Isla Mujeres Tour on Catamaran with Snorkel, Open Bar, Buffet & Beach club

Exploring the Isla Mujeres Catamaran Tour: An Honest Look

If you’re planning a day trip from Cancun to Isla Mujeres, a catamaran tour with snorkeling, an open bar, buffet, and beach club sounds like a perfect way to unwind and enjoy the Caribbean. While many travelers find this experience offers a fun-filled day on the water, it’s worth knowing what to expect and what might be a bit of a gamble.

What we really like about this tour is the chance to sail aboard a luxury catamaran with lively onboard entertainment—games, contests, and music make it feel more like a party on the sea. Plus, the snorkeling at “El Meco Nature Reserve” promises vibrant marine life and a refreshing break from the sun. On top of that, the private beach club provides a relaxing spot for lunch, drinks, and downtime with great views.

However, a possible snag is the dock fee of $20 per person, which isn’t included in the initial price, and some travelers may find the free time at Isla Mujeres a bit unorganized or less guided than they’d like. For those who prefer a tightly scheduled, guided tour, this might not be the best fit.

But overall, if you’re looking for a lively, social day on the water with plenty of opportunities to relax and enjoy beautiful scenery, this tour could work well—especially if you’re traveling with friends or want a fun, informal way to experience Isla Mujeres.

Key Points

• Price Point: At $66 per person, it’s an affordable way to spend a full day on the water with plenty of included amenities.
• Highlights: Snorkeling at a lively reef, unlimited open bar, buffet lunch, and a chance to explore Isla Mujeres on your own.
• Group Size & Atmosphere: Usually limited to 45 travelers, creating a friendly, lively environment.
• Additional Costs: Dock fee of $20 and optional towel rental at $8 are extra, so budget accordingly.
• Tour Length: Approximately 7 hours, making it a full, relaxing day but not overly tiring.
• Family-Friendly? Non-swimmers, children under 8, and seniors over 60 may find snorkeling unavailable; check if that fits your group.

A Closer Look at the Experience

When you book this tour, the start point is at Marina Las Perlas in Cancun’s Hotel Zone. The departure time is around noon, and the crew asks for early arrival, typically 10 minutes before, to handle check-in smoothly. It’s worth noting that some guests have been caught off guard by the actual departure time being close to 12:00 pm, despite prior info about an 11:30 am start. The tour staff states this is due to traffic volume, so arriving a little early helps avoid stress.

Once aboard this spacious catamaran, you’ll immediately notice the lively vibe—the music is pumping, the drinks are flowing, and there’s a sense of celebration. The crew actively engages guests with games and contests, adding to the festive mood. If you’re in the mood for a party atmosphere, you’ll definitely enjoy how spirited the onboard experience is.

Snorkeling at “El Meco Nature Reserve”

The main activity during the first part of the tour is snorkeling at the reef near Isla Mujeres. This reserve is renowned for its colorful marine fauna—including fish, turtles, and other underwater creatures. The tour provides snorkeling equipment, so you don’t need to worry about bringing your own gear. The reef’s natural beauty is a highlight for many, and you’ll love the chance to float above a lively underwater scene, especially with the Caribbean sun overhead.

For non-swimmers, or those who prefer not to snorkel, it’s important to note that snorkeling isn’t available for non-swimmers, children under 8, or seniors over 60. If this is a concern, consider whether this activity suits your group.

Isla Mujeres Free Time

After snorkeling, you’ll get a few hours of free time to wander around the island. You’re free to explore on your own, peek at murals, take photos with monuments, or hunt for souvenirs. The tour’s description emphasizes that this free time is unsupervised, so it’s a good idea to plan ahead if you’re traveling with kids or prefer guided activities.

Some reviews mention that the free time can feel a bit unstructured. Guests have noted that they enjoyed walking around, but others wished for a more guided experience or clearer instructions on where to meet afterward.

Lunch, Drinks, and Beach Relaxing

Back at the private beach club, the buffet lunch features Mexican-inspired dishes that many find tasty and satisfying. The open bar is a definite highlight, with a variety of drinks flowing freely. Guests have shared that the staff made sure everyone was well taken care of, which contributed to the relaxed, party-like atmosphere.

The beach club itself offers stunning views of the Caribbean, with loungers and shaded areas to unwind after snorkeling. The facilities are described as comfortable, making it easy to kick back and enjoy the scenery.

Sunset and Return

As the day winds down, the boat sails back towards Cancun, giving everyone a chance to enjoy the sunset over the Caribbean. Many reviews mention that this part of the trip is a peaceful way to end a lively day, and the staff ensures that everyone has a memorable experience.

What Do the Reviews Say?

A handful of reviews paint a balanced picture. One traveler raved about the tour, saying it was an “excellent” experience that was perfect for celebrating a bachelorette trip, praising the welcoming staff and lively onboard atmosphere. Another reviewer appreciated the crew’s friendliness and the fun contests, noting that they’d definitely do it again.

On the flip side, some pointed out the dock fee of $20 per person—which is a federal tax, not a hidden charge—and the optional towel rental at $8. This can add up, so keep that in mind when budgeting. One reviewer was surprised about the departure time discrepancy but acknowledged that the reason was due to traffic, not the tour operator’s fault.

A few guests were less satisfied with the free time at Isla Mujeres, finding it somewhat unstructured or felt that some aspects (like waitstaff cleaning) detracted from the experience. Still, many found the overall day fun, lively, and worth the price.

Practical Details You Need to Know

• Price: $66 per person, which includes lunch, snorkeling gear, open bar, and beach club access.
• Extras: Dock fee of $20 per person, towel rental at $8 (optional).
• Duration: About 7 hours, mostly spent sailing, snorkeling, eating, and relaxing.
• Group Size: Max 45 travelers, fostering a friendly and social environment.
• Departure Point: Marina Las Perlas, Cancun Hotel Zone.
• Booking: Book at least 43 days in advance to secure your spot, especially during peak season.
• Age & Fitness: Snorkeling isn’t available for non-swimmers or certain age groups, and swimming skills are required for snorkeling.

Is This Tour Right for You?

If you’re after a lively, social day on the water with plenty of opportunities to relax, sip drinks, and see Isla Mujeres from the sea, this tour hits those marks. The combination of snorkeling, food, drinks, and free time makes it an appealing all-in-one package.

However, if you prefer a more structured or educational experience, or you’re traveling with small children who can’t snorkel, this might not be the best fit. The unstructured free time at the island could also be a downside for travelers who want guided activities or excursions.

This tour offers good value for the price, especially for groups and those looking to celebrate or just have fun on the water. The lively atmosphere and beautiful scenery make it a memorable part of a Cancun trip—just be ready for the extra fees and the relaxed, somewhat unorganized free time.

FAQs

Is snorkeling included in the tour?
Yes, snorkeling equipment is provided, and you’ll snorkel at “El Meco Nature Reserve,” home to colorful fish and marine life. Keep in mind, snorkeling isn’t available for non-swimmers, children under 8, or seniors over 60.

What is the dock fee?
The dock fee is $20 per person and is a federal tax you pay at the marina—this isn’t included in the ticket price. It’s paid directly at the marina upon arrival.

Can I bring my own towels?
Towels are optional and can be rented for $8, but most guests find it convenient to bring their own. Note that towels are not included in the trip cost.

How long is the tour?
The entire experience lasts about 7 hours, including sailing, snorkeling, lunch, free time, and the return journey.

Do I need to bring anything?
Yes, bring a towel, swim suit, change of clothes, and biodegradable sunscreen (only eco-friendly sunscreen is allowed). Also, plan for extra costs like the dock fee and optional towel rental.

Is this tour suitable for families?
It can be, but keep in mind that snorkeling isn’t available for very young children or non-swimmers. The free time at Isla Mujeres is unsupervised, so families with small children should plan accordingly.

To sum it up, this catamaran trip to Isla Mujeres offers a lively, relaxing day on the water filled with fun activities, great food, and scenic views. It’s best suited for travelers who enjoy social atmospheres, snorkeling (if they meet the restrictions), and a more informal style of touring. If you’re after a laid-back, all-inclusive feel with a touch of celebration, you’ll find this tour pretty appealing. Just budget for the extra fees and be prepared for some unstructured free time on the island.