Luxury Catamaran Privilege to Isla Mujeres + Open Bar VIP

Exploring the Luxury Catamaran Privilege to Isla Mujeres + Open Bar VIP: Is it Worth It?

If you’re considering a day on the water in Cancun, you’ve probably come across this luxury catamaran tour to Isla Mujeres. It’s marketed as a VIP experience, with a small boat, open bar, snorkeling, and a visit to a beach club. Sounds like a pretty sweet way to spend a day, right? We’ve taken a close look at what it offers — based on the details and real traveler reviews — so you can decide if it matches what you’re after.

What we like about this tour? First, the small group size of just 25 people means you’re likely to enjoy a more comfortable, less crowded experience. Second, the combination of snorkeling and beach time offers a good mix of adventure and relaxation. But, a few things to keep in mind might give you a more balanced picture.

A possible snag is the food and drinks — reviews mention the food as disappointing and the booze as not quite up to VIP standards. If you’re really counting on gourmet meals or top-shelf drinks, this might fall a little short. This tour suits travelers who want a scenic day sailing, easy access to Isla Mujeres, and a lively onboard vibe without a hefty price tag.

Key Points

• Small boat capacity creates a more intimate, less crowded environment.
• Snorkeling at El Meco reef offers a fun underwater experience, though some find the waters rough.
• Open bar includes mimosa and wine, but some feel the drinks aren’t premium quality.
• Beach club visit provides a good break with buffet lunch and VIP area, but the food quality might vary.
• Flexible itinerary with free time to explore Isla Mujeres at your own pace.
• Price point of $115 per person offers decent value for the combination of activities, but avoid expecting gourmet dining.

Detailed Breakdown of the Experience

Starting the Day: Meeting Point and Departure

The tour kicks off early at Marina Puerto Xtabay in Cancun, with check-in at 9:00 am. It’s a straightforward start, and the small group size—limited to 25 travelers—means you’re not jostling with large crowds. The boat is described as a luxury catamaran, which hints at a comfortable, well-maintained vessel. From what travelers mention, the crew is friendly and knowledgeable, making the onboard experience pleasant despite some complaints about the packed conditions.

The Voyage to Isla Mujeres

Sailing across the calm waters of the Caribbean is often a highlight. The boat’s size and comfortable setup are designed for a relaxed cruise, perfect for soaking up the sun and enjoying the scenery. The trip to Isla Mujeres includes a stop at El Meco reef for snorkeling. This part is especially attractive if you like marine life and underwater sights, though some reviews note that the waters can be rough, so be prepared if you’re prone to seasickness.

Snorkeling at El Meco

Snorkeling equipment and towels are provided, and the reef is described as vibrant with fish and statues at the bottom. But, one reviewer pointed out that “it’s rough and you should be prepared,” which is worth considering if your group includes less confident swimmers or small children. The experience seems to be well-appreciated for the chance to see marine life, but the conditions may vary day to day.

The Beach Club Experience

After snorkeling, the boat arrives at a beach club, where a buffet lunch and open bar await. The setting is marketed as exclusive and VIP, with a dedicated area at the club. The buffet is described as delicious by some, but the review quotes mention terrible food and booze — so, expectations should be managed. It’s a good spot for a relaxed meal and some refreshing drinks, but don’t expect a gourmet feast or top-shelf liquor.

Exploring Isla Mujeres

Post-lunch, you have free time to walk around the town and explore. It’s a chance to buy souvenirs or just marvel at the colorful streets and ocean views. If you’re into shopping or people-watching, this is a sweet, low-pressure part of the tour.

Return Journey & Sunset Views

As you head back to Cancun, the tour offers a spectacular sunset view over the water, alongside your beverages. It’s a calming way to end the day, and the included open bar (mimosas and wine) adds a touch of celebration to the trip home.

What the Reviews Say

Two recent reviews give us a fair idea of what to expect. One reviewer noted, “Nice boat and service on boat was really good…but terrible food and booze.” They also mentioned the boat was “packed,” which might contradict the small-group promise, but it’s still a positive comment on the crew. The snorkeling was described as “rough,” so if you’re not comfortable with choppier waters, it’s worth considering.

Another reviewer enjoyed the trip, saying, “Did snorkeling, which was awesome to see the fish and statues,” and appreciated the buffet lunch. This indicates that experiences can range from average to enjoyable, depending on personal expectations and conditions on the day.

Practical Details and Value

The $115 price includes snorkeling gear, towels, a buffet lunch, open bar, and a guided experience. Compared to larger, less personalized tours, this costs a reasonable sum for a day of sailing and exploring. But, some travelers might find the food disappointing, and the drinks — while included — might not be of premium quality.

The tour’s seven-hour duration offers enough time to enjoy all activities without feeling rushed, but keep in mind the $20 government fee isn’t included in the ticket price, so budget for that extra expense.

Who Is This Tour Best For?

If you’re after a relaxed, scenic cruise with a small group, this could be a good fit. It’s suitable for those who enjoy snorkeling, casual beach days, and lively onboard socializing. However, if gourmet dining, high-end drinks, or a more luxurious island experience are your priorities, you might be disappointed.

This tour is also ideal for travelers who don’t mind a bit of rough water, as some reviews suggest. Families with older children or teens could find the snorkeling and boat ride enjoyable, but younger children or those prone to seasickness might want to consider other options.

FAQs

Is this tour suitable for families?
It can be, especially if your kids are comfortable with boat rides and snorkeling. The tour is not specifically marketed as family-friendly, but there’s nothing inherently unsuitable.

How many people will be on the boat?
A maximum of 25 travelers, creating an intimate atmosphere that’s better than overcrowded tours.

What’s included in the price?
Snorkeling gear, towels, buffet lunch at the beach club, an open bar with mimosa and wine, and a bilingual guide.

Are the drinks of good quality?
Some reviews suggest the drinks aren’t premium, so don’t expect high-end spirits. The open bar includes mimosas and wine, but quality may vary.

What about the snorkeling?
It’s at El Meco reef, which is known for its vibrant marine life and statues. However, the waters can be rough, so assess your comfort level with water conditions.

Can I explore Isla Mujeres afterward?
Yes, the tour allows free time for walking around the town, shopping, or relaxing at the beach.

What is the cancellation policy?
You can cancel for free up to 24 hours in advance. If canceled less than 24 hours before, no refund is provided.

Is there a dock tax or extra fee?
Yes, a government fee of $20 per person is not included in the ticket price.

What should I bring?
Swimsuit, towels, extra clothes, sunscreen, sunglasses, and comfortable shoes.

What is the main drawback of this tour?
The food and drinks might not meet high expectations, and some travelers find the boat crowded or the snorkeling conditions rough.

Final Thoughts

This Luxury Catamaran Privilege to Isla Mujeres + Open Bar VIP offers a solid day out on the water in Cancun for those wanting a mix of sailing, snorkeling, and island exploration. With a small group size, it promises a more personalized experience, although reviews point out that the onboard amenities and food may not always match the “luxury” label perfectly.

If you’re after a laid-back day with good company, scenic views, and a taste of Isla Mujeres, this tour could be just right. But if your idea of VIP includes gourmet food, top-shelf drinks, or a more indulgent experience, you might want to look elsewhere. Overall, it’s a decent value for the price, especially if you keep your expectations realistic.

Feel free to share your experiences or ask questions. I hope this review helps you decide whether this tour fits your Cancun adventure plans!