REVIEWS · MEXICO
The good mexico catamaran cruises go weeks ahead and the best hulls go first. Below: the 15 to book early, what each includes, and where they differ once you are aboard.
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…”
Cruise from Cabo San Lucas toward the Arch and Sea of Cortez aboard a double-decker catamaran. Hear whale songs through a hydrophone, enjoy drinks and snacks, and learn from guides such as Jacob, Marco, and Jorge. Hotel pickup is offered, but confirm the time yourself.
“Wonderful experience! So much information was provided about whales with the tour guides exceptional knowledge on the subject. Saw some awesome whale activity. Service was excellent.”
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.”
Spend about four hours aboard a catamaran with a maximum of 22 people, stopping at Cozumel reef sites, the turtle sanctuary, El Cielo, and Cielito. Guides such as Leo, David, and the crew known as Little Turtle lead the snorkel stops, with ceviche, fruit, drinks, and a sunset ride back when conditions allow.
“Really great staff nice boat There is a extra 13 feet you pay in cash Fabulous last stop with great snacks presented on a surfboard in water Great drinks”
Spend five hours aboard a private Lagoon 39 catamaran from Cozumel’s Fonatur Marina. Your captain and crew plan the day around snorkeling, El Cielo, paddleboarding, and sandbar time, while serving lunch, snacks, and top-shelf drinks for groups of up to 15.
“Had an amazing time at El Cielo with the family. Saw lots of fish, rays and barracuda. These guys are first class and do a great job from the equipment, to the food, safety and making sure the experience is enjoyable. Thank you Hugo, Diego, and Captain Edwin for making amazing memories.”
Sail from Marina Las Perlas toward Isla Mujeres on a private catamaran with snorkeling gear, an open bar, and a crew that can shape the day around your group. Fernando, Willy, Victor, and other guides have earned praise for attentive service. Choose a four-hour outing or allow up to seven hours for more time afloat.
“The group had a great time! Very attentive crew and the snorkeling was fantastic. They were very accommodating and we all enjoyed ourselves”
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!”
Sail from Maroma Beach, snorkel at two reef sites with guides such as Carlos or Nato, then relax with water, soda, and beer aboard the catamaran. Hotel transport is offered from Cancun, Playa del Carmen, and Riviera Maya. Allow extra time for transfers and beach-club arrangements.
“Very good - but I'd recommend bringing your own full face snorkel if you don't get along with the old style where you have to bite down. Boat crew and drivers were good and helpful, but afterwards in the restaurant / cab collection was a bit chaotic.”
Sail from Playa Langosta to Isla Mujeres on a bilingual catamaran with guided snorkeling, drinks, chips, guacamole, and salsa. The trip suits social groups more than serious snorkelers. Guides such as Carlos, Bam, and Panda are known for keeping the boat lively, while weather and boat size can change the plan.
“The crew and boat ride was great. They double booked us on the same boat we had originally been scheduled for a 1/2 trip but the boat that they put us on was for a full day. They had to find another boat to bring us back. The whole time they kept asking us to stay for the original trip but we had told them we also had reservations for another event that night. We finally got back to the original meeting point at 6 o’clock and when we got back our transportation that we had book thru you was gone and we had to pay for another way of…”
Board the catamaran Adelita at Marina La Bonita for a four-hour cruise through Puerto Morelos National Park. Captain Martin and crew members such as Jose, Arturo, and Ulises serve drinks, lunch, and plenty of help at a shallow sandbar suited to families and nervous swimmers.
“Highly recommend if you have children or nervous swimmers. The crew were so attentive and friendly. One of my favourite trips. Thank you!!”
Charter a private 40-foot Bali catamaran for up to 10 people from Puerto Aventuras. Spend about four hours sailing toward the Mexican Caribbean reef, snorkeling with provided equipment, and enjoying a gourmet lunch, premium bar, and your own music in a relaxed group setting.
“Wonderful crew. Beautiful surroundings. Played our own music, had good food and drinks. Lovely way to end our Mexico trip. Highly recommend.”
Sail from Playa Tortugas to Isla Mujeres aboard a private catamaran for up to 14 people. You’ll snorkel near El Meco, explore the island, and enjoy an open bar on the return. The crew can tailor the day, though food, port fees, and comfortable seating require attention.
“I will start by saying that the experience was fun, but being put under pressure to write a good review for a trip advisor, prior to leaving the excursion, left a very sour taste in our mouths. To start with, the boat is just ok. It’s not anything great. There is not much seating other than the net. The seating that is available, is not very comfortable. I would not recommend this for older adults or anyone with any kind of mobility issues. We chose the option to get food included with the tour. This really just involved getting walked to a restaurant on Isla Mujeres that had a buffet.…”
Join Top Cozumel Tours at The Money Bar for a four-hour catamaran outing to Colombia and Palancar reefs, El Cielo, and its shallow sandbar. Crew members such as Jonathan and Carlos help with safety and photos, while the boat serves fruit, chips, ceviche, beer, margaritas, and rum punch.
“The description of the excursion was very accurate and not misleading. We had 3 total stops with the last one ending with sting rays swimming around us in very clear blue water. It was beautiful! The snacks and drinks were very good and refreshing on a hot day. We were very happy with the staff and felt the whole experience was great! Thank you for a memorable excursion. The crew also made special effort to get photos to me and I greatly appreciated it!”
By what the day is for, by what comes with the ticket, or by who else is aboard.
