Private Catamaran from Cancun to Isla Mujeres | For up to 30 pepl

If you’re looking for a way to enjoy the Caribbean Sea without the crowds, a private catamaran trip from Cancun to Isla Mujeres might just be your perfect escape. While I haven’t personally been on this exact tour, I’ve reviewed plenty of similar experiences and read through many glowing reviews. What stands out here is the personalized touch and the focus on relaxation. You’re not part of a big tour group—you get your private boat with dedicated crew, unlimited drinks, and the freedom to customize your day.

Two things I particularly like about this excursion are its flexibility—offering both half-day and full-day options—and the all-inclusive vibe, with drinks and activities included. That means less hassle and more time to soak up the sun and scenery. On the flip side, a consideration is the price point at $1,599 for up to 15 people, which is definitely a splurge, but one that many seem to think is worth it for the quality and privacy.

This tour is a fantastic fit for groups of friends, families, or couples who want to enjoy a private, laid-back day on the water with some snorkeling and beach lounging. If you’re after a more exclusive, hassle-free experience with lots of opportunities to relax and have fun, this could be just what you’re looking for.

Key Points

• Private and customizable experience, perfect for those who want exclusivity.
• All activities included, with open bar and snorkeling, so no hidden costs.
• Flexible durations of 4 or 7 hours, catering to different schedules.
• Ideal for groups up to 15, making it a good value per person for a private outing.
• Stops at Isla Mujeres’ Playa Norte and Cancun’s underwater museum — diverse experiences.
• Great reviews highlight attentive crew, clean boat, and memorable service.

An In-Depth Look at the Private Catamaran Experience

Planning a day on the water in Cancun? Here’s what you can expect from this private catamaran cruise based on all the info and reviews available.

The Meeting Point and Duration

The tour begins at Marina Las Perlas, easily accessible in Cancun’s Hotel Zone. It’s a straightforward location if you’re staying nearby, with the option for private transportation if needed. You can choose between a 4-hour or 7-hour trip, so you’ll have enough time to enjoy snorkeling, beach lounging, and sailing without feeling rushed.

Most travelers seem to book this about 74 days in advance, which indicates it’s a popular choice, especially for groups looking for a special day out. The tour ends back at the same meeting point, which simplifies logistics.

The Itinerary Breakdown

Stop 1: Cancun Underwater Museum & Manchones Reef

The tour kicks off with snorkeling at the Cancun Underwater Museum (Museo Subacuatico de Arte) and Manchones reef. This is a highlight for those interested in marine life and unique sights beneath the waves. The underwater museum is quite a spectacle—art installations submerged in the ocean—and many reviews mention how clean and well-maintained the boat is, with crew who are attentive and knowledgable.

Expect approximately 1 hour and 15 minutes here, giving you enough time to get your gear on, explore, and take some memorable photos. Since all activities are included, snorkeling gear and incidentals are covered, making it convenient.

Stop 2: Playa Norte

Next, you’ll head to Playa Norte on Isla Mujeres, renowned for being one of the most beautiful beaches in the area. Here, you’ll have about an hour to swim, relax, and soak in the stunning scenery. Several reviews highlight the crew’s friendliness, with some even swimming drinks out to guests while they lounge on the beach—a small gesture that adds to the luxury feel.

This stop offers a perfect chance to unwind, dip your toes in crystal-clear waters, and snap some Instagram-worthy shots. The beach’s soft white sand and calm waters make it accessible for most, and it’s ideal for a quick swim or just relaxing with a drink in hand.

What’s Included and What’s Not?

Included:

• Unlimited drinks via an open bar
• All scheduled activities, including snorkeling and beach time
• Round-trip private transportation on the boat
• Dedicated crew to serve and assist throughout the day
• The chance to make the experience your own with flexible timing

Not Included:

• Lunch (though some reviews mention optional extra food packages, like a buffet, which can be purchased)
• Hotel pickup and drop-off (you meet at the marina)
• Government fees of $20 per person (paid at check-in)

Drinking and Dining

The open bar is a big selling point. Travelers frequently mention how generous the drinks are and how attentive the crew is in keeping the glasses full. One review even noted the crew swimming out drinks to guests while they relaxed on the beach, which adds a special touch of service. However, keep in mind that the minimum age is 18, so this isn’t suitable for children.

As for lunch, it’s not included in the base price, though some travelers opt for additional food options. The reviews note that the food on the boat can vary, with one guest mentioning that the extra buffet they purchased was disappointing. So if food is important, consider bringing your own or booking an extra meal package if available.

The Experience on the Water

What makes this tour stand out is the personalized service. According to reviews, crew members like Cesar, David, and Mario are friendly, professional, and attentive. They really focus on making your day special, whether it’s by swimming out drinks or adjusting the schedule to fit your needs.

The boat itself is described as clean and comfortable, capable of accommodating up to 30 people, although most groups seem to be smaller. This means you get a more intimate experience compared to large, crowded tours.

Many travelers mention that the snorkeling gear was provided and that the reefs and underwater museum are worth exploring. The water clarity and marine life seem to be consistent highlights, and the time allocated for snorkeling is enough to enjoy the vibrant marine environment.

The Crew’s Role

The reviews speak highly of the crew’s friendliness and professionalism. On one trip, the crew was so attentive they even swam out drinks to guests at Isla Mujeres, making the experience feel extra special. This level of service is one of the reasons many say this tour is worth the price.

The Flexibility and Customization

If you opt for the longer 7-hour trip, you get more time for snorkeling, relaxing, and exploring. Several reviews mention that the 4-hour trips tend to fly by, and they recommend the full day if you want a more leisurely experience. You can tailor your day, which is a big advantage over more rigid, pre-set tours.

Pricing and Value

At $1,599 for up to 15 people, this tour offers good value for a private experience, especially compared to booking multiple individual spots on a shared tour. If you’re traveling with family or a group of friends, splitting the cost makes this a relatively affordable luxury.

Some reviews indicate that the experience exceeds expectations, especially considering the included activities, drinks, and personalized service. It’s a chance to celebrate a special occasion or simply enjoy a stress-free day in the sun with people you care about.

Who Is This Tour Best For?

This private catamaran is perfect for groups seeking privacy, comfort, and flexibility. It’s suited for friends celebrating a special event, families wanting a relaxed day on the water, or couples looking for an intimate experience. If you or your group enjoy snorkeling, beach lounging, and having a dedicated crew to pamper you, this tour hits all those marks.

However, if you’re on a tight budget or prefer a more structured group tour with included lunch, this might not be the best fit. It’s also less ideal if you’re traveling with very small children, given the minimum drinking age and the nature of the activities.

Final Thoughts

A private catamaran cruise from Cancun to Isla Mujeres offers a memorable way to enjoy the Caribbean in style and comfort. The combination of customizable duration, all-inclusive drinks, snorkeling, and a dedicated crew creates an experience that many travelers find worth the splurge. The attentiveness of the staff, the beautiful scenery, and the chance to relax without the chaos of large tours make it a standout option for those wanting a special day on the water.

This experience is best suited for groups who value privacy and personalized service, and who want a flexible itinerary that can be tailored to their interests. If you’re looking to celebrate a special occasion or just want a peaceful, fun-filled day with friends or family, this private trip could be just what you need.

FAQ

Is this tour suitable for children?
Children can participate if accompanied by an adult, but note that the minimum drinking age is 18, so it’s geared more towards adult groups.

What’s the meeting point?
The tour starts at Marina Las Perlas in Cancun’s Hotel Zone. It’s easy to access, especially if staying nearby.

How long does the tour last?
You can choose between approximately 4 hours or 7 hours, depending on your schedule and how much you want to see and do.

Are drinks really unlimited?
Yes, the open bar includes unlimited drinks, and guests frequently mention how attentive the crew is in keeping them supplied.

What activities are included?
Snorkeling at the Cancun underwater museum and reef, plus beach lounging at Playa Norte, are part of the itinerary.

Is lunch included?
No, lunch isn’t included in the base price, but you can purchase additional food options if desired.

What’s the price for the private tour?
It costs $1,599 for up to 15 people, which breaks down to a reasonable rate for a private experience.

Are private bathrooms available?
The provided info doesn’t specify, but typically, boats of this size do not have bathroom facilities—so plan accordingly.

What if the weather is bad?
The tour is weather-dependent. If canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund.

If you’re after a relaxed, private day on the water with good service and plenty of opportunities to swim and sip drinks, this trip from Cancun to Isla Mujeres could be just what you’re looking for.