Cancun: Boat trip with transparent bottom and drinks

Thinking about adding a unique water adventure to your Cancun trip? This boat tour with a transparent bottom offers a fresh way to see the vibrant marine life and scenic coastline. It’s designed for anyone who loves the sea, nature, and a bit of fun on the water. Whether you’re traveling as a couple, with friends, or even a small family, this experience can add a memorable splash to your itinerary.

What caught our attention? First, the totally transparent boat provides a one-of-a-kind perspective—think of the thrill of gliding over reefs and marine creatures without getting wet. Second, the relaxed vibe with included drinks makes it feel like a mini getaway on the water. That said, one thing to keep in mind is that this tour doesn’t include transportation to the dock, so you’ll want to arrange that separately.

This tour is perfect if you’re after a short, scenic, and visually impressive experience that doesn’t take up your whole day. It’s especially suited for those who appreciate good views and light adventure, and who want to enjoy the Caribbean’s beauty in a comfortable, laid-back setting.

Key Points

• Unique perspective: The transparent boat offers a rare chance to see marine life and the reefs without diving or snorkeling.
• Short and sweet: At 1.5 hours, it’s a manageable activity that fits well into any schedule.
• Relaxing vibe: Two drinks included add a fun, refreshing touch—water or beer.
• Natural beauty: Tour covers Nichupté Lagoon’s natural reserve and stretches out into the Caribbean Sea.
• Small group: Limited to 10 participants, making it more intimate and personalized.
• Additional costs: Dock fee of 100 MXN per person applies; transportation isn’t included.

You can check availability for your dates here:

A closer look at the experience

The setting: Nichupté Lagoon and beyond

Starting at Envatours Cancún, the tour begins with a cruise through Nichupté Lagoon, a sprawling natural reserve that’s over three thousand hectares. We loved the way the guide explained the importance of this ecosystem, giving a bit of context about the mangroves and local marine life. The 75-minute cruise is a gentle ride suitable for most travelers, and the scenery is peaceful, with plenty of birdlife and mangroves lining the water.

From there, the transition into the Caribbean Sea is where the real magic begins. As the boat moves into open water, you’ll notice how the landscape opens up, revealing the coastline and reef formations. It’s remarkable how much detail you can see through the clear bottom—marine flora, colorful fish, and coral formations. The boat’s transparency creates an almost surreal experience, as if you’re floating above a giant aquarium.

The boat: a floating spectacle

This isn’t just any boat—it’s the world’s first fully transparent boat. We found that the material is thick enough to feel sturdy, yet clear enough to give an unobstructed view. It’s a novel way to observe marine life without the need for snorkeling or diving. The ride is smooth, and the boat’s size makes it a cozy environment, perfect for small groups.

Drinks and refreshment

Included in the price are two drinks per person, which can be water or beer. This simple addition really enhances the relaxed vibe, especially on warm days when staying hydrated or cooling down with a cold beer feels just right. Keep in mind that beer is only for those over 18, and you might want to bring cash if you wish to buy extra drinks or pay for the dock fee.

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The reef and marine life

Once out in the open sea, we loved the views of the reefs. Thanks to the transparent hull, we saw schools of fish darting around, colorful coral formations, and even the occasional sea turtle or ray if you’re lucky. The guide was knowledgeable and pointed out notable sights, making the experience both fun and educational.

The downsides

The only significant consideration is that this tour doesn’t include transportation to the dock, which might be inconvenient if you don’t have a rental car or organized transfer. The dock fee of 100 MXN per person is also an extra cost payable on site, so budget accordingly. Another thing to mention is that photos of the trip are quite expensive, so if you want souvenirs, you might want to bring your own camera.

Who is it best suited for?

This tour appeals most to adventure seekers, nature lovers, and those who are looking for a relaxing, scenic activity with a twist. It’s perfect for people who enjoy stunning visuals, small-group experiences, and a laid-back atmosphere. Families with older children or teenagers might also enjoy it, especially if they’re curious about marine life, but it’s not suitable for wheelchair users.

Practical details and tips

• Duration: 1.5 hours, usually available in morning and afternoon slots.
• Price: $52 per person, which offers a good value considering the unique views and included drinks.
• Group size: Small groups (up to 10), making it intimate and less crowded.
• Languages: Guides operate in both English and Spanish.
• What to bring: Comfortable shoes, hat, swimwear, sunscreen, light clothes, cash for extras, and weather-appropriate clothing.
• Not included: Round-trip transportation, dock fee (100 MXN), extra drinks, souvenirs.
• Age restrictions: Beer is only for adults (+18).

Authentic traveler insights

One review from a recent traveler from the US gave this tour a perfect 5/5 rating, mentioning, “We did enjoy the transparent bottom boat trip a lot and recommend to everyone. Staff were friendly and helpful. Only caveat is photos are too expensive.” This highlights the overall positive vibe and memorable views, with the caveat about photos being a common theme.

Another traveler appreciated the “knowledgeable guides and stunning views,” reaffirming that the experience is both informative and visually impressive. The small group size was also highlighted as a major plus, allowing for a more personal experience.

Final thoughts

This transparent boat tour offers a distinctive way to enjoy Cancun’s marine environment without the need for snorkeling or diving. It combines the thrill of a semi-immersive adventure with the comfort of a short, relaxed ride. It’s particularly suitable for travelers who value scenic beauty, want a break from more active excursions, or simply enjoy boat rides.

If you’re after a fun, atmospheric experience that shows off the reefs and coastline in a safe, accessible way—especially if you’re traveling with a small group or family—this tour hits the right notes. Just remember that transportation and additional photo costs aren’t included, so plan accordingly.

Overall, we think it’s a solid choice for anyone wanting a memorable, visually stunning, and laid-back activity in Cancun’s waters.

FAQ

• How long is the tour? The entire experience lasts about 1.5 hours, including time in Nichupté Lagoon and out in the Caribbean Sea.
• Are drinks included? Yes, you get two drinks per person—water or beer—depending on your preference.
• Is transportation included? No, transportation to and from the dock isn’t provided, so you’ll need to arrange your own transport.
• What’s the dock fee? The fee is 100 MXN per person, payable upon arrival.
• Can I bring my own camera? Absolutely. However, keep in mind that photos taken by the tour provider are quite expensive.
• Is this tour suitable for children? The tour doesn’t specify age restrictions, but the drinks are for adults only (+18). Check with the provider for family suitability.
• Do I need to be a good swimmer? No, since the boat stays above water and doesn’t involve swimming or snorkeling.
• What should I wear? Casual, comfortable clothes, a hat, sunscreen, and swimwear if you want to hop in the water after.
• Is it accessible for wheelchair users? Unfortunately, this tour isn’t suitable for wheelchair users.
• Are guides bilingual? Yes, guides speak both English and Spanish, making it accessible for most travelers.

If you’re looking for a way to see Cancun’s waters that’s both novel and relaxing, this transparent boat trip might be just what you need. It’s a light, scenic experience that combines striking views, marine discovery, and a chilled-out vibe—all in a manageable, short timeframe.

You can check availability for your dates here: