Catamaran Sailing to Isla Mujeres with Snorkeling, Lunch & Open Bar included

If you’re looking for an easy, no-fuss way to enjoy a day at sea from Cancun, this catamaran tour to Isla Mujeres might catch your eye. It’s designed to offer a blend of relaxing beach time, fun snorkeling, and a lively onboard party atmosphere—all wrapped into one roughly 8-hour experience. While it’s not without its quirks, many travelers find it offers good value and a memorable outing, especially if you’re new to the area or traveling with friends who want a laid-back, social vibe.

What we really like about this tour is its simplicity and convenience. First, it takes the headache out of planning your own transport and meals. Second, the inclusion of activities like snorkeling and the open bar makes it feel like a full, immersive experience without extra costs. That said, it’s worth noting that some reviews mention issues with communication about costs and weather cancellations, so keep those in mind. This trip could be perfect for folks who want a straightforward, fun day on the water and aren’t looking for a deep-plunge adventure or a luxury experience.

It’s probably best suited for first-time visitors to Cancun wanting a relaxed, social day or anyone eager to enjoy the sights and sounds of Isla Mujeres without fuss. If you’re after an adrenaline-pumping or ultra-exclusive experience, you might want to look elsewhere. But for those who enjoy a lively, inclusive atmosphere, this tour can be quite enjoyable.

Key Points

• All-in-One Convenience: This tour bundles transportation, lunch, snorkeling, and drinks, making it a stress-free way to spend a day.
• Great Views & Easy Access: Offers a new perspective of Cancun’s coast and a chance to explore Isla Mujeres.
• Inclusive Atmosphere: The open bar and lively crew help set a fun, social tone.
• Weather & Cost Considerations: Snorkeling and other activities can be canceled due to weather, and additional fees apply.
• Mixed Reviews on Value: While some rave about the crew and scenery, others point out hidden costs and short snorkeling times.
• Suitable for First-Timers & Casual Travelers: Perfect if you want a straightforward, enjoyable day with minimal planning.

Our dive into this tour begins at Marina Chac Chi, the designated meeting point. Check-in is required before 9:30 am, and if you’d prefer not to deal with arranging your own transport, the tour offers an optional round-trip transfer from your hotel for an extra fee. This is a nice perk, especially if you’re not keen on navigating local taxis or shuttles early in the morning.

The Journey Begins

Once aboard the catamaran, the first stop is Isla Mujeres itself, a small island famous for its laid-back vibe, beautiful beaches, and clear waters. The ride offers a fresh view of the Caribbean coast, which many travelers find stunning. As the boat glides along, you’re likely to enjoy the onboard atmosphere—friendly guides, a lively crew, and plenty of opportunities to snap photos.

Snorkeling & Activities

The tour includes snorkeling in one of the reefs around Isla Mujeres, with all equipment provided. While this sounds like a highlight, some reviews suggest the snorkeling experience can be somewhat limited. For example, one traveler mentioned that the snorkeling could be canceled due to weather, which is worth keeping in mind. If the weather is uncooperative, you might find yourself snorkeling less or not at all.

Beyond snorkeling, there’s the chance to try the Spinnaker—an activity designed to fly over the water, offering an adrenaline rush and fantastic views. However, keep in mind that this activity can be canceled for safety reasons if conditions aren’t ideal.

Lunch & Beverages

Next up, a buffet lunch awaits at the beach club, offering choices that many guests describe as decent, but not gourmet. The meal is included, which is a real plus for those who dislike bringing their own snacks or worrying about extra costs. Complementing the meal is an open bar with national drinks. While the open bar is a popular feature, some reviews mention that the selection is limited—no top-shelf liquors or premium mixers here.

Free Time at Isla Mujeres

After the activities, you’ll have access to the beach club, where you can relax, sunbathe, or stroll around the island at your leisure. However, some reviewers note that the time at Isla Mujeres feels a bit short—one person wished for more hours to explore or lounge on the beach. The tour concludes with a return to the meeting point, wrapping up an approximately 8-hour adventure.

This tour offers a good set of inclusions:

• Catamaran experience: Comfortable and lively, perfect for socializing
• Certified Guide: Knowledgeable guides to keep the day flowing smoothly
• Snorkel gear: All equipment provided, though subject to weather cancellations
• Spinnaker activity: Adds an adventurous element, but can be canceled for safety
• Access to beach club: Relaxing spot for a swim, drink, or just to soak up the sun
• Lunch buffet: Simple but satisfying lunch, included in the price
• Open bar: Unlimited national drinks onboard, a definite highlight for many

The tour does not include some extra fees, which can come as surprises if you’re not prepared:

• Transportation: Optional, for an extra fee
• Conservation fee: MX$650 per person, a standard requirement for visiting Isla Mujeres
• Dock fee: $20 USD per person

Cost & Value

At just $19 per person, this tour appears very affordable on paper. However, the reviews highlight that additional costs—like the conservation fee—can significantly bump up the total expense. Some travelers also expressed frustration about extra charges for upgrades or what feels like limited value for the money spent, especially regarding snorkeling duration and the quality of food and drinks.

The mix of reviews paints a realistic picture. Many travelers appreciated the friendly crew, beautiful scenery, and good value for a fun day. One reviewer called it a “nice day out” with “pleasant experience,” praising the helpful guides and views. The onboard atmosphere, especially with Leo entertaining, was often highlighted as a real plus.

Conversely, other guests expressed dissatisfaction with transparency, mentioning surprise costs like the additional fee for the VIP upgrade or the dock fee. Several reviews pointed out that snorkeling time was shorter than expected or canceled due to weather, which disappointed some families or snorkel enthusiasts. The food and drink quality also received mixed feedback, with some finding it adequate and others describing it as “terrible” or “cold.”

One reviewer brought up a key point: be upfront about costs. If you’re expecting a $19 experience, be aware of potential extra charges that can quickly add up, especially if you opt for upgrades or are caught off guard by fees.

This catamaran trip is best suited for travelers wanting a relaxed, social atmosphere with plenty of opportunities to unwind and enjoy the scenery. It’s ideal for first-timers or anyone who values convenience—since they handle transportation, snacks, and drinks. If you’re looking for a cost-effective way to see Isla Mujeres and don’t mind sharing space with other travelers, this can be a good pick.

However, if snorkeling is your main goal and you prefer longer, more immersive underwater experiences, you might find this tour a bit lacking. Also, if you’re sensitive to hidden costs or prefer top-grade drinks and gourmet meals, this tour might not fully meet your expectations.

• What is the meeting point for this tour? The tour starts at Marina Las Perlas, located on Kukulcan Boulevard in Cancun’s hotel zone.
• Is transportation included? Not automatically; you can request round-trip transport for an extra cost.
• How long is the tour? Expect about 8 hours from start to finish, including travel, activities, and free time.
• Are snorkeling equipment provided? Yes, all snorkeling gear is included, but activities can be canceled if weather is bad.
• What is the dress code? Dress comfortably for a day in the sun—swimsuits, cover-ups, sunglasses, and sunscreen are recommended.
• Can I upgrade to VIP or premium options? There are upgrade options available, but they come with extra charges, and some reviews mention these costs can add up.
• What’s the food like? The included buffet offers standard beach fare; some find it decent, others say it’s average.
• Are drinks unlimited? Yes, the open bar features national drinks, but top-shelf liquors are not part of this package.
• Is this tour suitable for families? While it’s generally family-friendly, check age restrictions for activities like snorkeling and Spinnaker if traveling with children.

This catamaran tour to Isla Mujeres offers a straightforward way to spend a fun-filled day at sea, with plenty of social opportunities and good value for the price. Its relaxed vibe, inclusive features, and stunning views make it a popular choice for those new to Cancun or travelers looking for an easy, no-hassle outing. Just keep in mind that some activities may be weather-dependent, and extra fees can add up, so approach with clear expectations.

Ultimately, if you’re after a lively, uncomplicated day with friends or family, and don’t mind a shorter snorkeling experience or a few hidden costs, this tour could very well be part of your Cancun adventure. For those who prioritize in-depth underwater exploration or gourmet dining, however, it might be worth exploring other options.