marine park and its protected areas.
Tours typically run in the morning and afternoon, with durations around 4 hours. It's best to confirm specific timings with your chosen tour operator.
🎫 🐠 Onsite Experience
You can snorkel among starfish and colorful fish, swim in the shallow turquoise waters, relax on the boat, and visit nearby reefs like Palancar and Columbia.
Yes! El Cielo's waters are very shallow, often waist-deep or less, making it safe and enjoyable for non-swimmers. Life vests are usually provided.
You'll likely see numerous starfish, various colorful reef fish, and potentially sea turtles.
Absolutely! The crystal-clear turquoise water, white sand, and marine life make it a photographer's dream.
Wear a swimsuit, a rash guard for sun protection, comfortable water shoes or sandals, and bring a hat and sunglasses. :athletic_shoe:
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
Many tours include snacks like ceviche, guacamole, chips, and fruit. Some also offer alcoholic beverages like beer and micheladas. +1
There are no facilities or vendors at El Cielo itself. All food and drinks are typically provided on the tour boat.
Expect fresh ceviche, guacamole, chips, and seasonal fruit. Drinks often include water, sodas, beer, and sometimes cocktails.
📸 📸 Photography
The shallow turquoise water with starfish, the white sandbar, and the vibrant coral reefs are prime photo locations.
A waterproof camera or a waterproof phone case is highly recommended for capturing photos and videos in and around the water. :iphone:
Morning light often provides the best conditions with clear skies and calm waters for stunning photography.
Yes, but be mindful and respectful. Avoid touching them and ensure your camera settings capture their beauty without disturbing them.
Drone usage may be restricted in protected marine areas. It's best to check with your tour operator or local regulations before flying.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
+1 Many tours provide life vests, ensuring safety. Kids are often mesmerized by the starfish and the colorful fish they can see while snorkeling. The boat rides themselves can be an adventure, with many tours offering music and a fun atmosphere. Remember to pack plenty of reef-safe sunscreen, hats, and swimwear for a comfortable day out.💰 Budget Travelers
📸 Photography Enthusiasts
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Understanding El Cielo: A Marine Sanctuary
+1Access to El Cielo is exclusively by boat, as it's a protected area with no land access. This ensures the preservation of its pristine condition and marine life. Tours often combine a visit to El Cielo with snorkeling at nearby reefs like Palancar and Columbia, offering a comprehensive marine experience.
When visiting, it's crucial to be a responsible tourist. Do not touch or remove the starfish, as this can harm them and disrupt the ecosystem. Opt for reef-safe sunscreen to protect the delicate coral and marine life.
Choosing the Right El Cielo Tour
For a more intimate and personalized adventure, consider a private tour. This allows you to set your own pace, spend more time at El Cielo or other snorkeling spots, and customize your itinerary. While more expensive, private tours offer unparalleled flexibility and a more exclusive experience.
Some tours also offer catamaran options, providing a luxurious and spacious way to travel. These often include open bars and ample deck space for relaxing. Regardless of the type, ensure your tour includes snorkeling gear and visits to the key marine areas.
Snorkeling and Marine Life at El Cielo
Beyond the starfish, the surrounding reefs, such as Palancar Reef and Columbia Reef, offer incredible snorkeling opportunities. These reefs are teeming with vibrant coral formations and a diverse array of marine life, including colorful tropical fish, sea turtles, and sometimes even rays.
Even if you're not a strong swimmer, the shallow, calm waters of El Cielo make it accessible. Most tours provide life vests and snorkeling equipment, ensuring everyone can safely enjoy the underwater wonders.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit