Snorkeling in Cancun: Catamaran to Isla Mujeres with Lunch

Snorkel El Meco Reef and Dance on Deck Between Two Islands

A seven-and-a-half-hour catamaran cruise from Cancun to Isla Mujeres with snorkeling at El Meco Coral Reef, onboard lunch, open bar, and water activities including a slide and trampoline. The boat carries enough people to keep the energy high but stays maneuverable enough to reach the reef and the island without the feel of a floating resort. Snorkeling is not available for children under 7 years or under 1.25 meters tall, or for guests with asthma, recent surgery, pregnancy, or heart or back conditions. A mandatory dock fee of $20 USD per person applies from age 5 up.

The experience

Cancun's snorkeling happens on a catamaran built for more than just getting to the reef. The Dancer or Baby Dancer (a multi-level boat with sun decks, shaded lounges, a waterslide and a trampoline) leaves the dock and heads toward El Meco, where the coral formations and fish life sit in water clear enough to see from the surface. You get snorkeling gear included, and the crew handles the logistics of the stop itself. The reef sits about an hour out, so there is time to settle into the rhythm of the boat before you go in.

Between the reef and Isla Mujeres, the boat becomes the destination. The open bar runs all day (rum, tequila, vodka, beer, sodas and juice), and the crew leads a salsa class, runs games and keeps music playing across the decks. A freshly prepared lunch arrives onboard: fajitas, salad, rice, chips and guacamole. The waterslide and trampoline are there if you want to cool off without leaving the boat, and the sun decks give you space to lie flat or move to shade.

Isla Mujeres comes at the end of the day. Playa Norte, the island's main beach, is where most people spend the final hours. It is a short walk from the dock and the water there is shallow and calm. The town has shops and cafés if you want to wander, but the beach is the draw. The boat picks you up at a set time and heads back to Cancun as the afternoon fades.

What’s included

• Snorkeling gear and access to El Meco Coral Reef.
• continental breakfast with pastries, fresh fruit, milk, juice and coffee.
• freshly prepared lunch with fajitas, salad, rice, chips and guacamole.
• open bar with rum, tequila, vodka, beer, sodas and juice.
• use of the waterslide, diving board, trampoline and inflatable rings.
• visit to Isla Mujeres and Playa Norte beach.
• onboard entertainment including a salsa class, music and interactive games.

Information

Lasts 7h 30m, runs every day at 09:00, from US$ 98.50 per person, with a live guide in English and Spanish and with free cancellation up to 24 h before.

Days and timesEvery dayDeparts at 09:00Another time? ›

GroupUp to 200

Live guideEnglish and SpanishOther languages ›

Meeting point and pickupNo hotel pickup: you go to the meeting point. Ends back at the starting point.7 with pickup ›

Book up toStart time

AgesAdult (10 and older) · Child (8 to 9 years) · Infant (under 4): free

Cancellation and refundsFree cancellation up to 24 h before the start. After that, no refund.It may be canceled due to bad weather or if the minimum number of travelers isn't reached. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund.

Prices and times updated yesterday

Good to know

Moderate physical effortStroller-friendlyPublic transport nearby

Operated by Cancun Vacation Experts

Is this one for you?This cruise suits groups and solo travelers who want snorkeling and island time without renting a boat or navigating the logistics themselves. The catamaran carries enough people to keep the energy high, and the crew handles the reef stop, the meal service and the timing so you move between three things (the boat, the reef, the island) without planning any of it.

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Top questions

What languages is the tour guided in?

Live guide in English and Spanish.

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Child (8 to 9 years); Infant (under 4): free.

What happens if it rains?

It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund. Free cancellation up to 24 h before the start.

What is El Meco Reef like when you snorkel there?

El Meco Coral Reef sits in clear Caribbean water where you can see colorful fish and coral formations from the surface. The reef is one of Cancun's established snorkeling stops, and the boat's crew manages the entry and exit so you spend your time in the water, not organizing the logistics.

How long do you spend at Isla Mujeres?

The itinerary includes a stop at Isla Mujeres where you can spend time on Playa Norte beach, explore the island's shops and cafés, or relax before the return to Cancun. The exact duration depends on the boat's schedule for the full day.

What food and drinks are included?

The cruise includes a continental breakfast of pastries, fresh fruit, milk, juice and coffee; a freshly prepared lunch of fajitas, salad, rice, chips and guacamole served onboard; and an open bar throughout the day with rum, tequila, vodka, beer, sodas and juice.

What water activities are available besides snorkeling?

The catamaran has a waterslide, a trampoline, a diving board and inflatable rings for swimming. These activities are available throughout the day on the boat and are subject to weather conditions and safety regulations.

Is there a fee beyond the ticket price?

A mandatory dock fee of $20 USD per person applies for guests age 5 and up. Gratuities, hotel pickup, towels and souvenir photos are not included.