Cancun: Transparent Boat Tour with Drinks

Thinking about adding a splash of adventure to your Cancun trip? The Transparent Boat Tour with Drinks offers a unique way to experience the Caribbean Sea without getting your feet wet. While it’s not the longest or most adrenaline-pumping activity, it’s perfect if you want to relax, snap great photos, and see marine life in a laid-back setting.

What we really like about this experience is the amazing opportunity to observe marine wildlife from the comfort of a glass-bottom boat—you stay dry, so no worries about swimming or diving skills. Plus, the offering of drinks onboard makes it a more leisurely, social outing. On the flip side, some travelers might find the speed of the boat ride a bit quick, especially if you’re hoping for a more in-depth encounter with the marine environment.

This tour works best for those who enjoy scenic, light-hearted outings and want to add a dash of turquoise vistas to their Cancun vacation. It’s ideal for travelers seeking an easy, family-friendly activity or simply a relaxing way to take in the Caribbean’s vibrant waters.

Key Points

• Unique Glass-Bottom Design: Offers a dry way to see underwater life and colorful reefs.
• Relaxed Duration: 1.5 hours of calm cruising, perfect for taking photos and enjoying drinks.
• Wildlife Spotting: Search for fish, turtles, manta rays, and snails without diving in.
• Convenient Location: Starts at Envatours Cancún, with easy access and a prompt start.
• Limited Inclusion: Drinks included, but boat and dock fees are additional.
• Not for Wheelchair Users: Accessibility is limited, so check beforehand if needed.

You can check availability for your dates here:

What to Expect from the Tour

This tour is all about the visual experience. You’ll board a completely transparent boat that lets you peer down into the water and admire the reef and marine life beneath you. The boat glides gently through the Nichupte Lagoon, a protected nature reserve covering over 3,000 hectares, then moves into the Caribbean Sea, where the real magic happens.

You’ll enjoy a 75-minute cruise that’s relaxed and scenic. The boat remains dry, so you can comfortably observe the vibrant marine life—everything from colorful fish to gentle turtles and even manta rays gliding nearby. Plus, you’ll have plenty of opportunities to snap photos from unique angles through the clear hull, making for some great souvenirs.

The tour begins at Envatours Cancún, where you’ll meet the staff and get ready to set sail. Arriving about 15 minutes early is recommended to ensure a smooth start. The boat operates in the morning or afternoon, depending on availability, giving you flexibility.

The Itinerary Breakdown

Start at Envatours Cancún: Once you arrive, the staff will brief you on the tour, and you’ll hop aboard the transparent vessel. With a total duration of about 1.5 hours, the cruise is designed to be a quick but memorable experience.

Nichupte Lagoon: For the first part of your journey, you’ll cruise through this large, protected lagoon—an area teeming with birdlife and calm waters. This setting is ideal for panoramic photos and a gentle introduction to the local ecosystem.

Into the Caribbean Sea: After exiting the lagoon, the boat takes you into the Caribbean’s clear waters. Here, the focus is on marine reef viewing. Thanks to the glass-bottom design, you can peer into the water and spot vibrant fish, snails, and possibly even a turtle or manta ray.

Throughout the ride, you’ll be able to sip on two drinks per person—options include beer, water, or soft drinks. This simple inclusion adds to the relaxed, social vibe.

Return to the starting point: After 75 minutes, you’ll head back to the dock, feeling like you’ve had a window into the ocean’s daily life without any strenuous activity.

The Experience’s Pros and Cons

The Best Parts

• Spectacular Views: The standout feature is the completely transparent boat, offering close-up views of the reef and sea life that are usually out of reach from the surface.
• Wildlife Observation: Even from the boat, you might see a variety of marine animals, which adds an educational and fun element. As one reviewer noted, “Very nice activity. Only the boat ride is very fast. Just enough time to take some pictures and see the marine animals.”
• Relaxed Atmosphere: The inclusion of drinks and the calm cruise makes it feel more like a laid-back outing rather than a busy tour.
• Good for Photography: The vessel’s design makes for some truly unique photo opportunities—imagine capturing the underwater world from above.

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The Drawbacks

• Speed of the Ride: Several reviews mention the boat is quite quick, which may leave you wishing for a longer or slower experience to better appreciate the surroundings.
• Limited Depth Exploration: Since it’s a dry, glass-bottom tour, you won’t get as close to the sea life as you might during snorkeling or diving trips.
• Additional Costs: The dock fee of 100 MXN per person is not included in the price, adding a little extra to your budget.
• Accessibility: Not suitable for wheelchair users, so if mobility is a concern, check alternative options.

How Good Is the Value?

At $44 per person, the tour isn’t overly expensive considering the novelty of the glass-bottom boat and the chance to see marine life without getting wet. You’re paying mainly for the experience and the views, which are quite unique. The drinks included help make the ride feel more like a leisurely outing rather than a rushed activity. However, keep in mind the dock fee is extra, so budget for that in advance.

Given the overall positive feedback and the opportunity for great photos and wildlife sightings, many travelers find this a worthwhile addition to their Cancun itinerary. It’s especially appealing for those who prefer a slow-paced, scenic activity that doesn’t require much physical effort.

Who Is This Tour Best For?

This tour suits travelers who want to enjoy the Caribbean’s beauty without the need for snorkeling, diving, or strenuous activities. It’s ideal for families, couples, or solo travelers looking for a relaxing, visually interesting experience. If you’re keen on wildlife observation but wary of getting into the water, you’ll find this a perfect fit.

It’s also a good choice if you’re traveling with kids or older adults who might prefer a comfortable, dry viewing experience. However, if you’re looking for a longer or more adventurous marine encounter, you might want to consider other options.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the tour suitable for children?
While not specifically marketed as a family activity, the tour is generally calm and safe for children, especially since it’s a dry boat ride. Always check with the provider if you have very young kids.

How long does the tour last?
The cruise itself runs for about 75 minutes, offering a relaxed, scenic experience.

Are drinks really included?
Yes, each person gets two drinks, which can be water, beer, or soft drinks, depending on your preference.

Do I need to bring anything?
Comfortable shoes, a hat, sunscreen, and a camera are recommended. Also, remember to bring cash for the dock fee.

Is the tour available in the morning and afternoon?
Yes, it generally operates in both slots, so you can pick a time that fits your schedule.

What if the weather isn’t good?
Tours have a flexible cancellation policy—cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund, so keep an eye on the forecast.

Can I see marine life from the boat?
Yes, you might spot fish, turtles, manta rays, and snails. The clear bottom design enhances your chances of good wildlife sightings.

Is there any transportation included?
No, hotel pick-up and drop-off are not included, so plan to meet at Envatours Cancún at the designated time.

Final Thoughts

If you’re after a relaxed, scenic outing that offers a different perspective of Cancun’s marine environment, this Transparent Boat Tour with Drinks is a solid choice. The experience of seeing the underwater world from above, combined with the easygoing vibe and drinks, makes it a fun, light activity. It’s especially suited for travelers who prioritize views and photos over lengthy exploration or intense activities.

While it’s not perfect—for example, the quick pace may leave some wanting more—the overall value lies in the spectacular views and the chance to relax in a beautiful setting. Just remember the additional dock fee and that it’s not accessible for wheelchair users.

Whether you’re celebrating a special occasion or just looking to unwind with a drink in hand, this tour offers a calm, memorable way to enjoy the Caribbean’s vibrant waters. It’s a simple, enjoyable outing that complements a busy itinerary, giving you a peaceful window into the sea’s lively world.

You can check availability for your dates here: