Discover Isla Mujeres: Catamaran, Snorkeling, and “Ice Bar”

Traveling to Cancun and looking for a fun day trip that combines lounging on the water, exploring an island, and trying something totally different? This tour promises a mix of luxury and unexpected surprises — think sailing in style, snorkeling in clear waters, and chilling at a bar made entirely of ice. It sounds pretty cool, right? Well, while there are definitely some highlights, it’s worth knowing what to expect before booking.

We like the idea of sailing aboard a sleek catamaran with an open bar and soaking in the Caribbean views. The opportunity to wander around Isla Mujeres afterward, with its shops and beaches, makes it seem like a laid-back slice of paradise. The real twist? The visit to the Ice Bar, where everything from glasses to the atmosphere is frozen — a quirky, Instagram-worthy experience. That said, this tour isn’t perfect, and some parts might leave you wanting more, especially if you’re keen on extensive snorkeling or worry about extra costs.

If you’re considering this experience, it’s probably best for those who enjoy a social vibe, gorgeous scenery, and don’t mind a bit of unpredictability — like a motor breakdown or short snorkeling sessions. It’s a good pick for people looking for a lively day out but maybe not the best option if your main goal is serious underwater exploration or a luxury retreat.

Key Points

• Affordable Price: At around $37 per person, this tour offers a decent price point for a mix of activities.
• All-Inclusive Drinking: An open bar with both alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks keeps the mood lively onboard.
• Limited Snorkeling: Some reviews mention the snorkeling was very brief, just about 9 minutes, which could be disappointing if you’re eager to explore underwater.
• Extra Fees: Docking taxes and service charges aren’t included in the main price, adding to your total bill.
• Shorter Snorkel Time: If snorkeling is your main goal, this might not meet expectations, as equipment quality and timing have been points of critique.
• Busy Schedule: The day runs about 8 hours, with multiple stops, so it’s a relatively full day but with some downtime at Isla Mujeres.

The Ride to Paradise: Starting with Cancun

The tour kicks off with a pickup from your hotel or meeting point in Cancun, which is convenient and saves you the hassle of organizing transportation. You’ll be taken to the marina, and while waiting to board, you can enjoy amenities at the pier — a nice touch if you arrive early. The boat itself is a stylish catamaran, designed for a smooth ride and great views of the Caribbean as you sail away.

The boat ride to Isla Mujeres lasts about 30 minutes, during which you can relax, sip your drinks, and enjoy the salty breeze. This part of the experience sets the tone — it’s casual, social, and scenic. You’ll love the way the turquoise waters stretch in all directions, making the trip feel like a mini vacation before the main event.

Isla Mujeres: The Main Attraction

Once you arrive on the island, you get about six hours of free time to explore at your own pace. The stop includes a chance to stroll along boutiques, relax on beaches, or simply soak up island vibes. The tour mentions a “beach club” with a buffet, which is perfect if you want some local food without straying far.

However, from reviews, it’s clear that snorkeling on this trip can be hit or miss. One guest noted that their swim only lasted 9 minutes, which is quite short if underwater exploration is a priority. Plus, some travelers experienced engine trouble upon arrival, forcing a longer sail back to Cancun. That’s a reminder that while the boat is elegant, mechanical issues can happen unexpectedly.

The Ice Bar: A Frosty Surprise

A standout feature of this tour is the visit to the Isla Mujeres Ice Bar. It’s a quirky spot where everything inside is frozen — from the bar itself to the glasses. Stepping into this -18°C environment is a fun contrast to the tropical heat and makes for memorable photos. You’ll get a chance to sip cocktails from icy glasses and enjoy a cool break from the sun.

From reviews, this part of the tour is well-liked, with one guest calling it “next-level cool.” But keep in mind, the Ice Bar visit is only about 30 minutes, so don’t expect a long stay. Also, since entry is included, it adds a unique twist to the typical Caribbean island trip.

Wrapping Up the Day: Return to Cancun

As the sun dips, the boat sails back, providing one last chance to relax and enjoy the breeze. The cruise back includes music, drinks, and beautiful sunset views. The entire experience lasts around 8 hours, making it a full but manageable day.

Some reviews mention that the return trip was marred by a motor failure, extending the journey and leaving guests hungry and tired. Plus, additional fees like docking taxes and service charges (around 850 MXN) aren’t included in the initial price, which can catch travelers off guard.

Overall Value and Practical Considerations

At $37 per person, this tour is budget-friendly, especially considering the open bar, snorkeling gear, and access to the Ice Bar. Still, many reviewers point out that the snorkeling was minimal, with some feeling the equipment was poor or that too much time was spent driving the boat rather than underwater.

Plus, the extra fees for docking and services add to your total cost, so it’s wise to budget around 850 MXN more. Considering the limited snorkeling time and some mechanical hiccups, if underwater exploration is your main goal, you might want to research other tours with longer or more extensive snorkeling.

The tour’s group size is capped at 35 travelers, which helps keep things manageable but still lively. The availability is often around 13 days in advance, so planning ahead is a good idea if you want a spot.

Who Is This Tour Best For?

This experience is perfect for travelers who enjoy social outings, scenic boat rides, and quirky attractions like an ice bar. If you’re after a relaxed, fun-filled day with a mix of tropical sights and cool surprises, it could be just right. It’s also a good choice for those who want to keep costs low while still experiencing some of the highlights of Isla Mujeres.

However, if you’re a serious snorkeler or looking for a seamless, worry-free trip without mechanical surprises, you might find this tour a bit underwhelming. It’s more about the vibe and novelty than deep exploration.

FAQs

Is transportation included? Yes, if you select the option with transport, your round-trip transfer from Cancun is covered, making it easy to start and end the day without extra planning.

How long is the whole tour? About 8 hours, giving you enough time to enjoy sailing, island exploring, and the Ice Bar, but expect some downtime and potential delays.

What’s the snorkeling like? Snorkeling is included with equipment, but reviews mention it’s quite brief — around 9 minutes in some cases — and equipment quality may vary.

Are drinks really unlimited? The tour offers an open national bar, so you can enjoy both alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks throughout the trip, within reasonable limits.

Are there extra costs I should know about? Yes, dock taxes and service fees, totaling around 850 MXN per person, aren’t included in the main price and should be budgeted for.

Is this suitable for kids? The tour is generally suitable for most travelers, but keep in mind the -18°C Ice Bar experience might be cold for young children. Check with the provider if traveling with kids.

Can I cancel if my plans change? Yes, free cancellation is available up to 24 hours before the tour, allowing you to plan without stress.

Is the tour available year-round? While not specified, most travelers find this tour booking well in advance, and availability is around 13 days prior on average.

Final Thoughts

This tour offers a lively, visually stunning way to spend a day in Cancun — sailing in style, exploring Isla Mujeres, and trying something truly different at the Ice Bar. It’s best suited for those seeking a social atmosphere, a bit of novelty, and beautiful scenery, all at a reasonable price.

But remember, the snorkeling might be shorter than expected, mechanical issues can happen, and extra charges add up. If your priority is underwater exploration or a smooth, luxury experience, consider other options. Still, if fun, sun, and a cool experience sound appealing, this trip could be just right.

Overall, it’s a trip that balances the good with the not-so-perfect — making it a memorable part of any Cancun getaway, especially for those who enjoy a laid-back, festive vibe with a splash of the unusual.