Review · CANCUN

Catamaran to Isla Mujeres, Open bar, buffet, Beach Club Included

★ 4.5 · 14 reviews 7 hours (approx.) From $62 Operated by Cancun Tours Market · Bookable on Viator
Book on Viator →

This Cancun catamaran trip is built around sun, music, drinks, and a short taste of Isla Mujeres. You will snorkel at a reef, sail along the island, eat at a local restaurant, and have time to walk toward Punta Norte or browse shops near the marina.

I like the open bar and the lively crew energy, especially if you want a social day rather than a quiet sailing trip. I also like the chance to combine reef snorkeling with free time on Isla Mujeres, instead of spending the entire day on the boat.

The main caution is that the details about the beach club are not fully consistent. The tour information says beach club access is included, while the operator explains that the meal is at a basic local restaurant and that no beach club is included. Ask for clarification before you pay.

Key points to know before booking

Catamaran to Isla Mujeres, Open bar, buffet, Beach Club Included - Key points to know before booking

  • A party catamaran, not a quiet sailing cruise: Music, drinks, and group activities shape the day.
  • Snorkeling comes with a crowd: The boat can carry up to 45 people, which may make time in the water feel busy.
  • The open bar is included: Drinks are available aboard and at the island meal stop, according to the tour details.
  • Spinnaker rides depend on the weather: Wind and sea conditions can cancel this activity without notice.
  • You get about two hours on Isla Mujeres: That is enough for a walk and some shopping, but not a full island tour.
  • Budget at least $20 extra: The dock fee is not included, and round-trip transport from your hotel is also your responsibility.

What kind of day this really is

Catamaran to Isla Mujeres, Open bar, buffet, Beach Club Included - What kind of day this really is

I would think of this as a floating beach party with a short island visit, not as a detailed tour of Isla Mujeres. The catamaran is the main event. The island stop adds variety, but the schedule gives you only about two hours to explore.

Music plays during the sailing, and the crew prepares activities along the way. The open bar makes it easy to settle into the social mood without carrying your own drinks. If you enjoy meeting people, sunbathing, and having a drink while the boat moves between Cancun and Isla Mujeres, the format should suit you.

If you prefer calm water, long stretches of shade, or a carefully paced cultural tour, this may feel too loose and crowded. The operator specifically warns that shade is limited. Bring a wide-brimmed hat, sunglasses, a cover-up, and high-SPF, water-resistant reef-safe sunscreen. Reapply often. On this boat, sun protection is not a minor detail.

You also need to arrive on time. The meeting point is at Playa Las Perlas, near Boulevard Kukulcan, and the ticket redemption point is Marina Las Perlas at Hotel Imperial Las Perlas. The tour may leave without anyone who arrives late.

More Catamaran Cruises in Cancun

Sailing from Cancun with music and an open bar

Catamaran to Isla Mujeres, Open bar, buffet, Beach Club Included - Sailing from Cancun with music and an open bar

The first part of the outing lasts about an hour. You board at the Cancun meeting point and sail toward Isla Mujeres while the crew plays music and organizes activities.

The boat holds up to 45 people. That maximum is not enormous by party-boat standards, but it is large enough to affect your day. Expect a shared experience, not personal service. The upside is the energy. A good crew can keep the ride cheerful, and one of the strongest points of the experience is the staff’s ability to keep drinks moving and the mood light.

The downside is space. With limited shade and a full boat, you may need to be flexible about where you sit or stand. If you are sensitive to sun or motion, choose your spot carefully and keep water and sunscreen close at hand.

The open bar is a real part of the value here. You do not need to purchase drinks one by one during the cruise, and the tour is designed so you can relax without planning every small expense. Still, drink responsibly. You have snorkeling and possibly a spinnaker ride ahead, and the sun can make alcohol feel stronger than expected.

Spinnaker rides depend on wind and weather

The spinnaker activity is one of the more memorable possibilities, but it is not guaranteed. The crew can offer it only when wind and sea conditions are suitable.

That caveat matters. Do not book this trip mainly for the spinnaker. Treat it as a bonus. If the weather is good, you may get the chance to rise above the water behind the boat. If conditions are poor, the activity can be canceled for safety.

This is also one reason to read the tour as a flexible day on the water. The order of stops may change, and weather can affect the schedule. A flexible attitude will help you enjoy the cruise instead of measuring it against a rigid plan.

Reef snorkeling with a large group

Catamaran to Isla Mujeres, Open bar, buffet, Beach Club Included - Reef snorkeling with a large group

Snorkeling is included at a reef where you can see marine life and schools of fish. It gives the day a useful change of pace, since you are not only sitting on the catamaran or walking around the island.

The biggest issue is group size. With as many as 45 people aboard, snorkeling may feel crowded, particularly around the entry point or wherever fish gather. You should expect a shared water activity rather than a private reef visit.

Bring or wear reef-safe sunscreen, and use biodegradable sunglasses if you take sunglasses on the boat. The tour information specifically recommends them because ordinary sunglasses can become a problem if they fall overboard. A hat and UV-protective clothing are also smart choices, since shade is limited.

I like that snorkeling is paired with the island visit. You get two different experiences in one day: time in the water and time on land. Just keep your expectations realistic. The snorkeling portion is an included stop within a busy day, not an extended marine excursion.

Two hours around Isla Mujeres

Catamaran to Isla Mujeres, Open bar, buffet, Beach Club Included - Two hours around Isla Mujeres

After the sailing and water activities, you return to the boat and travel along Isla Mujeres from the north side toward the west side. The schedule allows roughly two hours for the island portion.

The plan describes a stop at a beach club, with an open bar and buffet, followed by free time to explore the west side. However, there is an important conflict in the supplied details. The operator later describes the meal as a basic local restaurant and says the tour does not include a beach club. I would contact Cancun Tours Market before booking and ask exactly where the meal takes place and what beach access is included.

That clarification could change how you judge the $62 price. A genuine beach club, buffet, and open bar make the package more attractive. A basic meal with free island time is still useful, but it is a different product.

You can walk toward Punta Norte from the marina in about 20 minutes, according to the tour information. Along the way, you may find shops selling souvenirs, tequila, silver, and other small gifts. The operator provides shopping guidance, so you can ask where to look instead of wandering without a plan.

Two hours gives you enough time to get your bearings, browse, and make a short walk toward the north end. It does not give you enough time to see every part of Isla Mujeres or settle into a long beach day. If Playa Norte is your main goal, a ferry trip or an independent island day may give you more control.

The island stop is best for people who want a sample rather than a full exploration. You will see a little of the town and have some time away from the boat, but the schedule remains tied to the group.

Buffet, restaurant, and the beach club question

Catamaran to Isla Mujeres, Open bar, buffet, Beach Club Included - Buffet, restaurant, and the beach club question

Food is included, but the level of the meal needs careful interpretation. The tour description calls it a delicious buffet at a beach club. The operator’s response describes a basic meal at a local restaurant and says it is not a private or luxury experience.

I would plan for simple group food, not a resort lunch. That does not mean the meal will be poor, but it does mean you should not book this trip expecting a polished beach-club service. One low-rated account described the lunch as disappointing, while other accounts praised the overall day and the places visited.

This is a budget excursion, and the price reflects that. At $62 per person, you are paying for a full day of boat access, an open bar, snorkeling, a meal, island time, and entertainment. You are not paying for a private catamaran, a custom menu, hotel pickup, or guaranteed water sports.

The extra $20 dock fee brings the basic cost to $82 before transport and any optional photo or video purchases. That remains reasonable if you value the open bar and group atmosphere. It is less compelling if you mainly want to reach Isla Mujeres and spend several hours on the beach, since the public ferry may offer more freedom.

What the price includes, and what it does not

Catamaran to Isla Mujeres, Open bar, buffet, Beach Club Included - What the price includes, and what it does not

The listed price is $62 per person. Included items are:

  • Open bar on board
  • A meal and open bar at the island stop, subject to the beach club clarification
  • Bilingual guide service
  • Shopping guidance on Isla Mujeres
  • Reef snorkeling
  • Possible spinnaker activity when weather permits

You pay extra for the $20 dock fee per person. Round-trip transportation is not included, so you must arrange your own way to the marina. Video and photographs also cost extra.

This is why I would compare the tour with your preferred alternative. If you want a ready-made social day and would otherwise buy drinks, snorkeling access, and food separately, the package can be good value. If you already have transport, prefer a quiet beach, or do not drink, the included extras may matter less.

The excursion ends back at the original meeting point. Confirmation is provided when you book, and the departure point is near public transportation. The tour is offered in English.

The strongest parts of the experience

Catamaran to Isla Mujeres, Open bar, buffet, Beach Club Included - The strongest parts of the experience

The crew and music receive the warmest praise in the available feedback. The atmosphere is a major reason to choose this boat. One particularly positive account described the music as a highlight and appreciated the crew’s attentive drink service.

The combination of reef snorkeling and Isla Mujeres also works well. You are not locked into one activity for seven hours. You can move from the boat to the water, then to the island, which keeps the day from feeling repetitive.

Playa Norte is another strong draw, though the standard schedule does not promise a long stay there. A separate private catamaran upgrade was praised for spending the day at Playa Norte, with Danny as captain and Pedro as guide. That was a different experience from this shared tour, so do not assume those names or the private itinerary apply to the $62 option.

The good feedback also points to the excursion’s value for a group of friends. The music, open bar, and relaxed pace can make an ordinary boat ride feel like part of the holiday rather than just transportation.

Who should book this catamaran trip

I would recommend it to you if you want:

  • A social boat ride with music and drinks
  • A simple way to combine snorkeling and Isla Mujeres
  • An affordable group excursion
  • Some shopping and walking time without planning the whole day yourself
  • The possibility of a spinnaker ride, while understanding it is weather-dependent
  • A lively outing for friends or couples who enjoy a shared party atmosphere

I would hesitate if you want:

  • A quiet sailing trip
  • Plenty of shade
  • A guaranteed beach club
  • A long, independent visit to Isla Mujeres
  • A private guide or private boat
  • A carefully designed meal
  • A tour with no extra dock charge

The free cancellation policy is useful if your plans may change. You can cancel for a full refund up to 24 hours before the start time. Changes or cancellations made inside that window are not accepted, so do not leave the decision until the last day.

My verdict on the Cancun to Isla Mujeres cruise

Book this catamaran if you want a cheerful, drink-friendly day on the water and you are comfortable with a group of up to 45 people. The open bar, music, snorkeling, and island walk give you a lot for the base price, and the crew’s energy appears to be one of the best reasons to go.

Before paying, confirm the beach club issue and remember the $20 dock fee. Bring serious sun protection, arrive early, and do not count on the spinnaker. If you want a full day at Playa Norte or the freedom to set your own schedule, take the ferry and explore independently. If you want the day arranged for you, with drinks and entertainment built in, this tour is a fair-value choice.

FAQ

How long does the catamaran tour last?

The tour lasts approximately seven hours.

Where does the tour start?

It starts at Playa Las Perlas, near Boulevard Kukulcan in Cancun’s Hotel Zone. The ticket redemption point is Marina Las Perlas at Hotel Imperial Las Perlas.

Where does the tour end?

The activity ends back at the original meeting point.

Is hotel transportation included?

No. Round-trip transportation is not included, so you must arrange your own way to the marina.

Is the open bar included?

Yes. An open bar is included on board. The tour details also describe an open bar at the island meal stop, but you should confirm the exact arrangement because the operator describes that stop differently in its clarification.

Is a meal included?

Yes. A meal is included. The description calls it a buffet, while the operator describes it as a basic meal at a local restaurant. Ask for current details before booking.

Is the beach club included?

The tour information says a beach club is included, but the operator states that the experience does not include a beach club. This point is unclear and should be confirmed directly with Cancun Tours Market.

Is snorkeling included?

Yes. Reef snorkeling is included.

Is the spinnaker activity guaranteed?

No. The spinnaker is offered only when weather and sea conditions are suitable.

How much is the dock fee?

The dock fee is $20 per person and is not included in the listed tour price.

How many people can join the tour?

The maximum group size is 45 people.

Can I cancel for a refund?

Yes. You can cancel at least 24 hours before the experience begins for a full refund. Cancellations or changes made less than 24 hours before the start time are not accepted.

Scroll to Top

Every kind of sailing day

Pick the boat, the hour on the water or the country.