Planning a trip to Cancun and considering a day trip to Isla Mujeres? This Basic Tour Isla Mujeres and Open Bar offers a laid-back way to experience the island’s charm, without the pressure of rigid schedules. It’s perfect if you love the idea of exploring on your own, combined with some snorkeling and good drinks.

What makes this tour stand out? First, the freedom to discover Isla Mujeres at your own pace during a generous 2-hour and 20-minute free time. Second, the unlimited open bar adds a lively, social vibe—great for kicking back after a day on the water. That said, it’s worth mentioning that the cost does not include the dock tax ($25 USD), which is something to budget for in advance.

This tour isn’t ideal if you’re traveling with very young children under 12, but if you’re an independent-minded traveler or a group wanting a flexible day out, it’s a solid choice. Overall, it’s about balance: a chance to see the highlights with some freedom, complemented by a lively atmosphere.

Key Points

Flexible exploration: Enjoy over two hours to wander Isla Mujeres on your own.
Snorkeling adventure: Visit an underwater museum and the second-largest barrier reef.
Unlimited drinks: The open bar keeps the vibe fun and relaxed.
Includes snorkel gear and snorkeling at El Meco reef.
Cost considerations: Remember to budget for the $25 USD dock tax.
Not suitable for children under 12, so plan accordingly.

You can check availability for your dates here:

What to Expect from a Day on Isla Mujeres

When you sign up for this tour, you’re signing up for more than just a sightseeing trip—you’re getting a taste of the island’s laid-back, yet lively, Caribbean spirit. The experience is designed to give you the freedom to explore at your own pace, with the added fun of snorkeling and a social, party-like atmosphere on the way back.

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Starting Point at Playa Tortugas

The journey begins at Playa Tortugas, a well-known spot for water activities and close to Cancun. Once you arrive, you’ll meet your crew and hop aboard a boat heading toward the reef. The boat ride is about an hour to the snorkeling site, bordered by the lively backdrop of Cancun’s coast.

Snorkeling at El Meco Reef

The highlight for many is the snorkeling stop at Arrecife El Meco. It’s about an hour in the water, giving you a good chance to see some marine life and enjoy the underwater museum—a creatively designed spot where maritime species of many colors live.

Reviews point out that the snorkeling equipment is provided, which is a nice touch, so you won’t need to worry about bringing your own gear. Plus, the reef is part of the second-largest barrier reef in the world, meaning you’ll be swimming in one of the planet’s most impressive marine environments.

Playa Norte and Beach Time

After snorkeling, you’ll arrive at Playa Norte—a spot often praised as one of the most beautiful beaches in the world (according to the 2019 Travelers Choice awards). Here, you get about 45 minutes to swim, relax, or just soak in the stunning views of the turquoise sea. It’s a quick stop, but enough to enjoy the sand and sun.

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Free Time to Explore Isla Mujeres

The real perk of this tour is the 2 hours and 20 minutes of free time on the island. This is when you can really get a sense of what makes Isla Mujeres special. Whether it’s browsing artisan shops, sampling local foods, or just wandering through the colorful streets, this is your moment to customize your experience.

Some reviews mention that the island has a relaxed vibe, with plenty of spots to grab authentic Mexican snacks or craft souvenirs. It’s an ideal opportunity to dive into the local culture at your own pace.

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Return Journey with an Open Bar

As you head back to Cancun, the atmosphere heats up. The boat is lively, with an unlimited open bar that turns the return trip into a mini-party. It’s common to see groups dancing and sharing drinks, making the journey back just as memorable as the day on the island.

A reviewer noted, “The return with the open bar was legendary—family party atmosphere, great music, drinks flowing. It’s a fun way to end the trip.”

Additional Details

Timing: The tour operates mainly in the morning, with an option at 12:00 noon to catch the sunset, depending on your preference.
Duration: Around 7 hours total, including transfers and activities.
Price: $48 per person, which is quite reasonable considering the snorkeling, free time, and open bar.
Provider Rating: 5 out of 5, indicating consistent positive reviews.

The Practicalities: What’s Included and What to Keep in Mind

The tour provides snorkel gear, so you can comfortably explore the reef without extra hassle. The unlimited open bar is great for socializing, but keep in mind that it doesn’t include food—so you might want to bring some cash if you plan to buy snacks or souvenirs on the island.

You’ll need to cover the $25 USD dock tax, which isn’t included in the price. Also, bring essentials like a hat, towel, biodegradable sunscreen, and change of clothes for after snorkeling and swimming. A credit card and cash are recommended for extras.

While the tour is flexible, it’s important to note that it’s not suitable for children under 12. This is mainly due to the nature of the activities and alcohol consumption on the return trip.

How to Book and What to Expect

Booking is straightforward: reserve now, pay later, and cancel up to 24 hours in advance if needed. The tour operates in multiple languages—Spanish, English, and Italian—covering most travelers’ needs. The meeting point is at Playa Tortugas in front of the Bungee Jump, easy to find if you’re familiar with the area.

Our Honest Take: Is This Tour Worth It?

If you’re someone who loves the idea of a flexible, laid-back day in Isla Mujeres, this tour offers a lot of value. The snorkeling experience is well-regarded, especially the underwater museum and reef, and the free time allows for personal exploration—something you might find more satisfying than a rigid, pre-planned schedule.

The open bar adds a fun, social element that many travelers enjoy, especially if you’re looking to unwind after snorkeling. The price point is reasonable, especially given that food isn’t included, but the dock tax is an extra to keep in mind.

However, if you’re traveling with kids under 12 or prefer a more structured, tour-guided experience, this might not be your best fit. It’s also worth noting that the free time isn’t overly generous, so if you want to really explore every corner of Isla Mujeres, you might want to plan some additional time on your own.

This tour is a great option for independent travelers and groups who want a balance of adventure, relaxation, and social fun without breaking the bank.

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Basic Tour Isla Mujeres and Open bar

FAQs

Is there a limit on the number of drinks I can have?
No, the open bar is unlimited, so you can enjoy as many drinks as you like during the return trip.

Do I need to bring my own snorkeling gear?
No, the tour provides snorkeling equipment, making it easy to enjoy the reef without extra packing.

How much time do I get to explore Isla Mujeres?
You’ll have about 2 hours and 20 minutes to walk around, shop, or relax on your own.

What’s the cost beyond the tour price?
You’ll need to budget for the $25 USD dock tax, and possibly for lunch or souvenirs if you decide to buy anything.

Is this tour suitable for families?
It’s not recommended for children under 12, mainly due to the snorkeling and the party atmosphere on the boat.

What should I bring?
Comfortable shoes, hat, towel, biodegradable sunscreen, change of clothes, cash, and a credit card for extras.

Can I cancel if my plans change?
Yes, you can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.

Is the tour available in multiple languages?
Yes, guides speak Spanish, English, and Italian.

How long is the snorkeling activity?
About an hour at Arrecife El Meco, giving enough time to see marine life and enjoy the underwater museum.

What’s the overall rating of the provider?
They have a 5-star rating, reflecting consistent positive feedback from travelers.

In the end, this tour offers a relaxed, fun way to see Isla Mujeres, especially if you value flexibility, decent snorkeling, and a lively return journey. It’s perfect if you’re eager to explore at your own pace and meet fellow travelers over drinks. Just remember to budget for the extra tax and bring everything you need for a comfortable day in the sun.