Snorkel and catamaran to Isla Mujeres

Experience a Personalized Day on the Caribbean with a Small-Group Catamaran to Isla Mujeres

This snorkel and catamaran tour from Cancun offers a more intimate way to explore the stunning waters around Isla Mujeres. For $57 per person, you get approximately 8 hours of adventure, starting from Marina Imperial las Perlas in Cancun. The tour boasts a small capacity of just 15 travelers, making it ideal for those seeking a relaxed and less crowded experience. The highlights include snorkeling amid vibrant reef life, a buffet lunch at a beach club, and a lively open bar onboard. One unique feature is the chance to try flying from the spinnaker sail if weather conditions cooperate.

While the tour emphasizes a more personal atmosphere, it’s important to note the dock fee of $20 per person, which is not included in the ticket price. This tour is suited for those who enjoy snorkeling, beach time, and a casual party vibe. It’s a well-rounded choice for visitors wanting to combine water activities with relaxing breaks and social drinks. However, it’s vital to be aware of the size of the boat—a reported capacity of 40 passengers—which might differ from expectations if a smaller, more exclusive vessel was anticipated.

Key Points

• Small group size: Maximum 15 travelers for a more personal experience
• Price: $57 per person for an 8-hour trip
• Includes: Snorkeling equipment, buffet lunch, open bar, and free time at Isla Mujeres
• Highlights: Snorkeling guides, optional spinnaker sail, and beach club exploration
• Dock fee: Additional $20 per person

Departure from Cancun’s Marina Imperial las Perlas

The tour departs at 9:30 am from Marina Imperial las Perlas, located at Km 2.2 in Cancun’s hotel zone. The location is straightforward to reach, placing travelers at the heart of Cancun’s hotel strip. This busy marina serves as the starting point for a scenic caribbean sail towards Isla Mujeres, offering spectacular views even before reaching the island itself.

The journey across the Caribbean Sea takes roughly an hour, with the boat designed to provide comfort amidst a lively atmosphere. The boat’s capacity, often said to be 15 passengers, may be larger according to some reviews, with reports of up to 40 passengers, which could influence the level of intimacy and noise onboard.

Snorkeling with Certified Guides at Isla Mujeres Reef

The snorkeling stop occurs at a vibrant reef, where a certified guide leads the group to spot tropical fish and marine life. The guide’s presence is helpful for those who want assistance or prefer a guided experience. Snorkeling equipment is provided, making it easy to jump into the water and explore the colorful underwater world. This stop is the main highlight for those passionate about marine life and underwater photography.

Expect to spend some time in the reef area, with enough opportunity to enjoy the waters and observe marine creatures. The guide’s explanations help newcomers understand what they see and ensure safety during the activity.

Exploring Isla Mujeres and a Beach Club Lunch Break

After snorkeling, the trip includes free time on Isla Mujeres, giving travelers the chance to walk around and explore the island’s charming streets. The beach club offers a buffet lunch, providing a relaxed environment to enjoy local flavors and take in scenic ocean views.

The beach club experience is a favored part of this tour, with ample time to relax on the sand or take photos. The lively atmosphere complements the overall vibe of the day, especially with the open bar onboard and at the beach. The free time at Isla Mujeres typically lasts about three hours, offering enough space for exploration, photos, or simply unwinding by the sea.

Optional Spinnaker Sail and Return to Cancun

The journey back includes the chance to fly from the spinnaker sail—a fun addition if weather permits. This optional activity is usually completed in about an hour at the end of the trip, giving an adrenaline shot to the day’s relaxing schedule.

The return to Cancun begins after the beach club visit, with the boat making its way back in roughly one hour. The tour concludes at the original meeting point, with travelers free to continue exploring Cancun or heading to their accommodations.

Included and Excluded Items

The tour package includes snorkeling equipment, a buffet lunch, and an open bar. The use of snorkeling gear allows everyone to participate safely in marine activities. However, tips and souvenirs are not included, so travelers should prepare for those additional costs.

One important consideration is the dock fee of $20 per person, payable at the marina, which is not part of the initial ticket price. This fee covers the marina’s services and facilities.

Logistics and Group Size Expectations

The tour begins at 9:30 am and ends back at the meeting point in Cancun. The maximum group size is 65 travelers, but the advertised capacity for this specific trip is just 15, offering a more personalized experience. It’s worth noting that some reviews mention the boat being larger than expected, with 40 passengers on board—something to keep in mind if seeking exclusivity.

The meeting point at Marina Las Perlas is easily accessible, and the mobile ticket option adds convenience for travelers.

Value and Practical Tips

At $57 per person, this tour provides a comprehensive day of snorkeling, beach time, and social drinking, making it a good value for those wanting a mix of activities. The buffet lunch and open bar enhance the experience, although the dock fee adds to the total cost.

Travelers should arrive early to settle the dock fee and ensure smooth boarding. Given the potential crowd size, arriving promptly helps secure a good spot and avoid delays.

Limitations and Considerations

A key point to consider is the size of the boat. The advertised 15-passenger capacity might not always be maintained, with some reports indicating up to 40 passengers, which can impact the sense of intimacy. Plus, the weather plays a role in some activities, such as the spinnaker sail, which is only available if conditions are favorable.

The tour is suitable for those comfortable with water activities and social environments. It may not be the best choice for travelers seeking a quiet or private experience.

Final Thoughts on the Isla Mujeres Catamaran Tour

This 8-hour snorkeling and sailing adventure offers a lively yet personal way to explore Isla Mujeres from Cancun. The small group setting and inclusion of snorkeling gear, buffet lunch, and open bar make it appealing for those looking for a relaxed day with social moments.

However, the discrepancy in boat size and the dock fee are important factors to consider. The tour is best suited for travelers who want a balance between water activities and beach relaxation, and who don’t mind a lively atmosphere.

This tour provides a good mix of fun, scenery, and social ambiance, especially for those who enjoy snorkeling and casual drinking in a tropical setting.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the boat really limited to 15 people?
While the tour’s description suggests a capacity of 15 travelers, some reviews mention the boat being larger, around 40 passengers, which might affect the intimacy of the experience.

What is included in the price?
The $57 ticket includes snorkeling equipment, a buffet lunch, and an open bar. The dock fee of $20 per person is paid separately at the marina.

Can I participate in the spinnaker sail?
Yes, the spinnaker sail is an optional activity, offered if weather conditions are suitable. It typically takes about an hour at the end of the trip.

How long do I have at Isla Mujeres?
Travelers have approximately three hours of free time to explore the island and enjoy the beach club.

Where does the tour start and end?
The tour departs from Marina Imperial las Perlas in Cancun at 9:30 am and returns to the same location.

Is this tour suitable for children or non-swimmers?
While not specifically stated, snorkeling requires basic swimming ability and comfort in water. The small group setting makes it suitable for most travelers comfortable with water activities.