Isla Mujeres Catamaran Tour with Open Bar, Lunch and Snorkeling

If you’re eyeing a fun-filled day in Cancun or the Riviera Maya, a catamaran trip to Isla Mujeres might be on your list. While we haven’t personally taken this exact tour, we’ve gathered plenty of insights to help you decide if it fits your vibe. This experience promises a full day of sailing, snorkeling, and relaxing, with some noteworthy perks and a few caveats.

Two things we genuinely like about this tour are the all-inclusive nature, with plenty of snacks, drinks, and a buffet lunch, and the opportunity to explore Isla Mujeres on your own after the sailing. It seems to cater well to those wanting a laid-back yet active day on the water, especially if you’re into snorkeling and are looking for a convenient, guided experience.

However, a potential drawback is the mixed quality of reviews—some guests have raved about the crew and the scenery, while others have faced issues like overcrowding, unclear instructions, or unprofessional behavior. If you’re someone who values smooth organization and a calm environment, it’s worth paying attention to these points.

This tour is best suited for travelers who want a relaxed day with easy logistics, enjoy social atmospheres with open bars, and love the idea of snorkeling in beautiful waters. If you’re traveling with friends, or even as a solo traveler looking for a lively experience, it could be a good pick. But if you’re seeking a more personalized or tranquil outing, you might want to explore other options.

Key Points

• All-inclusive experience with snacks, buffet lunch, and open bar
• Convenient pickup and drop-off included for hassle-free logistics
• Multiple activities: snorkeling, beach relaxation, and exploring Isla Mujeres
• Group size can vary, and experiences depend on crew professionalism
• Pricing includes some extra fees like the marina dock fee
• Mixed reviews highlight both fun moments and organizational issues

An Honest Breakdown of the Tour

Starting Point and Transportation

The tour kicks off at Marina Sailaway in Cancun’s hotel zone, around kilometer 3.5. The pickup service is a plus—if everything runs smoothly—which means you avoid the hassle of organizing your own transport. The transfer is in an air-conditioned vehicle, making the journey more comfortable. The tour starts at either 10 am or 1 pm, giving some flexibility depending on your plans.

Be aware that the dock fee of USD 45 per person is not included in the main price ($29.90), so it’s a good idea to factor that into your budget. Several reviews mention this extra fee as an important consideration, especially since it’s not initially disclosed on the booking page. Remember, this fee is payable at the marina, not in advance.

The Catamaran Experience

Once aboard, you’ll join a group that can be up to 60 travelers, so it’s somewhat lively. The boat itself is described as a bit older in some reviews, but generally seaworthy. Onboard, you’ll find a party atmosphere with lively music, and the crew is often praised for being friendly and welcoming. Multiple reviews mention the crew’s good attitude and helpfulness, which can make a big difference in your overall enjoyment.

Snorkeling Adventure

A highlight for many guests is the snorkeling. You’ll be taken to a well-known reef, and provided with snorkel gear to explore the vibrant marine life. The guides are certified and generally knowledgeable, though some reviews suggest that instructions could be clearer. One reviewer shared that their snorkeling experience was “brief and underwhelming,” and others mentioned feeling rushed or unsure about gear fitting.

The water is reportedly beautiful, with sightings of turtles and a variety of marine creatures. It’s worth noting that the snorkeling stint tends to be quick, so if snorkeling is a major focus for you, manage expectations accordingly.

The Spinnaker Flight

For thrill-seekers, the Spinnaker parachute ride offers a chance to fly over the Caribbean Sea while enjoying the open bar. This activity adds a fun adrenaline rush, and the scenery from above is often praised. Keep in mind that participation may depend on weather conditions and your comfort with such activities.

Beach Club and Lunch

After snorkeling and some quick activities, the tour heads to a private beach club on Isla Mujeres. Here, you’ll find a nice spot to relax, swim, and enjoy the facilities. The buffet lunch is included, with some reviewers praising the quality and variety—especially vegetarians—while others say that the buffet is limited or not particularly impressive.

Guests typically spend around an hour here, which is enough to unwind but not too long that it drags on. You’ll also have free time to explore Isla Mujeres on your own, whether you want to shop, walk around, or rent a golf cart.

Touring Isla Mujeres

The itinerary includes some time to walk through the town and experience local life. Reviewers mention that the free time is a highlight, allowing for spontaneous adventures or just soaking up the scenery. Just remember that certain shops or vendors might pressure you to buy souvenirs, as some comments suggest.

What to Expect from the Overall Experience

Snacks and Drinks

The open bar is described as generous, with plenty of alcoholic beverages flowing during the cruise and activities like the parachute ride. Non-alcoholic options are usually available as well, making it a lively, social atmosphere. The crew’s friendly attitude helps create a fun vibe, but some reviews warn about overindulgence and related issues, like unruly behavior or misunderstandings.

Group Size and Atmosphere

Expect a lively, party-like environment, especially during the sailing and snorkeling phases. If you’re looking for a peaceful, quiet day, this might not be your best fit. But if you enjoy socializing, dancing, and a carefree atmosphere, you’ll probably have a great time.

Pricing and Value

The main cost ($29.90) is quite affordable considering the all-inclusive features, but the extra dock fee of USD 45 per person significantly raises the total. When you factor in tips, souvenirs, or photos, the day can get pricier. However, many reviewers appreciate the value given the activities, food, and drinks included.

Limitations and Criticisms

Some guests have reported issues like overcrowding, poor organization, or unprofessional behavior. One reviewer shared a distressing story about inappropriate conduct by the crew, which underscores that experiences can vary widely. Others found the snorkeling instructions unclear or felt that the trip was rushed.

It’s also worth noting that the water quality can sometimes be less than perfect, with some guests mentioning algae or less scenic views from the boat.

Who Is This Tour Best For?

This tour is ideal if you’re after a fun, social, and active day with plenty of opportunities for snorkeling, drinks, and exploration. It suits travelers who don’t mind a lively atmosphere and are comfortable with a group setting. If you’re traveling with friends or solo and want to meet others, it’s a good option.

However, if you prioritize quiet, personalized service or a more relaxed pace, you might find the experience a bit too chaotic or crowded.

Final Thoughts

All in all, the Isla Mujeres Catamaran Tour offers a decent balance of fun activities, scenic views, and convenience at an attractive price point. The included buffet lunch and open bar add great value, especially for those looking to unwind and socialize. The snorkeling experience provides a glimpse into the colorful marine life, although it’s often brief and may require some patience given the crew’s organization.

The mixed reviews highlight that your experience may depend heavily on the crew and the group dynamics. While many guests rave about the crew’s friendliness and the stunning scenery, others have faced issues with overcrowding or unprofessional behavior. If you’re adaptable and looking for a lively, all-inclusive day on the water, this tour could be a good fit.

Just be prepared for the extra dock fee and some variability in the experience. Do your research, manage expectations, and you could find this to be a memorable day in Isla Mujeres.

FAQ

Is pickup included in the tour?
Yes, courtesy hotel pickup and drop-off are included, making travel easy and hassle-free.

How much does the dock fee cost?
The dock fee at Marina Sailaway is USD 45 per person, payable at the marina. It’s separate from the ticket price and not included in the initial booking cost.

What activities are included?
You’ll enjoy snorkeling at a renowned reef, the parachute Spinnaker ride, time at a private beach club, a buffet lunch, and access to the open bar during the boat ride.

How long is the tour?
The total duration is approximately 8 hours and 30 minutes, with the main activities concentrated around 10 am or 1 pm departure times.

Is snorkeling suitable for kids?
The tour provides snorkeling gear and guides, but some reviews mention that instructions could be clearer. It’s best for confident swimmers; younger children may need supervision and assistance.

What is the group size?
The tour can accommodate up to 60 travelers, so it can be lively, especially during popular times.

Can I explore Isla Mujeres on my own?
Yes, there’s free time to walk around the town, shop, or rent a golf cart. Just be mindful of the time to ensure you’re back for the return trip.

Are drinks and food unlimited?
There is a national open bar during the cruise, and the buffet lunch is included, so you can enjoy both without extra costs during the day.

What should I bring?
Sunscreen, pesos for extra purchases, and possibly a towel or change of clothes if you want to stay dry. Some guests recommend bringing a waterproof case for phones.

This tour packs a lot into a single day. Whether it’s the right choice depends on your vibe—if you’re up for socializing, snorkeling, and enjoying good food and drinks, it might just be the lively adventure you’re after.