Snorkeling in Isla Mujeres from Cancun: Private boat with lunch

Snorkel a living reef, then eat lunch on an island beach

A private boat tour from Cancun to Isla Mujeres and Isla Contoy with snorkeling at Ixlache reef, lunch on Contoy Island beach, and free time to walk Isla Mujeres. The boat is yours alone: your group sets the pace, and a bilingual guide tailors the stops to what you want to see. Hotel pickup and drinks are included. An environmental tax of $10 USD per person is payable in cash on the day of the tour.

Step-by-step itinerary

Stops and time at each

1. Isla Contoy40m
2. Isla Mujeres1h

Snorkeling, Isla Contoy, and Isla Mujeres

• Snorkel at Ixlache reef
• Visit Isla Contoy National Park beach
• Enjoy Caribbean lunch on the beach
• Stop at Isla Mujeres for walk and shopping

The experience

The day starts with a reef snorkel at Ixlache, where you'll see the coral and fish that live there: weather permitting, the guide will take you to the clearest water. After you're out of the water, the boat heads to Isla Contoy National Park, a protected reserve where you'll have lunch on the beach with drinks included. The island is smoke-free and doesn't allow sunscreen or insect repellent in the water, so the reef stays intact and the wildlife stays undisturbed.

If you're departing from Cancun or the Mayan Riviera, you'll have free time on Isla Mujeres to walk around and shop before heading back. The whole day runs between five and seven hours depending on conditions and what your group wants to linger on. A bilingual guide is with you the entire time, and the boat is private: no other groups, no fixed schedule beyond the weather and the tide. Hotel pickup and drop-off are included from Cancun, Costa Mujeres, the Mayan Riviera or Playa del Carmen, depending on which departure option you choose.

Snorkeling gear is provided, and you'll want to bring a towel, cash for souvenirs or tips, and sunscreen applied only to exposed skin before you leave your hotel: reef-safe or not, sunscreen in the water damages the coral. The experience depends on good weather. If the day is too rough, you can reschedule or get a full refund.

What’s included

• Hotel pickup and drop-off from your chosen departure area.
• snorkeling equipment.
• Caribbean lunch on Isla Contoy.
• beer and soft drinks.
• a bilingual guide for the full day.

Options for this experience

3 options

Tour departing from Isla MujeresGuide in English or Spanish · 08:30Meeting point: from Isla Mujeres, head to the Black Pearl dock downtown, behind the Perla Negra store at dock number 3

Departs from Cancun and Costa MujeresGuide in English or Spanish · 08:30Round-trip transportation included: we will contact you one day ahead to confirm your pickup time, since it may vary depending on where your hotel is located. Pickup is included

Departs from the Mayan Riviera and PlayaGuide in English or Spanish · 07:30Round-trip transportation included: we will contact you one day ahead to confirm your pickup time, since it may vary depending on where your hotel is located. Pickup is included

You pick the guide language when booking.

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

Before you book

Days and timesEvery dayDepartures at 07:30 and 08:30

Book up to18h before

AgesAdult (12 and older) · Child (3 to 11 years) · Infant (1 to 2 years)

GroupPrivate

Live guideEnglish and Spanish

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

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.

Paid on siteUS$ 10

Prices and times updated 2 days ago

Good to know

Easy physical levelWheelchair accessibleAccessible transportStroller friendlyPublic transport nearbyNot for back problemsInfants must sit on laps

Operated by Isla Fun Tours

Is this one for you?Choose the Cancun or Mayan Riviera departure if you want the reef snorkel, island lunch, and a walk through Isla Mujeres all in one morning or afternoon. Book from Isla Mujeres itself if you're already staying there and want to skip the hotel pickup. The private boat means your group controls the pace and can spend extra time at any stop without waiting for other travelers.

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Top questions

What languages is the guide in?

Live guide in English and Spanish.

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Child (3 to 11 years); Infant (1 to 2 years).

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 will I see when I snorkel at Ixlache reef?

Ixlache reef is a vibrant coral formation where you'll encounter the fish and marine life that live there. The guide will position the boat where the water is clearest for the best visibility, weather permitting.

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

Snorkeling gear is provided as part of the tour. Bring a towel and wear reef-safe sunscreen only on exposed skin before you get on the boat.

What happens on Isla Contoy, and why can't I use sunscreen there?

Isla Contoy is a protected national park where you'll eat lunch on the beach with drinks included. The island is smoke-free and prohibits sunscreen and insect repellent in the water because even biodegradable products harm the coral and seabirds that live there.

Do I get free time on Isla Mujeres, or is the whole day scheduled?

If you're departing from Cancun or the Mayan Riviera, you'll have free time on Isla Mujeres to walk around and shop before the boat returns. The guide tailors the stops to your group's interests, so the itinerary is flexible within the five- to seven-hour window.

What's included in the price, and what do I need to pay separately?

Hotel pickup and drop-off, snorkeling gear, Caribbean lunch, drinks (including beer), and a bilingual guide are all included. An environmental tax of $10 USD per person is payable in cash on the day of the tour. Bring cash for souvenirs and tips as well.

Can I book this tour if I'm staying in Playa del Carmen instead of Cancun?

Yes. The tour operates from three departure points: Isla Mujeres itself, Cancun and Costa Mujeres, or the Mayan Riviera and Playa del Carmen. Hotel pickup is included from whichever area you choose at checkout.