Catamaran Sail and Snorkeling Tour with Open Bar in Puerto Morelos

A Detailed Look at the Puerto Morelos Catamaran Sail and Snorkeling Tour with Open Bar

If you’re eyeing a day on the water along Mexico’s Caribbean coast, the Catamaran Sail and Snorkeling Tour with Open Bar might catch your eye. Offered by Cancun Vacation Experts, this experience promises a mix of sailing, snorkeling over vibrant reefs, tasty local lunch, and unlimited drinks—all wrapped into a roughly 7-hour package. We’ve looked into what travelers are saying and what you can expect, to help you determine if this tour fits your vacation style.

What we really appreciate about this tour is its convenience—hotel pickup in Cancun, Playa del Carmen, or the Riviera Maya means you can relax from the moment you leave your hotel. Plus, the combination of sailing, snorkeling, and good food seems to cater well to those wanting a full-day adventure without too much hassle. On the flip side, some comments point to a larger group size than initially expected, which could impact the intimacy of the experience. Overall, if you’re after a lively, social day on the water with plenty of refreshments, this might suit you.

This experience is probably best suited for travelers who enjoy sailing, snorkeling, and socializing. It’s also a solid pick if you’re traveling with friends or want a lively, inclusive vibe—just keep in mind it’s not a secluded or ultra-exclusive trip. If you’re after some quiet beach time or a more personalized service, you may want to consider other options.

Key Points

• Convenient hotel pickup makes starting the day stress-free.
• Includes snorkeling, lunch, and open bar—a good value for a full-day adventure.
• Group size can be larger than expected—some reviews mention overcapacity.
• Snorkeling gear and life jackets are provided—no extra fuss.
• Tour duration is about 7 hours, which leaves plenty of time for fun but might be long for some.
• Mixed reviews on food quality, but the lunch at the marina often gets favorable comments.

What to Expect from the Tour

We love the way this tour offers a combination of sailing and snorkeling—the best way to experience the Caribbean’s marine life without feeling rushed. The journey begins with a hotel pickup, which is a relief for those wanting to skip logistics. Once you arrive at the Puerto Morelos marina, the crew greets you and helps you settle onto the catamaran, ready for a day of adventure.

The sailing segment takes about an hour along the coast of Puerto Morelos, offering views of Riviera Maya’s beaches and the chance to relax on deck while the crew points out landmarks. It’s a pretty straightforward start, but you’ll want to keep your camera handy for the scenic coastlines.

Next, the highlight for many is the snorkeling at Puerto Morelos National Reef Park. The reef is part of the famed Great Mayan Reef system, meaning you’ll see coral formations, colorful fish, and marine fans. Snorkeling here is classed as about an hour of activity, with gear and life jackets provided, which makes it accessible even if you’re a beginner. Several reviews mention how the guides help with fitting masks and getting comfortable in the water, which sets your mind at ease.

After snorkeling, you’ll enjoy unlimited drinks from the onboard open bar. Think of it as a social, lively part of the trip—ideal for relaxing and chatting with fellow travelers. Then, you’ll head back to the marina for the included lunch at the restaurant, a good chance to refuel after your water adventures. The meal typically lasts about an hour, and some reviews highlight the delicious guacamole as a standout.

Finally, the tour wraps up with a return transfer to your hotel. The whole experience totals around 7 hours, making it a full-day outing but one that packs in a lot of fun and relaxation.

The Itinerary Breakdown: What’s Included and What Isn’t

Starting in Puerto Morelos, the trip first takes you sailing along the coast for about an hour. During this time, the crew will point out notable beaches and landmarks, adding some local flavor to the experience. It’s a gentle start that sets the tone for the day—bright, breezy, and scenic.

The next stop is the snorkeling adventure at the reef. This is where you get to see the marine world that makes this part of Mexico so famous. According to reviews, the coral and fish are vibrant, and the guides are helpful with gear fitting. One traveler mentioned that some first-time snorkelers found it a bit challenging to get their masks to fit properly, so if you’re new, just be prepared to ask for extra help.

The third part of the journey involves sailing to some of the top beaches in the Riviera Maya. This segment lasts about two hours, giving you ample time to soak in the views, take photos, or just relax on deck. It’s a leisurely part of the trip, and the gentle seas make for a smooth sail.

Lunch at the marina is about an hour long, including two drinks. It offers a chance to unwind, enjoy local flavors, and chat with other travelers. While some reviews praise the food, including guacamole, others have noted that the menu at the hotel restaurant was limited, with some guests only able to get salad afterward. So, if you’re a foodie, temper expectations but still expect a decent meal after a fun morning.

The tour also provides snorkeling equipment, life jackets, and unlimited drinks, making the experience comfortable and inclusive. However, note that there is a dock fee of $20 per person payable on-site, which is typical for marine parks and private marinas.

The Real Experience: What Travelers Are Saying

One of the more glowing reviews states, “Great time, great crew—we were really taken care of. I highly recommend this tour.” The crew’s friendliness and professionalism seem to be a consistent theme, which is reassuring when booking a day out.

Another reviewer shared, “Great boat, great crew, great open bar—great lunch at the restaurant and on time transportation,” highlighting the smooth logistics and lively atmosphere. However, some guests experienced disappointment regarding group sizes. One review mentioned that, despite being told only 15 people would be onboard, the boat actually held more—up to 45 passengers—which cut into snorkeling time and affected the overall experience for some.

Transport logistics have also caused some confusion. A guest recounted that their pickup was delayed, and the boat had already left by the time they arrived, emphasizing the importance of confirming pickup times beforehand.

Food quality appears to be a mixed bag. While some enjoyed the meal, others felt the options at the hotel were limited, with one guest saying, “we were told we could only get salad,” after the tour. It’s worth noting that the lunch is included, and the open bar on the boat adds a lot of value, especially for those who enjoy socializing over drinks.

Analyzing the Value

At $119 per person, this tour offers quite an inclusive package—snorkeling gear, lunch, drinks, and transportation. When you consider the costs of similar activities elsewhere, especially with food and drinks included, it’s a reasonable price point. The convenience of hotel pickup and drop-off in Cancun, Playa del Carmen, or the Riviera Maya makes it even more appealing.

That said, the larger group sizes could impact the experience, especially during snorkeling, where space and personal attention matter. If you’re a confident swimmer and comfortable in larger crowds, this might not be an issue. If you prefer more intimacy or smaller groups, look for smaller tours.

The open bar is a highlight but also a double-edged sword—if you prefer to keep your drinking moderate or avoid alcohol, you might find this aspect less appealing. Still, for many, it adds to the fun and relaxed vibe of the day.

Who Should Consider This Tour?

This trip works well for social travelers, first-timers, or anyone who wants a lively day on the water. It’s ideal for those who appreciate good crew service, enjoy having drinks while sailing, and want to explore the reef without too much hassle. Families with older children might also find it fun, provided everyone is comfortable with snorkeling and boat rides.

If you’re after a relaxing, quiet beach day or prefer smaller, more intimate tours, you might want to look elsewhere. The tour’s group size and the potential for crowding could be downsides for travelers seeking a more relaxed, personalized experience.

Final Thoughts

In a nutshell, the Catamaran Sail and Snorkeling Tour with Open Bar in Puerto Morelos offers a fun, active day that combines sailing, marine exploration, and socializing. Its biggest strengths are the friendly guides, scenic views, and inclusive amenities—especially the open bar and lunch. The drawbacks include larger-than-expected groups and mixed reviews on food quality, so manage your expectations accordingly.

If you’re after a lively, well-organized day with plenty of drinks, decent snorkeling, and convenient logistics, this tour can really deliver. Just be aware that it’s not the most exclusive or intimate experience, and some logistical hiccups have been reported.

Overall, for a reasonably priced, full-day Caribbean adventure with a friendly crew, this tour is worth considering—especially if you’re traveling in a group or enjoy a social, energetic atmosphere.

FAQ

Is hotel pickup included?
Yes, the tour offers hotel pickup and drop-off in Cancun, Playa del Carmen, and the Riviera Maya, making it convenient for most travelers staying in these areas.

How long does the tour last?
The entire experience is approximately 7 hours, giving you plenty of time to enjoy sailing, snorkeling, lunch, and drinks.

What’s included in the price?
You get snorkeling equipment, a professional guide, lunch with two drinks, unlimited drinks from the open bar, hotel transportation, and life jackets.

Are snorkeling masks and gear provided?
Yes, snorkeling gear and masks are included, and staff can help with fitting masks properly, especially for first-time snorkelers.

Is there an extra fee I should know about?
Yes, there’s a $20 dock fee per person payable at the marina, which covers marine park access.

What if I don’t like the food?
The lunch options are at the marina restaurant, and some reviews mention limited choices. If you have dietary restrictions or preferences, consider bringing a snack just in case.

Can I book this tour last-minute?
On average, travelers book about 18 days in advance, but last-minute availability isn’t guaranteed. It’s best to reserve ahead.

Is this tour suitable for children?
The minimum drinking age is 18, but the tour itself may be suitable for older children comfortable with boat rides and snorkeling. Check specific age restrictions if traveling with kids.

If you’re looking for a lively Caribbean day with good company, vibrant views, and a splash of adventure, this tour might just be your ticket. Just remember to keep your expectations aligned with the group size and food options, and you’re likely to have a memorable time.