Isla Mujeres Catamaran Tour with Snorkeling, Open Bar & Buffet

Exploring the Cancun Riviera: A Deep Dive into the Isla Mujeres Catamaran Tour with Snorkeling & More

If you’re considering a day out that covers a bit of everything—mayan ruins, breathtaking cenotes, and a lively island escape—the Isla Mujeres Catamaran Tour might just catch your eye. While we haven’t personally done this trip, plenty of travelers have, and the range of reviews paints a pretty honest picture of what to expect.

Two things we particularly like about this tour? First, the variety of stops—from archaeological sites to natural swimming holes, it offers a mix that appeals to history buffs and nature lovers alike. Second, the inclusive vibe—with an open bar, guided snorkeling, and a regional buffet, it feels like a well-rounded, hassle-free experience. But no tour is perfect, and a key consideration here is the long transfer times—up to 2.5 hours depending on your hotel location—which could eat into your sightseeing time.

This tour is best suited for those wanting a full day adventure that combines cultural sights, natural beauty, and a fun boat ride, all at a pretty accessible price point. If you’re traveling with friends or even solo but love a good mix of activities, this one might work well.

Key Points

• Varied Itinerary: Combines archaeological sites, cenotes, and Isla Mujeres.
• Inclusive Experience: Snorkeling, open bar, and regional buffet included.
• Long Transfers: Up to 2.5 hours from Cancun depending on your hotel.
• Group Size: Limited to around 20 travelers, maintaining a more personal feel.
• Cost-Effective: Around $49 per person, but includes a dock tax of $20.
• Best for: Those wanting a comprehensive, lively day of sightseeing and relaxation.

What to Expect on the Tour

The Pickup and Transfer

The day kicks off with a pickup from Playa Tortugas, located on Kukulcan Boulevard in Cancun’s Hotel Zone. From there, depending on where you’re staying, the drive could take anywhere from an hour to two and a half hours. While this might seem long, it’s fairly typical for full-day excursions in the Riviera Maya as the tour groups tend to pick up multiple guests en route. The transfer itself is shared if you opt for it, which helps keep costs down but also means you’ll be part of a larger group.

Exploring Tulum Archaeological Site

Once you arrive at Tulum, you’ll have about 1 hour and 30 minutes to explore the ruins with a guide. The site’s impressive location on a cliff overlooking the Caribbean makes it a big hit, offering both history and spectacular views. According to reviews, the guide provides information about each spot, and many travelers appreciate the insights, though some express that time in Tulum can feel a bit rushed. Still, it’s enough to get a sense of the place and snap some photos.

Cenotes Dos Ojos and Grand Cenote

After Tulum, the adventure moves on to swim in the Cenotes Dos Ojos, which is a complex of two cenotes. Expect about an hour here—time enough to snorkel in the clear waters and enjoy the natural beauty. The inclusion of snorkeling gear is a plus, and weather permitting, you’ll get to enjoy vibrant underwater scenes. Many reviews highlight how much they loved swimming in these cenotes, describing them as peaceful and stunning.

Next, the visit to Grand Cenote offers another chance to cool off, take photos, or just relax in the natural water. This place is famous for its size and clarity, making it a favorite among visitors. Be aware, though, that the time here is limited—about an hour—so try to soak it all in quickly.

Mother Nature’s Sculpture & Fifth Avenue

The trip includes a stop at the Escultura Ven A La Luz, an open-air museum with a series of sculptures. It’s a perfect photo op and offers a different kind of artistic vibe compared to the ruins. Then, the tour takes you to Fifth Avenue, a lively street with shops, cafes, and a bit of local flavor. You’ll have about an hour here, free to walk around, shop, or grab a snack.

The Highlight: Isla Mujeres

The final part of the day is the catamaran trip from Cancun to Isla Mujeres, a lively island known for its relaxed vibe and beautiful beaches. Once ashore, you’ll have access to an exclusive beach club where you can lounge, swim, or stroll. The included buffet features regional Mexican food, which many reviewers enjoyed, describing it as pretty delicious and authentic.

The open bar is a highlight for many, offering drinks throughout the day—think tropical cocktails and soft drinks—which adds to the laid-back atmosphere. You also get some free time on the island, so whether you want to relax on the beach or explore the local shops, there’s flexibility.

Ending the Day

The tour concludes with the boat ride back to Cancun, bringing you full circle after a day packed with sights, swimming, and good food. The entire experience lasts around 12 hours, so be prepared for a full day out.

The Value of the Tour

While $49 might seem like a low price for a full day of activities, keep in mind the additional dock tax of $20 per person, which is not included in the ticket price. That means your total costs will be around $69, which is still quite reasonable considering the number of stops and inclusions.

The value here lies in the broad experience—you’re not just visiting one site but getting a taste of Mayan history, natural wonders, and beachside relaxation all in one day. The included amenities like the open bar and buffet make the day feel more complete and stress-free. However, the long transfers and somewhat tight schedules might not suit everyone, especially if you prefer a more leisurely pace or shorter travel times.

What Travelers Are Saying

Some reviews highlight how knowledgeable guides made the experience more enjoyable, with one reviewer saying, “I had so much fun snorkeling for the first time and he helped every way.” Others appreciated the delicious regional lunch and the stunning cenotes, describing the experience as “wunderschöne” (beautiful) and well-organized.

On the flip side, a few found the schedule a bit rushed, mentioning limited time at Tulum and confusing moments during pickup, especially when waiting or in transit. This is something to consider if you prefer unhurried sightseeing.

Who Should Consider This Tour?

This full-day package suits travelers who want an all-in-one experience—covering cultural sites, natural beauty, and island leisure—without the hassle of organizing each stop separately. It’s a great choice if you’re comfortable with a packed schedule and long transfers, and if you enjoy social, lively atmospheres with drinks and good food included.

It’s less ideal if you’re looking for a relaxed, slow-paced day or have mobility concerns, given the bus rides and walking involved in the stops. Also, if you prefer spending more time at individual sites rather than a quick overview, this might feel a bit rushed.

FAQ

Is transportation included in the tour?
Yes, shared transport is included if you choose the transfer option, starting from Playa Tortugas in Cancun’s Hotel Zone, with pickup times depending on your hotel location.

How long is the entire tour?
The full experience lasts about 12 hours, covering transfers, sightseeing, swimming, and island time.

What’s the cost?
The main price is $49 per person, but there’s an additional $20 dock tax per person, making the total closer to $69.

Are meals and drinks included?
Yes, you get a regional buffet and open bar throughout the day, enhancing the relaxed, festive vibe.

Can I snorkel during the tour?
Absolutely. Guided reef snorkeling is included, weather permitting, with equipment provided.

Is this tour family-friendly?
While not specifically marketed as a family tour, the activities—like snorkeling and exploring cenotes—are generally suitable for most ages. Just consider the long transfer times and the physical activity involved.

To Wrap It Up

All in all, this tour offers a well-rounded glimpse of what the Riviera Maya has to offer. From ancient ruins and stunning cenotes to a lively island escape with good food and drinks, it packs a lot into a single day. It’s especially good for travelers who want variety and don’t mind a full schedule.

If you’re after a lively, inclusive experience that balances cultural highlights with natural beauty and beach relaxation, this one could be worth considering. Just be sure you’re prepared for the long ride and the busy schedule—that’s part of the package.

Happy planning, and I hope your trip to the Riviera Maya is filled with fantastic memories!