Snorkeling in Cancun: Catamaran to Isla Mujeres

Sail to the snorkel site, then wander Isla Mujeres on your own time.

This half-day catamaran snorkeling tour departs Cancun at 12:30pm, takes you to the snorkel grounds off Isla Mujeres with full gear and crew instruction, then gives you free time to walk around the island before the 4pm return. The boat is a 37-foot catamaran with a bilingual crew. Snorkeling happens in open water and is subject to weather. Children under 7 and adults 60+ cannot enter the water for safety reasons, though they can ride along.

Step-by-step itinerary

Catamaran sailing and snorkeling tour

• Pick up and transfer to marina
• Depart at 12:30pm on catamaran
• Sail to snorkel spot near Isla Mujeres
• Snorkel in beautiful waters
• Enjoy snacks and open bar on board
• Sail to downtown Isla Mujeres
• Free time in Isla Mujeres
• Return trip to Cancun at 4:00pm

The experience

You get picked up and driven to Marina Hacienda del Mar, where you board the catamaran at 12:30pm. The boat heads straight for the snorkel site in the waters between Cancun and Isla Mujeres. Once there, you get a mask, fins, snorkel tube and life belt, and the crew (who speak both English and Spanish), show you how to use them. The water is where you spend the next stretch of the afternoon, moving at your own pace while the crew stays on board and keeps watch.

When you're done snorkeling, you climb back aboard and the boat sails to Isla Mujeres' downtown. There's no schedule for this part. You step off and have free time to walk around, grab lunch, browse the shops or just sit on the waterfront. Around 4pm the crew calls everyone back and you sail back to Cancun. On the way, snacks and drinks come out: chips, guacamole, salsa and an open bar with beer, soda and other drinks.

The five-hour window means you're not gone all day, so it fits an afternoon that would otherwise be free time at your hotel. Weather can cancel or shorten the snorkeling portion. It's a safety call the crew makes on the water. Children must have an adult with them the whole time, and kids under 7 or anyone 60 and older stay on the boat during the snorkel portion, though they're welcome to come along for the Isla Mujeres stop.

What’s included

• Snorkeling gear including mask, fins, snorkel tube and life belt.
• bilingual experienced crew.
• snacks such as chips, Mexican guacamole and salsa.
• open bar with alcoholic beverages and sodas.
• visit to Isla Mujeres with free time to explore.

Before you book

Days and timesEvery dayDeparts at 12:00

Book up to4h before

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

GroupUp to 50

Live guideEnglish and Spanish

Meeting point and pickupNo hotel pickup: you go to the meeting point. Ends back at the starting point.Operator's directions: “Meeting point: Playa Las Perlas Address: Km. 2.0, Kukulcan Boulevard, Zona Hotelera, 77500 Cancún, Q.Roo If you do not request transportation, please check in at the marina by 11:20 AM. Departure time 12:00pm sharp.”

Cancellation and refundsFree cancellation up to 24h 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.

Paid on siteUS$ 20

Prices and times updated 7 days ago

Good to know

Easy physical levelStroller friendlyNot for heart conditions

Operated by Cancun Riviera Maya Travel Inc

Is this one for you?The afternoon departure at 12:30pm works for a free half-day without an early start, and the free time in Isla Mujeres means you're not just snorkeling and sailing back. You get to step off and walk around. If you want the full catamaran and snorkel experience but need to be back by evening, this timing holds it all.

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Top questions

What languages is the guide in?

Live guide in English and Spanish.

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Child (4 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 24h before the start.

What's the snorkeling like in the water off Cancun and Isla Mujeres?

The snorkel site sits in open water between the two islands. You enter from the boat with full gear and the bilingual crew supervises from on board. The water conditions depend on weather, which can affect whether snorkeling happens that day.

Do I need snorkeling experience to join this tour?

No experience is required. The crew is bilingual and trained to help you with the gear and show you how to use it. The tour is suitable for all fitness levels, though it's not recommended for people with poor cardiovascular health.

What's included in the price?

The snorkeling gear (mask, fins, snorkel tube and life belt), the bilingual crew, snacks (chips, guacamole and salsa) and an open bar with alcoholic beverages and sodas are all included. Transportation to and from the marina is not included. You arrange your own way there or book a separate transfer.

How much free time do I get in Isla Mujeres?

You have free time to explore the downtown area of Isla Mujeres once the boat arrives, roughly in the middle of the afternoon. The crew calls everyone back around 4pm to sail back to Cancun, so the length of your time on the island depends on how long the snorkel portion takes.

What happens if the weather is bad?

Snorkeling is subject to weather conditions since it's a water activity. The crew makes the call on the day based on safety. If conditions don't allow snorkeling, the tour may be shortened or rescheduled, depending on the operator's policy.