REVIEW · COZUMEL
Bavarian Fiesta Snorkel Activity in Glass Bottom Boat at San Miguel de Cozumel
Book on Viator →Operated by Bavarian Fiesta · Bookable on Viator
Starfish season hits hard in Cozumel. This 4-hour snorkel outing blends classic Caribbean reef viewing with El Cielo starfish country, plus shipwreck stops around the south side—served up from a glass-bottom boat with an on-board professional crew. Stops can shift with wind and current, so you’re building your day around what the sea is willing to give.
I love two things most. First, you get provided snorkel gear and a guided setup that keeps you moving between the best water areas for wildlife, not just floating in one spot. Second, the Bavarian Package vibe adds real value: freshmade snacks from the crew and included margaritas and Mexican beer, with German beer available for those who want it.
One consideration: the glass-bottom part is helpful, but don’t expect it to replace actually snorkeling. In practice, the viewing window area can be limited, so the real payoff is what you see under the water.
In This Review
- Key highlights you’ll care about
- Meeting Point and Getting on the Boat Without Stress
- Glass-Bottom Boat Reality Check: See It, then Snorkel It
- Two Shipwreck Stops: Cozumel’s “Look Closer” Water Time
- What to watch for
- South-Side Reef Snorkeling: More Color, Less Guesswork
- El Cielo and El Cielito on the South Side: Starfish Country
- The big practical tip
- Food, Margaritas, and the Bavarian Beer Option
- What the Crew Adds: Safety, Pace, and Friendly Names You’ll Hear
- Pace check for families
- Weather and Route Changes: Why It Can Still Be a Win
- Value for $117.09: What’s Included and What Costs Extra
- Who This Snorkel Trip Suits Best
- Should You Book the Bavarian Fiesta Snorkel by Glass Bottom Boat?
- FAQ
- How long is the Bavarian Fiesta snorkel activity?
- How much does it cost per person?
- Does the tour offer pickup?
- What places will we snorkel at?
- Is snorkeling gear included?
- What food and drinks are included?
- Is Wi-Fi included?
- What group size is the maximum?
- What is the cancellation policy?
Key highlights you’ll care about

- Small-group feel (max 16 travelers): easier conversations, less scrambling, more personal attention.
- Two shipwrecks plus reef and El Cielo: you’re covering multiple habitats in one day.
- El Cielo starfish time: this is the stop most people hope for, and it’s built around starfish viewing.
- Provided snorkel gear and on-board marine pros: you’re not guessing your way through.
- Free Wi-Fi on the boat: handy for sharing photos and staying connected between swims.
- Bavarian beers and fresh snacks: German beer is an option, while basic drinks and snacks are included.
Meeting Point and Getting on the Boat Without Stress

You meet at Fishing Reservation Central in Cozumel (Carretera San Juan, Puerto de Abrigo, 77613 Cozumel). The trip ends back at the same place, so you’re not left hunting around the island afterward.
Pickup is offered via a shuttle service, but it’s not included in the tour price. One more practical note: pickup can only be organized on Cozumel, so if you’re coming from a cruise plan on arranging your own short taxi transfer to the meeting point if you don’t have a shuttle option.
You can also read our reviews of more boat tours in Cozumel
Glass-Bottom Boat Reality Check: See It, then Snorkel It
This tour is described as a glass-bottom boat experience, and yes, there’s a glass-bottom area on board. But here’s what matters for your expectations: the glass view can be more limited than you might imagine, so plan to snorkel for the best underwater views.
The good news is the boat ride is still part of the fun. You’ll be bouncing between locations with a captain handling the route, while the crew helps you get comfortable and ready to swim when you arrive.
Two Shipwreck Stops: Cozumel’s “Look Closer” Water Time

The plan includes two ship wreck snorkeling stops. Shipwrecks on Cozumel often act like artificial reefs, so you’re typically looking for fish schools and lots of coral growth on man-made structures.
What’s smart about this tour design is that wrecks aren’t just a check-the-box moment. With the guidance on board, you’re more likely to spot wildlife because you’re being shown where to focus—rather than putting on a mask and hoping for the best.
What to watch for
The stop order can change based on wind and current conditions. That’s not a gimmick; it’s how you keep the trip safe and enjoyable, especially on the south side where conditions can vary.
South-Side Reef Snorkeling: More Color, Less Guesswork

After the wreck time, you’ll snorkel at one reef stop. Reefs tend to be better for steady coral and a wider mix of small fish, and they’re a nice counterbalance to the more structured “wreck” habitat.
This is also where provided gear and an on-board snorkel guide make a difference. When you’re not spending mental energy on timing and breathing technique, you can actually look—at corals, textures, and the little stuff fish do when they don’t know you’re watching.
El Cielo and El Cielito on the South Side: Starfish Country

The heart of the experience is El Cielo and El Cielito. This is where the famous starfish viewing comes in, and the tour is explicitly built around showing you this area, not just passing by it.
Why this stop is worth paying attention to: starfish sightings aren’t just luck. The conditions, the timing, and where you’re set up in the water all affect what you’ll see. The fact that the tour team works with local divers is the kind of detail that usually leads to smarter positioning.
The big practical tip
Because wind and current can affect the route, the exact stops you’ll hit can shift. If you’re traveling with a strict “must-see El Cielo no matter what” mindset, keep your day flexible and trust that conditions drive the plan for a safe, better-quality swim.
Food, Margaritas, and the Bavarian Beer Option

Snacks are included, and the crew makes them fresh. You’ll also get fruits plus soda/pop to keep things easy between swims.
Drinks are part of the fun here. Fresh margaritas and Mexican beer are included, while German beer is available in the Bavarian Package for guests who are age 21 or older (German beer can be added with extra charge).
I like that the tour clearly separates what’s included versus what costs extra. That reduces awkward surprises on board, especially if you’re sailing through with a group where some people want Bavarian beer and others just want a cold margarita.
What the Crew Adds: Safety, Pace, and Friendly Names You’ll Hear

The vibe here is guided and organized, not just “good luck.” You’re on a small group outing (max 16), and the on-board crew includes a professional dive master, plus snorkel support when you’re in the water.
From what I’ve seen in the feedback, certain crew members come up again and again—names like Brenda and Victor, plus snorkel guides such as Javier, and hosts like Alex. People also mention captains like Jose for keeping the day running smoothly and making the boat time fun, too.
Pace check for families
One realistic consideration: you’ll hit multiple locations in about four hours, so it can feel a bit brisk if you want long, slow swims. If you’re bringing very young kids or older swimmers who need extra time, it’s worth setting your expectations: you’re getting variety and wildlife, but not a lingering, leisurely beach day.
Weather and Route Changes: Why It Can Still Be a Win

This experience requires good weather. And because conditions on Cozumel shift, the tour team may change the stops to match wind and current and keep the swims safe and worthwhile.
That sounds like a possible downside until you understand the point: snorkeling in rough conditions usually turns into masked-lip-biting frustration. The best version of this tour is the one that adjusts to reality, not the one that follows a rigid checklist while everyone’s fighting the water.
Also, some days can run smaller than the max. On certain outings, the group can be very intimate, which makes the whole experience feel less like a cattle schedule and more like a day out with a capable crew.
Value for $117.09: What’s Included and What Costs Extra
At about $117.09 per person for roughly four hours, the value depends on what you’d otherwise pay for.
Here’s what helps justify the price:
- Multiple snorkeling locations around the south side, including two wrecks plus El Cielo/El Cielito.
- Snorkel gear included, so you’re not scrambling on arrival.
- Freshmade snacks and fruits included.
- Margaritas and Mexican beer included, which can add up fast on many tours.
- Free Wi-Fi on board, a small perk that’s genuinely useful for sharing quickly.
- Max 16 travelers, which often matters more than people expect.
What may cost extra:
- German beer can be added via the Bavarian Package at an additional charge, and it’s listed as 21+.
- Transportation to the meeting point if you’re relying on a shuttle (pickup shuttle price is not included).
If your priority is wildlife variety in a short window, plus good onboard extras, this pricing feels aligned with what you’re getting.
Who This Snorkel Trip Suits Best
I’d point you toward this tour if you want:
- A mix of shipwreck + reef + El Cielo starfish time in one outing.
- A guided snorkel setup where someone helps you find and enjoy the sea life.
- Drinks and snacks included, without making it feel like a party cruise.
- A smaller-group experience (max 16), so you’re not lost in a crowd.
It’s also a decent fit for couples and families who want one high-impact water day. If you’re traveling with people who dislike crowds and prefer friendly, human-guided attention, you’ll probably feel comfortable.
If you’re only interested in glass-bottom sightseeing without getting into the water, you might feel underwhelmed. This is still a snorkel-first experience.
Should You Book the Bavarian Fiesta Snorkel by Glass Bottom Boat?
My honest take: book it if your goal is wildlife snorkeling with starfish time, and you’re excited about the Bavarian drinks-and-snacks angle. The stop lineup around the south side, plus the on-board guidance and small-group size, is a strong mix for a four-hour trip.
Skip or carefully consider if:
- You’re expecting a huge glass-bottom panoramic underwater viewer. The glass portion may be limited, so plan to snorkel.
- You want slow, long snorkel sessions at just one location. This tour is about variety and efficient time.
- You’re very specific about receiving every single planned stop no matter what. Conditions can change the route for safety and enjoyment.
If you go in with flexible expectations and a snorkel mindset, this can be a memorable Cozumel day—especially for anyone chasing the starfish magic of El Cielo.
FAQ
How long is the Bavarian Fiesta snorkel activity?
It runs about 4 hours (approx.).
How much does it cost per person?
The price is $117.09 per person.
Does the tour offer pickup?
Pickup is offered, but you’ll work with a shuttle service. The shuttle price is not included, and pickup can only be organized on Cozumel.
What places will we snorkel at?
You’ll snorkel at two ship wrecks, one reef, and also around El Cielo and El Cielito on the south side of the island. Stops can change based on wind and current for safety and best experience.
Is snorkeling gear included?
Yes. Snorkeling equipment is included.
What food and drinks are included?
You’ll get freshmade snacks and fruits, plus soda/pop. Alcoholic drinks included are fresh margaritas and Mexican beer. German beer is available as an add-on for guests age 21 or older.
Is Wi-Fi included?
Yes. Free Wi-Fi is available so you can stay connected and share your day.
What group size is the maximum?
The experience has a maximum of 16 travelers.
What is the cancellation policy?
Free cancellation is available up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund. If you cancel less than 24 hours before the start time, you won’t get a refund.
































