El Cielo & El Cielito, Cozumel: Is that Catamaran Tour Actually Worth It?

So, if you’re checking out Cozumel, Mexico, odds are pretty good that you have probably heard talk about El Cielo. People rave about it; the crystal-clear waters, the chance to hang out with starfish, and the whole dreamy vibe of it all. That said, what’s really the best way to actually visit this slice of heaven? You see a ton of tours advertised, but the “Visit El Cielo and El Cielito in Cozumel with Catamaran Lunch and Open Bar” is super popular. I’m here to tell you about my experiences. Is that adventure seriously worth your hard-earned money? Keep reading, so you’re fully up to speed before booking anything.

What’s El Cielo & El Cielito all about Anyway?

OK, first things first, it is important to know what all of the fuss is about. El Cielo, which kind of translates to “heaven” in English, and El Cielito, meaning something like “little heaven,” happen to be seriously stunning spots found just off the coast of Cozumel. These aren’t exactly your standard beaches, though. You see, we’re talking about shallow, super clear waters with powdery sand below. It is like you are walking on another planet, to be honest. The main draw at El Cielo is usually all those starfish you find chilling on the seafloor. People flock to this spot, as you can only imagine, for a chance to wade in that pristine water and snap photos with the starfish. But just remember, guys: look, don’t touch! These starfish are fragile, so it’s all about admiring them from a respectable distance so we are keeping our distance. Then, El Cielito tends to be this more secluded area, usually a bit closer to the mainland, where the water’s super calm. That’s where tons of tour companies tend to bring folks to relax and have lunch after checking out El Cielo. These two places, which is the selling point, really offer this chill escape from the buzz and noise of the main tourist spots.

Booking my Catamaran Adventure

So, to experience this supposed paradise, I hopped online and looked over countless options for catamaran tours promising a visit to El Cielo and El Cielito. What stood out was, of course, a tour boasting not only those two spots but, too it’s almost, an open bar and a yummy-sounding lunch. I went ahead and booked through one of the larger tour operators. This seemed fairly legit, really, and fingers crossed for an incredible day! Usually, those tours get you to jump on a decent-sized catamaran— think something with plenty of deck space to stretch out on, plus a shaded area if the sun turns out to be too much. They usually include the gear for snorkeling and promise fun times with music and, yeah, free-flowing drinks. Most of those adventures begin mid-morning, going on for around five or six hours in total. Most often that will get you back to shore in the late afternoon. Now, that seemed ideal for me.

The Catamaran Experience: What’s that Boat Ride really Like?

Okay, so, after the booking came the day of the trip. I showed up at the meeting spot bright and very early, and soon I was stepping aboard this catamaran alongside what looked like maybe 30 other people. So, the vibe? Actually, super upbeat! The crew kicked things off by introducing themselves and laying out the plan for the day, with upbeat music playing over the speakers and drinks getting passed around nice and early. The cruise out to El Cielo and El Cielito seriously delivered these amazing views of Cozumel’s coastline; that turquoise water glistening, and the sun shining? A top-tier experience, actually. That trip usually lasts around 45 minutes to an hour, giving everyone plenty of time to sunbathe on the deck, chat with other people, and seriously sip on some cool drinks. The open bar lived up to that billing: you get offered a nice variety of alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks, including classics like margaritas, beer, and soda, all part of that package. Now, there’s really no better way to get that party started.

Snorkeling in Cozumel’s Reefs

But, hey, the catamaran tour did not take us just straight to El Cielo and El Cielito. Along the way, that tour included at least one stop for snorkeling. The spot? That seemed to be selected depending on how the currents behaved on any given day, but usually that tended to be a reef system that is seriously bustling with sea life. Jumping into the water really gives you the chance to see all kinds of colorful fish, coral formations, and other cool marine creatures. Gear like masks, snorkels, and fins usually comes as part of the tour package, too it’s almost, that experienced guides are around to provide some direction and guarantee your safety. That is some seriously important stuff! The snorkeling usually lasted for about 45 minutes. Even though that area was very crowded, it really gives you this incredible peek at Cozumel’s underwater beauty.

Hanging Out in El Cielo: Is that Really Heaven?

After snorkeling, that catamaran made its way toward the main event, El Cielo. When you roll up there, it certainly lives up to that hype; shallow, crystal-clear water and those iconic starfish. A heads up: El Cielo can be very, very busy! You have to realize that, sometimes, a bunch of tour groups get there all at once, that is so they get that chance of wading among those starfish. When I was there, it proved very popular, with a pretty dense gathering of folks all doing their own thing in that shallow water. Even though you might expect less, just floating around in that dreamy water really delivers a distinct kind of relaxation. Many people are so busy trying to take pictures; however, a heads up to admire your natural surroundings first! People on my tour got to spend around an hour at El Cielo. Now, that feels like this adequate time to explore and experience that place. And remember: admire those starfish from a short distance; don’t remove them from that water. I saw tour guides actively warning folks to keep their distance in the interest of that wildlife. After all, without starfish, there would be nothing to see there, you see? Just some other tips, too, might be to bring some biodegradable sunscreen and a waterproof camera if you have access.

El Cielito & Catamaran Lunchtime

Following the visit at El Cielo, we went to El Cielito. This zone happens to be fairly close by, yet this seriously differs from its counterpart. You have these more protected and shallow waters. In short order, crew members set up a floating buffet right on that water, where they serve lunch to passengers. You get to enjoy your lunch as you’re waist-deep in this seriously calm sea. On the tour I joined, food was made up of the classic fajitas, grilled fish, rice, salads, and all the other trimmings you tend to find on vacation. Did someone say feast? I would not describe it as mind-blowing cuisine; however, it did what you need; they replenished our depleted energy levels from all that swimming and snorkeling. That open bar really stayed open too, so, I mean, you could just enjoy the cocktails or something else of that nature along with that food.

The Vibe Check: Crowds, Music & Party Atmosphere

So, now, a super-crucial factor to talk about, arguably, lies in understanding just the general atmosphere aboard those catamarans. It might be what you are searching for; however, if not, consider it carefully! It usually becomes kind of this party vibe on almost all of those excursions, especially by that afternoon as that open bar keeps humming and everybody chills. The crews on board these catamarans have been known to really amplify things, keeping people active and entertained. The tours tend to be incredibly loud; dance music thumping from the speakers, people dancing, singing, taking pictures, etc. Some also organize different kinds of party games to help get that social mixer aspect dialed in and working. In short, this can all feel so much fun. However, if your hopes tend toward a mellow, relaxed boat trip, then seriously adjust your expectations, alright? Do your research and make certain to pick a quieter tour. Not all of the trips tend to be as intense or quite so wild; still, these boat trips might well be fun and very, very vibrant and stimulating.

Is that Catamaran Tour Worth your Money? The Final Word

So, do I think checking out El Cielo and El Cielito by way of catamaran, all of those lunches and drinks included, adds up to this smart way to invest your travel funds? So, in some respects, the response has to be, it depends. When you look at these stunning settings and that opportunity to experience a few spots off of Cozumel’s shores, then odds are good it will add up to an adventure to savor. On the other hand, you need to take account of just what those trips sometimes tend to bring, that busy El Cielo. That party vibe? Might not quite mesh with your ideal for vacation. I will suggest you actually read lots of tour reviews and seriously compare what those tour companies offer, matching up everything with your personal likes and dislikes. But it seems seriously tough to deny the beauty around El Cielo. If nothing else, I’d suggest keeping those sustainable tourism practices in your mind as that choice tends to come, therefore assisting to ensure zones continue remaining really nice for travelers heading there further down the road.

You have been seriously thinking about trying one? A couple of final tips would be:

• Make certain you reserve a booking early. Such catamaran cruises toward El Cielo are highly-sought after, particularly within the busy months!
• Do not leave that sunscreen at home. And sunglasses. As Well As potentially this wide brimmed cap; seriously prepare to find intense exposure toward that sunlight when going there.
• You may like bringing underwater cameras if you are planning to acquire a handful of photographs down below.
• Take some Dramamine to help prevent that seasickness. Always preferable when one’s out sailing upon larger bodies involving water.
• You should certainly inquire exactly all they incorporate when choosing excursions; occasionally some firms may levy small service fees for docking or simply with marine sanctuary accessibility that typically may be charged for by one at reaching this marina prior.