Exclusive Sailing Isla Mujeres. Top tour!

If you’re considering a day trip to Isla Mujeres from Tulum, the Exclusive Sailing Isla Mujeres tour might catch your eye. This experience promises a luxurious catamaran ride, plenty of drinks, a delicious lunch, and free time on one of Mexico’s most beautiful islands. While it’s highly rated overall and popular among travelers, it’s worth looking at both what makes it special and some of the limitations before you book.

Two things that stand out about this tour are its well-reviewed crew and the beautiful scenery you’ll encounter—from the boat’s sails to the island’s beaches. The fact that lunch is included, along with snorkeling gear and paddleboards, adds to the appeal for those wanting a full day of fun on the water. However, some travelers have mentioned that the long transfer time from Tulum could be a downside if you’re eager to maximize your island time.

This tour is ideal for travelers who want a relaxed, guided boat experience with a mix of swimming, sunbathing, and exploring. If you’re after an adventure that combines comfort with scenic views and good service, this could fit nicely into your itinerary. But if you’re looking for a highly independent or budget-focused trip, you might want to weigh other options.

Key Points

• Includes transportation from Tulum to the dock, simplifying logistics for travelers.
• Lunch and drinks are part of the package, offering good value for a day on the water.
• Snorkeling gear and paddleboards are provided, making it easy to stay active.
• Small group size (up to 30 travelers) ensures a more personalized experience.
• Duration of 10-12 hours means a full day, so plan accordingly.
• Mixed reviews on snorkeling and island exploration, so check your priorities.

What’s Included and What’s Not

This tour offers a good “all-in-one” package for those wanting to relax and enjoy the water without fuss. The pickup from Tulum makes it easier to start your day without arranging separate transport. Once you arrive at the marina, you’ll board a luxury catamaran, which many reviews describe as clean, spacious, and well-maintained.

The lunch is included, with some reviewers praising the food, though others suggest it’s pretty standard fare. Expect sandwiches, salads, or typical beach-restaurant offerings. Drinks, including alcohol, are served throughout the day, which many find makes the trip feel festive and carefree.

Snorkeling equipment and paddleboards are provided, offering a chance to cool off in the water or have fun on the boards. It’s worth noting that weather conditions can influence activities—some reviews mention choppy waters or less-than-ideal snorkeling conditions, so don’t expect perfect underwater sights every time.

Itinerary Breakdown: What to Expect

Tulum Departure

The day kicks off with a meeting point in Tulum. The tour mentions pickup is offered, but most travelers meet at a designated spot. The transfer to the marina takes about 10 minutes, but the drive to the marina can be longer, depending on the location of your hotel. One review notes that the long drive from Tulum is a consideration—it’s about an hour and 40 minutes to Isla Mujeres, so prepare for a bit of travel time before the fun begins.

The Sail to Isla Mujeres

Once aboard the luxury catamaran, you’ll set sail toward Isla Mujeres. The boat ride can last around 3 hours, during which you’ll enjoy cruise-style comfort, music, drinks, and the chance to soak in views of the Caribbean. Many reviews highlight the attentive crew and the smooth sailing experience as a positive aspect.

Travelers have described the boat as very clean and well-maintained, with friendly staff ensuring everyone feels looked after. The sailing itself is often described as relaxing—perfect for those who enjoy a leisurely cruise without feeling rushed.

On Isla Mujeres

Once you arrive, you’ll have about 3 hours to explore the island, visit the beach club, or unwind. The stop includes lunch and drinks, with some reviewers saying the food is tasty and plentiful. The beach club offers a private, relatively uncrowded space—ideal for sunbathing, swimming, or just enjoying the scenery.

Some reviews mention that the island’s beaches are stunning, with clear waters perfect for swimming. However, others note that the beach near the club can be rocky, so packing flip-flops or water shoes might be wise.

Optional Activities & Free Time

You’re free to wander on your own or opt for the golf cart tour for extra exploration. Be aware that this additional tour costs extra (around $35 USD) and can feel a bit commercialized. The general sightseeing and beach time are often enough for a relaxed visit, but those wanting to see more might find this optional upgrade appealing.

Return Journey

After your island time, you’ll board the boat for the return trip—another relaxing sail back to Tulum. The total activity length, including travel, is around 10 to 12 hours, so it’s a full-day affair. Expect to arrive back in Tulum in the late evening.

What Do Travelers Say?

Highly praised aspects include the friendly, attentive crew and the beautiful scenery. One reviewer raved, “The boat and crew was Top Notch! Everyone was so attentive,” emphasizing the quality of service.

Many appreciated the value for money—especially those who upgraded to the platinum experience, which offers a bigger, nicer catamaran and a more exclusive beach. Several reviewers noted that the food and drinks on board were very good, with some calling this a highlight of their trip.

However, some reviews point out limitations: the snorkeling conditions can be rough or underwhelming if the weather is bad, and the island exploration can feel limited if you’re not into the golf cart tours. A few travelers felt that the long transfer time from Tulum diminishes the overall experience, especially if you’re short on time.

Complaints about miscommunication or feeling rushed are also present but tend to be outweighed by overall satisfaction, especially with the crew and scenery.

Who Should Consider This Tour?

This experience is best suited for travelers who value comfort, good service, and a scenic day on the water. If you’re someone who enjoys relaxing cruises, socializing with drinks, and visiting a beautiful island, you’ll likely find this tour quite satisfying. It’s also ideal for those wanting a guided experience with some included activities like paddleboarding or snorkeling.

However, if you prefer independent exploration or are budget-conscious, you might find this trip a bit structured or pricey. Also, if snorkeling is your main goal and weather conditions are poor, your experience could be less than ideal.

Practical Tips for Booking and Enjoying

• Arrive early or confirm your pickup details, especially if you’re not meeting at the designated spot.
• Bring sunscreen (preferably biodegradable, as recommended) and water shoes if you plan to explore rocky beaches.
• Prepare for the long transfer from Tulum—consider leaving early or planning a relaxing morning.
• Pack a light jacket—some reviewers mention it can be chilly or windy on the boat.
• Decide if you want to upgrade to the platinum experience—many say it’s worth the extra cost for a more comfortable, less crowded boat.
• Set expectations about snorkeling—weather can impact visibility, and some may find the experience rushed or less impressive than hoped.
• Bring cash if you want to explore beyond the included activities, such as the golf cart tour.
• Be mindful of the full-day commitment—this is a long adventure, so plan accordingly.

FAQ

How do I get to the marina?
Transportation from Tulum is included or can be arranged. Most travelers meet at a specific point, and the transfer takes about 10 minutes, but the drive to Isla Mujeres can take around 1 hour and 40 minutes.

Is food included?
Yes, lunch is part of the tour. The reviews mention that the food is tasty, though some say it’s standard fare. Drinks, including alcohol, are served throughout the day.

What activities are available on the island?
You can explore on your own, wander the beaches, or take a golf cart tour for an extra fee. Snorkeling gear and paddleboards are provided but weather-dependent.

What’s the duration of the tour?
Expect a full day of about 10 to 12 hours, including transfers, sailing, and island time.

Can I cancel if my plans change?
Yes, there’s a full refund if you cancel at least 24 hours in advance. Cancellations less than that are non-refundable.

Is this suitable for families?
The tour isn’t specifically geared toward children, but older kids comfortable on boats and with water activities could enjoy it. Keep in mind the long travel times.

Are there any hidden costs?
The tour price covers transportation, lunch, drinks, and activities. Optional extras like the golf cart tour cost extra.

How good is the snorkeling?
Weather conditions affect snorkeling quality. Some reviews mention less-than-ideal conditions, so don’t rely solely on this activity.

What is the upgrade option?
Many travelers opt for the platinum experience, which includes a larger, more comfortable boat and exclusive beach access. It’s often considered worth the extra cost.

Is this a crowded experience?
The maximum group size is 30, so it’s relatively intimate, especially if you choose the platinum upgrade.

Final Thoughts

The Exclusive Sailing Isla Mujeres tour from Tulum offers a solid mix of relaxation, scenic cruising, and island exploration. It’s well-suited for travelers who want a comfortable, guided day on the water with plenty of drinks and good service. The inclusion of lunch and equipment makes it convenient and adds value, but be aware that activities like snorkeling and island exploration can be weather-dependent and somewhat limited.

Many reviews highlight the friendly crew and beautiful views as key highlights, along with the option to upgrade for a more exclusive experience. While some travelers find the transfer times a bit long, most appreciate the overall atmosphere and the chance to unwind in a scenic setting.

If you’re after a laid-back, well-organized day with friendly guides and stunning ocean vistas, this tour could be a good fit. Just be sure to set your expectations about the actual activities—snorkeling, beach exploration, and optional golf cart tours all depend on weather and timing—and plan your day accordingly.

Enjoy your trip to Isla Mujeres! Whether you opt for this tour or explore more independently, you’re bound to have a memorable Caribbean adventure.