Cancún: Catamaran Tour to Isla Mujeres with Open Bar & Lunch

Planning a day trip from Cancún and considering a boat tour to Isla Mujeres? We’ve looked into this popular catamaran experience so you can decide if it’s the right fit for your trip. It promises a blend of sun, sea, good food, and fun—perfect for vacationers looking for a mix of relaxation and adventure.

What we really like about this tour? First, the scenic cruise aboard a spacious catamaran with lively crew and music. Second, the chance to snorkel at El Meco Reef, which is known for its clear waters and vibrant marine life. But, on the flip side, some reviews point out that overcrowding and quality inconsistencies at the beach club could be downsides. This tour is suited for travelers who enjoy social boat rides, beach time, and don’t mind paying extra for some activities.

If you’re someone who values a balanced day of sightseeing and relaxing with good food and drinks, this could work well. Just keep in mind that it might not be your best choice if you’re seeking a quieter, more exclusive experience or are sensitive to crowds.

Key Points

• Comfortable Catamaran: Offers a lively, social vibe with music, drinks, and ocean views.
• Snorkeling at El Meco: A highlight for marine lovers, with colorful fish and underwater statues.
• Beach Club Experience: Includes a buffet lunch, but reviews suggest crowding and variable quality.
• Time Management: You get about 1-1.5 hours in Isla Mujeres, so plan your exploration accordingly.
• Cost & Extras: The tour is $103 per person, plus a mandatory dock fee of $45 USD, which can seem high but covers most amenities.
• Overall Value: Good for those wanting a fun, social day, though some may find the experience a bit crowded or underwhelming.

You can check availability for your dates here:

A Complete Look at the Tour

If you’ve ever dreamed of sailing across the Caribbean, this tour definitely hits that mark. You’ll start your adventure at Marina Sailaway, leaving the buzz of Cancún behind as you board a spacious catamaran. The boat itself is designed for a lively, comfortable ride, with plenty of space to lounge, dance, or just enjoy the sea breeze. Expect a fun atmosphere with music and drinks on tap, making the roughly hour-long sail an enjoyable part of the trip.

Snorkeling at El Meco Reef

One of the main attractions is snorkeling at El Meco Reef, a site known for its crystal-clear waters and marine biodiversity. You’ll be equipped with snorkeling gear, and the reefs feature colorful fish and underwater statues—part of the renowned Underwater Museum of Art (MUSA). It’s a great stop for anyone who loves underwater scenery, although it’s worth noting that snorkeling is not permitted for guests over 60, for safety reasons.

Some reviews mention that the snorkeling was “average,” but most agree it’s a worthwhile experience, especially if you’re into marine life or underwater art. The reef environment adds a special touch to the day, making your trip more than just a boat ride.

Exploring Isla Mujeres

After snorkeling, you’ll have about 1.5 hours of free time in Isla Mujeres. The island itself is adorable—colorful streets, local shops, and beaches perfect for lounging. You might head to Playa Norte, with its calm waters and soft sand, or stroll through the town square. Some travelers note that the beach club gets crowded, and the lounge chairs aren’t always the cleanest, so manage your expectations accordingly.

Relaxing at the Beach Club

The Amazona Beach Club offers a buffet lunch with a mix of local flavors, alongside amenities like shaded lounges and direct access to the beach. Two hours are allocated here, giving you time to eat, relax, and soak up the atmosphere. Based on reviews, the food quality varies—some found it decent, others less impressed—and the crowd can overwhelm this area, especially during peak times. Still, the setting is tropical and photogenic, making it a lovely spot for some downtime.

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The Return Journey

The trip winds down with a 1.5-hour sail back to Cancún, where you can continue enjoying drinks, music, and stunning views of the Caribbean. It’s a relaxing way to end the day, especially as the sun sets and the sky turns vibrant.

What’s Included & What’s Not

The tour covers catamaran transportation, snorkeling equipment, access to El Meco reef, free time in Isla Mujeres, beach club access, buffet lunch, and drinks on board.

However, there’s a mandatory dock fee of $45 USD per person, payable at check-in. Additional expenses may include golf cart rentals for exploring the island more independently or purchasing photos of your trip, which are not included.

The experience generally lasts 7 hours, with options available in the morning or afternoon, and is led by bilingual guides (English and Spanish). Cancellation is flexible: you can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.

The Reviews — The Good and The Not-So-Good

Some travelers have raved about the sailing experience and the views, describing it as “so much fun,” and praising the “delicious food and tapas.” One reviewer from the U.S. said, “This activity was so much fun,” which captures the overall vibe. The crew’s efforts to refill drinks often get a mention, adding to the relaxed, festive atmosphere.

On the flip side, others highlight issues like crowding and quality. A traveler from the U.S. noted that “the boat felt crowded with 50-70 people aboard,” and the beach club was also overcrowded with dirty lounge chairs. The buffet food was described as “not good quality,” and some facilities, like showers, lacked working water.

Another point to consider is the drinks—one reviewer simply said they were “shitty,” so don’t expect premium cocktails unless you bring your own or upgrade.

Who Should Consider This Tour?

This tour is best suited for those who enjoy lively group atmospheres, are comfortable sharing space with other travelers, and are looking for a fun, social day. If you love snorkeling and a scenic boat ride, you’ll likely enjoy it. It’s also a good choice if you want to combine sightseeing with beach relaxation and don’t mind paying extra for the reef access.

However, if you’re seeking a quieter, more exclusive experience, or are sensitive to crowds, you might find this tour a bit chaotic. It’s also important to be aware of the costs involved—the $45 dock fee and potential add-ons could push the overall expense, so consider whether the value aligns with your expectations.

The Sum Up

All in all, the Cancún Catamaran Tour to Isla Mujeres offers a lively, scenic way to spend a day on the water. It packs in snorkeling, island exploration, and beach time, with enough fun and activity to satisfy many travelers. The friendly guides and breathtaking views are definite highlights, though the crowds and variable quality at the beach club might detract from some experiences.

If you’re someone who enjoys social outings, good music, and a mix of adventure and relaxation, this tour could be a solid pick. Just be prepared for a busy day, especially at the beach club, and budget for the extra fees.

For travelers seeking a more peaceful or exclusive experience, or those who prioritize quality over quantity, it might be worth exploring other options. But if fun, vibrant, and scenic sums up your idea of a Caribbean day, this tour delivers a decent dose of it all.

FAQs

Is snorkeling included in the price?
Yes, snorkeling gear is provided, and you’ll visit El Meco Reef, which is included in the tour price.

What is the dock fee?
There’s a mandatory $45 USD per person fee payable at check-in that covers access to the reef and other facilities.

Can I snorkel if I am over 60?
No, snorkeling is not permitted for guests over 60 for safety reasons, but you can still enjoy the boat ride, island exploration, and beach club.

How long do I get in Isla Mujeres?
You’ll have about 1.5 hours of free time to explore the town, relax on the beach, or do some shopping.

Are drinks included?
Yes, drinks are included on the boat, and there’s an open bar. However, some reviews mention the drinks aren’t always the best quality.

Is this a family-friendly tour?
It’s suitable for most travelers, but note that snorkeling isn’t allowed for older adults, and the crowding may not be ideal for small children or those seeking serenity.

What should I bring?
Bring swimwear, a towel, biodegradable sunscreen, comfortable clothes, and cash for extras. No glass objects or pets are allowed.

What’s the overall duration?
The entire experience lasts about 7 hours, with scheduled stops and free time built in.

Whether you’re after lively fun on the water or curious about Isla Mujeres’ charm, this tour offers a solid, if slightly hectic, way to enjoy Cancún’s coastline. Just keep your expectations in check, and you’ll likely have a good time.

You can check availability for your dates here: