Cancún: Catamaran Tour to Isla Mujeres with Open Bar & Lunch

Cancún: Catamaran Tour to Isla Mujeres with Open Bar & Lunch
Location: Quintana Roo, Mexico
Price: $103 per person
Duration: 7 hours
Rating: 3.8/5 (based on 4 reviews)

Starting with the Basics: A Day on the Caribbean Waters

This tour is set in the heart of the Mexican Caribbean, departing from Marina Sailaway in Cancun’s hotel zone. It combines a catamaran ride, a snorkeling adventure at El Meco Reef, free time in Isla Mujeres — a charming island with colorful streets and relaxed beaches — and a luxury beach club lunch. Priced at $103 per person, it’s a package designed for those craving a mix of adventure, relaxation, and stunning ocean views in a single day.

What we really like about this tour is the steady flow of activities — you’re not just on a boat all day, nor are you stuck in one spot. Plus, the open bar and buffet lunch at a beach club offer good value, especially considering the scenic setting. On the flip side, the mandatory reef fee of $45 USD can catch some off guard, and the overall crowding reported in reviews suggests this isn’t for those seeking a quiet, intimate experience.

This tour suits families, couples, and groups of friends who are happy to share a lively, well-rounded day. If you enjoy social atmospheres with plenty of sights and activities in a relatively short time, you’ll find this tour a fun, convenient option.

Key Points

• Balanced itinerary with snorkeling, beach time, and sightseeing
• Includes everything needed — snorkel gear, buffet lunch, drinks, and transportation
• Crowded boat and beach club may affect comfort levels
• Mandatory reef fee adds to the cost but supports conservation efforts
• Suitable for active travelers, not recommended for non-swimmers or those prone to seasickness
• Good value for a full day of Caribbean fun with all logistics handled

You can check availability for your dates here:

A Close Look at What to Expect

The Catamaran Ride: Setting Sail from Cancun

Starting at Marina Sailaway, you’ll hop aboard a spacious and comfortable catamaran, designed for lively socializing but also offering plenty of space to relax. Expect a smooth sail across the sparkling waters of the Caribbean, with onboard music, drinks, and a friendly crew eager to make your trip enjoyable.

From the reviews, we know that the boat ride is often described as smooth and enjoyable, although some say the boat can feel crowded with 50-70 people, which matters if you’re craving a more intimate setting. The vantage points from the boat are fantastic — you’ll see the coast of Cancun fade behind you as you head toward Isla Mujeres.

Snorkeling at El Meco Reef

Next, you’ll stop at El Meco Reef, a highlight for underwater lovers. The reef boasts crystal-clear waters and a diverse array of marine life. You’ll also spot artificial underwater statues that are part of the Underwater Museum of Art (MUSA), adding a unique visual element to your underwater experience.

The snorkeling session lasts about an hour — enough time to get a good look at the vibrant fish and coral without feeling rushed. A key point: snorkeling isn’t permitted for guests over 60, so if you’re older or have mobility concerns, you might skip this part but still enjoy the boat ride and island exploration.

Isla Mujeres: Free Time and Strolling

After snorkeling, you’ll have approximately 1.5 hours of free time on Isla Mujeres. This is your chance to wander the colorful streets, browse local shops, or relax on the famous Playa Norte.

Some reviews mention overcrowding at the beach club and the island, which can diminish the sense of serenity. Still, the vibrant atmosphere and charming town square make for a delightful stroll. If you’re into photography or people-watching, this is a perfect spot.

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Lunch at Amazona Beach Club

The tour includes a buffet lunch at a luxe beach club. Expect a tropical setting with lounge chairs, shaded areas, and easy beach access. The food quality seems to vary — some find it delicious, others say it’s average — but overall it’s enough to satisfy a hungry traveler after a morning of activity.

The buffet-style meal offers a chance to relax, chat with fellow travelers, and enjoy the scenic ocean views. Some reviews highlight the drinks refill service as a plus, though the “shitty” drinks comment reminds us to temper expectations on beverage quality.

The Return Sails and Final Views

As you sail back to Cancun, you’ll enjoy the sunset views, music, and drinks, making for a lively, relaxing conclusion to your day. The roughly 1.5-hour return trip gives you plenty of time to unwind and reflect on the day’s sights.

Additional Details That Matter

Practical Tips and Considerations

• Mandatory reef fee of $45 USD is payable at check-in — a standard conservation fee, but it adds to your overall cost.
• Snorkeling gear is included, but you might want to bring your own mask and fins if you prefer.
• Meeting point is at Marina Sailaway, located at Km 3.5 in Cancun’s hotel zone; arrive 45 minutes early to check in.
• What to bring: swimsuits, towels, biodegradable sunscreen, comfortable clothes, and cash for tips or extras.
• Not allowed: Pets, smoking, or glass objects on board or in the beach club for safety and cleanliness reasons.
• Age restrictions: Snorkeling not permitted for guests over 60 years old — a safety precaution.

Group Size and Atmosphere

While advertised as a small group, reviews indicate the boat can feel crowded, especially with up to 70 passengers. This might impact your comfort if you’re seeking a quieter, more intimate experience.

Food and Drinks

The buffet lunch is included, but reviews note variations in quality. The open bar is a definite highlight, especially if you enjoy casual drinks during the sail. However, some travelers found the drinks quality lacking, so temper expectations accordingly.

Authentic Perspectives from Travelers

One review called the tour “good” but criticized the drinks, citing a “shitty” experience — a reminder to perhaps bring your own preferred beverage if you’re particular. Another review praised the smooth boat ride and the refilled drinks, yet others found the beach club over-crowded with dirty lounge chairs and poorly maintained showers.

A traveler who enjoyed the trip described it as “so much fun,” highlighting the lively atmosphere and scenic views, which suggests that if you’re looking for a social, lively day on the water, this might be just right.

Who Should Consider This Tour?

This adventure is best suited for active travelers who enjoy being on the water, meeting new people, and seeing multiple sights in a single day. It’s not ideal for non-swimmers, pregnant women, or those prone to seasickness, given the physical activity and boat ride.

If you’re seeking a relaxed, intimate experience, or prefer quiet beaches, you might find this tour a bit crowded or noisy. However, if you love scenic boat rides, snorkeling, and exploring lively island streets, this tour does deliver on all fronts.

The Sum Up: Is It Worth It?

This Cancún to Isla Mujeres catamaran tour offers a full day of Caribbean adventure in a friendly, lively atmosphere. The snorkeling at El Meco Reef adds a unique underwater dimension, especially with the artistic statues that are part of MUSA. The beach club lunch provides a relaxing break, and the scenic sail back at sunset wraps up the day beautifully.

While the crowd levels and variable food quality might be downsides, the tour’s inclusions — transportation, snorkeling gear, lunch, drinks — make it a cost-effective way to experience Isla Mujeres without the hassle of multiple bookings. For families, groups of friends, or couples looking for a vivid, activity-packed day, this tour offers a lively taste of the region’s natural beauty and cultural charm.

However, if you favor peace and quiet or have mobility issues, you might want to explore quieter, more personalized options. This tour balances fun and value, making it a solid choice for those ready to enjoy a memorable Caribbean outing.

FAQ

Is snorkeling equipment included? Yes, snorkeling gear is provided as part of the tour.

How long is the snorkeling session? About an hour, giving you enough time to see the underwater statues and marine life.

Can I participate if I don’t snorkel? Absolutely, you can still enjoy the boat ride, explore Isla Mujeres, and relax at the beach club.

What is the total duration of the tour? Approximately 7 hours, from departure in the morning to return in the late afternoon.

Is there a dress code? Wear swimwear and comfortable clothes suitable for the beach and boat. Bring a towel and biodegradable sunscreen.

Are children allowed? Yes, but snorkeling is not permitted for guests over 60 for safety reasons.

What should I bring? Cash, sun protection, swimwear, towel, and comfortable clothes.

Are drinks included? Yes, there’s an open bar on board, although some reviews note the drinks’ quality varies.

What is the meeting point? At Marina Sailaway in Cancun’s hotel zone, arriving at least 45 minutes early.

Is the tour suitable for people prone to seasickness? It might be challenging; if you are prone, consider taking precautions as the boat can be lively, though the ride is generally described as smooth.

In summary, this tour offers a lively, scenic, and activity-rich day in the Caribbean for those eager to combine adventure with relaxation. The balance of snorkeling, sightseeing, and beach time makes it a popular choice, especially for travelers who want everything handled with good energy. Just remember the crowd factors and be prepared for a lively, social atmosphere—your Caribbean adventure will be all the more memorable for it.

You can check availability for your dates here: