Isla Mujeres: Private Catamaran Tour & Lunch from Cancun

Summary

Snorkeling El Meco reef, Playa Norte swims, buffet lunch & open bar

You’ll sail from Cancun to Isla Mujeres by private catamaran with a local guide, snorkel El Meco reef’s colorful fish and statues, swim at Playa Norte’s soft sands, and enjoy a regional buffet lunch with open bar before heading back—sometimes flying in the spinnaker if winds are right. It’s one of those days where you feel both relaxed and wide awake.

What’s the experience like?

“If you’re lucky with the wind, you’ll fly today,” our captain grinned as we climbed aboard at Playa Tortugas. I liked him right away—he had that sun-creased face that only comes from years at sea. The pier was already humming with music and sunscreen smells (and someone’s breakfast tacos). We set off just after ten, sails snapping, and I realized how much I’d missed this kind of salty breeze on my skin. Heading toward Isla Mujeres felt like leaving regular life behind for a bit.

The first stop was El Meco reef. I’m not much of a snorkeler—always swallow half the ocean—but our guide, Ana, handed me a mask and said “Just float and look.” So I did. There were flashes of blue and yellow fish everywhere, plus these odd underwater statues that looked like they’d been dropped there by accident or maybe on purpose? The water tasted clean and sharp. When we climbed back up, Ana offered us cold drinks from the open bar—I went for pineapple juice (with rum), which seemed right.

We drifted to Playa Norte after that. Softest sand I’ve ever felt—like flour but warmer. Some folks wandered into town; I just watched pelicans dive near the boats for a while. Lunch was at a beach club—regional stuff like cochinita pibil and ceviche, all laid out buffet-style under palm trees. I tried saying “gracias” to the bartender but he just smiled wider and poured another round. On the way back to Cancun, music got louder and someone convinced me to try the spinnaker thing (basically flying behind the boat)—I screamed but it was worth it. Still think about that view over turquoise water.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Isla Mujeres Catamaran Tour and Activities

• Register at Playa Tortugas pier
• Catamaran departs at 10 am
• Sail to El Meco reef
• Snorkel among fish and statues
• Stop at Playa Norte for swimming
• Explore Isla Mujeres town center
• Visit exclusive beach club for buffet
• Enjoy open bar and lounge chairs
• Sail back to Cancun with sunset
• Fly spinnaker if wind allows

Top questions

What time does the Isla Mujeres catamaran tour start?

The lockers open at 9 am at Playa Tortugas pier; departure is at 10 am.

Is snorkeling equipment included on this tour?

Yes, use of snorkeling equipment is included in your tour.

Where does the catamaran depart from in Cancun?

The tour departs from Playa Tortugas pier next to the bungee jump area.

Is lunch provided during the Isla Mujeres tour?

Yes, a buffet of regional food is included at an exclusive beach club.

Can infants join this Isla Mujeres catamaran trip?

Infants can join but must sit on an adult's lap during the tour.

Are drinks included on board?

An unlimited open bar is available throughout the day.

Do we visit downtown Isla Mujeres?

You have free time to explore Punta Norte or visit town during the stop.

Is there public transportation nearby for arrival?

Yes, public transportation options are available near Playa Tortugas pier.

What’s included

Your day includes registration help at Playa Tortugas pier, sailing on a private catamaran with professional guide support, snorkeling gear for exploring El Meco reef, unlimited open bar all day long, a regional buffet lunch at an exclusive beach club with showers and lounge chairs—and if weather allows it, spinnaker flight fun before returning to Cancun in the evening.