Isla Mujeres: Private Catamaran Tour & Snorkeling Day Trip

Summary

Catamaran sailing to Isla Mujeres with snorkeling stops and open bar

You’ll sail from Cancun to Isla Mujeres by private catamaran with a local crew, snorkel over El Meco reef’s statues and fish, explore artisan streets for Yucatec lunch, then relax on deck with an open bar as you drift home. Expect laughter, sea spray, new flavors—and maybe one perfect moment when everything feels lighter than air.

What’s the experience like?

“Don’t worry, we’ve got the good tequila,” our captain grinned as he handed me a plastic cup—honestly, I was more nervous about my flippers than the drinks. We met at Playa Tortugas just after breakfast, sun already hot but not too much. The crew felt like old friends right away, joking in Spanish and English. I could smell sunscreen and salt on the breeze before we even left the dock. There’s this little moment when you first step onto a catamaran—everything wobbles under your feet and you wonder if you packed too much.

The water between Cancun and Isla Mujeres is that wild turquoise you see in postcards, but it’s louder up close—wind slapping sails, music from someone’s speaker, laughter from a couple trying to take selfies without dropping their phone. Our guide (I think her name was Marisol) pointed out El Meco reef as we slowed down. She handed out masks and fins in all sizes—I grabbed the wrong size at first, which made everyone laugh—and then we dropped into the water. I swear I could hear my own breathing through the snorkel; there were these strange underwater statues covered in coral and fish darting everywhere. It felt weirdly peaceful down there.

After drying off (sort of), we wandered Isla Mujeres’ center for lunch. The main street is full of color—painted signs, hammocks swinging in shop doorways, cooks calling out menus. Marisol recommended a tiny spot for Yucatec food; I tried saying “cochinita pibil” but probably butchered it because she laughed and corrected me. Food tasted smoky-sweet, nothing like what I’d had back home. We had time to just sit in the shade with cold sodas before heading back to the boat—no rush at all.

The ride back was slower—maybe it was just me feeling sleepy from sun and rum or maybe everyone else did too because people stretched out on deck or leaned over the side watching waves slap against hulls. The open bar stayed open (someone kept making margaritas), but honestly I just watched the coastline come back into view and tried to hold onto that salty wind feeling for as long as possible. Even now, I can still picture that color of water when I close my eyes.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Private Catamaran Tour to Isla Mujeres

• Register and receive tour information
• Sail to Caribbean for snorkeling
• Snorkel at El Meco reef park
• Explore Isla Mujeres artisan streets
• Enjoy dining options on the island
• Sail back to Cancun with open bar

Top questions

Is snorkeling equipment included on this Isla Mujeres tour?

Yes, masks, life jackets, and fins are provided for all guests on the catamaran day trip.

Does this private catamaran tour include alcoholic drinks?

Yes, an open bar with beer, rum, tequila (for guests 18+) plus soft drinks is included throughout the tour.

How long does it take to sail from Cancun to Isla Mujeres?

The sailing time varies with conditions but usually takes about 1 hour each way by catamaran.

Are meals included during the Isla Mujeres day trip?

No set meal is included; you’ll have free time on Isla Mujeres to choose your own restaurant or street food.

Can children join this private catamaran tour?

Yes! Infants can ride in a stroller or pram; children under 17 get non-alcoholic drinks only.

Where does this tour start?

The tour departs from Playa Tortugas in Cancun with staff greeting you at registration.

Is hotel pickup available for this Isla Mujeres tour?

No hotel pickup is mentioned; guests meet at Playa Tortugas pier in Cancun for departure.

What should I bring for snorkeling at El Meco reef?

You’ll be given all basic gear (mask, fins); bring swimwear, towel, sunscreen and maybe a dry bag for valuables.

What’s included

Your day includes all snorkeling equipment (masks, life jackets, fins), unlimited soft drinks plus beer, rum and tequila for adults at the open bar throughout the cruise; bilingual local crew guiding you from Playa Tortugas in Cancun to Isla Mujeres’ artisan center before returning by catamaran in late afternoon.