Isla Mujeres Tour with Open Bar Food and Snorkeling

A lively day exploring Isla Mujeres with snorkeling, open bar, and plenty of fun. For $25, you get a comprehensive experience that’s ideal for those seeking a mix of relaxation and adventure.
Starting from Cancun, this 9-hour tour offers a chance to enjoy the Caribbean waters aboard a two-level catamaran, with stops at key sights like Coco Bongo, Plaza La Isla, and Isla Mujeres itself. We love the sailing through Nichupte lagoon—it’s a scenic, breezy way to start the day—and the snorkeling among undersea statues is a real highlight, offering an unusual twist on underwater sightseeing. Another big plus is the all-you-can-drink open bar, which keeps the spirits high throughout the day.
A potential downside? Some reviews mention confusing meeting instructions and less-than-stellar food quality, so it’s worth keeping expectations in check. This tour suits adventurous travelers who enjoy lively atmospheres, spontaneous contests, and a good mix of activities. If you’re looking for a relaxed, quiet day, this might not be the best fit.

• Balanced itinerary with snorkeling, beach time, and sailing keeps the day dynamic.
• Affordable price point offers good value considering food, drinks, and activities included.
• Informal, party-like atmosphere with competitions and onboard entertainment.
• Mixed reviews on food quality and organization, so prepare for some variability.
• Great for social travelers and those wanting a lively, all-day experience.
• Sunset views and free time on North Beach offer plenty of opportunity to unwind or explore.

If you’re heading to Cancun and crave a full, active day that combines the beautiful scenery of the Caribbean with lively entertainment, the “Isla Mujeres Tour with Open Bar, Food, and Snorkeling” is a compelling choice. For just $25 per person, this tour promises a nine-hour adventure packed with sailing, snorkeling, beach lounging, and party spirit—all from a centrally located meeting point in Cancun.

Our first impression? The itinerary’s variety makes it stand out. We start with a quick hop to Playa del Carmen’s Coco Bongo, then sail through the Nichupte lagoon on a stunning two-level catamaran, which alone is worth the price for those who enjoy boat rides. The snorkeling session among underwater statues is a rare opportunity, offering a memorable blend of art and nature. The day continues with a buffet lunch at a beach club, giving you a taste of regional cuisine with an open bar in tow.

One of the tour’s biggest draws is the social, party atmosphere—with onboard contests, lively music, and sunset viewing—making it feel more like a celebration than a typical sightseeing trip. Many travelers appreciate the friendly guides and the casual vibe, which encourages mingling and fun. As one reviewer put it, “The staff was very kind and encouraging,” helping even shy guests join in the dance and activities.

However, some travelers have faced challenges. A few mention poor organization and unclear meeting instructions, which can cause some stress if you’re not familiar with the area or Spanish isn’t your strong suit. Others have expressed disappointment in the quality of the buffet food, describing it as “horrendous,” though the open bar and snacks might offset that for most.

This tour fits best for energetic, social travelers who want a full-day party with scenic views and snorkeling. It’s not a quiet, luxury experience—think of it more as a fun, lively cruise with plenty of opportunities to meet people, enjoy drinks, and soak up the island atmosphere.

Detailed Breakdown of the Tour Experience

Meeting Point and First Stop: Coco Bongo

The adventure kicks off at the Coco Bongo venue in Playa del Carmen, located on Avenida 10 and Calle 12. This gives travelers easy access from Cancun or Playa del Carmen hotels. The tour starts at 11:30 am, so plan to arrive on time. Despite some reviews about confusing instructions, most find the location straightforward if you follow the provided directions. This initial stop lasts about an hour, mainly for the group to assemble, with free admission.

Sailing Through Nichupte Lagoon

Next, you’ll depart from Plaza La Isla on the two-level catamaran. The sailing through the lagoon is surprisingly scenic—think of calm waters, lush greenery, and a gentle breeze. Onboard, the open bar keeps the mood lively, and everyone tends to mingle as the boat glides past. If you’re lucky, you might catch a glimpse of local birds and marine life. This part lasts around 40 minutes, providing a relaxed yet festive prelude to the day’s main activities.

Snorkeling Among Undersea Statues and Reef

The highlight for many is the snorkeling session, where you’ll see the famous underwater statues—an artistic installation that doubles as a reef habitat. The water here is reportedly clear and calm, making it accessible for most levels of snorkelers. One reviewer commented, “Snorkeling was great and we were well looked after,” highlighting the overall positive experience. It’s worth noting that the snorkeling equipment is included, so you can explore comfortably.

Lunch and Beach Time at Isla Mujeres

After snorkeling, the boat sails to Isla Mujeres. Here, you have about an hour to enjoy a buffet-style lunch at a beach club. While some reviews criticize the food quality, many appreciate the regional buffet and open bar in a relaxing seaside setting. The beach club offers a chance to unwind, swim, or just soak up the sun before your free time begins.

During the free time, you can walk around the island’s charming center, explore local shops, or lounge on North Beach. Loved by many, this two-hour break allows you to experience a bit of local life or simply enjoy the stunning Caribbean scenery.

Sunset, Parties, and Return Journey

As the day winds down, you’ll enjoy sunset views on the way back—truly beautiful—as the boat hosts parties and contests. This lively end to the day is where the tour really leans into its festive vibe, with onboard music, dancing, and friendly competitions. The 1.5-hour return trip completes the experience, returning you to Playa del Carmen around 9 pm.

Final Stop at Coco Bongo

The tour wraps up back at Coco Bongo, where many guests might choose to stay for the nightlife or head back to their accommodations, full of stories and new friends.

What Travelers Say: Authentic Insights

One guest shared, “Had a great day out! Snorkeling was great and we were well looked after,” capturing the overall positive sentiment about the water activities. Conversely, a different traveler was less pleased, citing poor organization and bad food, emphasizing that expectations should be tempered and prepared for variability. A recurring theme is the friendly staff and lively atmosphere, making this more than just a sightseeing trip—it’s a social experience.

Another reviewer noted, “This was such a fun experience!! The tour guides were very upbeat and made it a great adventure,” highlighting how the energy of the guides can make or break the day. Still, some mention that food quality could be better and instructions for meeting could be clearer.

Practical Aspects and Considerations

Pricing at $25 per person offers good value for money, especially considering snorkeling gear, lunch, drinks, and transportation are included. The mandatory $1000 MXN tax paid on board is an additional cost, and optional ground transportation service is available for $15 USD per person. This makes the trip accessible for most travelers, with optional added convenience.

The group size can be quite large—up to 500 travelers—so be prepared for a lively, bustling atmosphere. If you’re someone who prefers peaceful, intimate excursions, this might feel a bit hectic at times.

The timing is well-structured, starting at 11:30 am and returning around 9 pm, giving you a full day of activities without feeling rushed. The weather dependence is important; if bad weather causes port closures, the tour is canceled or rescheduled, with full refunds offered.

Who Will Love This Tour?

This experience is best suited for social, energetic travelers who enjoy group activities, lively music, and a relaxed party vibe. If you’re eager to snorkel among underwater statues, lounge at a beach club, and enjoy the views of a Caribbean sunset, you’ll find plenty to love. The affordable price point makes it appealing for budget-conscious travelers looking for a full day of fun, including good food, drinks, and entertainment.

If your idea of a perfect day involves peaceful, quiet beaches or gourmet dining, you might want to look elsewhere. Likewise, if you’re not keen on large groups or guided tours, the lively environment may feel overwhelming.

FAQ

Is transportation included?
You can choose the optional ground transportation for $15 USD per person or meet directly at the starting point in Playa del Carmen.

What’s the length of the tour?
The entire experience lasts approximately 9 hours, from around 11:30 am to 9 pm, including sailing, snorkeling, beach time, and return.

Are meals and drinks included?
Yes, a regional buffet lunch and an open bar with alcoholic beverages are part of the package.

What should I bring?
Bring swimwear, sunscreen, a towel, and a hat. Snorkeling equipment is provided, but you may prefer your own mask and fins if you have them.

Is this tour suitable for children?
Most travelers can participate, but consider the length and lively atmosphere. It’s best for those comfortable in group settings and with some stamina for a full day.

What if the weather is bad?
The tour relies on good weather; if canceled due to bad conditions, you’ll be offered a different date or full refund.

How is the food?
Reviews vary. Some find the buffet decent, while others describe it as poor quality. Expect a casual, buffet-style meal rather than gourmet cuisine.

To sum it up, this Isla Mujeres tour offers a lively, full-day adventure packed with sailing, snorkeling, beach relaxation, and onboard fun. It’s ideal for travelers who want a cost-effective way to experience the island’s natural beauty and festive atmosphere. While the food may not be Michelin-star quality and the organization can sometimes be a little confusing, the overall vibe and activities make it a memorable choice for those seeking to combine adventure with socializing. Just be prepared for a bustling group environment and enjoy the chance to soak up the Caribbean sunshine.