Isla Mujeres Sailing Adventure from Riviera Maya

If you’re considering a day trip from Playa del Carmen to Isla Mujeres via a sailing tour, you’ve likely come across options that promise fun, relaxation, and a taste of the Caribbean. While we haven’t personally taken this exact tour, a close look at the details, reviews, and what’s included can help you decide if it fits your style.

What we like about this experience is the luxury vibe it offers—sailing on a 40-ft Fountaine Pajot catamaran sounds pretty idyllic—and the chance to snorkel and explore Isla Mujeres at your own pace. Plus, the inclusion of a buffet lunch and open bar makes it feel like a well-rounded day of indulgence.

However, there are some considerations worth keeping in mind—like the mixed reviews on punctuality and organization, which suggest that the experience might not be picture-perfect for everyone. This tour tends to attract travelers who enjoy a blend of adventure and comfort, especially those looking for a relaxing day at sea with some sightseeing thrown in.

If you’re someone who values a smooth schedule and a premium experience, this might be a good fit—just be prepared for potential hiccups and set your expectations accordingly.

Key Points

• Luxury Sailing: The tour uses a high-end 40-ft Fountaine Pajot catamaran, promising comfort and style.
• Includes Snorkeling & Exploration: You get gear for reef snorkeling and free time to explore Isla Mujeres once on land.
• All-Inclusive: Lunch at a beach club and a premium open bar both on the boat and at the beach are included.
• Transport & Convenience: Hotel pickup and drop-off are part of the package, making logistics easier.
• Price & Duration: At $149 per person for about 7 hours, it offers a decent value, though reviews point out some organizational issues.
• Mixed Reviews: Some travelers loved the crew and scenery, while others experienced delays and communication hiccups.

This tour offers a full day of sailing, snorkeling, and exploring, making it ideal if you’re craving a leisurely yet active experience. The journey begins early with hotel pickup (or at designated meeting points), ensuring you start your day smoothly. The vessel you’ll be on is described as a luxury 40-ft Fountaine Pajot catamaran, which, to most travelers, sounds both comfortable and upscale.

The Sailing Experience

Once aboard, you’ll find yourself surrounded by the blues of the Caribbean, with plenty of space to stretch out on deck or sit in cozy lounges. The boat is described as having generous shaded areas, so you can relax without worrying about the sun burning through. During the trip, you’ll enjoy music, a premium open bar, and stunning views—this part really underscores the “luxury” aspect.

Snorkeling & Marine Life

A key feature here is snorkeling—the gear is provided, including a new snorkel, and you’ll spend approximately 35 minutes exploring reefs. The boat crew’s commentary can help you learn about the marine environment, which adds a bit of educational value to the trip.

From reviews, we gather that many travelers appreciate the guides’ knowledge and the chance to see colorful fish and coral in the reef. However, some reviews mention that the experience can be marred by delays, especially in transportation and boarding, which can cut into your precious free time on Isla Mujeres.

Exploring Isla Mujeres

Once on the island, you’ll have about two hours of free time. This allows enough opportunity to stroll through souvenir shops, relax on Playa Norte, or grab a quick snack. The tour includes lunch at an island beach club—which sounds like a lovely way to unwind. The setting is often described as exclusive, with a relaxed vibe perfect for soaking up the sun and enjoying a cold drink.

The All-Inclusive Aspects

The premium open bar is a highlight, available both on the boat and at the beach club. You’ll find international drinks, so whether you prefer a local cocktail or a soft drink, there’s likely something for all. The buffet lunch at the beach club rounds out the day, offering a break from the sun and a chance to fuel up for the journey back.

Practicalities and Cost

At $149 per person, this tour isn’t the cheapest option but tends to include many of the key elements—transport, snorkeling gear, lunch, drinks—making it a fairly comprehensive package. Keep in mind there’s a $20 USD dock and marine park fee payable cash before boarding.

The tour lasts roughly 7 hours, which means you’ll spend a good chunk of your day on the water and onshore. Booking in advance—about 22 days ahead on average—is recommended if you want a spot, especially during peak seasons.

Weighing the Reviews

Some travelers praise this experience highly, particularly noting the friendly crew and beautiful scenery. One reviewer called it a “great adventure,” emphasizing time to explore the island and the quality of the guide.

On the flip side, a few reviews mention miscommunications—like delays in pickup or late arrivals—and feeling misled about private boat arrangements, which may impact your overall enjoyment. For example, one reviewer expected a private boat but was on a shared vessel, highlighting the importance of reading the fine print.

Morning Pickup & Departure: The tour starts at 8:00 am, with hotel pickup offered. If you’re staying outside the immediate Riviera Maya area, you might need to arrange your own transfer.

Sailing & Snorkeling: The vessel departs for Isla Mujeres, where you’ll enjoy about 35 minutes snorkeling at reefs. During this time, you can observe marine life and enjoy the waters.

Land Exploration & Lunch: After about two hours on the island, you’ll head to a beach club for lunch and free time. The setting is described as exclusive, so expect a relaxed, scenic environment.

Return & Drop-off: The return trip takes roughly the same time, with drop-off included in the package. The entire experience is designed to be about 7 hours long.

This sailing adventure is well-suited for travelers who love a touch of luxury and don’t mind some potential organizational hiccups.

If you appreciate a comfortable boat with amenities, enjoy snorkeling or want to try it in a guided setting, this tour hits the right notes. The all-inclusive drinks and lunch make it good for those looking to indulge without fussing over costs during the day.

However, if you’re sensitive to delays or prefer a strictly punctual experience, read reviews carefully. This tour isn’t ideal if you’re on a tight schedule or prefer private arrangements—some reviews mention delays and late pickups.

This experience also works well for groups of friends or couples wanting a relaxed day at sea, with the bonus of exploring Isla Mujeres at leisure.

If you’re after a luxurious sailing experience with snorkeling, good food, and plenty of drinks, this tour fits the bill. The scenic views and friendly guides are often praised, making it a popular choice for those wanting a carefree day on the water.

It’s a solid pick for travelers who enjoy comfort and convenience, especially if you want everything included—lunch, drinks, transport—in one package. However, travelers who are wary of delays or organizational issues might want to weigh reviews carefully or consider other options.

This tour offers a fun, relaxing way to see Isla Mujeres and enjoy the ocean, with the right mindset and expectations.

Is hotel pickup included?
Yes, hotel pickup and drop-off are included, making logistics easier, though some reviews mention delays in pickup.

What’s the cost of this tour?
It’s $149 per person, which covers most amenities including lunch, drinks, snorkeling gear, and transportation.

How long does the tour last?
Approximately 7 hours, including sailing, snorkeling, exploring Isla Mujeres, and the return trip.

Is there a marine park fee?
Yes, there’s a $20 USD fee payable cash before boarding.

Can I snorkel without experience?
Yes, snorkeling gear is provided, and guides will assist you. The reef snorkeling is around 35 minutes.

Is alcohol included?
Yes, a premium open bar is available on board and at the beach club, with international drinks.

What should I bring?
Bring flip flops, biodegradable sunscreen, cash, a swimsuit, and a towel.

Are children allowed?
Yes, children must be accompanied by an adult, but specific age restrictions aren’t detailed.

Can I customize the itinerary?
This is a pre-arranged tour, so modifications are unlikely. Check with the provider if you need specific arrangements.

Is this a private tour?
No, reviews suggest it’s a shared experience with a maximum of 20 travelers, but some travelers expect private arrangements.

If you’re looking for a day of sailing, snorkeling, and island exploration with a touch of luxury, this tour could be a good choice—just keep in mind some of the logistical quirks shared by previous travelers.