Catamaran to Isla Mujeres Snorkeling Tour with Open Bar and Lunch

Exciting and Accessible Catamaran Adventure from Cancun to Isla Mujeres for $37

The Catamaran to Isla Mujeres Snorkeling Tour with Open Bar and Lunch offers a lively day of Caribbean waters, vibrant marine life, and island exploration. Priced at $37 per person, this 8.5-hour tour departs from Marina Las Perlas in Cancun and is booked over 5 times just last week, indicating strong interest. It features snorkeling over a colorful reef, scenic sailing, a buffet lunch with alcoholic beverages, and time to relax on a private beach at Isla Mujeres. The tour is ideal for those seeking a full-day experience balancing fun activities with downtime, though extra fees like the $45 dock and reef conservation fee should be kept in mind.

While the tour generally receives favorable feedback for its friendly guides, good value, and enjoyable itinerary, some reviews mention extra charges and limitations at the beach club. For travelers who appreciate a well-organized day on the water with snorkeling and open bar, this tour offers a lively taste of Mexico’s Caribbean coast. However, those sensitive to additional fees or seeking a more exclusive experience might want to review the details carefully.

Key Points

• Affordable price of $37 per person for an 8.5-hour Caribbean adventure
• Includes snorkel gear, open bar, Mexican buffet lunch, and hotel pickup and drop-off
• Stops at Marina Las Perlas and Isla Mujeres, with time for independent exploration
• Mandatory $45 USD dock fee and reef conservation charge per person
• Tour departs daily at 10 am or 1 pm from Cancun’s hotel zone
• Group size capped at 50, ensuring a lively but manageable experience

Departure Details at Marina Las Perlas in Cancun

The tour begins at Marina Caribbean Carnaval, located at kilometer 6.5 of Cancun’s hotel zone. You can choose between departures at 10 am or 1 pm, with the meeting point offering convenient access for most travelers. The tour includes complimentary pickup and drop-off from select hotels, making transportation straightforward. The admission ticket covers your boat ride, snorkeling equipment, and access to the beach club at Isla Mujeres.

It’s important to arrive on time, especially for the morning departure, to enjoy the full itinerary. The pickup service is most reliable for hotels near public transportation, and the group size is limited to 50 participants, which helps keep the experience lively without feeling overcrowded.

Snorkeling Over Vibrant Reef with Certified Guides

The highlight for many is the snorkeling stop at a colorful reef near Isla Mujeres. The certified guides lead guests through the waters, explaining marine life and ensuring safety. This activity is short but engaging, with approximately 10 minutes of snorkeling. It’s a great way to see tropical fish and coral formations without intense effort.

The tour also offers the chance to try the Spinnaker, a parachute-style flying experience over the Caribbean Sea. During this activity, all-inclusive alcoholic beverages are available, adding excitement and fun to the sailing portion of the trip. Remember to bring reef-safe sunscreen or purchase the overpriced natural sunscreen offered on-site, as regular sunscreen is reportedly discouraged to protect marine life.

Sailing on the Catamaran and Enjoying the Open Bar

The catamaran itself is described as fun and lively, with a friendly crew that keeps the mood upbeat. Service on board includes unlimited alcoholic beverages, making the sailing segment a relaxing and social part of the day. Travelers appreciate the clear instructions from the staff, particularly Pancho, who is noted for entertaining guests and maintaining a safe environment.

The scenic cruise to Isla Mujeres provides stunning views of the Caribbean, perfect for photo ops. The group atmosphere is lively but well-paced, with staff eager to ensure everyone stays comfortable and engaged. Be aware that some reviews mention overcrowding and outdated boat conditions, so checking the latest images or reviews before booking can be helpful.

Isla Mujeres Beach Club and Buffet Lunch Experience

Upon arrival at Isla Mujeres, the tour visits a beach club equipped with day beds and facilities to relax after snorkeling. The buffet lunch served here includes local Mexican dishes, and guests can enjoy alcoholic drinks during their meal. The beach and water are generally suitable for lounging, though some reviews mention water quality issues and poor facilities at the beach club.

The beach club experience lasts about 2 hours, which some consider shorter than expected, especially given the 3-hour promise. The quality of the food and water conditions may vary, and the wooden dock at the beach club has some holes and broken planks, requiring caution. If you want more time exploring the island, renting a golf cart is recommended, but this expense is not included in the tour.

Additional Charges and Fees to Consider

A key point for travelers is the $45 USD dock fee and reef conservation tax per person, which is mandatory and payable on site. This fee is not included in the initial $37 ticket price and is highlighted in multiple booking sections, though some reviews note it as an unexpected expense. Plus, an extra fee for hotel pickup and drop-off may apply, which is not part of the base price.

Payments by credit or debit card may incur a 5% processing fee, and some guests report hidden costs and confusing billing practices. It’s advisable to review all costs beforehand to avoid surprises on the day of the tour.

Group Size and Customer Service Experience

The tour generally operates with up to 50 participants, ensuring a lively atmosphere without being overly crowded. The guides and crew are praised for their knowledge, entertainment, and professionalism, with many reviews highlighting friendly staff who prioritize safety and fun.

However, some guests report communication issues regarding extra charges or rescheduling. There have been instances where transportation or pickup problems occurred, and cancellation due to weather can happen, with full refunds offered if the tour is canceled for safety reasons.

Weather-Related Cancellations and Refunds

The tour offers free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance. If bad weather forces cancellation, travelers are offered a different date or full refund. It’s important to check weather conditions close to the tour date because cancellations due to weather are common and handled promptly. If canceled, the full refund is processed, but some reviews express frustration over delayed communication or unrefunded payments.

Final Considerations and Who Will Enjoy This Tour

This catamaran adventure is perfect for families, friends, or couples seeking a full day of Caribbean fun in Cancun. The snorkeling, sailing, and beach club components create a balanced experience of activity and relaxation. The open bar and buffet lunch add comfort and enjoyment, especially for those who appreciate lively environments.

However, travelers should be prepared for the extra fees, crowded boat conditions, and variable beach club quality. The group size and organized nature make it less ideal for those seeking luxury or quiet exploration. This tour provides good value for a fun-packed day on the Caribbean, especially for those comfortable with some additional costs and adventure.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the price of the tour?
The base price is $37 per person, but there’s a mandatory $45 USD dock fee and reef conservation tax per person.

What activities are included?
Guests enjoy snorkeling, a scenic catamaran cruise, a parachute flight called the Spinnaker, a buffet lunch, and access to the beach club.

Does the tour include hotel pickup?
Yes, complimentary pickup and drop-off are included for most hotels, making transportation convenient.

How long is the snorkeling activity?
The snorkeling stop lasts about 10 minutes, enough to see marine life without strenuous effort.

Are drinks included?
Yes, alcoholic beverages are available free-flowing during the cruise and activities like the Spinnaker.

What should I bring?
Bring reef-safe sunscreen (or purchase on-site), cash for extra fees, and comfortable clothes for relaxing at the beach club.

What are the departure times?
The tour departs at 10 am and 1 pm daily from Marina Las Perlas in Cancun.

Can I visit the island independently?
Yes, there is time allotted for walking around Isla Mujeres town after the main activities.

What if the weather is bad?
The tour can be canceled for safety, with full refunds or the option to reschedule.

How do I pay the mandatory fees?
The $45 dock fee and reef conservation charge are paid on site, with cash or card accepted.

Is this tour suitable for children?
Most travelers can participate, but children should be comfortable with sea activities and group environments.