Nauticos Catamaran, 10 Hours

This full day trip from Cancun and the Riviera Maya puts two islands on one itinerary: Isla Contoy and Isla Mujeres for a short free visit on the way back.

Overview

Transport runs both ways from your hotel area, and the boat itself is either a double decker catamaran or a sailing catamaran, assigned at the marina rather than chosen in advance. Altogether the tour runs about 10 hours, so plan for a long day.

Once on Contoy, a guide walks you through the island. The package includes a Mexican buffet and an open bar of national drinks that starts after the meal. Snorkeling on the Contoy reef is part of the program, roughly 35 minutes in the water, weather permitting, with equipment provided.

One reviewer described music and entertainment on board, so it can lean social. The cap is 50 travelers, it is not wheelchair accessible, and pregnant travelers cannot take part. The dock tax of US$20 per person is not covered by the booking.

What's Included

Itinerary

1. Hotel pickupRound trip transport from Cancun and the Riviera Maya is included, with the exact pickup details given at booking.
2. Departure from marinaThe boat leaves from a marina in Cancun. The vessel is assigned there, either a double decker or a one floor sailing catamaran.
3. Isla ContoyFour hours on the island with a guided tour. A Mexican buffet, the open bar afterwards, and roughly 35 minutes of reef snorkeling with equipment are part of the day, with snorkeling depending on the weather.
4. Isla MujeresOne hour of free time without a guide, depending on the weather.
5. Return and drop-offThe catamaran heads back to the marina and transport returns travelers to their pickup areas.

What To Expect From The Tour

A few practical points shape how this day actually goes, from the dock tax to the boat assignment.

• Bring the basics. The listing asks for a swimsuit, towels and extra clothes. The operator mentions biodegradable sunscreen, but park rules ban sunscreen on Contoy, so cover up instead. The dock tax is an extra cost on the day.
• Long travel stretches. One reviewer noted that most of the day is spent getting to and from Contoy, with the transfer to the marina in a full van. Four hours on the island is the main block of shore time, and Isla Mujeres gets about one hour.
• Lively boat. One reviewer described the crew as entertainers, with music on board and drinks flowing after lunch.
• Snorkel restrictions. Snorkeling is not available for non-swimmers, people over 59, or children under 10, and kids must be accompanied by a parent or guardian. At least one reviewer was sorry to miss the snorkel, which depends on conditions.
• Weather calls the shots. Both the Contoy reef snorkel and the Isla Mujeres stop can be cancelled for weather or rough seas. The listing states plainly that unavailability of either is not grounds for a partial or full refund.
• Group size. The tour runs with a maximum of 50 travelers, so it is a shared, busy outing rather than a small-group day. Bilingual certified staff accompany the group.

Common issues. Travel time eats much of the day, and one reviewer found Contoy itself limited in amenities and felt the island could be seen quickly, also noting the Isla Mujeres stop felt short, though that reviewer attributed it partly to bad weather. Weather can cancel the snorkel or the Isla Mujeres visit without any refund. The dock tax of US$20 per person is extra and paid at the marina, and the boat type is assigned on arrival rather than chosen. The tour is not wheelchair accessible and pregnant travelers cannot participate.

Common Questions