Catamaran Tour to Isla Mujeres all Included

If you’re considering a day trip from Cancun to Isla Mujeres, a popular option is the all-included catamaran tour. While we haven’t done this specific experience ourselves, the reviews and details paint a pretty clear picture of what you can expect—something that’s quite appealing if you’re looking for a mix of relaxing sailing, snorkeling, and some fun on the island.

What we love about this tour? First, the seamless logistics — from the way it starts in the middle of Cancun’s hotel zone, to the comfortable boat ride and well-organized stops. Second, the variety of activities, including snorkeling at the reef and exploring Isla Mujeres, which lets you make the most of your day.

One thing to keep in mind is pricing transparency — some reviews mention extra costs for taxes, tips, or optional photos, so you’ll want to budget a bit extra. This tour is best suited for travelers who enjoy social, lively outings, and don’t mind sharing space with up to 60 others. It’s a solid choice for those seeking a relaxed, fun-filled day on the water with plenty of opportunities for photos and swimming.

Key Points

• All-included experience with snorkeling, buffet lunch, and open bar.
• Comfortable 7-hour trip with a mix of sailing, activity, and free time.
• Group size maxes out around 60 travelers, creating a lively atmosphere.
• Cost at $70 per person, with some extra charges for taxes and optional extras.
• Family-friendly for older children but check for specific needs like swimming ability.
• Reviews highlight friendly guides, beautiful reef, and fun party vibe, but note some concerns about pricing clarity.

What the Tour Offers: An Honest Breakdown

The Itinerary in Detail

The adventure kicks off around noon at Rueda de la fortuna Punta Nizuc, a spot within Cancun’s hotel zone. From there, you’ll hop aboard a modern catamaran, setting sail toward Isla Mujeres. The first major stop is La Isla Cancún, where the boat navigates through Nichupte Lagoon—an area with scenic mangroves and calm waters, perfect for cruising and snapping some photos.

The highlight here is the snorkeling segment. The boat stops at the Maya Reef, a well-known coral reef where you’ll have the chance to float over vibrant marine life. Snorkel gear—mask, fins, and life jackets—are provided, which is great if you’re new to snorkeling or just want to keep it simple. Based on reviews, this part tends to be a real crowd-pleaser, with travelers describing the reef as “beautiful” and the activity as “fun.”

After snorkeling, the boat makes a stop in the middle of the bay where passengers can jump off from the second level of the boat—definitely a good way to cool off and get some adrenaline. From there, it’s time for the beach club stop, where a buffet lunch awaits. Expect fresh fish and chicken fajitas, served with drinks throughout the ride. The buffet gets decent reviews, with some saying it’s tasty and satisfying, although a few mention the food arriving a bit cold or running out if you’re late.

The final stop is North Beach in Cancun, where you’re free to explore or rent golf carts to see the island. Many reviews mention enjoying the laid-back vibe, clear waters, and shopping in the local stalls. The tour wraps up with a lively on-board party, music, and drinks, making for a festive close to the day.

Snorkeling at the Reef

The reef snorkeling is often highlighted as a key part of this experience. Several reviewers rave about the reef’s beauty and the ease of the activity. One reviewer said, “I had a wonderful fun time snorkeling, the food was great, had a great massage when we arrived to the beach at Jade Spa.” The reef is a main draw because it offers vibrant marine life and colorful corals, all accessible from the boat.

However, some reviews point out that weather or currents can affect the experience. For example, one guest mentioned high currents and feeling unsafe swimming without strong skills, leading to rescue. Safety and weather conditions are always worth keeping in mind.

Onboard Experience

The boat itself is described as modern and comfortable, with plenty of space for guests to relax. The open bar includes alcohol and drinks, but note that wine isn’t included. The music is lively, often described as loud, which can be a plus or minus depending on your taste. One review mentioned that the music volume was “so loud you can’t imagine,” so if you’re looking for a chill vibe, you might want to bring earplugs or just mentally prepare.

The crew gets generally high marks for friendliness and attentiveness. Multiple reviews mention the guides trying to communicate effectively despite language differences, and some call the guides “kind” and “attentive.”

Food and Drinks

The buffet lunch, featuring chicken fajitas and fish, is generally seen as decent and filling. Some reviews highlight the deliciousness, while others note it was cold or ran out quickly. Drinks are unlimited during the ride, including beer, rum, vodka, tequila, and soft drinks, but wine isn’t part of the package.

The on-board bar is a big perk for many, turning the ride into a lively party. Keep in mind, there’s an extra surcharge of around $20 per person for taxes, and optional photo packages are expensive ($200 per snorkel photo). Travelers recommend bringing some cash for taxes and tips.

Shopping & Free Time on Isla Mujeres

The tour includes a free stop at the island’s center, where you can walk around, shop, or rent golf carts. While many reviews mention enjoying this part, some note that the shopping stalls are persistent and can be overwhelming. You’ll have around an hour and a half to explore, so plan your shopping or sightseeing accordingly.

Additional Considerations

• The tour starts at 12:00 pm and lasts about 7 hours, including transportation, snorkeling, lunch, and free time.
• If you need hotel pickup or transportation from Costa Mujeres, it costs extra—something to consider if you’re staying outside Cancun’s hotel zone.
• Be prepared to pay around $380 pesos ($20 USD) for taxes or bring cash in US dollars.
• The maximum group size is about 60 travelers, which keeps it lively but can also mean some crowded moments.

Authentic Traveler Feedback

The reviews paint a generally positive picture, with many saying they’d do it again. They love the guides, the reef, and the island excursions. Some mention minor frustrations—like loud music or lack of clarity in instructions—but overall, the vibe is fun and relaxed.

One traveler shared, “The crew was very friendly and great to work with. Especially the gentleman who picked us up in the morning,” highlighting the importance of good service. Conversely, a few reviews mention feeling misled about snorkeling conditions or extra costs, so just stay aware and ask questions beforehand.

Who Is This Tour Best For?

This adventure is ideal for travelers looking to enjoy a full day on the water with plenty of opportunities for swimming, relaxing, and exploring. It’s especially suited for those who thrive in lively environments with music and social vibes. If you’re someone who enjoys a party atmosphere, this tour will hit the mark.

On the flip side, if you’re seeking a quiet, intimate snorkeling experience or don’t like loud music, you might find the vibe a bit overwhelming. The optional extra costs and busy shopping spots could also be a downside for those wanting a more structured or budget-friendly trip.

Final Thoughts

The Catamaran Tour to Isla Mujeres offers a lively, well-rounded day that balances sailing, snorkeling, and island exploration. The all-inclusive setup makes it convenient for travelers who prefer not to worry about separate bookings or extra costs. The combination of beautiful reef snorkeling, tasty buffet, and free time on the island makes it worth considering if you’re after a fun, social day out.

While the experience’s value depends on your expectations—especially regarding transparency in costs and the loud party atmosphere—it’s clear many guests had memorable adventures. The friendly crew, scenic stops, and lively onboard environment create a trip that most will enjoy, particularly if you’re comfortable with a spirited crowd.

If you’re looking for an active, engaging way to spend your day and don’t mind a bit of noise and crowds, this tour could be just what you need to add some extra sparkle to your Cancun stay.

FAQs

Is transportation from my hotel included?
No, if you require transportation from your hotel, it will be at an extra cost. The tour starts at Rueda de la fortuna Punta Nizuc in Cancun.

How long is the entire trip?
The tour lasts approximately 7 hours, including sailing, snorkeling, lunch, and free time on Isla Mujeres.

What’s included in the price?
Your ticket covers the boat ride, snorkeling equipment, buffet lunch, drinks (including alcohol), and music. Some extras like photos and taxes cost extra.

Do I need to bring cash?
Yes, you should bring around $380 pesos ($20 USD) for taxes, tips, or optional extras like photos.

Can I snorkel in the reef?
Yes, the reef snorkeling at the Maya Reef is a key highlight, with equipment provided. Weather and currents may affect the experience.

Is this tour suitable for children?
It’s generally suitable for most travelers, but children should be comfortable with swimming and being on a boat. Check your kids’ comfort with loud music and crowds.

What is the maximum group size?
The tour accommodates up to about 60 travelers, making it lively but sometimes crowded.

What is the food like?
The buffet includes chicken fajitas and fish, generally well-received. Some mention the food arriving cold or running out, so arrive early if you want the best selection.

Are the guides helpful?
Yes, most reviews praise the guides for their friendliness and attentiveness, even with language barriers.

If you’re after an energetic day on the water with vibrant social vibes, this catamaran trip to Isla Mujeres definitely deserves a spot on your list. Just go prepared for a fun, lively adventure—bring your sunscreen, some extra cash, and an open mind for a day of sunshine, sea, and good company.