Catamaran Albatros Platinum & Beach club & Open bar & Isla Mujeres

A detailed look at the Catamaran Albatros Platinum & Beach Club tour in Cancun

Looking for a way to enjoy a mix of sailing, snorkeling, and chilling at a beautiful beach club? This Catamaran Albatros Platinum tour aims to give you a taste of all that in a single, roughly seven-hour package. It’s designed for travelers who want a relaxed yet engaging day on the water, with plenty of opportunities to soak in the views and enjoy good company.

What we like about this experience? First, the luxury vibe of the boat and the beach club access make it feel special. Second, the easy snorkeling activity and friendly guides promise a smooth, enjoyable outing.

One thing to keep in mind is that, according to some reviews, the boat might sometimes be a bit crowded — the website states a max of 35 people, but travelers have estimated more. So if you’re picky about space and a quieter atmosphere, this might not be your ideal choice.

This tour suits travelers who are after a fun and scenic day with friends or family, seeking good value and a variety of activities in one go.

Key Points

• Luxurious experience aboard a well-equipped catamaran with stunning sea views
• Snorkeling at El Meco reef, suitable for beginners and easy to enjoy
• VIP beach club access offers relaxed lounging and a hearty grilled buffet
• Open bar on board with premium national drinks and spectacular sunset views
• Comfortable duration of around 7 hours balances activity and relaxation
• Potential for crowded conditions as some reviews suggest larger groups than advertised

The Experience: What You’ll Actually Do

This tour starts bright and early, around 10:00 am, at the Albatros Catamarans meeting point in Cancun’s hotel zone. From there, the vibe is set with complimentary coffee and mimosas — a nice touch to kick off the day—before setting sail toward Isla Mujeres.

Setting Sail and First Stop: Snorkeling at El Meco Reef

Once underway, you’ll quickly get a sense of the boat’s comfort and style. The platinum catamaran is spacious, with plenty of room to relax as you cruise over the water. The crew is generally friendly and knowledgeable, ready to give instructions and help you gear up for snorkeling.

The first activity is snorkeling at the El Meco reef, which is praised for its clear waters and vibrant marine life. We loved the way the guides made it easy for everyone—whether you’re seasoned or new to snorkeling—to enjoy this activity without fuss. For those who are unsure, the equipment is provided, and guidance is clear. Remember, snorkeling is weather-dependent and requires swimming ability, especially for the spinnaker activity, which is only for those over 18 and comfortable in the water.

Cruising and Onboard Relaxation

After snorkeling, you’ll return to the boat to enjoy the premium open bar. The drinks flow freely, and you can sip on beers, sodas, or the national spirits as the boat cruises towards Isla Mujeres. During this time, you’ll get incredible views of the sea, especially as the sun begins to set later in the day. The sailing experience itself is part of the charm here — feeling the breeze, watching the waves, and simply unwinding.

Arrival at Isla Mujeres and Beach Club Experience

Once at Isla Mujeres, the real VIP experience kicks in at the Amazona Beach Club & Restaurant. The access here is a major highlight — you get to relax in a comfortable, exclusive setting with your own cocktail and a hearty grilled buffet lunch. The beach club offers a chill environment with loungers, a bar, and enough space to soak up the sun.

Many reviews mention how the guide and staff at the beach club are attentive and friendly, making it a perfect spot to unwind after the snorkeling and sailing. This part of the tour gives you plenty of time to explore the surroundings, do some shopping downtown, or simply relax on the beach with a drink in hand.

Shopping and Exploring Isla Mujeres

The tour includes a visit to the downtown area of Isla Mujeres, giving you a chance to walk around, browse stores, and pick up souvenirs. It’s a relaxed walk, with plenty of local shops offering artisan crafts, jewelry, and other mementos.

Return and Sunset Sailing

As the day winds down, you’ll head back on the catamaran for the return journey. The highlight here is the sunset view, which is genuinely spectacular as you cruise the sea. Dancing, laughing, and enjoying the open bar are common ways to finish off the day, creating a lively yet relaxed atmosphere. The boat expects to arrive back at the starting point around 5 pm, just in time to wind down.

The Practicalities: What You Should Know

This tour is priced at $110 per person, offering a decent mix of activities and relaxing moments. The fee includes the buffet, open bar, beach club access, and snorkeling gear, but there are some extra costs—like the $20 dock fee at Isla Mujeres, which you need to pay in cash.

While the tour lasts about 7 hours, the actual time on the water and at the beach club makes it a full-day experience. The group size is reportedly limited to 40, but some reviews suggest that the boat can sometimes feel crowded. If you’re after a more intimate experience, checking if a private option is available might be worthwhile.

The Good and the Not-So-Good

The biggest pluses are the friendly guides who know their stuff, and the scenic views of the sea and island. Many guests comment on how beautiful the snorkel stop is and how much they enjoyed the relaxed atmosphere on the boat.

However, some criticisms point out that the group size may be larger than advertised, which could impact comfort. Also, this tour involves a lot of moving around, so if you’re not typically comfortable on boats or have mobility issues, it might be worth considering.

Who is This Tour Best For?

If you’re the type of traveler who enjoys socializing over drinks, appreciates scenic sailing, and doesn’t mind sharing space with others, this tour can be a lot of fun. It’s particularly suitable for first-timers to snorkeling or island hopping, thanks to the easy water activity and friendly crew.

On the flip side, if you prefer a more private or quieter day, or are sensitive to larger crowds, you might want to explore other options.

Final Thoughts: Is It Worth It?

For around $110, you get a good chunk of what makes Cancun’s maritime side enjoyable: sailing, snorkeling, beach lounging, and a lively atmosphere. The beach club adds a touch of luxury, and the open bar makes the trip feel festive without being overdone.

While some reviews mention overcrowding, most guests seem to walk away with positive memories, especially if they’re looking for a fun, multi-activity day that combines relaxation with adventure. The spectacular sunset views and friendly guides make for a memorable experience — if you’re okay with the possibility of a busier boat.

This tour is best suited for those who want a lively, social outing with a good mix of activities and don’t mind sharing the space. If you’re after a laid-back day with plenty of opportunities to soak up the sun, snorkel, and enjoy drinks, this could be just right.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is transportation included in the tour?
No, the tour price does not include round transportation. You’ll need to arrive at the meeting point in Cancun on your own.

What should I bring for the day?
Bring sunscreen (biodegradable recommended), sunglasses, towels, and extra clothes. Comfortable footwear and swimwear are also advised.

Can I snorkel if I don’t know how to swim?
Knowing how to swim is essential for snorkeling, and activity is subject to weather conditions. If you’re unsure, it might be best to try a different activity or check with the guides first.

Is the tour kid-friendly?
Snorkeling activity requires swimming ability and is not suitable for people over 60 or those who have had recent surgeries.

How long is the duration of the tour?
The entire experience lasts approximately 7 hours, from 10 am to around 5 pm.

Are drinks included?
Yes, the tour features a premium national open bar on the boat and at the beach club.

What’s the dress code?
Casual, comfortable clothes and shoes are best. Don’t forget sunscreen and sunglasses.

Is there a dress code for the sunset sailing?
No specific dress code, but light, casual clothing is recommended, especially if you plan to dance and enjoy the evening.

In the end, this Catamaran Albatros Platinum tour offers a lively, scenic, and comfortable way to enjoy a day at sea and on Isla Mujeres. It’s ideal if you’re looking for a good mix of activities, social vibes, and relaxed luxury. Just keep in mind the potential crowd levels and plan accordingly.