Cancun & Isla Mujeres: Catamaran Cruise, Snorkel & Buffet Lunch

Summary

Catamaran cruise from cancun with snorkeling and isla mujeres stop

You’ll board a lively catamaran in Cancun for a day trip full of music, dancing, snorkeling at El Meco Reef, and time exploring Isla Mujeres’ colorful streets or relaxing on Playa Norte. Enjoy lunch onboard with fresh guacamole and an open bar while friendly crew keep spirits high. Expect laughter, new tastes, and moments that stick with you long after you’re back on shore.

What’s the experience like?

I’ll admit, I didn’t expect to be salsa dancing before noon — but that’s how the Dancer Cruise goes. We’d barely left Cancun when the crew started up music (not too loud, just enough to make your feet twitch) and coaxed a few of us into a wobbly dance lesson. The sun was already sharp on the water, and someone handed me pineapple juice with just enough rum to make me laugh at my own two left feet. Li, our guide, kept shouting encouragement in Spanish and English — I tried copying her steps but mostly spun in circles. It felt good not caring.

Snorkeling at El Meco Reef was next. The water was clear enough to see every flick of fish tail — yellow stripes darting past my mask, coral like little cities under the surface. Honestly, I got a mouthful of salty water trying to talk underwater (don’t do that), but floating there with the sunlight slicing through blue felt peaceful in a way I didn’t expect. Back on deck, people sprawled out on towels or lined up for the waterslide — some kids shrieked all the way down. There was this faint smell of grilled fajitas drifting from below deck that made my stomach growl.

Lunch was simple but hit just right: guacamole piled onto chips, warm rice and chicken fajitas as we drifted closer to Isla Mujeres. The island looked almost painted — white sand at Playa Norte, golf carts buzzing by with locals waving lazily from shaded porches. We wandered off for an hour or so, poking into shops full of bright fabrics and shell jewelry. I bought a tiny ceramic turtle I’m still not sure what to do with. It’s funny how you remember these small things more than anything else.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Catamaran cruise with snorkeling and lunch

• Board spacious catamaran in Cancun
• Cruise along Cancun coastline
• Enjoy onboard entertainment and open bar
• Snorkel at El Meco Coral Reef
• Stop at Isla Mujeres island
• Relax on Playa Norte beach
• Explore shops and cafés on island
• Have freshly prepared buffet lunch onboard
• Use waterslide and trampoline on boat
• Participate in salsa class and games

Top questions

Is snorkeling equipment included on the Dancer Cruise?

Yes, snorkeling gear is provided for use during the stop at El Meco Reef.

What kind of food is served for lunch?

A buffet lunch is served onboard including fajitas, salad, rice, chips and guacamole.

Does this Cancun catamaran tour include drinks?

Yes, there’s an open bar offering rum, tequila, vodka, beer, sodas and juice throughout the cruise.

How long do we spend on Isla Mujeres?

You’ll have free time to explore Isla Mujeres or relax on Playa Norte during the tour stop.

Is hotel pickup included in this tour?

No hotel pickup is mentioned; travelers meet at the departure point in Cancun.

Are children allowed on this catamaran cruise?

Yes; infants and small children can join but some water activities have age/height restrictions.

Can I snorkel if I have health conditions?

No; guests with asthma, recent surgery, pregnancy or heart/back conditions cannot participate in snorkeling.

What happens if weather cancels activities?

If weather or safety conditions prevent water activities like snorkeling or slides they may be suspended without refund.

What’s included

Your day includes continental breakfast (pastries and fruit), all snorkeling gear for El Meco Reef (weather permitting), use of waterslide and trampoline onboard both ways between Cancun and Isla Mujeres, unlimited drinks from an open bar throughout the journey plus a freshly prepared buffet lunch featuring fajitas and guacamole before returning by catamaran in the afternoon.