Cancun to Isla Mujeres: Catamaran, Snorkeling & Open Bar

Reef, Beach & Party: A Full Day on the Water Between Two Islands

You board a catamaran in Cancun and snorkel at Chaacmol reef with a certified guide, then spend the afternoon on Isla Mujeres exploring or relaxing on Playa Norte. Lunch and unlimited domestic drinks come at a beach club, a DJ plays while you're there, and you sail back at sunset. Transportation and snorkeling gear are included. Book ahead because departures fill up.

Step-by-step itinerary

Catamaran tour to Isla Mujeres

• Snorkel at Chaacmol coral reef
• Stop for photos at coral reef
• Visit Isla Mujeres beach
• Relax on Isla Mujeres beach
• Enjoy buffet lunch at beach club
• Drink and dance with live DJ

The experience

Most people spend their Cancun mornings deciding between the pool and the beach. This catamaran starts before that choice even matters. You're already on the water, heading toward Isla Mujeres with snorkeling gear in hand and the reef coming into view. The boat leaves early enough that the water is still glass-smooth, and the crew hands you a drink before you've even found your seat. That contrast, between the quiet departure and what's waiting, is kind of the whole thing.

The first stop is Chaacmol coral reef, where a certified snorkeling guide takes you down to see statues scattered across the seafloor alongside actual fish and small sea animals moving through clear water. The visibility is what catches people off guard. You're not squinting through murk, you're looking at something. After an hour there, the catamaran pivots toward Isla Mujeres itself, and the crew points out Playa Norte as you approach. This is where the day splits: some people walk the colorful streets of the town, some collapse on the sand, some order a margarita and don't move. You get time to do whatever that is.

Then the beach club part kicks in. There's a buffet lunch waiting, the open bar is running (domestic drinks, not top shelf, but it's unlimited), and a DJ is playing hip-hop and reggaeton loud enough that you feel it in your chest. The party vibe is real. This isn't a quiet lunch break, it's the reason some people book this tour. You can eat, drink, swim again if you want, or just sit under a palapa and watch other people dance. The sunset sail back to Cancun happens after that, which is when the day gets quiet again. You're holding a drink, the water is turning orange, and the boat is moving slow enough that you can actually think.

The whole thing runs full-day, with round-trip transportation included depending on which tour grade you pick. Snorkeling equipment is provided, and the guide is certified, so you're not figuring out the reef on your own. Kids under 7 can't snorkel due to the currents, but they can come on the boat and do everything else. If you're booking this, know that spots fill fast: the catamaran isn't huge, and the combination of reef time, beach time, and the open bar is what makes people come back.

What’s included

• Snorkeling equipment and certified snorkeling guide at Chaacmol reef.
• round-trip catamaran transportation between Cancun and Isla Mujeres.
• beach club access on Playa Norte.
• buffet lunch.
• unlimited domestic open bar throughout the day.
• round-trip hotel transportation depending on tour grade selected.

Options for this experience

2 options

Tour with meeting point at the marinaGuide in 5 languages · 09:30 and 12:00Catamaran experience: this option does not include transportation, so you need to meet us directly at our marina, where we will be waiting for you. Duration: 8 hours. Open bar and buffet lunch.

Tour + TransportationGuide in 5 languages · 09:00Round trip: from Cancun or Playa del Carmen to the marina and back, catamaran tour plus transportation. Duration: 8 hours. Local pickup is included, but consider extra distance from your hotel if it is outside the Cancun area. Buffet and premium open bar. Transportation from hotel by passenger van. Pickup is included.

You pick the guide language when booking.

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

Before you book

Days and timesEvery dayDepartures at 09:00, 09:30 and 12:00

Book up to1h before

AgesAdult (11 and older) · Child (3 to 10 years) · Infant (under 3): free

GroupUp to 90

Live guideEnglish, Spanish, French, Italian and Portuguese

Meeting point and pickupHotel pickup is optional; you can also go straight to the meeting point. Ends back at the starting point.

Cancellation and refundsFree cancellation up to 24 h before the start. After that, no refund.It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund.

Prices and times updated yesterday

Good to know

Easy physical levelPublic transport nearbyInfants must sit on laps

Operated by CancunGuru.com

Is this one for you?Book this if you want a full day on the water without arranging snorkeling, lunch, drinks, or transport separately. The catamaran handles all of it, and the open bar and beach club access are what set it apart from a standard island tour.

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Top questions

What languages is the guide in?

Live guide in English, Spanish, French, Italian and Portuguese.

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Child (3 to 10 years); Infant (under 3): 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 time does the catamaran leave Cancun?

The tour departs early morning, though exact pickup times depend on your hotel location and the tour grade selected.

Is snorkeling equipment included?

Yes, snorkeling gear is provided, and a certified guide leads the snorkeling stop at Chaacmol reef.

What's included in the open bar?

The open bar serves domestic drinks throughout the day: beer, rum-based cocktails, and soft drinks. Premium spirits are not included.

How long is the full tour?

This is a full-day experience, typically running from early morning until late afternoon or early evening.

Is transportation from my hotel included?

Round-trip transportation is included depending on which tour grade you select at booking.

What if I don't want to snorkel?

Snorkeling is a main activity, but you're not forced in the water. You can stay on the boat or skip that stop and spend more time on Isla Mujeres instead.

Are there vegetarian or dietary options for lunch?

A buffet lunch is provided at the beach club. Specific dietary accommodations should be confirmed at booking.