Cancun: Isla Mujeres Catamaran & Snorkeling with Lunch

A 1.5-hour sail to Isla Mujeres, then 30 minutes underwater at El Meco reef

You sail from Cancun to Isla Mujeres on a catamaran, snorkel at El Meco reef with provided equipment and a guide, spend an hour exploring the island's downtown, then relax at a private beach club with a buffet lunch and open bar before sailing back. The trip takes seven hours total and runs daily with two departure times to choose from.

Step-by-step itinerary

Catamaran tour to Isla Mujeres

• Check in at marina
• Sail 1.5 hours to Isla Mujeres
• Snorkel 30 minutes at El Meco reef
• Free time 1 hour in Isla Mujeres downtown
• Lunch and relax 2.5 hours at beach club
• Sail 1 hour back to Cancun

The experience

The catamaran leaves the Cancun marina early, and you've got 90 minutes of open water ahead of you before the island comes into view. That's the rhythm of this day: long enough on the boat to feel like you've actually traveled, short enough that nobody gets restless. The Caribbean spreads out flat and blue, and if you're standing on deck, you'll see why people come back to this part of Mexico. A professional guide is there the whole time, so if you're nervous about snorkeling or just want to know what you're looking at, that part is handled.

El Meco reef is where the snorkeling happens, and you get 30 minutes in the water with the gear provided. The reef sits close enough to shore that the whole thing feels manageable, not a long boat ride out to some distant spot. After that, the catamaran takes you into Isla Mujeres downtown, and you've got an hour to walk around, grab a souvenir, or try whatever food catches your eye. The place is small enough that you won't feel rushed, but there's enough going on that an hour doesn't feel like nothing.

Then comes the beach club part, which is honestly the part that makes the whole day feel less like a checklist. You get a Mexican buffet lunch and access to an open bar (not the watered-down kind, a national open bar), and you can actually sit on the sand and take your time. The catamaran ride back to Cancun happens in the late afternoon, when the water's calmer and the light is better for photos. The whole thing is seven hours door-to-door, which means you're back in Cancun with the rest of your day still ahead of you.

What’s included

• Catamaran sailing from Cancun to Isla Mujeres and back.
• 30 minutes snorkeling at El Meco reef with professional guides and equipment provided.
• one hour free time in Isla Mujeres downtown.
• Mexican buffet lunch at a private beach club.
• access to the beach club facilities.
• national open bar throughout the day.
• air-conditioned vehicle for any ground transport.

Options for this experience

2 options

Guide in English or Spanish10:00 and 13:00

Guide in English or Spanish10:00 and 13:00

You pick the guide language when booking. Options with the same name differ in details you'll see when you pick a date.

You see the exact price of each option when you check availability.See dates & prices

Before you book

Days and timesEvery dayDepartures at 10:00 and 13:00

Book up to2h before

AgesAdult (11 and older) · Child (4 to 10 years) · Infant (under 4): free

GroupUp to 80

Live guideEnglish and Spanish

Meeting point and pickupHotel pickup is optional; you can also go straight to the meeting point. Ends back at the starting point.Operator's directions: “The meeting point is located at the kilometer 3.5 of the hotel zone in Cancun just next to the hotel temptation where we depart at 10 am and 1 pm”

Cancellation and refundsFree cancellation up to 24h before the start. After that, no refund.

Paid on siteUS$ 45

Prices and times updated 6 days ago

Good to know

Easy physical levelWheelchair accessibleStroller friendlyNot for pregnant travelersInfants must sit on laps

Operated by Xploring Cancun

Is this one for you?Pick this if you want a full day on the water without arranging your own boat, snorkeling spot, or lunch: the fixed schedule and included meals mean you show up and the rest is handled.

Traveler reviews

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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 10 years); Infant (under 4): free.

How long is the snorkeling part?

30 minutes at El Meco reef, with professional guides in the water with you.

What's included in the open bar?

National drinks are included throughout the day at the beach club.

How much free time do you get on Isla Mujeres?

One hour in the downtown area to explore, shop, or eat before heading to the beach club.

Is snorkeling equipment provided?

Yes, snorkeling gear is included and provided by the tour.

What time does the catamaran leave Cancun?

Two departure times are available daily. Check your booking confirmation for your specific time.

Can you bring your own snorkeling gear?

Equipment is provided, but you can bring your own if you prefer.

What happens if the weather is bad?

Tours operate in most weather conditions, but the operator may reschedule or cancel in severe cases. Check your confirmation for the cancellation policy.