In short
- El Cielo is 3 to 5 feet deep and famous for cushion sea stars.
- El Cielito is waist-to-ankle deep and used for wading and drinks.
- Both locations are accessible only by boat within the marine park.
In this article
When you book a boat tour to this protected area in Cozumel, your itinerary will usually include stops at both sandbars. Understanding the difference helps you know what to expect at each location.
What is the main difference between El Cielo and El Cielito?
El Cielo is known for viewing starfish in deeper water, while El Cielito is shallower and meant for standing and relaxing.
At El Cielo, the water depth ranges from 3 to 5 feet. Here, you float horizontally to view the cushion sea stars. At El Cielito, the water is only waist-to-ankle deep. Boats anchor here so visitors can stand, wade safely, and enjoy refreshments provided by the tour.
Can you see starfish at El Cielito?
The main starfish population is located at El Cielo, not El Cielito.
El Cielo translates to "The Heaven," named for the dozens of starfish resting on the ocean floor. When your boat stops at El Cielo, you will snorkel above the Starfish Sanctuary. You are not allowed to stand near them. El Cielito is characterized by Stingray Flats, where Southern stingrays glide through the shallows.
Which sandbar is better for non-swimmers?
El Cielito is the best spot for non-swimmers and young children.
Because the water at El Cielito is often ankle-to-waist deep, you do not need to swim. Visitors can simply stand in the warm water. At El Cielo, non-swimmers can wear safety vests, but they must float horizontally and avoid touching the sea floor to protect the starfish.
Do you need a boat to visit both spots?
Yes, there is no road or land access to either El Cielo or El Cielito.
Both sandbars are located off the southwestern tip of Cozumel inside the Arrecifes de Cozumel National Park. A boat ride takes approximately 30 to 45 minutes from San Miguel de Cozumel. You must book an excursion or charter to reach these areas. Getting to El Cielo
Are there different rules for each sandbar?
Yes, El Cielo has strict rules regarding the starfish, while El Cielito requires care around stingrays.
At El Cielo, you cannot touch, pick up, or move the starfish. Lifting a starfish out of the water causes it to suffocate. At El Cielito, guides recommend doing the "stingray shuffle." This means sliding your feet along the sand rather than stepping, which prevents you from startling resting stingrays.
How much time do tours spend at each location?
Tours generally spend about 30 minutes at El Cielo and 30 to 45 minutes at El Cielito.
Most excursions operate as a four-hour trip. After snorkeling at deeper nearby coral reefs, boats stop at El Cielo for starfish viewing. Finally, they move to El Cielito to serve snacks and drinks before heading back to the marina.
Questions travellers ask
Can you wear sunscreen at El Cielito?
No. Most operators ask you to skip sunscreen of any kind in the water, including reef-safe formulas. You should wear a long-sleeved UV rash guard for sun protection.
Do both areas require the marine park fee?
Yes. Both sandbars are inside the protected Arrecifes de Cozumel National Park. The mandatory federal marine park conservation fee is about 200–225 MXN (about $10) (approx. $13 USD) per person, per day.
Is El Cielo or El Cielito ever closed?
Yes. The marine park occasionally implements 2-month rolling closures for reef recovery. These closures affect the entire area and typically occur in the late summer or fall.
