Catamaran to Mujeres Island with Open Bar on Board from Cancun

Exploring the Cancun to Mujeres Island Catamaran Tour: An Honest Look

If you’re planning a day trip from Cancun to Isla Mujeres via a catamaran, this tour might catch your eye. It promises a relaxed day with sailing, snorkeling, a buffet lunch, and an open bar—all in a single package. Sounds tempting, right? Well, it definitely has its high points, but there are some things worth considering before you book.

What we really like about this tour is its convenience. The inclusion of hotel pickup and drop-off makes it easy to start your day without the hassle of navigating busy streets or arranging transportation. Plus, the all-you-can-drink open bar and buffet lunch add a nice touch of indulgence, making the day feel like a mini vacation on the water. It’s a great way to unwind, soak in the scenery, and enjoy some drinks without worry.

However, it’s not all perfect. One potential downside is the mixed experiences reported by past travelers—from the lively, well-managed trips to complaints about staff attitude and food quality. The average rating hovers around 3 stars, so it’s clear that experiences vary quite a bit. Also, if you’re expecting a lot of activities beyond snorkeling and lounging, you might find this tour on the quieter side, with little besides sunbathing and sightseeing.

This tour is especially suited for travelers who want a relaxed, all-inclusive day and don’t mind a somewhat variable experience. It’s ideal if you’re happy to spend most of your time on the boat, enjoying the views and drinks, with some time for wandering around Isla Mujeres—perfect for those looking to combine comfort with a taste of local vibe without a lot of hassle.

Key Points

• All-Inclusive Package: Includes lunch, drinks, and transportation, making it straightforward and hassle-free.
• Guided snorkeling: Offers a chance to see the underwater beauty of the reef.
• Flexible sightseeing: You get free time to explore Isla Mujeres’ downtown area.
• Variable reviews: Some travelers loved the crew and drinks, others found the food and staff lacking.
• Duration and timing: An 11-hour day, starting early at 7 am, means a full, potentially tiring day.
• Extra costs: Reef tax ($20) not included, so budget accordingly.

The Itinerary Breakdown

The day kicks off with a 7:00 am pickup, if you’ve chosen the hotel transfer upgrade, or you can meet directly at the marina. You’ll board a luxurious catamaran and set sail across the waters, getting a taste of the Caribbean Sea’s sparkling blues almost immediately. The highlight here is the sail itself—a relaxing, scenic journey with plenty of opportunities for photos or just soaking up the sun.

Once anchored near Isla Mujeres, you’ll participate in a guided reef snorkel. This part of the tour is a hit for anyone interested in seeing the underwater world without needing prior experience. The reef is part of the appeal, and the guided aspect ensures you’re not just blindly swimming around. Past travelers have enjoyed the snorkeling, with its chance to witness marine life up close.

After snorkeling, it’s back on board for a toast—the open bar is all about celebrating the trip. You can indulge in cocktails, beer, and water as you relax and enjoy the boat’s lively atmosphere. The reviews point out that the crew is very generous with drinks and creates a party vibe, which some folks love, especially if they’re looking to unwind and socialize.

The boat then makes its way to Isla Mujeres’ downtown area. Here, you’ll have time to shop for handicrafts, explore the local shops, or just wander the charming streets of this laid-back fishing village. The highlight is a buffet lunch featuring local favorites—something most reviews agree is delicious and satisfying. The setting of white sand beaches and Caribbean charm makes the break quite enjoyable.

In the late afternoon, you’ll sail back to Cancun, watching the sunset over the water—an ideal way to end your day. You’ll be dropped off at your hotel if you opted for the transfer service or back at the marina.

What Travelers Say: The Good and The Not-So-Good

The glowing review from Balu_B captures the essence of what many appreciate about this trip. “Very well managed tour. Perfect crew. VERY generous with all drinks. Lunch was excellent. Created a good party atmosphere,” they said. Clearly, if you’re after a lively, fun-filled day with good drinks and a friendly crew, this tour can deliver.

On the flip side, Sheena_T’s experience was less positive. She reported rude staff, terrible food, and no activities on the island. Her words—”It was basically several hours getting sunburned with a break in the middle to have a questionable-quality meal”—highlight that if you’re expecting a more active or structured day, this might not meet all your expectations.

This variability emphasizes that your experience may heavily depend on the day’s crew and your own expectations. The tour’s core offerings are solid—a boat ride, snorkeling, and island time—but the quality of service and what you get out of it can fluctuate.

Transportation and Duration

Starting early at 7:00 am, the tour lasts around 11 hours, including transit, snorkeling, lunch, and free time. The transfer option adds convenience but isn’t mandatory. The group size is capped at 50 travelers, which helps keep it manageable but also means it can be somewhat crowded during peak times.

The transportation is air-conditioned, which is a welcome comfort after spending hours on the water or exploring the island. If you’re prone to sun exposure, bring plenty of sunscreen and a hat—though water is provided, and the boat offers some shade.

Cost and Value

At $63.75 per person, this tour is priced competitively for an all-day experience that includes a guided snorkeling adventure, buffet lunch, open bar, and transport. When you consider the inclusions, it’s a reasonable price point, especially since it removes the hassle of booking separate services.

However, remember you’ll need to budget an additional $20 reef tax if you plan to snorkel in the reef, which is not covered in the base price. The value depends on how much you enjoy relaxed days with drinks and views versus active exploration or cultural experiences.

Who Should Consider This Tour?

If you’re after a laid-back day with plenty of time on the water, some snorkeling, and island wandering, this trip could suit you well. It’s especially good for travelers who want an all-in-one package that covers transportation, food, and drinks, making it straightforward to enjoy your day without extra planning.

On the other hand, if you prefer a more structured or activity-packed experience, or if the reviews about staff and food give you pause, it might be wise to do a little more research or explore other options.

Final Thoughts

This Cancun to Mujeres Island catamaran trip offers a relaxing, social day with beautiful views, snorkeling, and plenty of drinks. Its value lies in its simplicity—a hassle-free way to enjoy some Caribbean sun and scenery. Just keep in mind that experiences can vary, and some travelers have found the food and service below expectations.

It’s best suited for those seeking a fun, easygoing day rather than a highly curated or activity-dense excursion. If you’re okay with some unpredictability and love the idea of sailing, snorkeling, and island exploring all in one go, this could be a good choice.

FAQs

Is transportation included in this tour?
You can choose to add round-trip transfer from your Cancun hotel, which is included in some packages. Otherwise, you can meet at the marina.

What time does the tour start?
It begins at 7:00 am, so be prepared for an early start, especially if you opt for hotel pickup.

How long is the tour?
The entire experience lasts around 11 hours, with the main activities happening during the day and returning in the late afternoon.

Are drinks included?
Yes, there’s an open bar with unlimited alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks during the trip. However, drinks at the restaurant are not included.

What about the reef tax?
There is a $20 reef tax per person that you’ll need to pay if you snorkel in the reef—this isn’t included in the ticket price.

Is this tour suitable for families?
Yes, it is described as ideal for families, making it a good option for travelers with children who enjoy a relaxed, sunny day on the water.

This tour can be a fun, easy way to spend a day in Cancun, especially if you’re looking for a laid-back vibe with good company and drinks in hand. Just keep expectations in check, and you’ll likely have a memorable Caribbean experience.