Cancun: Isla Mujeres Catamaran + Coco Bongo Show

Planning a full day of fun from Cancun to Isla Mujeres? For $180 per person, you’ll get a mix of snorkeling, beach lounging, scenic sailing, and a night of dazzling entertainment at Coco Bongo. The tour lasts around 10 hours, making it a busy but rewarding way to experience some of the best sights and sounds of the Mexican Caribbean.

What we love about this tour is how it combines both daytime adventures and lively nightlife in one package. The crystal-clear waters near Playa Norte are a highlight, offering both scenic views and great swimming. Plus, the open bar on the catamaran adds a relaxed, festive atmosphere that feels truly special. On the flip side, a potential snag is that some travelers have experienced communication issues beforehand, which can lead to some last-minute stress.

This tour suits those looking for a balanced day—a bit of active snorkeling and sightseeing, topped with a fun night out. It’s especially good if you want to combine a relaxed island vibe with the excitement of a popular nightclub show. If you’re okay with a packed schedule and some extra costs (like dock fees and optional extras), this trip offers decent value for the variety it packs in.

Key Points

• Diverse Experiences: Combines snorkeling, beach relaxation, and nightlife for a full day of fun.
• Stunning Views: Crystal-clear waters and scenic sailing make this a visually rewarding trip.
• Authentic Island Vibe: Time to explore Isla Mujeres, walk through its colorful streets, and enjoy local shops.
• All-Inclusive Options: Open bar, buffet lunch, and entry to Coco Bongo add value and convenience.
• Some Communication Flaws: Noted issues with pre-trip info and last-minute coordination.
• Best For: Travelers who want a mix of activities, lively atmosphere, and a taste of local life.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Pick-Up & Departure

The journey kicks off with a pickup from one of three locations: Cancun, Playa del Carmen, or Costa Mujeres. The convenience of hotel pickup, especially from Cancun, is included for an extra $10 USD, making it accessible for most travelers. This approach cuts out the hassle of finding your way to the marina and lets you relax from the start.

Snorkeling at Arrecife El Meco

Once at the marina, you’ll board your sailboat, receive safety instructions, and set sail toward the El Meco reef. This snorkeling stop, lasting about 30 minutes, is one of the trip’s highlights. You’ll have access to snorkel gear, masks, and life vests—all essential for exploring the colorful underwater world.

Although some reviews mention that snorkeling might be brief (around 10 minutes for some), the vibrant fish and coral formations are worth the splash. We loved the way the tour combines sailing and snorkeling, as the boat ride itself is scenic and relaxing, offering great views of the Caribbean coastline.

Playa Norte & Isla Mujeres Town

After snorkeling, the boat heads to Playa Norte, renowned as one of the world’s most beautiful beaches. Here, you’ll have around two hours of free time to soak up the sun, swim in the clear waters, or just stroll along the soft sands.

The tour also includes a visit to the town of Isla Mujeres, where you can walk freely, explore local shops, and pick up souvenirs. This is a chance to see a more authentic side of the island, away from the tourist-heavy resorts.

Lunch & Relaxation at Zaza Beach Club

Post exploration, the group heads to the Zaza Beach Club for a buffet lunch and an open bar. The buffet offers a decent variety, and the drinks—vodka, tequila, cocktails—flow freely, adding to the leisurely Caribbean vibe.

A few reviews note that the limited dining time can be tight; you might find less than two hours to eat and relax before heading back to the boat. Still, the setting at Zaza, with its views and relaxed atmosphere, makes the most of this time.

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More Sailing & Swimming

Back on the boat, you’ll enjoy additional sailing segments, with opportunities to swim near Playa Norte again or explore different parts of the island from the water. The trip includes a total of about 2 hours of free time on the island, which is generally enough for quick shopping, sightseeing, or lounging.

Sunset & Return to Cancun

As the day winds down, you’ll sail back toward Cancun while watching a beautiful Caribbean sunset, piña colada in hand. The relaxing scenery provides a perfect end to the daytime activities.

The Night at Coco Bongo

The evening culminates with entry to Coco Bongo, one of Cancun’s most famous nightlife spots. The ticket includes five drinks, and the show promises a mix of music, acrobatics, and lively performances.

The reviews indicate that this part of the experience is very popular, especially among those wanting to combine a lively night out with their island day. Keep in mind, you’ll need to contact the provider separately for tickets, and the Coco Bongo show is not included on Fridays or Saturdays.

The Fine Points: What’s Included & What’s Not

The tour’s price of $180 covers many essentials: snorkeling gear, a buffet meal, open bar, sightseeing, and Coco Bongo entry. These inclusions create a sense of convenience, especially if you prefer a guided experience without the hassle of organizing each element separately.

However, there are some extras to watch out for. The dock fee and park fee, totaling $20 USD per person, is mandatory and paid on-site. Transportation from your hotel is available as an add-on ($9 USD from Cancun), but it’s optional.

While the open bar and buffet add value, some travelers found that some activities, like snorkeling, were surprisingly brief (as one review notes, only around 10 minutes for some). Also, additional costs for things like golf car rentals or souvenirs aren’t included.

Authentic Insights from Travelers

One traveler from the UK shared frustration about poor communication before the trip, noting they only received details late the night before, which caused stress. Another mentioned limited time for snorkeling and meals, feeling rushed at busy spots. Yet, in stark contrast, a guest from Germany raved, “It’s the best tour I’ve ever done to Isla Mujeres,” praising the beautiful sunset and Lalo’s excellent entertainment.

Such mixed reviews highlight that while many enjoy the trip’s highlights, organization and timing can sometimes fall short, so expect a busy day and clarify details beforehand when possible.

Practical Tips for Making the Most of It

• Bring biodegradable sunscreen to protect marine life and stay sun-safe.
• Wear comfortable shoes and swimwear for exploring the island and snorkeling.
• Allocate some cash for souvenirs or optional extras.
• Arrive early for check-in at the marina to avoid last-minute hassle.
• Check the Coco Bongo schedule if you want to attend the show, and plan accordingly.
• Prepare for a full day—bring a change of clothes, towel, and sun protection.

Who Is This Tour Best For?

This experience is ideal for travelers who want a full day of variety: scenic sailing, swimming in gorgeous waters, exploring Isla Mujeres, and ending with a lively nightlife. It suits those who enjoy active sightseeing combined with relaxed beach time, especially if they appreciate conveniently organized tours with food and drinks included.

However, if you’re looking for a more relaxed, less scheduled day, or if snorkeling is your main priority, you might find the brief underwater time disappointing. Also, those who want a peaceful, unhurried experience might prefer to skip the tightly packed schedule.

This tour offers a well-rounded day trip that balances adventure, relaxation, and entertainment. The scenic boat rides and crystal-clear waters are genuine highlights, giving you memorable views and chances to cool off in the Caribbean. The local town stroll offers a glimpse of authentic island life, away from the tourist resorts.

The inclusion of lunch, drinks, and Coco Bongo tickets provides good value, especially if you enjoy lively evenings and socializing. Still, some reviews suggest organization could be better—so patience and flexibility might be necessary.

In the end, this trip is best suited for adventure-loving travelers who appreciate a bit of everything and don’t mind a busy schedule. If you’re after stunning scenery, fun activities, and a lively night out, this tour ticks many boxes.

What is the duration of the tour?
The entire trip lasts about 10 hours, including travel, activities, and the evening show.

What is included in the price?
Snorkeling equipment, a buffet lunch at Zaza Beach Club, open bar on the boat, and entry to Coco Bongo with five drinks are included.

Are there any extra costs?
Yes, a $20 USD dock and park fee is mandatory. Transportation from certain locations has an additional fee. Optional extras, like souvenirs or golf carts, are not included.

Can I buy Coco Bongo tickets separately?
Yes, but you’ll need to contact the tour provider in advance. The ticket includes entry and five drinks, but no additional drinks during the show are included.

Is snorkeling time sufficient?
Most reviews say snorkeling is brief, around 10 minutes at some stops, but the underwater scenery is colorful and lively.

What should I bring?
Comfortable shoes, swimwear, a towel, biodegradable sunscreen, sunglasses, hat, cash, and a change of clothes are recommended.

Is this tour suitable for children?
No, it’s not suitable for children under 18 or people with epilepsy.

What if I want a more relaxed experience?
This tour is quite full, so if you prefer a slower pace, consider exploring Isla Mujeres on your own or choosing a less packed tour.

This combination of beautiful scenery, lively activities, and nightlife makes for an engaging day, especially if you’re eager to see the highlights of Isla Mujeres and enjoy Cancun’s energetic vibe afterward. Just come prepared for a busy, fun-filled day and remember to clarify any details in advance for a smooth experience.

You can check availability for your dates here: