Puerto Morelos: Secret Sandbar Catamaran Sail & Lunch

Summary

Catamaran sail to secret sandbar with swimming and lunch

You’ll board a catamaran in Puerto Morelos for a relaxed sail through clear lagoon waters before stopping at a shallow sandbar—perfect for swimming or just floating around. Enjoy a light lunch onboard with drinks included. With friendly guides and no pressure to rush, you’ll have time to soak up both sun and quiet moments—leaving you with more than just photos.

What’s the experience like?

The first thing I noticed was the way the sunlight bounced off the water as we left Marina La Bonita—almost too bright, but not harsh, just that soft shimmer you get near Puerto Morelos. Our guide, Carlos, had this easy laugh and pointed out pelicans gliding by like they owned the place. The catamaran felt steady under my feet (I always worry I’ll trip on those things), and there was this faint salty smell mixed with sunscreen and fruit from someone’s bag. We drifted past the edge of the reef—Carlos said it’s part of Puerto Morelos Reef Park, but honestly I was just watching how clear the water got as we moved further out.

It didn’t take long before we anchored at what they called their “secret sandbar.” Not sure how secret it is, but it did feel tucked away—just shallow turquoise water stretching around us, barely up to my waist. Kids were already laughing and flopping onto these big floating mats (I tried one too; surprisingly fun). The lagoon was so calm you could hear people chatting from across the boat, and every now and then someone would shout when they found a tiny crab or fish darting by their toes. Lunch was simple—a baguette with ham and cheese, some fruit, chips—and honestly after swimming it tasted better than I expected. One woman tried to order another drink in Spanish; Carlos grinned and corrected her pronunciation (she laughed it off). It all felt easygoing.

I kept thinking how different this was from the usual beach crowds—no vendors or loud music, just our small group floating around or sitting on the deck with wet hair drying in the sun. There was this moment where everything went quiet except for seagulls overhead and someone opening a can of beer nearby. I still think about that view back toward Puerto Morelos—the town looking tiny behind us, clouds hanging low over the mangroves. On the way back I just lay down on one of those mats, half-listening to stories about local fishermen that Carlos told (I missed half of it because I dozed off for a minute). So yeah…not what I expected when I booked a catamaran day trip in Puerto Morelos.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Catamaran sail to secret sandbar

• Check in at Marina La Bonita
• Board Catamaran Adelita at dock
• Sail through Puerto Morelos National Park
• Stop at Secret Sandbar for swimming
• Enjoy alfresco lunch aboard catamaran
• Sail back across Puerto Morelos lagoon

Top questions

How deep is the water at the secret sandbar?

The sandbar is usually 3 to 4 feet deep most of the year.

Is this catamaran tour suitable for kids?

Yes, kids can join—the shallow water makes it ideal for families.

Is lunch included on this Puerto Morelos catamaran tour?

Yes, a light lunch with ham & cheese baguette, fruit, and chips is served onboard.

Are alcoholic beverages provided?

Alcoholic beverages are included during the tour.

Can non-swimmers join this day trip?

Yes, non-swimmers can enjoy—the lagoon is calm and shallow.

Does this tour include hotel pickup?

You can request transportation by providing your hotel name when booking.

Where does the tour depart from?

The tour starts at Marina La Bonita in Puerto Morelos.

Is there shade on board?

The catamaran has shaded areas for guests who want to avoid direct sun.

What’s included

Your day includes boarding at Marina La Bonita with an option for hotel pickup if you arrange ahead. You’ll get alcoholic beverages onboard plus a light lunch of ham and cheese baguette with fruit and chips. Floating mats are available for relaxing on the water before sailing back to Puerto Morelos in the afternoon.