Catamaran family friendly Tour to Isla Mujeres with lunch

If you’re planning a trip to Cancun and considering a day out on the water, the catamaran tour to Isla Mujeres might catch your eye. Promoted as a family-friendly adventure, this experience promises snorkeling, a relaxing beach club, and a delicious Mexican buffet. It’s priced at around $39 per person and includes some tempting perks like an open bar and transportation from Cancun’s hotels. But, as with any tour, it’s worth digging into the details to see if it fits your needs.

What we like about this tour is how it combines a mix of activities—snorkeling among underwater sculptures, lounging at a private beach club, and a quick free walk through Isla Mujeres’ charming streets. Plus, the included lunch buffet and open bar add value to the overall experience. On the downside, some reviews point out that the tour isn’t quite as family-focused as it claims, leaning more towards a lively crowd. That’s something to keep in mind if you’re traveling with little ones or seeking a more laid-back day.

This tour could be a good fit if you’re after a full-day adventure that combines water activities, scenic views, and a taste of local life. But if you’re looking for a very quiet, family-oriented experience, or if you prefer a tour without some additional fees, you might want to explore other options. Either way, the tour offers enough to make it a memorable part of your Cancun trip—just be aware of its energetic vibe and extra costs.

Key Points

• Includes snorkeling, beach club access, and free time in Isla Mujeres for a balanced day out.
• Offers an unlimited open bar, lunch buffet, and guided snorkeling — good value for a day trip.
• Dock and reef conservation fee of $45 USD per person is mandatory, on top of the ticket price.
• Some reviews suggest the tour is more suited for party-seekers rather than families or quiet travelers.
• The itinerary is flexible but can feel rushed, especially the free time at Isla Mujeres.
• Tour size is limited to 100 travelers, which helps with a more personalized experience.

The Experience in Detail: What to Expect

Starting Point and Transportation

Your adventure begins at Marina Sailaway in Cancun’s Hotel Zone, where you’ll board the catamaran. The pick-up from your hotel is included, making the start smooth and hassle-free. The ride to Isla Mujeres takes about an hour, during which you can kick back and enjoy the Caribbean views. With a maximum group size of 100, you won’t feel lost in a crowd, but it’s enough to keep the atmosphere lively.

Snorkeling at El Meco and the Underwater Museum

The first stop is at El Meco reef, known for its stunning marine sculptures part of the Underwater Museum of Art (MUSA). The tour provides snorkeling equipment and a guided experience, which is great if you’re new to snorkeling or want some pointers. We loved the idea of seeing underwater art while floating over beautiful coral. One reviewer shared that the snorkeling took about 30 minutes, but the experience was worth it, and the guides are friendly and helpful.

However, some travelers felt the snorkeling time was a bit brief for the price, especially considering the mandatory $45 reef conservation fee. It’s an added cost, but it helps preserve this unique site, so it’s a fair inclusion.

Beach Club Relaxation

After snorkeling, you’ll be whisked away to Amazona Beach Bar by Mar-Bella, a private beach club where you spend roughly three hours. It’s exactly what you need after the water action: lounge on plush chairs, dip into the turquoise sea, or try water activities like kayaking if you’re feeling energetic. The lunch buffet is served here, offering Mexican favorites that satisfy without being gourmet. One review mentioned the buffet was “just okay,” but it’s convenient and sufficient for a day out.

The beach club atmosphere is lively, with music from a DJ, making it a fun spot to unwind. Be aware that some reviews suggest the overall vibe skews more towards a party scene, which might not suit everyone, especially those seeking a quieter experience.

Exploring Isla Mujeres

Following the beach time, you get one hour of free exploration in downtown Isla Mujeres. It’s enough to stroll the streets, look for souvenirs, or grab a quick coffee. It’s a good chance to soak in the local vibe, but if you want to delve deeper into the town or visit specific sights, you might find this limited.

Return Journey and Views

On the way back to Cancun, you’ll enjoy more sea views and, depending on the weather, some relaxing moments to reflect on your day. The entire trip lasts about seven hours, making it a full but manageable day trip.

What’s Included and What’s Not

The package covers snorkeling equipment, a guided tour, a buffet lunch, and unlimited drinks from the open bar—a decent list of inclusions for the price. Access to the private beach club is part of the deal, and you’ll also get an hour of free time at Isla Mujeres.

However, don’t forget the mandatory dock and reef conservation fee of $45 USD per person, which is added on top of the ticket price. This fee helps fund reef preservation but can be a surprise if you’re not expecting an extra charge.

Tipping isn’t included, so if you appreciate the guides and staff’s service, consider tipping accordingly.

Who Should Consider This Tour?

This tour is best suited for travelers looking for a full day of diverse activities—snorkeling, beach lounging, and exploring a charming island. Its lively, party-like atmosphere makes it ideal for groups of friends or couples wanting a fun and social experience. Families with kids might find the vibe a bit loud or energetic, especially if they prefer a calmer day.

If you’re on a budget, note that the $45 reef conservation fee is mandatory, which bumps up the overall cost. Also, those seeking a very quiet, laid-back, or family-focused tour might want to shop around.

The Honest Verdict

This catamaran tour provides good value, especially given the included lunch, open bar, and snorkeling experience. The views are impressive, and the guides tend to be knowledgeable, making the entire day enjoyable. The beach club offers a relaxed setting, but it’s important to note that the atmosphere leans more towards lively than peaceful, which is reflected in some reviews.

For travelers who enjoy a bit of social buzz, like the energetic vibe, and want a combination of water activities and island exploration, this tour could be a solid choice. The extra fees and the limited free time at Isla Mujeres are points to keep in mind, but overall, it offers a fun, scenic day out that fits well into a Cancun itinerary.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is this tour family-friendly?
While marketed as family-friendly, reviews suggest it’s more suited to groups wanting a lively party atmosphere. If your family prefers quiet, this might not be the best fit.

What does the tour include?
The tour includes snorkeling equipment, a guided snorkeling experience, access to a private beach club, a buffet lunch, and unlimited drinks from the open bar.

How long is the tour?
It lasts approximately seven hours, with about two hours of sailing, three hours at the beach club, and an hour of free time in Isla Mujeres.

Are there any additional costs?
Yes, a mandatory $45 USD dock and reef conservation fee per person applies on top of the ticket price.

Is the tour suitable for non-swimmers?
Snorkeling is part of the experience, but with guides and equipment provided, non-swimmers can still enjoy the boat ride and beach time. Just let the staff know if you’re unsure at the start.

What about the party vibe—will it be noisy?
Yes, the beach club features a DJ and lively music, so it’s more of a party scene than a quiet retreat.

Can I explore Isla Mujeres further during the free hour?
Yes, but with only an hour, you’ll be limited to quick walks or shopping. It’s enough to get a taste of the town.

How is the snorkeling experience?
It’s a guided snorkel at the underwater sculptures, roughly 30 minutes, with the chance to see beautiful marine art and coral.

What is the quality of the lunch buffet?
It’s described as “just okay” by one reviewer, but it’s convenient and offers classic Mexican fare to keep you fueled for the day.

Would I recommend this tour?
If you’re after a lively, all-in-one day with good views, snorkeling, and a social vibe, yes. For a more relaxed or family-focused experience, you might want to look for alternatives.

This tour offers a lively, scenic experience with plenty of activities packed into a full day—great for social travelers, but perhaps less ideal for those seeking peace and quiet. Whatever your style, knowing the details helps make the most of your Cancun adventure.