Cancun & Isla Mujeres: Catamaran Snorkel, Beach Club & Scenic Tower

Summary

Catamaran cruise from cancun to isla mujeres with reef snorkeling and beach club time

You’ll sail from Cancun to Isla Mujeres by catamaran with local guides who make you feel at home right away. Snorkel over El Meco Reef’s statues and fish, relax at a private beach club with buffet lunch and open bar, then finish your day floating above Cancun on the Scenic Tower—one of those days you’ll remember when you need some sun in your mind.

What’s the experience like?

We stepped barefoot onto the catamaran at Cancun’s Embarcadero, salt already in the air and that morning sun making everyone squint and laugh a bit. The crew was all smiles—Luis handed us cold drinks right away (pineapple juice for me, tequila for my friend, of course) and gave a quick rundown of what not to do if you didn’t want to end up swimming unintentionally. I liked that he didn’t rush it—just pointed out where to stash our stuff and told us about Isla Mujeres in this way that made it sound like he actually loved going there himself.

The water between Cancun and Isla Mujeres is this impossible blue—I still think about it. We anchored near El Meco Reef, and honestly, I hesitated before jumping in (I always do), but the guide just grinned and said “You’ll regret it if you don’t.” He was right. Warm water, barely any current, just schools of yellow fish darting past my mask and these strange underwater statues from MUSA looking up at us. My snorkel kept fogging up but I didn’t really care. There was this moment when everything went quiet except for my own breathing—kind of peaceful in a weird way.

Back on deck, we dried off under the sun while heading towards Isla Mujeres. The private beach club had these palapas that looked straight out of a postcard but felt real—sand everywhere, buffet smells mixing with sunscreen. I tried saying “gracias” to one of the bartenders but must’ve messed up because he laughed and handed me another drink anyway. People were either napping on loungers or splashing around in the pool; nobody seemed in a hurry. At some point we wandered into town—colorful houses, slow bikes weaving through narrow streets—and then drifted back to the club for one last plate of ceviche.

On the way back to Cancun, we stopped at the Scenic Tower. It turns so slowly you barely notice until suddenly you’re eighty meters up with all of Cancun spread out below—hot wind in your face and someone’s kid pointing out boats down below. Honestly, I thought I’d be more nervous but mostly I just felt small in a good way.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Catamaran trip and Isla Mujeres visit

• Exchange voucher for ticket at terminal
• Receive welcome and safety briefing
• Snorkel at El Meco Reef
• Travel to Isla Mujeres by catamaran
• Enjoy private beach club facilities
• Visit downtown Isla Mujeres (optional)
• Return to Cancun by catamaran or ferry
• Access Cancun Scenic Tower viewpoint

Top questions

How long does it take to get from Cancun to Isla Mujeres by catamaran?

It usually takes around 45 minutes each way by catamaran between Cancun and Isla Mujeres.

Is snorkeling equipment included on this tour?

Yes, guided snorkeling at El Meco Reef includes all necessary equipment as part of your tour.

What is included at the Isla Mujeres beach club?

The beach club includes loungers, palapas, pool access, showers, Wi-Fi in restaurant area, lifeguard service, buffet lunch and open bar (with Prime option).

Can I visit downtown Isla Mujeres during this tour?

Yes, you have free time to visit downtown Isla Mujeres after enjoying the beach club.

Is hotel pickup included?

No hotel pickup is mentioned; you meet at Terminal Embarcadero Cancún for check-in.

Are alcoholic drinks included?

Yes, national open bar including tequila is available for guests 18 years old and above (Prime option).

What’s special about El Meco Reef for snorkeling?

The reef has warm shallow waters (2.5-3.5m), little current, lots of fish species plus underwater art statues from MUSA.

How high is the Scenic Tower in Cancun?

The Scenic Tower rises 80 meters high and rotates gently for panoramic views over Cancun.

What’s included

Your day covers round-trip catamaran transport between Cancun and Isla Mujeres with friendly local guides leading snorkeling at El Meco Reef (equipment provided), plus access to a private beach club with loungers, palapas, pool facilities and Wi-Fi. Depending on your booking option you’ll enjoy either an open bar buffet or box lunch with drinks before ending your adventure atop Cancun’s rotating Scenic Tower for sweeping Caribbean views.