A private yacht trip to El Cielo, Cozumel's famous shallow sandbar known for its starfish, starts at $15,500 MXN (about $940 USD) for a 4-hour charter aboard Island Girl (up to 7 guests). Captain, crew, fuel, snorkel gear and drinks are always included, so you only pick the boat and the date.
El Cielo sits over crystal-clear, waist-deep water on Cozumel's southwest side — an easy cruise from the marina and one of the most photogenic stops on the island.
What is El Cielo and why go by private yacht?
El Cielo ("the sky") is a shallow, turquoise sandbar where the water is so clear it mirrors the sky. It's famous for the sea stars that rest on the sandy bottom, and the calm, shallow depth makes it ideal for families and non-swimmers.
Going private means no shared boats, no fixed schedule and no crowds waiting for a turn. You anchor where the water is best, stay as long as you like within your charter, and combine El Cielo with a nearby reef snorkel stop.
- Waist-deep water — great for kids and first-time snorkelers
- Famous starfish and white-sand bottom
- Combine with a reef snorkel on the same trip
- Your own captain and crew for the day
Which boats are best for El Cielo?
El Cielo works on any of our Cozumel yachts. Smaller groups love the nimble sport boats, while larger parties spread out on the bigger yachts and the catamaran.
Here's how the fleet lines up for a 4-hour private charter:
- Island Girl — 27ft Sea Ray Sundancer, up to 7 guests, from $15,500 MXN
- Brisa — 25ft Sea Ray, up to 10 guests, from $18,000 MXN
- Good Fellas — 29ft Chaparral, up to 12 guests, from $20,000 MXN
- Xuxu — 27ft Sea Ray SDX, up to 10 guests, from $20,500 MXN
- Maravilla — 32ft, up to 15 guests, from $22,000 MXN
- Candela — 40ft Lagoon catamaran, up to 25 guests, from $44,850 MXN
How much does an El Cielo yacht trip cost?
Prices are private, all-in "from" rates for a 4-hour charter in MXN. Divide by 16.5 for an approximate USD figure.
For a couple or a small family, Island Girl at $15,500 MXN (~$940 USD) is the most affordable way to reach the sandbar. Groups of 12–15 usually pick Maravilla at $22,000 MXN or Fandango (50ft) at $28,000 MXN, while big celebrations of up to 25 people book the Candela catamaran at $44,850 MXN.
See the full fleet, compare sport yachts, or check the catamarans for larger groups.
Tips for the best El Cielo experience
A few simple choices make the day smoother, from timing to what you bring on board.
Please don't lift the starfish out of the water — admiring them where they rest keeps the sandbar healthy for the next visitors.
- Book a morning slot for the calmest, clearest water
- Bring reef-safe sunscreen and a hat — there's no shade over the sandbar
- 4 hours is plenty to enjoy El Cielo plus one reef stop
- Bigger groups: reserve early in high season (December–April)
Frequently asked questions
Quick answers to what guests ask most before booking a Cozumel sandbar charter.
- Is snorkel gear included? Yes — gear, drinks, captain, crew and fuel are always included.
- Can non-swimmers enjoy El Cielo? Absolutely; the water is shallow and calm.
- How many people fit? From 7 on Island Girl up to 25 on the Candela catamaran.
- What's the cheapest option? Island Girl from $15,500 MXN for 4 hours.
- How do I get a price? Get an instant quote at altamarcharters.com.mx with your date and group size.
