El Cielo Palancar and Columbia Snorkeling Tour

Posted By : Jakub S
I read so much about the uniqueness of the Cozumel reef that I wanted to experience it myself. I am left underwhelmed - the reef I have seen in Egypt, just jumping to the water at the hotel beach was much more spectacular. The trip description is misleading. We have had 3 stops on the way but not 3 'snorkeling' stops. The last one was in very shallow water, meant for drinks and snacks. There were stingrays swimming among us sometimes but it was not a venue to snorkel. Still, nice experience, not a dangerous one. We have not been provided fins and I think this really sucks. Whoever would like to go below the sea level, would have to wobble just his/her feet - not that easy. Moreover, at the very first stop (with the deepest water) all participants, no matter how good swimmers they are, they have to use life-vests. We could take them off with the 2nd stop, where water was ca 3 meters deep. The staff was friendly and helpful. The meeting up and transportation to marina was also arranged adequately. This element is of no complain at all. But overall, I feel a bit disappointed with the reef, maybe my expectations were initially too high. It would be fine, though, if it is supposed to be your very first reef & snorkeling experience.
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Posted On : 2022-02-14

Posted By : Diana_P
Although some of the experience could not have been predicted— very choppy water, some things that were advertised as part of the tour were not included. The boat did not have a glass bottom and we were not offered fins We were asked if we wanted life jackets. The captain of our boat was switched out- apparently at his request before we left the harbor, which was strange… why wait until everyone got on the boat? As soon as we reached our first destination and the engine was turned off, the boat rocked violently. I was actively motion sickness. I figured I would feel better in the water— but it was so choppy— white caps, that even when I put my face in the water to look at the sea life I felt horribly sick. There were some lovely fish all around us but because we were encouraged to stay close to our guide I felt concerned that I would kick or be kicked by another guest. We stayed in the water for a long time- then a ladder was hung on the side of the boat to climb back in. We rode a fairly short distance to the next spot and it appeared to be somewhat less choppy, but after no more than 10 minutes the few people who had gotten into the water were called back to the boats because it was too choppy! I was not the only one who was very sea sick Finally we arrived at the place where we could stand on soft whit sand in the water- and occasionally see beautiful eagle rays skimming along along the bottom. At that point the crew was offering beer, water and ceviche which was not appealing after having thrown up 6 to 8 times by then! I have been seasick before- But never to the point of throwing up- and again, I was not alone in my experience. I guess snorkeling is the better option to see the sea life here! Getting below the waves. Also- I’d highly recommend wearing a UV protective shirt over your bathing suit. I did not wear sun block so I would not pollute the reef and 40 minutes in the open water resulted in significant sun exposure. 1. Don’t take this tour if you can’t swim! 2. Consider taking medication to prevent seasickness 3. Assume everything you bring will get wet- so protect your phone and towel in plastic bags 4. Wear UV protective clothing over your bathing suit.
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Posted On : 2022-01-26

Posted By : Benjamin_T
I had a great time on this tour and everything worked out very well. One thing to take note of is this is from Playa Del Carmen because I booked and didn’t realize it didn’t include transport from Playa Del Carmen over. But I quickly resolved it by getting about over and made it in time to join the group. The ceviche provided was delicious, we saw starfish stingrays and tropical fish along the coral reef. It was a great tour.
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Posted On : 2022-01-16

Posted By : zuzini
We found this agency online and chose them after the good reviews than contact them via Telegram and asked for details and price. Compared to what we found their price was fair and offered the same things as most of the others. The tour starts at Marina Caleta and you can either arrive there on your own, as we did or there is a meeting point in the main city and they transfer you to the departure point. Our boat only had 8 passengers and 2 crew members so was not crowded at all. The trip till the first stop is about 45 min and after you visit 2 reefs along wit the guide. First reef is nice you can see fishes buy se on looked bit empty. This will take about 30 minutes after hop on the boat again and in about 5 minutes arrive to Cielo, where you can see starfish and stingray. The stop is for about 20'. Last stop is at Cielito a lagoon with shallow water where we eat fish ceviche and drank bear in the water along with the stingrays that might pass by. This final stop is for about 40' for you to enjoy and catch a breath. All the experience was good and our crew was amazing, boat name was Amazing I, sorry I don't remember their names. Thank you for everything!
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Posted On : 2021-12-26

Posted By : Tvlrjohn12
We took this tour as we arrived fom the Palya del carmen and had no previous reservation. A girl offered us this tour on a special deal so we decided to go. Once we arrived to boat location their boat was just a large fishing boat that fit over 24 people. We took the chance as we really wanted to see cozumel reefs and had pay already for the 3 of us. This was way too risky as there was no social distancing, no saftey measures taken and the boat was really crowded. we took this tour a few weeks ago but i thought this should be brought up in case someone wants to book this activity with pink tours. i would recommend to book somewhere else as this is a Covid capsule.
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Posted On : 2021-11-19

Posted By : Lance_K
Pink Tours is a small company that puts Customer Service first. Marisol got everyone together at the ferry dock in town and into transportation headed to the boat. Captain Mario gave us a smooth ride and his wife Jolly kept us hydrated with water and later served her tasty Ceviche along with chips and beer. Bayo was the Guide and was aided by a pair of young wranglers, Roman and his cousin. Enrique was available to take photographs and kept us entertained with his stories and dancing. One thing to be aware of for snorkeling in Cozumel is, in an effort to prevent damage to the coral formations, the Marine Park where the sites we visited are located require the use of flotation belts and restrict the use of fins. Apparently too many tourists have carelessly swum down to the reefs and kicked or fanned the delicate coral with their fins. You shouldn't let this deter you from snorkeling with Pink Tours as all tour companies must abide by these rules. Also, at two of the sites fins were unnecessary since the group just drifted with the current and the boat was there to pick us up when it was time to move on. The third spot was a sand bar where the water was only 3-5 feet deep and no vests were required. We saw a couple of big sting rays there. Another thing to be aware of if you arrive in Cozumel via a cruise ship--the cruise dock is about 3.5 miles from the Ferry dock where the tour originates and a cab will take about 15 minutes & $8.
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Posted On : 2021-07-24

Posted By : DrAGAB19
Excellent experience. From beginning to end it was just perfect. Brand new snorkel tube for every participant, very eco friendly. Staff was fantastic, Jesus was a great guide, captain played great music, the ride ,tour and snacks all perfect. Highly recommend.
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Posted On : 2021-06-10

Posted By : catherineja2021
We loved the tour! The captain and the guide were so friendly and the price is very accessible for what they include, everyone was very happy. I'd recommend this tour to everyone! Thanks so much :) Nos encantó el tour! EL Capitan y el guía son muy amigables, el precio muy accesible para lo que incluyen y todos muy contentos. Se lo recomendaría a todos! Muchas gracias :)
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Posted On : 2021-06-07

Posted By : Alansdlt
My wife and I had the best experience ever , the staff (Jose, Jesús & Pablo) very professional. The spot we used for snorkeling was so perfect , water was crystal clear no kidding !! We saw lots of fish, sea turtle even mantas!! I totally recommend Pink Tours, I’m definitely taking another trip with them .
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Posted On : 2021-06-03

Posted By : Ijsselstein22
De tour zou naar Palancar en Colombia gaan, daar kwamen wij ook voor. Deze riffen bleken in augustus en september gesloten te zijn om de natuur rust te geven. Begrijpelijk, maar werd niet verteld. De riffen die we wel zagen waren grauw. Wel mooie vissen. Daarna snel de boot uit, een blik geworpen op de grote zeesterren en door naar de Kermis op het water met drank en eten. Vreselijk!!!! De tour duurde een uur korter, omdat er vanuit het centrum geen taxi beschikbaar was om ons naar de boot te brengen. De dame van Pink tours deed ook niet haar best, was druk met appen en eten en eetwagentjes aanhouden voor nog meer eten. We hebben als toerist zelf een taxi aangehouden. We waren toen 3 kwartier verder. Niet doen deze tour. Dat is jammer voor de bemanning van de boot, want die waren echt goed en enorm vriendelijke en hielden de veiligheid goed in de gaten. Voor hen complimenten!
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Posted On : 2022-08-14