Snorkeling in Cancun: Private catamaran to Isla Mujeres

Snorkel two reefs without arranging the boat or the gear

A private catamaran snorkeling tour from Cancun carries up to 25 passengers to the Underwater Museum of Art and Manchones reef, with a live guide in English or Spanish, snorkel equipment and an open bar included. You choose between a 4-hour or 7-hour departure, and on the longer option, free time at Isla Mujeres' North Beach is yours to take or skip. The boat is wheelchair accessible and suitable for all fitness levels. Children must be accompanied by an adult, and the minimum drinking age is 18.

Step-by-step itinerary

Stops and time spent at each3 stops

1. Underwater Museum of ArtEntry included1h 15m
2. North Beach1h
3. Isla Mujeres1h 30m

Sail, snorkel, swim, and explore Isla Mujeres

• Board 37 ft catamaran in Cancun
• Snorkel at Manchones reef and underwater museum
• Stop at Playa Norte for swimming
• Optional free time in Isla Mujeres
• Return to Cancun

The experience

You arrive at the dock in Cancun and board a 37 ft catamaran with your group: no more than 25 people, so it stays manageable. The boat carries snorkel equipment for everyone and a guide who speaks English or Spanish, so you don't show up with your own mask or wonder what you're looking at underwater. The open bar runs the whole time you're aboard, which means the sailing part of the day is not separate from the drinking part.

The snorkeling happens at two sites: the Manchones reef and the Underwater Museum of Art, where sculptures sit on the seafloor and attract fish and coral growth. On the 7-hour option, the boat stops at North Beach on Isla Mujeres, a stretch of turquoise water where you can swim or sit on the sand. That stop is optional, so you decide whether to use the time there or stay aboard. The 4-hour tour covers the reef and museum only, without the island stop.

Dress in a swimming suit and bring a towel and sunglasses. Sunblock should be biodegradable so it doesn't damage the reef. The boat is wheelchair accessible, and all areas and surfaces aboard are accessible as well. Infants sit on an adult's lap, and the tour is not recommended for pregnant travelers. Public transportation options are available near the dock if you need them.

What’s included

• Snorkel equipment for all passengers.
• a live guide in English or Spanish.
• use of the 37 ft catamaran for the full duration.
• an open bar throughout the day.

Options for this experience

2 options

4-hour tour on a 37 ft catamaranGuide in English or Spanish · 09:00, 10:00 and 14:00Duration: 4 hours, departing at 2 pm. A 4-hour private charter catamaran. Spend the day sailing across the Caribbean Sea; you can pick a trip to Isla Mujeres or simply sail on the bay. Snorkel gear and unlimited drinks are included

7-hour tour on a 37 ft catamaranGuide in English or Spanish · 5 departure times: the first at 09:00, the last at 13:00Duration: 7 hours. A 7-hour private charter on a catamaran. Spend the day sailing across the Caribbean Sea, y

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

Information

Lasts 4h–7h, runs every day, 6 start times, from US$ 1,185 per group, with a live guide in English and Spanish, as a private tour and with free cancellation up to 24 h before.

Days and timesEvery day6 departure times: 09:00, 10:00, 11:00, 12:00, 13:00 and 14:00

GroupPrivate8 group tours ›

Live guideEnglish and SpanishOther languages ›

Meeting point and pickupHotel pickup is optional; you can also go straight to the meeting point. Ends back at the starting point.You can choose from 2 pickup points.

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.

ConfirmationConfirmation within 48 h

Prices and times updated 2 days ago

Good to know

Low physical effortWheelchair accessibleAccessible transportStroller-friendlyPets welcomePublic transport nearbyNot recommended during pregnancyInfants must sit on laps

Operated by Cancun Sailing Catamarans

Is this one for you?Book the 7-hour option if you want the reefs plus a beach break on Isla Mujeres. The 4-hour tour works if you have a free afternoon and want to snorkel without the island stop. The private boat means you're not crammed with strangers, and the guide handles the navigation and the reef knowledge so you focus on what's underwater.

Traveler reviews

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Top questions

What languages is the tour guided in?

Live guide in English and Spanish.

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 exactly is the Underwater Museum of Art in Cancun?

The Underwater Museum of Art is a collection of sculptures placed on the seafloor near Cancun, where they've become part of the reef ecosystem: fish and coral have grown around them, so you snorkel past art and living reef at the same time.

Can I choose how long I want to spend snorkeling on this tour?

Yes, you pick either the 4-hour tour, which covers the Manchones reef and the Underwater Museum, or the 7-hour tour, which adds optional free time at North Beach on Isla Mujeres so you can swim or relax on the sand.

Is snorkel equipment included, or do I need to bring my own?

Equipment is included. The catamaran carries snorkels, masks and fins for everyone, so you don't need to pack or rent your own.

What's the group size on this private catamaran?

The boat holds a maximum of 25 passengers, which keeps the group small enough to feel private while still sharing the cost across multiple people.

Is there food or drink available during the tour?

An open bar runs throughout the day, so drinks are included: lunch is not, so plan accordingly if the tour runs through a meal time.

Do I need to arrange my own transportation to the dock?

The tour does not include hotel pickup and drop-off, so you'll need to arrange your own way to the Cancun dock. Public transportation options are available nearby if you don't have a rental car.