Catamaran Sailing and Snorkeling to Isla Mujeres from Cancun

A relaxing day on the water to Isla Mujeres

This catamaran sailing and snorkeling tour from Cancun offers a fantastic escape to Isla Mujeres, a tranquil Caribbean island known for its white sand beaches and laid-back vibe. For $18 per person, you get roughly eight hours of fun, including a snorkel stop at a coral reef, unlimited drinks from the open bar, and a delicious buffet lunch at a beachside club. The tour starts at Marina Las Perlas around 9 a.m., with most experiences booked about 15 days in advance, which shows it’s a popular choice for travelers seeking a relaxed day out.

What we love about this tour are two key details: First, the snorkeling experience, which allows you to see a vibrant underwater world accessible only by boat. Second, the open bar on the catamaran, which makes the journey even more enjoyable—refreshing drinks are a great way to stay relaxed as you cruise along. The optional spinnaker sail adds an adventurous twist, giving you a chance to fly over the ocean for a brief adrenaline rush.

A possible consideration, however, is the dock fee—an additional $20 per person that you’ll need to budget for. Some reviews also mention a less-than-stellar bathroom onboard, so be prepared for basic facilities. This tour is best suited for travelers who want a laid-back day with plenty of opportunities to relax, snorkel, and enjoy good food and drinks. It’s particularly appealing if you’re traveling with family or friends who appreciate easy, fun activities without too much fuss.

Key Points

• Relaxed pace: An easy-going day on a comfortable catamaran with plenty of time to unwind.
• Snorkeling included: Access to a coral reef, offering a chance to see marine life up close.
• Open bar: Unlimited drinks aboard, perfect for keeping the mood lively.
• Delicious buffet lunch: Tastes better than many hotel meals and is served at a top beach club.
• Optional activities: Fly over the sea on a spinnaker sail for those seeking an extra thrill.
• Additional costs: Dock fee and conservation fee are extra, so budget accordingly.

A detailed look at the experience

Imagine stepping aboard a comfortable catamaran with a group of up to 35 travelers. You’ll start the day with a sailing cruise towards Isla Mujeres, enjoying the warm Caribbean breeze and the scenic views. The first highlight is the snorkel stop at a coral reef, where the clear waters provide excellent visibility. The guided snorkel session, led by a certified guide, means you’ll get helpful tips about marine life and the reef’s highlights. As one reviewer, Jane, noted, “The boat ride was smooth,” and she appreciated how well-organized everything was.

The optional spinnaker sail is a fun extra, giving you the chance to fly over the ocean—an experience that appeals to adventure seekers. Even if you choose not to fly, the open bar makes the ride lively, with drinks flowing freely, helping you relax and enjoy the journey.

Upon reaching Isla Mujeres, you’ll be taken to a beach club—a place described as “the island’s best beach”—where facilities are set up for a full day of leisure. Here, you’ll enjoy a buffet lunch that has been praised as “better than hotel food,” giving you a taste of local flavors. The beach club provides lounging chairs, restrooms, and all the amenities you need to unwind. Many reviews mention the helpful staff and delicious food, making this a highlight of the day.

The return trip offers more scenic sailing, with opportunities to mingle and enjoy the open bar once again. Some travelers, like Cindy, found the entertainment on the boat to be a definite plus, describing the ride as “very entertaining.”

Not all reviews are perfect, though. Camila’s disappointment about the bathroom cleanliness highlights a minor inconvenience you might encounter onboard. Also, the dock fee of $20 adds to the total cost, so it’s good to be prepared for extra expenses.

The itinerary in detail

The day begins at 9 a.m. at Marina Las Perlas, where you’ll check in and board your catamaran. The journey to Isla Mujeres includes a snorkeling stop at a coral reef, which is a unique feature because access to marine life is limited to boat trips. The guides are knowledgeable and eager to point out marine highlights, making the underwater experience both fun and educational.

After snorkeling, you can choose to fly over the sea on the spinnaker sail, a popular activity for thrill-seekers, but optional for those who prefer to relax. The open bar is available throughout, serving beers, cocktails, and soft drinks—ideal for keeping spirits high on the water.

Once on Isla Mujeres, the group is taken to a beach club, where the buffet lunch awaits. The food is described as very good, often surpassing hotel standards. This is a chance to soak up the sun and enjoy the spectacular scenery of the island’s best beach. Reviews mention having plenty of free time to relax, swim, or stroll along the shore.

The return trip is similar to the outbound journey, with more sailing and perhaps a few final drinks. The whole experience is designed to be laid-back, with a focus on enjoying the scenery, marine life, and good company.

Authentic reviews from travelers

One of the most enthusiastic reviews comes from Jane, who said, “My family had so much fun. It was a great day! Everything was well organized and family friendly.” This underscores the family-friendly nature of the tour and its ease of participation.

Nicole highlighted the quality of the buffet, noting it was “better than my hotel food,” and emphasized her enjoyment of the ride despite minor bathroom issues onboard. Her positive review suggests that the scenery and food are highlights, making the slight inconvenience worth tolerating.

Cindy appreciated the helpfulness of the staff and called the food “excellent,” reinforcing the idea that the meals and service elevate the experience.

However, not all reviews are glowing—Camila’s negative experience about poor communication and lack of refund during bad weather serves as a reminder to travelers to be aware of cancellation policies and weather-related contingencies.

Practical details and tips

The tour is priced at $18 per person, which, when combined with the $20 dock fee and the optional conservation fee (600 pesos), offers a good value for a full day of fun. The inclusion of snorkeling equipment, all-you-can-drink service, and access to a beautiful beach club makes this a cost-effective way to see Isla Mujeres without the hassle of planning multiple excursions.

The tour’s maximum group size of 35 ensures a lively but not overwhelming atmosphere, perfect for making new friends or just relaxing quietly. Booking about two weeks in advance is recommended, especially during peak season, to secure your spot.

The meeting point at Marina Las Perlas is easy to find within Cancun’s hotel zone, and the start time of 9 a.m. allows for a full day of activities while avoiding the late afternoon heat.

Who is this tour best for?

This experience suits relaxed travelers looking for a day of leisure, snorkeling, and good food without the pressures of a hectic schedule. Families, groups of friends, or solo travelers eager to meet others will find the laid-back atmosphere appealing. The optional spinnaker sail adds a dash of adventure for those interested, but the core appeal is the chill vibe—sailing, swimming, and soaking up the sun.

It’s ideal for travelers who prioritize value—since the price covers most major activities—and appreciate authentic beachside experiences. If you’re seeking a luxurious, all-inclusive cruise with high-end amenities, this may not be the best fit. But if you want a fun, authentic day on the water with good company and straightforward pricing, this tour hits the mark.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is there a limit on the number of travelers?
Yes, the tour accommodates up to 35 travelers, which helps keep the experience lively but manageable.

How long is the snorkeling activity?
The snorkeling stop is part of the day’s itinerary and is designed to give you enough time to enjoy the coral reef with guidance from a certified guide.

Are drinks available throughout the day?
Absolutely. The tour offers an open bar during the boat ride, so you can enjoy alcoholic beverages and soft drinks whenever you like.

What is included in the lunch?
A delicious Mexican buffet is provided at the beach club, with options likely including local dishes. Many reviews mention that the food is better than hotel fare.

Are there any additional fees?
Yes, there’s a $20 dock fee per person and a 600 pesos conservation fee. These costs are paid on-site and are not included in the base price.

Is transportation from my hotel included?
No, round-trip transportation from your hotel is not included, so you’ll need to make your way to the meeting point in Cancun.

What happens in case of bad weather?
The tour is dependent on good weather. If canceled due to weather, you’ll be offered another date or a full refund if you prefer.

Final thoughts

In all, this catamaran sailing and snorkeling tour from Cancun to Isla Mujeres offers a balanced mix of relaxation, adventure, and good food. It’s well-suited for those who want to escape the hustle but still enjoy some marine exploration and island scenery without breaking the bank. The friendly guides, lively atmosphere, and delicious buffet make it a memorable way to spend a day on the Caribbean coast.

While the minor inconveniences—like bathroom facilities and extra fees—are worth considering, the overall value and relaxed pace make this tour a strong choice for travelers seeking authentic fun in the sun. If your idea of a perfect day involves sailing, snorkeling, and local flavor, this trip to Isla Mujeres hits all those marks.

Whether you’re after a lively day with drinks and laughs or a quiet swim on a pristine beach, this tour offers flexibility and value—an easy recommendation for most Cancun visitors.