Last month, I found myself basking in the sun-soaked paradise of Riviera Maya, Mexico, a stretch of coastline renowned for its white-sand beaches and vibrant culture. My base was Playa del Carmen, a lively hub with a bohemian charm.
However, along the shore, the Rivera Maya had an unwelcome guest: heaps of smelly sargassum. The seaweed had piled up along the beaches, dimming the allure of those turquoise waters, and white sandy beaches I had dreaming of.
Determined not to let this dampen my vacation, I did some research and set my sights on an escape to Cozumel, an island just a short ferry ride away, known for its pristine waters and vibrant coral reefs. And fortunately not swamped with sargassum on the west-facing coastline or beaches.
Cozumel’s West Coastline and Ocean is still largely free of sargassum
What followed was a splendid day enjoying the Caribbean waters I had dreamed of.
We booked a trip aboard the luxury yacht Amanecer for our group, and spent truly memorable hours snorkeling in crystal-clear seas and lounging on the sandbank of El Cielo—a truly unforgettable adventure.
The morning began with an early start in Playa del Carmen. The ferry terminal was bustling, but the 35-minute ride to Cozumel was a breeze, with the sea breeze and anticipation keeping my spirits high.
Make a day trip to the beautiful turquoise waters of Cozumel
Cozumel, a diver’s paradise, promised waters free of the sargassum plaguing the mainland. I’d read online that the island’s reefs, part of the Mesoamerican Barrier Reef System, were largely unaffected by the seaweed issue, thanks to ocean currents and diligent local efforts.
My research paid off—when I stepped onto Cozumel’s shore, the beaches were pristine, and the water sparkled with an almost surreal clarity.
I’d booked a snorkeling tour by finding a trip on the Amanecer, a sleek luxury yacht that promised both adventure and comfort. We wanted to make our experience in Cozumel special and thought that a luxury charter would make up for the lack of ocean fun we could have in Playa.
As we boarded, we were greeted by a friendly crew, who got us settled in, gave us a tour, and explained how the ‘head’ worked. The yacht itself was a stunner—plenty of comfortable, cushioned seating, and an open bar stocked with refreshing drinks, and indoor AC. We set sail under a cloudless sky, the Amanecer gliding smoothly toward Cozumel’s famed reefs.
Exploring the reefs of Cozumel and the snorkeling experience of a lifetime!
Our first stop was Palancar Reef, a jewel of the Caribbean. The crew provided top-notch snorkeling gear and a brief on safety, then we plunged into the water. I was immediately struck by the clarity—visibility stretched for what felt like miles. Schools of electric-blue tangs darted through the coral, while parrotfish nibbled at the vibrant formations below.
The reef was a living kaleidoscope, with colors so vivid I felt like I was swimming through a painting. Unlike the murky, seaweed-strewn waters I’d seen on the mainland, this was the Caribbean of my dreams. A fellow snorkeler later shared on a travel forum that they, too, found Cozumel’s waters free of sargassum on a similar trip.
No place like ‘Heaven’: El Cielo tour on a luxury charter boat in Cozumel
After Palancar, we sailed to another iconic spot: El Cielo, a sandbank so breathtaking it’s named “Heaven.” As we approached, I understood why. The shallow, turquoise waters revealed a powdery white sandbar dotted with starfish.
The Amanecer anchored, and we waded into the waist-deep water, the sand soft as silk beneath my feet. The crew set up a shaded area with refreshments—fresh ceviche, tropical fruit, and chilled margaritas—turning the sandbank into a private oasis.
I floated on my back, staring at the sky, feeling utterly at peace. This was the relaxation I’d craved, a stark contrast to the crowded, sargassum-littered beaches of Playa del Carmen.
Litos, the Captain, shared stories about El Cielo’s unique ecosystem, emphasizing how Cozumel’s waters remain a haven for marine life. He pointed out stingrays gliding nearby, their movements graceful in the clear water.
Luxury private charter boat tour to have the best on-water experience in Cozumel.
Doing a private charter for our group—made the experience feel exclusive, and we were looked after throughout the whole experience. I learned from a travel review that El Cielo is a must-visit for its serene beauty, with visitors raving about its untouched quality.
As the sun began to dip, we sailed back to Cozumel’s north marina, sipping drinks and swapping stories. The Amanecer’s crew ensured every detail was perfect, from the music playing softly to the attentive service.
The return ferry to Playa del Carmen felt like a reluctant goodbye to paradise, but I carried with me memories of vibrant reefs and the tranquil sandbank. The entire excursion, costing around $150 per person for the adventure, felt like a steal for the experience.
This trip to Cozumel was more than an escape from Riviera Maya’s sargassum-infested shores—it was a journey into the heart of the Caribbean’s beauty. The Amanecer delivered luxury and adventure in equal measure, and El Cielo offered a slice of heaven on earth.
If you’re staying in Playa del Carmen and craving clear waters and vibrant marine life, this snorkeling excursion is an absolute must. It’s a day that will linger in your memory long after the sand is washed from your feet.
Sam. H
