REVIEWS · MEXICO
Every trip has one spare day and too many boats competing for it. These 15 catamaran cruises with open bar in Mexico justify the slot, priced and timed so the decision takes minutes.
Sail from Cancun to Isla Mujeres on a lively catamaran with guides such as Ivet, Luis, Juam, and Romando. You get a short reef snorkel, national open bar, Playa Norte time, and optional buffet lunch and hotel transfers. Expect music, crowds, and a separate $20 dock tax.
“We had a blast, the staff was amazing, food was good. I'll definitely bring more family and friends.”
Spend about eight hours sailing from Cancun to Isla Mujeres aboard a Caribbean Golden catamaran. You get snacks, an open bar, snorkeling at El Meco reef, North Beach, a buffet lunch, island time, tequila tasting, and sunset views. Expect lively music, up to 40 people, and a $20 dock fee.
“Great job by all staff, they were very communicative & helpful! Spoke both Spanish and English fluently. and awesome locations. Good drinks, decent buffet, & a nice snorkeling experience. The only reason I chose to leave 4 stars is 5 is because when we showed up at 915am for a 10am departure (they recommended 930am) we didn't even board the boat until 1030 and departed at 11am. I'm sure that's normal but we could have slept in and saved another hour had they just communicated when their actual boarding was. I recommend wearing lots of sunscreen as well; You will be in the sun all day. If you are a…”
Sail from Playa Tortugas to El Meco reef and Isla Mujeres on a lively catamaran with guides, music, drinks, snorkeling, and a buffet meal. You get island time, but the exact free-time schedule can vary. Hotel pickup is available in Cancun’s Hotel Zone.
“Cancelled two days in a row, late message, only talk about new date, not staying anyting about refund or discount”
Spend about eight hours sailing from Cancun to Isla Mujeres on a 30 or 50 person catamaran. You’ll snorkel at a protected reef, enjoy a Mexican or international open bar, visit a beach club, and have free time on the island. Hotel pickup and lunch depend on your package.
“Great atmosphere, the tour guides were amazing. The views were nice, the people on board were great to be around.”
Sail from Cancun to Isla Mujeres on a small catamaran with guides such as Mike, Grace, or Omar, depending on the day. Expect drinks, snacks, snorkeling when weather permits, free time downtown, and a buffet lunch at Zama or IXI. A $20 reef tax is paid separately.
“The tour was exceptional! The crew was fun, courteous and helpful. The boat was clean, safe and in great shape. There was plenty of room on the boat, not crowded at all with plenty of drinks and snacks. All the stops were fun and well timed. I took the tour with my spouse and four children (ages 16, 12, 9 & 8) all were able to snorkel and participate in the activities. I highly recommend this tour!”
Spend four hours aboard a private 38-foot catamaran from Puerto Aventuras, sailing to calm Paamul Bay for snorkeling and a fresh seafood lunch. The crew, including Captain Pollo, Renata, Angel, and others, serves ceviche, guacamole, cocktails, and soft drinks for your group.
“So so so fun! Such a great crew! Renata and Pollo and the rest of the crew! Great food and atmosphere! Definitely recommend”
Sail from Playa Tortugas to Isla Mujeres on a seven-hour Oceanix catamaran trip with snorkeling at El Meco, a swim at Blanquizal, buffet lunch, open bar, and downtown free time. Guides, including Alex and his crew, handle the day in English. Hotel pickup is available at selected properties.
“Staff was great! Thanks Alex and crew. Beautiful day with sun and rain. It was awesome. Snorkelling and island were just ok, but you can’t beat the catamaran trip.”
Sail from Cancun to Isla Mujeres for a short guided snorkel, open-bar catamaran ride, Mexican buffet, beach-club time, and a downtown stop. Guides such as Daphne, Fernando, Pancho, and Alex have earned praise for keeping the day lively. Expect a large group, a late lunch on the 1 p.m. departure, and a separate $45 dock and reef fee.
“It was cancelled and they didn’t tell us and still haven’t communicated or refunded me. Called them and messaged several times with no response”
Spend 8 to 10 hours sailing from Cancun to Isla Mujeres with a lively crew, national open bar, reef snorkeling, beach-club access, and free island time. Guides may include Dany, Paul, or Carlos. Choose carefully: lunch and hotel transport are optional, and the $20 port fee is extra.
“We did upgrade, and it was worth the cost. The buffet was the worst part of the whole experience. The food was not good, and the selection was lacking. Our crew was great and very kind. We enjoyed the day!”
Spend four hours aboard a private 40-foot catamaran with your group of up to 15. From Puerto Aventuras, you’ll cruise to Paamul Bay for snorkeling, swimming, beach time, lunch, ceviche, fishing, and an open bar. Crew member Vicki has earned praise for attentive, flexible service.
“We had a group of 6 for a girls trip and this experience did NOT disappoint. Was the best thing we did on our entire trip to Mexico. Cannot recommend enough. Boat crew was extremely attentive and fun, food was wonderful and the boat was stunning.”
Spend about three hours aboard a private Papillon Yachts catamaran in Cabo San Lucas. Your crew handles drinks, lunch, and gear while you snorkel, paddleboard, kayak, swim, or relax near El Arco, Playa de los Amantes, and Medano Beach. Whale trips run from December through March.
“High school graduation celebration trip with Moms and Sons. We had a wonderful time on the catamaran and the staff were amazing. Thank you for a memorable time! Jenelle H.”
Spend about four hours aboard a private 34-foot catamaran from Puerto Aventuras. Your captain, sailor, host, and onboard chef handle the day while you snorkel, paddleboard, swim, and order from a seafood-focused menu. Morning and afternoon departures are available, with an LGBTQ+ friendly welcome.
“Fantastic experience, great crew, so much fun. You won’t regret this one. The food was delicious and the drinks cold.”
Sail privately from Puerto Aventuras on a 44-foot catamaran with Fernando and his crew. Snorkel at In-Ha reef, spot turtles and tropical fish, enjoy ceviche, and use the open bar. Groups of up to 15 share one price, with fishing gear, towels, and a restroom onboard.
“Viator booked us on the wrong day by mistake, this operator called me and said no problem we’ll get it fixed, and then later refused to refund or reschedule us, resulting in $2500 USD gone. I’m extremely disappointed as they’ve ruined our vacation.”
Spend about four hours aboard an adults-only Cancun catamaran with an open bar, lunch, live DJ, and a stop near Playa Norte. Boats hold up to 100 people, though a smaller 35-person upgrade may be available. Pickup can be arranged from Cancun and Riviera Maya areas.
“No snacks, old soggy wraps, no snorkel equipment available, boat was small don't see how 100 would fit. Regret this trip so much”
Spend 7 to 8 hours sailing from Puerto Vallarta to Majahuitas and Yelapa. You get breakfast, lunch, snorkeling, water activities, an open bar, and beach time. Guides such as Alberto and Brown Sugar help lead the onboard games, but expect loud music, a difficult beach transfer, and extra charges for horses or ATVs.
“Well organized with great entertainment. Although we were out of the port about an hour after we were supposed to head out, the experience stretched far into the evening. It was truly a jam packed day.”
By what the day is for, by what comes with the ticket, or by who else is aboard.
