Catamaran Plus Tour to Isla Mujeres with National Open Bar from Cancun

Traveling to Cancun and craving a day filled with sun, sea, and good vibes? This Catamaran Plus Tour to Isla Mujeres offers a lively way to enjoy the Caribbean’s best, with sailing, snorkeling, and plenty of drinks. While it’s not a quiet, laid-back trip—think party boat with a focus on fun—it’s perfect if you’re looking to combine adventure with socializing.

Two things we really like about this experience are the all-day open bar—which makes the ride extra relaxing—and the opportunity to snorkel in a vibrant reef teeming with marine life. Plus, the visit to Isla Mujeres itself means you get some free time to explore or shop at your own pace.

However, one consideration worth noting is that snorkeling isn’t suitable for everyone, especially if you have health issues or are over 60, since safety rules restrict participation for some. Also, this tour leans toward a party atmosphere, so if you’re after a quiet day on the water, this might not be your best fit.

This tour suits travelers who want a high-energy day with plenty of drinks, scenic sailing, and a taste of island life without too many restrictions. It’s especially good for groups, couples, or anyone eager to enjoy a lively, social cruise.

Key Points

• All-day open bar ensures a carefree, fun atmosphere.
• Snorkeling in a colorful reef offers a peek at Caribbean marine life.
• Flexible free time at Isla Mujeres or Blanquizal allows personal exploration.
• Comprehensive experience with sailing, snorkeling, and beach lounging in one trip.
• Value for money given the buffet lunch, drinks, and snorkeling gear included.
• Limited for non-participants, as the tour is quite lively and social.

An Honest Look at the Tour Experience

When we think about a day on the water in Cancun, the Catamaran Plus Tour to Isla Mujeres really hits a sweet spot for those wanting to tick off multiple experiences in one go. It’s a full 7-hour adventure that mixes sailing, snorkeling, beach time, and lively socializing—making it ideal for travelers craving a dynamic, fun-filled day.

Pricing is set at $88 per person, which covers most essentials—snorkeling gear, a buffet lunch, and unlimited drinks from the open bar. For those familiar with Cancun, this offers good bang for your buck, especially considering the inclusive nature of the tour. Keep in mind, there’s a government fee of $20, which is standard for such excursions, and a dock fee of $20 USD per person that you’ll pay on the day.

Booking in Advance and Availability

Many travelers book about 3-4 months ahead; on average, this tour gets reserved around 107 days in advance, indicating high popularity. The tour capacity is capped at 65 travelers, so it feels somewhat intimate yet lively enough to create a communal vibe.

Detailed Breakdown of the Itinerary

Stop 1: Isla Mujeres – The Heart of the Tour

The day begins with a sailing and snorkeling session en route to Isla Mujeres. The boat is lively, often described as a party on water, with plenty of music, drinks, and good company. As you cruise across the Caribbean, you’ll be enjoying unlimited beverages, which many reviewers find adds to the carefree, fun atmosphere.

When you arrive at Isla Mujeres, you’ll have free time to explore. Some may want to venture into the downtown area—perfect for grabbing souvenirs or just soaking in the island’s vibe. Others might prefer to relax at the exclusive Beach Club, where you can lounge on sunbeds, swim in the calm waters, or continue enjoying drinks and snacks offered at the club.

Snorkeling in the Reef

One of the tour highlights is the snorkeling activity. You’ll use provided equipment to explore a beautiful reef teeming with marine life. This is a big plus for those who love nature or want a break from sunbathing. The reef offers clear waters and a variety of colorful fish and perhaps other marine creatures.

From a review perspective, the snorkel experience is well-regarded. The water is described as refreshing, and the marine life is plentiful, making it a memorable part of the trip. However, it’s important to note that snorkeling participation is restricted for those over 60 or with certain health issues, for safety reasons.

Beach Club and Free Time

Post-snorkel, the tour takes you to the exclusive Beach Club, a perfect spot to relax, sip on drinks, and enjoy amenities designed for comfort. If you’re into shopping or sightseeing, the downtown area of Isla Mujeres is just a short walk away, offering souvenirs and local points of interest.

Sunset on the Return Trip

As the day winds down, the boat heads back to Cancun, and many travelers settle in with an extra drink from the open bar. The sunset views during the return cruise are often described as stunning—an ideal backdrop to reflect on a day well spent.

What’s Included and What’s Not

The tour’s included features make it feel like good value overall: national open bar, snorkeling equipment, buffet lunch, and a bilingual guide. All these components come together to create a seamless, enjoyable experience. The buffet is appreciated by many, sometimes mentioned as surprisingly good quality, with some reviews noting it as more than just a simple snack.

What’s not included? Mainly, personal expenses like souvenirs or photos, and the government fee of $20. Also, hotel pickup and drop-off are not part of the package, which means you’ll need to arrange your own transportation to the meeting point at Marina Albatros.

Group Size, Duration, and Practicalities

The tour lasts about 7 hours, a good balance between a full day of fun and not overly exhausting. The group size, up to 65 travelers, keeps it lively without feeling crowded. The meeting point is conveniently located near public transportation, making it easy to access from most hotels in Cancun’s hotel zone.

What to Wear and Bring

You’ll want to wear comfortable clothes, a swimsuit, and bring extra clothes and towels. Sunscreen should ideally be biodegradable to protect the reef, and sunglasses will help with the sun glare. Since snorkeling isn’t for everyone, especially those with health concerns, plan accordingly.

Accessibility and Safety

While most travelers can participate, individuals over 60 or those who have had recent surgeries may not be able to snorkel due to safety restrictions. The tour encourages safety and responsible behavior, especially during water activities.

Authentic Insights from Past Travelers

Reviewers highlight the friendly, knowledgeable guides as a big plus, with one noting that “Manny was the absolute best tour guide ever,” and praising the staff’s friendliness. Many comment on the fun party vibe, with music and drinks making the boat ride lively and memorable.

The food also gets positive mentions, with guests enjoying the buffet lunch more than expected. The stunning views during sailing and the vibrant reef for snorkeling are often described as highlights, adding to the overall value of the experience.

Final Thoughts: Is This Tour Right for You?

This Catamaran Plus Tour to Isla Mujeres offers an energetic, social way to spend a day in Cancun. If you’re looking for a party atmosphere with plenty of drinks, scenic sailing, and opportunities to snorkel in beautiful waters, this is a solid pick. The included amenities, like lunch and equipment, mean you won’t have to worry about extra costs on the day.

It’s particularly well-suited for groups, couples, or anyone eager to combine adventure and relaxation in a lively setting. If you prefer a quieter, more subdued experience, or have specific health restrictions, you might want to consider other options. But for those wanting to soak up the sun, enjoy good company, and explore Isla Mujeres, this trip checks many boxes.

FAQs

Is hotel pickup included? No, the tour does not include hotel pickup or drop-off. You’ll need to arrange your own transportation to the meeting point at Marina Albatros.

How long does the tour last? The entire experience lasts approximately 7 hours, including sailing, snorkeling, free time, and the return cruise.

What is the price? It costs $88 per person, which includes snorkeling gear, buffet lunch, unlimited drinks, and guided assistance.

Are drinks really unlimited? Yes, there’s a national open bar available throughout the tour, making it easy to relax and socialize.

Can I snorkel if I have health issues? Snorkeling is not suitable for people over 60 or those with certain surgeries, due to safety restrictions.

What should I bring? Comfortable clothes, swimwear, extra clothes, towels, biodegradable sunscreen, and sunglasses.

Is this tour family-friendly? It’s mostly geared toward adults who enjoy lively atmospheres. If your group includes children who can snorkel safely and enjoy this type of environment, they might be okay, but the tour is not specifically designed as family-friendly.

What happens if I need to cancel? You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund. Less than that, and it’s non-refundable.

What makes this tour stand out? The combination of lively sailing, reef snorkeling, and free time at Isla Mujeres, paired with great guides, makes it a memorable way to enjoy a day in Cancun.

If you’re after an activity that packs fun, scenery, and social vibes into one day, this tour might just be your best bet. Just be ready for a spirited ride, plenty of drinks, and a chance to see the Caribbean from all angles.