Puerto Morelos Catamaran Reef Sail and Snorkel

If you’re after a laid-back, colorful way to enjoy Mexico’s stunning waters, the Puerto Morelos Catamaran Reef Sail and Snorkel might just be worth considering. We’ve checked out the details, and while we haven’t been on this exact trip ourselves, the glowing reviews and solid info paint a pretty clear picture. It’s a relaxing, friendly experience designed for folks who love marine life, scenic sailing, and a bit of good old-fashioned fun on the water.

What instantly appeals about this tour? First, it takes you out on a spacious, modern catamaran — a real step up from cramped boats. Second, the focus on the reef, with expert guides helping you spot marine creatures, adds a layer of value that’s hard to beat. One thing to keep in mind is the slightly extra cost for park and dock fees ($15 USD per person), but even with that, many find this package quite reasonable for what’s included.

This tour is perfect if you’re traveling with an appreciation for nature and a desire for a relaxed, social vibe. It’s not the best pick if you’re after a high-adrenaline adventure or have very young children, but if you enjoy gentle snorkeling, good company, and seeing vibrant coral reefs, you’re in the right place.

Key Points

• Comfortable, modern catamaran with a group size limited to 18 ensures a more intimate experience.
• Expert guides help with gear and spotting marine life, making snorkeling easier and more enjoyable.
• Includes a light lunch and open bar, so you can relax and indulge without worrying about extra costs.
• Pre-booking options include pickup and transportation from select hotels, boosting convenience.
• The reef is part of a protected marine park, which helps ensure healthy, vibrant marine ecosystems.
• Snorkeling gear is included, but remember to bring your own towels and possibly sun protection.

What to Expect from the Tour

The Setting and Group Size

As soon as you arrive at Marina La Bonita in Puerto Morelos, you’ll notice the modern, clean setup. The tour limits its group to just 18 people, which is a smart choice for avoiding the chaos some larger boat trips can create. This smaller group offers a more personal touch, allowing guides to give better attention to each guest.

The Catamaran Experience

The boat itself is spacious and comfortable, perfect for lounging or enjoying the breeze during the sail. The highlight? Riding out on a sleek catamaran that promises a relaxing cruise with plenty of opportunities to snap photos or just soak in the scenery. The crew is consistently described as warm, attentive, and friendly, which adds to the overall enjoyment.

Snorkeling at Puerto Morelos Reef

Once anchored near the reef, you’ll don fins, mask, and snorkel gear provided on board. The reef is part of the Puerto Morelos National Marine Park, a protected area, which means marine life tends to be abundant and vibrant. Many reviews highlight how the guides, like Jose and Ulysses, are knowledgeable and attentive—making sure everyone is comfortable and helping spot notable marine creatures.

Some reviewers mention that snorkeling can be somewhat strenuous depending on the weather, especially if the sea is a bit choppy. For example, one said, “The snorkeling part was very strenuous due to the weather,” but also noted that seeing the fish and coral was worth the effort. Your experience will largely depend on conditions that day, but guides are there for support.

The Food and Drinks

After snorkeling, you’ll enjoy a light lunch, featuring ham and cheese baguettes, fruit, and chips—simple but satisfying. Then, the open bar kicks in, with unlimited soft drinks, beers, mixers, and spirits like Absolut vodka, Bacardi rum, and tequila. Multiple reviews rave about the hospitality—guests consistently mention that the crew keeps drinks flowing and makes everyone feel pampered.

Additional Costs and Details

Note that dock and park fees are not included in the ticket price, totaling around $15 USD per person. If you opt for pickup, you’ll get added convenience, especially if staying in Puerto Morelos or Riviera Maya. The tour departs at 8:30 am from Marina La Bonita, so early risers will be rewarded with a peaceful, scenic start.

The entire experience lasts roughly 3.5 hours, a perfect window for those wanting a taste of the ocean without it taking up an entire day. Kids over 18 can join, but the tour isn’t geared towards very young children or pregnant women, given the physical nature of snorkeling and the boat environment.

Why This Tour Stands Out

The Guides and Crew

From heartfelt reviews, it’s clear that the guides and crew are a major part of what makes this trip stand out. The staff is described as “warm,” “hospitable,” and “attentive,” with many mentioning specific crew members, like Arturo, Jose, and Ulysses, by name. You’ll appreciate their effort to make sure everyone has a good time, whether through safety tips or capturing photos.

The Snorkeling Experience

The reef itself is a highlight, with plenty of colorful fish and coral making the effort worthwhile. One review said, “We saw lots of beautiful fish, the incredible coral reef,” which sums up what many guests loved. The protected waters guarantee a healthy environment for marine life, so expect to see vibrant colors and lots of activity beneath the surface.

The Value for Money

At $84 per person, this tour offers a lot: a comfortable boat, snorkeling gear, expert guidance, a light meal, and unlimited drinks. When you consider the quality of the experience, friendly staff, and the scenic views, many think it’s a fair price—especially compared to more commercialized options.

The Intimate Atmosphere

With a maximum of 18 guests, it feels more like a private outing than a crowded tour. This smaller size helps foster a friendly, relaxed vibe, perfect for connecting with your travel companions or making new friends.

Considerations and Downsides

While the experience is largely positive, there are a few points worth mentioning. The main one is the park and dock fees—$15 per person—that are extra, which can catch some travelers by surprise if they only see the base price.

Also, the snorkeling can be physically demanding for some, especially if the weather is rough. If you’re not comfortable swimming or have mobility issues, you might find it a bit challenging. Pregnant women are advised against joining, and children under 18 aren’t permitted, so this isn’t the best choice for families with very young kids.

A small number of reviews mention last-minute cancellations due to low registration, which can be frustrating if you’re planning around the trip. However, the operator does refund promptly if this happens, so it’s a risk you should be aware of.

Who Is This Tour Best For?

If you enjoy gentle ocean adventures, social atmospheres, and being in the company of knowledgeable guides, you’ll find plenty to love here. It’s ideal for couples, friends, or travelers who want to see the reef without a strenuous or overly commercialized experience.

People who appreciate good food, drinks, and a relaxed setting will also find this tour hits the mark. It’s a great way to spend a half-day—especially if you’re looking for something that balances activity with comfort and fun.

If you’re traveling with young children or seek a high-adrenaline water adventure, you might want to explore other options. But for a scenic, friendly, and well-organized boat trip, this one comes highly recommended.

FAQs

Is transportation included in the tour?
Transportation from your hotel isn’t automatically included, but you can opt to add round-trip transfers from select Puerto Morelos and Riviera Maya hotels for extra convenience.

What is the minimum age to join?
The minimum drinking age is 18, and children must be accompanied by an adult. The tour is not recommended for pregnant women, likely due to the physical activity involved.

How long is the entire experience?
The tour lasts approximately 3 hours 30 minutes, from the meeting at 8:30 am until you return to the starting point.

Are snorkel gear and other equipment provided?
Yes, snorkeling gear is included, and guides will help with fitting and using the equipment properly.

Can I cancel if my plans change?
Yes, you can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund. Keep in mind last-minute cancellations due to low registration are possible, but refunds are processed swiftly.

What’s the main highlight of the tour?
Most guests rave about the vibrant coral reef and marine life, as well as the friendly, attentive crew that makes the experience smooth and enjoyable.

Is this tour suitable for solo travelers?
Absolutely. The small group size and friendly guides make it easy to meet new people or enjoy a peaceful escape on your own.

What about the food and drinks?
A light lunch and unlimited soft drinks, beers, and spirits like vodka, rum, and tequila are included, perfect for relaxing after snorkeling.

Final Thoughts

The Puerto Morelos Catamaran Reef Sail and Snorkel offers a charming blend of scenic sailing, colorful marine life, and friendly service. It’s well-suited for travelers who appreciate a relaxed pace, great company, and stunning underwater views. The small-group setting and attentive guides help make it feel personalized, while the open bar and light lunch add to the leisure factor.

If you’re after an authentic, enjoyable day on the water that balances activity with comfort, this trip delivers. It’s not overly fancy or high-energy—just a pleasant way to get close to nature, soak up the sun, and enjoy the company of good crew and fellow travelers. Perfect for those who want a memorable, laid-back escape in Mexico’s beautiful Caribbean waters.