Sailing Catamaran, 7 Hours

This seven-hour catamaran trip from Cancun packs a reef snorkel, a long stop on Isla Contoy, and a short visit to Isla Mujeres into one day on the water.

Overview

You check in at Marina Xtabay (formerly Marina Las Jaibas) on the Puerto Juarez highway from 9:30 am, the boat leaves at 10:00 am, and the day ends back at the same marina.

The route runs Cancun to Isla Mujeres first, then a short stop at El Farito for snorkelling with equipment provided. The biggest block of the day is Isla Contoy, with four and a half hours ashore. Lunch is included.

It suits travelers who want a full-day outing on the water and are comfortable with a moderate level of activity, swimming from the boat and moving around a catamaran. Hotel pickup is not included, so you make your own way to the marina or arrange transport with the operator. Up to 60 travelers can be on board. One cost to plan for: a reef tax of US$20 per person is paid at check-in on the day, and it is not in the tour price. A past reviewer who ran late on schedule noted timing can slip, so keep the day loose afterward.

What's Included

Included

Lunch
Use of snorkeling equipment

Not Included

All fees and taxes
Transportation
Reef tax (paid at check in day), Cancun (US$20 per person)
Hotel pickup

Itinerary

Check in, Marina XtabayArrive at Marina Xtabay on the Puerto Juarez highway, past the All Ritmo Cancun hotel. Check in from 9:30 am; catamarans depart at 10:00 am.
Isla MujeresA 1 hour stop on Isla Mujeres, free to enter.
El Farito snorkelling30 minutes at El Farito with snorkelling equipment provided.
Isla Contoy4 hours, 30 minutes on Isla Contoy, the longest part of the day. A French-language reviewer still recommended the experience despite rain late in the day.
Return and finishThe catamaran sails back and the tour ends at the same Marina Xtabay meeting point.

What To Expect From The Tour

A few practical points before booking, drawn from the listing and from what travelers have reported.

Getting there. Hotel pickup is not included. You need to reach Marina Xtabay on the Puerto Juarez highway by 9:30 am for check-in, or book transport with the operator directly. The marina is near public transportation.
Cash for reef tax. A reef tax of US$20 per person is collected at check-in on the day of the tour and is not in the tour price. It is paid in addition to whatever you pay for the booking itself.
Fitness and pace. The listing asks for a moderate level of physical fitness, and it is not suitable for travelers with heart problems or other serious medical conditions. Snorkelling involves getting into the water from the boat.
Group size. The tour runs with a maximum of 60 travelers. One reviewer found the crew friendly and attentive, though with this many people on board it is a shared day rather than a private outing.
Weather and seasickness. The tour requires good weather; if it is cancelled for poor conditions you are offered a different date or a full refund. One reviewer recommended taking seasickness medication, and another had rain near the end without it ruining the day.
What is provided. Snorkel gear and lunch are provided, but transportation and hotel pickup are not. Plan for the reef tax at check-in and seasickness tablets if prone.

Common issues. One reviewer reported departing an hour late and getting shorter stops than advertised, including a rushed snorkel with little to see and only an hour and a half on Isla Contoy. The reef tax of US$20 per person is extra, paid at check-in, and no transport or pickup is included. The boat is not wheelchair accessible, though strollers are accessible, and infants must sit on laps. The Isla Mujeres stop felt skippable to at least one traveler. Weather can force a cancellation, in which case a new date or a full refund is offered.

Common Questions

What Is Included In The Price?

Lunch and the use of snorkelling equipment are included. Not included are all fees and taxes, transportation, hotel pickup, and the reef tax.

Is Hotel Pickup Included?

No. Pickup is not included with this tour. You check in at Marina Xtabay on the Puerto Juarez highway from 9:30 am for a 10:00 am departure, or you can arrange transportation with the operator.

Are There Extra Fees On The Day?

Yes. A reef tax of US$20 per person is paid at check-in on the day of the tour and is not in the tour price. It is separate from the amount you pay when booking.

Is The Tour Suitable For Kids Or Limited Mobility?

Infants must sit on laps and strollers are accessible, but the boat is not wheelchair accessible. The listing asks for a moderate physical fitness level and excludes travelers with heart problems or other serious medical conditions.

What Is The Cancellation Policy?

Cancel at least 24 hours before the 10:00 am start for a full refund. Inside 24 hours there is no refund and changes are not accepted. If the operator cancels for poor weather, you get a different date or a full refund.

How Long Is The Tour And What Stops Are There?

It runs 7 hours from Marina Xtabay, departing at 10:00 am. The day includes 1 hour on Isla Mujeres, 30 minutes snorkelling at El Farito, and 4 hours 30 minutes on Isla Contoy before returning to the marina.