3 Islands Snorkel on boat, Isla Blanca, Contoy, Mujeres

A Day on the Water: Snorkeling and Exploring Mexico’s Cancun Islands

Imagine cruising over turquoise waters to visit three distinct islands—each with its own charm—aboard a private boat for about six hours. This 3 Islands Snorkel tour takes you from the lively shores of Isla Mujeres to the pristine, protected Isla Contoy, and finally to the white sands of Isla Blanca. With a cost of $650 per group (up to 6 people), it’s a flexible, intimate experience that’s perfect for those looking to escape the crowds and enjoy a customized day on the water.

What I love about this trip is how it balances snorkeling with scenic sightseeing. The stops at Isla Muejres, with its famous Playa Norte, give you a taste of local vibrancy, while Isla Contoy offers a more peaceful, natural environment full of interesting marine life. Plus, the relaxing break at Isla Blanca lets you unwind on quiet beaches or bird-watch in a tranquil setting. And, of course, all the while, you’re floating above an incredible array of fish, rays, turtles, and coral.

One thing to keep in mind is that this is a private tour, which means no large groups, more personalized attention, and a flexible pace. However, it’s also worth noting that hotel pickup and drop-off are not included, so you’ll need to arrange your transportation to the marina.

This tour suits travelers who love snorkeling and marine life, want a customized experience, and appreciate authentic, less commercialized spots. If you’re after a relaxing, scenic day with plenty of opportunities to see wildlife and explore beautiful beaches, this tour offers excellent value and memorable moments.

Key Points

• Personalized Experience: A private tour with only your group ensures flexibility and attentive service.
• Diverse Stops: Visit Isla Mujeres, Isla Contoy, and Isla Blanca for a mix of lively beaches, untouched nature, and relaxing sands.
• Rich Marine Life: Expect to see turtles, rays, nurse sharks, and over 234 species of fish while snorkeling.
• Beautiful Settings: From Playa Norte’s vibrant atmosphere to Isla Blanca’s white beaches, each location is worth the visit.
• Included Beverages and Snacks: Stay refreshed with bottled water, drinks, sandwiches, and snacks included in the price.
• No Hotel Transport: You’ll need to arrange your own transfer to the meeting point at Marina Hacienda del Mar.

Exploring the Tour in Detail

Meeting Point and Duration

The adventure begins at Marina Hacienda del Mar in Cancun, a location that’s accessible by public transportation or taxi. The tour lasts approximately 6 hours, with specific times allocated for each stop. Since it’s a private experience, the schedule can be slightly flexible, but you should plan for about four hours exploring Isla Mujeres, three hours snorkeling near Isla Contoy, and an hour at Isla Blanca.

Stop 1: Isla Mujeres

The first stop is the bustling Playa Norte of Isla Mujeres, renowned for its soft sands and clear waters. This is the perfect spot to soak in the sunshine, take in the lively beach scene, or snap pictures of colorful boats and coral-hued sunsets. There’s no entrance fee, but the lively atmosphere and scenic views make it a highlight.

After a good hour here, the boat navigates around El Meco Reef, a popular snorkeling spot. You’ll get a chance to see a vibrant underwater world, teeming with fish and coral formations.

Stop 2: Playa Norte (Optional Second Visit)

The tour includes a brief 30-minute return to Playa Norte, providing a chance to relax, swim, or grab a quick snack. Some travelers find this a good opportunity to enjoy the scenery or do some light snorkeling if they wish.

Stop 3: Isla Contoy

The real highlight of the trip is the visit to Isla Contoy National Park, a protected area famous for its abundant marine life and birdwatching. Snorkeling here is the main activity, with the waters just south of Contoy full of fish, rays, nurse sharks, and turtles—all visible with the right equipment and patience.

The area is nutrient-rich, fostering the food chain that supports over 234 fish species. Many travelers praise the chance to swim alongside rays and turtles, a memory that sticks with you long after the trip ends.

Stop 4: Isla Blanca

The final stop is at Isla Blanca, a quieter stretch of white sand beaches. Here, you can relax, soak up the sun, or do some bird watching. It’s a peaceful end to a busy day, perfect for unwinding after snorkeling excursions.

Food, Drinks, and Additional Amenities

Throughout the day, you’ll be supplied with bottled water, beverages, sandwiches, and snacks. This helps you stay energized and hydrated, especially in the hot Mexican sun. The tour’s focus on comfort and refreshment adds considerable value, considering the remote locations visited.

What Past Travelers Say

One reviewer raved, “I cannot recommend this company highly enough. It was beyond amazing! Eduardo and his team were fantastic.” Such glowing feedback highlights the quality of the crew and the personalized touch that makes this tour stand out. The small-group atmosphere, coupled with knowledgeable guides, helps ensure a memorable experience.

Analyzing the Value

At $650 for your entire group, the tour offers excellent value considering all the included beverages, snacks, and the exclusive nature of a private boat. Comparable tours that visit similar spots often cost more per person and lack the flexibility and intimacy a private tour provides.

The fact that the tour focuses on authentic and less crowded spots makes it especially appealing for travelers seeking a genuine experience rather than tourist-heavy attractions. It’s also ideal for those who want a tailored day out, with the ability to prioritize snorkeling, relaxing, or sightseeing.

Considerations

The main limitation is that hotel pickup and drop-off are not included, so you’ll need to arrange your transportation to the marina. Also, since the tour relies heavily on weather conditions, poor weather might lead to cancellations or rescheduling, with options for a full refund or alternative date.

Who Will Love This Tour?

This experience suits adventurous travelers, marine life enthusiasts, and those craving a peaceful, personalized day on the water. If you enjoy snorkeling and bird watching, appreciate beautiful beaches, and prefer small groups over large tour buses, you’ll find this trip well worth the cost. It’s especially suited for travelers who want to avoid crowded tourist spots and prefer a more authentic, natural experience.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is hotel pickup included?
No, the tour does not include hotel pickup or drop-off. You need to arrange your own transportation to the meeting point at Marina Hacienda del Mar.

How long is the tour?
The total experience lasts about 6 hours, including stops at Isla Mujeres, Isla Contoy, and Isla Blanca, with specific time allocations for each.

What is included in the price?
Beverages, bottled water, snacks, and sandwiches are included, which helps keep you energized during the day.

Is snorkeling equipment provided?
While the tour description doesn’t specify, snorkeling is a key activity at the stops, so it’s likely that gear is available or you can bring your own.

Can I customize the itinerary?
Since it’s a private tour, you have some flexibility in scheduling and focus areas, but the main stops are fixed based on the tour design.

What should I bring?
Bring sunscreen, a hat, sunglasses, a towel, waterproof camera, and any personal items. Remember, hotel transportation is not included.

Is this tour suitable for children or non-swimmers?
Most travelers can participate, but always check if your group includes non-swimmers or young children and consider safety precautions.

What happens if the weather is bad?
The tour requires good weather. If canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund.

How many people are in each booking?
A maximum of 6 people per group ensures a private, personalized experience.

Final Thoughts

This 3 Islands Snorkel tour offers a fantastic mix of scenic beauty, marine adventure, and relaxation, all in a private setting. It’s an excellent choice for those who want to steer clear of large crowds and dive into authentic snorkeling spots, with the added bonus of enjoying the company of a small, attentive crew.

Whether you’re looking for a family outing, a romantic escape, or a small-group adventure, this tour delivers value, comfort, and memorable encounters with Mexico’s vibrant marine life. The combination of beautiful beaches, colorful reefs, and peaceful islands makes it a smart pick for travelers eager to explore beyond the typical tourist trails.

In short, if you’re after a personalized day on the water, with snorkeling highlights and scenic stops, this tour is a genuine treasure—especially if you’re ready to make the most of Cancun’s stunning coastal waters.