Cancun: Boat trip with transparent bottom and drinks

If you’re eager to see Cancun from a fresh perspective, this Boat trip with transparent bottom and drinks offers a memorable 1.5-hour adventure in the Quintana Roo waters. For $52 per person, you get to glide over the Nichupé Lagoon, renowned for its natural beauty, and then venture out into the Caribbean Sea with stunning reef views. Guided by knowledgeable locals like Trekzy, this tour packs in scenic vistas, marine life, and a splash of refreshment—all in a small-group setting limited to just 10 participants.

What we love about this experience is how the totally transparent boat allows you to see marine life beneath your feet without the need for snorkels or diving gear. This unique vantage point makes it easier to appreciate the reef systems and aquatic flora and fauna. Plus, the friendly guides help make the experience engaging, informative, and safe. One small but notable downside is the dock fee of 100 MXN per person, which is not included in the ticket price and can be a surprise if you’re not prepared.

This tour is perfect for travelers who enjoy nature, watersports, and authentic experiences but prefer a relaxed, sightseeing approach without strenuous activities. If you love the idea of viewing marine ecosystems from the comfort of a glass-bottom boat while sipping refreshing drinks, then this is likely to be a highlight of your trip.

Key Points

• Unique Experience: The only boat of its kind in the world with total transparency, offering unobstructed views of marine life.
• Natural Reserve: Explores the Nichupé Lagoon, a large and vibrant natural area teeming with flora and fauna.
• Marine Views: Out to the Caribbean Sea, enjoy proximity to colorful reefs and local marine species.
• Included Drinks: Two drinks are included, with options for water or beer, making the ride more relaxing.
• Small Group: Limited to 10 participants, ensuring a more personalized and intimate experience.
• Practical Info: Costs include the boat ride and drinks, but not the dock fee or transportation to the departure point.

You can check availability for your dates here:

An In-Depth Review of the Cancun Transparent Boat Trip

Starting Point and Logistics

Your adventure begins at Envatours Cancún, a convenient location where you’ll meet your guide and fellow travelers. The small group size—capped at 10—means you’ll receive a more attentive experience, ideal for those who prefer a more intimate outing. The tour lasts 1.5 hours, which is perfect for travelers with limited time or those wanting a quick yet memorable excursion.

Since round-trip transportation isn’t included, you’ll need to make your own arrangements to get to the start point. Whether you’re staying near the Hotel Zone or downtown, plan for a short taxi or shuttle ride. The timing is flexible, with options available in the morning and afternoon, so you can fit this trip into your schedule easily.

The Nichupé Lagoon Experience

As we set out on the totally transparent boat, it’s immediately clear why this tour gets high marks. The Nichupé Lagoon is a vast natural reserve, covering over three thousand hectares. It’s a peaceful, lush setting filled with mangroves and birdlife, and it’s a wonderful way to see Cancun’s natural beauty away from the busy beaches.

During the cruise, you can expect to sightsee, view marine life, and enjoy scenic views. The highlight here is the unobstructed view beneath the water—the clarity of the lagoon waters makes it a joy to spot fish, reefs, and perhaps even some small sharks. You might find this part of the tour particularly relaxing, as the boat glides smoothly over calm waters with commentary from your guide like “we’re now entering the natural reserve of Nichupé Lagoon.”

Transition to the Caribbean Sea

After exploring the lagoon, the boat heads out into the Caribbean Sea. Here, the scenery shifts to open water, presenting breathtaking coastline views and closer encounters with vibrant reefs. As you approach these reef systems, the boat’s transparency allows you to observe marine life without diving in, making this experience accessible even for non-swimmers or those who prefer to stay dry.

The marine fauna—colorful fish, coral formations, and perhaps some rays—can be seen clearly beneath your feet. The experience is both calming and exhilarating, especially given the panoramic views of the coastline and marine ecosystems. The guides often point out interesting features, adding context that enhances appreciation for the environment.

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Drinks and Refreshments

Included are two drinks per person—favoring water or beer—helping to cool you down during the ride. This small extra adds to the relaxed vibe, making the experience feel more like a leisurely cruise rather than a structured tour. It’s a good way to toast the beauty around you or simply stay hydrated under the sun.

Authenticity and Authentic Experiences

What sets this tour apart is how it combines authentic natural beauty with innovative technology. The fact that it’s the first transparent boat in the world makes it a noteworthy highlight for those seeking something different. It’s also evident that the guides are friendly and knowledgeable, which enhances the overall enjoyment.

Practical Tips and Considerations

While the tour offers fantastic views and a relaxed pace, remember to bring essentials: comfortable shoes, a hat, sunscreen, swimwear if you wish, and cash for the dock fee. The dock fee of 100 MXN per person is a small extra that can catch some travelers off guard, so budget accordingly.

Note that wheelchair users are not suited for this activity, given the boat’s design and accessibility considerations. Also, if you’re planning to take photos, be aware that photos are reportedly expensive, so if capturing memories is important, consider bringing your camera or phone cautiously.

Authentic Reviews

One traveler from the US called it a “lot of fun,” highlighting the friendly staff and stunning views. They particularly appreciated the experience as a first-time visitor to Cancun, noting how much they enjoyed the transparent bottom boat. The only slight downside mentioned was the price of photos, which suggests that you might want to focus on the experience rather than souvenirs.

Final Thoughts: Who Should Consider This Tour?

This transparent boat trip is an excellent choice for families, couples, or solo travelers seeking a gentle, scenic introduction to Cancun’s aquatic environment. It’s particularly suited for those who want easy access to marine views without the need for snorkeling or diving, and who enjoy relaxed, guided tours with a small group.

Adventure seekers looking for high adrenaline or extensive marine exploration might find this too laid-back, but if your goal is to enjoy stunning scenery, light-hearted fun, and a touch of innovation, this could easily rank as a highlight of your Cancun visit.

FAQs: Practical Questions at a Glance

Is transportation to the tour location included?
No, you need to arrange your own transportation to Envatours Cancún. It’s best to plan for a short taxi or shuttle.

What is the duration of the tour?
The tour lasts approximately 1.5 hours, making it a perfect quick getaway or a break between other activities.

Can I bring my own drinks?
No, drinks are included in the price—two per person, with options for water or beer.

Is the boat suitable for children?
While the tour is family-friendly, it’s not suitable for wheelchair users and involves being on a boat for over an hour.

What should I bring?
Bring comfortable shoes, a hat, sunscreen, swimwear, cash (for the dock fee), and weather-appropriate clothing.

Are photos expensive?
Yes, reviews mention that photos are costly, so bring your own camera if you want keepsakes.

Do I need to worry about seasickness?
The waters are generally calm in lagoon and nearshore areas, but if you’re prone to seasickness, consider taking precautions.

Is there a minimum or maximum group size?
The tour is limited to 10 participants, ensuring a more personalized experience.

What languages are guides available in?
Guides speak English and Spanish, making communication straightforward for most visitors.

The Sum Up: Who Will Love This Tour?

This transparent boat experience offers a blend of scenic beauty, marine adventure, and relaxed fun—perfect for those who want a low-stress way to connect with Cancun’s natural environment. It’s especially appealing for first-time visitors wanting to see marine life without getting wet or complicated gear requirements. The small group setting ensures personalized attention, making it a good choice for travelers who prefer intimate tours over large-group excursions.

If you’re someone who appreciates stunning views, friendly guides, and innovative experiences, this tour hits the sweet spot. It’s a value-packed, memorable way to explore part of Cancun’s wilderness with ease and style. Just remember to factor in the dock fee and plan your transportation accordingly—then relax and enjoy the view from beneath the water’s surface.

You can check availability for your dates here: