Isla Mujeres Catamaran Tour from Playa del Carmen with Open Bar

Summary

Catamaran day to Isla Mujeres with reef snorkeling and open bar

You’ll ride a catamaran from Playa del Carmen to Isla Mujeres with hotel pickup included, snorkel among coral reefs and underwater statues, enjoy an open bar and buffet lunch onshore, and spend time exploring or relaxing beneath palms. Expect laughter with guides and small surprises along the way—it’s more than just another day trip.

What’s the experience like?

First thing I remember is the way our driver grinned when he called out my name in the hotel lobby—like he’d been waiting for us all morning. We piled into the van still half-asleep, but by the time we reached Cancun’s marina, the sun was already sharp and you could smell sunscreen and salt everywhere. Our guide, Mariela, handed me a wristband and joked about my Spanish (“muy valiente!”), which made me laugh even though I definitely butchered “buenos días.” There was music playing somewhere behind the lockers, just loud enough to set a mood but not so much that you couldn’t hear the gulls overhead.

The catamaran itself felt bigger than I expected. Not fancy, but everyone spread out—some people went straight for the netting at the bow, others hovered near the open bar (which, by the way, is not just beer; there were cocktails I’d never heard of). The crew moved around like they’d done this a thousand times. When we stopped for snorkeling near Isla Mujeres, Mariela pointed out these underwater statues covered in soft green fuzz—I didn’t expect them to look so ghostly down there. The water tasted like metal and salt if you got any in your mouth (I did), but floating above coral while fish darted around your mask is something I still think about.

Lunch was onshore—a buffet under palapa roofs with tables scattered between palm trees. The guacamole was gone fast (I learned you have to move quick), but there was grilled chicken and rice and some sweet bread that stuck to my fingers. People drifted off after eating: some wandered into town for souvenirs or just watched locals zip by on scooters. I sat back with a cold drink and let myself get lazy for a while. On the way back, everyone seemed quieter—maybe it was sun or maybe it was just that feeling when you know you’re heading home after something good. The music came back up as we neared Cancun, only this time people actually danced.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Catamaran tour to Isla Mujeres

• Hotel lobby pickup between 7:00 am and 8:30 am
• Check in at beach marina at 9:30 am
• Sail from Turtles Cancun Hotel Zone at 10:00 am
• Enjoy catamaran tour to Isla Mujeres
• Return to marina around 5:30 pm

Top questions

Is hotel pickup included for this Isla Mujeres catamaran tour?

Yes, transportation from Playa del Carmen hotels is included in your booking.

How long does the day trip to Isla Mujeres last?

The tour lasts about 10 hours total, including travel time from Playa del Carmen.

Is snorkeling equipment provided on this tour?

Yes, all snorkeling gear is provided as part of your tour package.

Are drinks included during the catamaran cruise?

Yes, there’s an open bar onboard with cocktails, beer, rum, vodka, and tequila.

Is lunch included during the Isla Mujeres tour?

A buffet meal with drinks is served once you arrive on Isla Mujeres.

What time does pickup usually happen from Playa del Carmen?

Your pickup will be scheduled between 7:00 am and 8:30 am depending on your hotel location.

Is this tour wheelchair accessible?

Yes, both transportation options and parts of the tour are wheelchair accessible.

Can infants join this catamaran day trip?

Infants can join but must sit on an adult’s lap during transport.

What’s included

Your day includes roundtrip hotel pickup from Playa del Carmen in an air-conditioned vehicle, all snorkeling equipment for exploring reefs near Isla Mujeres’ coast (including those underwater statues), access to an open bar with over 14 cocktail options aboard the catamaran, plus a buffet meal with drinks served under shady palms before heading back in late afternoon.