Discover Isla Mujeres: Catamaran, Snorkeling, and “Ice Bar”

Planning a day trip from Cancun that combines a touch of luxury, adventure, and fun? This Discover Isla Mujeres tour offers just that — a balanced mix of sailing, snorkeling, and chilling in a truly cool setting. While it’s not a perfect outing, it delivers enough memorable moments to be worth considering for those looking for a lively, budget-friendly escape to one of the region’s most charming islands.

We like how this tour manages to pack a lot into an 8-hour window — from the sleek catamaran cruise with an open bar to the opportunity to explore Isla Mujeres at your own pace, plus the chance to step inside a bar made of ice. It’s a combination of tropical indulgence and frosty fun that makes for a different kind of day out. On the flip side, some travelers mention issues like short snorkeling times and unexpected boat troubles, so it’s worth knowing what to expect.

This experience suits travelers who want a lively, social day with easy transportation, a variety of activities, and a taste of local island life. If you’re keen on a budget-friendly cruise with plenty of opportunities to relax and take photos, this tour could be a good fit. Just keep in mind that service, equipment, and timing can vary, so it’s best for those who are flexible and looking for a spirited group outing.

Key Points

• Price & Value: At $37 per person, this tour offers an affordable way to enjoy a full day of activities.
• All-Inclusive Drinks: Open bar makes for a relaxed, social atmosphere on the boat.
• Variety of Experiences: Snorkeling, island free time, and the ice bar provide diverse highlights.
• Group Size & Tour Style: Small groups (max 35) and certified guides ensure a personalized touch.
• Pace & Duration: About 8 hours between pickup, activities, and return, with some reviews noting variable timing.
• Some Drawbacks: Snorkeling time is brief and some reports of boat mechanical issues or extra fees might impact the experience.

A Detailed Look at the Tour Experience

This tour begins with a convenient pickup from your hotel or designated meeting point in Cancun, making logistics as hassle-free as possible. The transportation to the marina is included if you select the option with transport, saving you the headache of arranging your own transfer. This initial step is straightforward, and the staff at the marina are ready to get you aboard a sleek catamaran designed for plenty of sun and socializing.

The Catamaran Cruise: Sailing with Style and a Good Drink

Once aboard, you’ll quickly notice the open bar — a feature many find appealing. It’s a great way to ease into the day, with options for both alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages. The boat’s sun-soaked decks and gentle ocean breeze set a relaxing tone, and you’ll love the views of the Caribbean’s shimmering waters. The boat’s capacity is comfortably managed, with up to 35 travelers, so it avoids feeling claustrophobic.

Spinnaker flying, weather permitting, adds a splash of excitement, giving the more adventurous the chance to see the boat in full sail. Be aware, however, that some reviews mention the snorkeling was surprisingly brief, with only about 9 minutes recorded on a watch — this might be disappointing if you’re eager for a longer underwater adventure.

Snorkeling and the Underwater World

Snorkeling is included, with equipment provided. But some recent reviews felt the experience was minimal—if you’re expecting hours of underwater exploration, you might find the 9-minute swim somewhat underwhelming. The main appeal here is the chance to float among tropical fish and coral, with the open bar and lively atmosphere happening simultaneously. The review from Lilian mentions that “nothing was told to us” when the boat’s motor broke on the way back, which highlights that technical issues can affect timing and enjoyment.

Isla Mujeres Free Time

Arriving at Isla Mujeres, the group has roughly six hours to enjoy the island’s charms. This free time is a significant perk, allowing you to explore boutiques, relax on beaches, or snap photos of the colorful streets. The itinerary does not specify guided tours once on land, so you’re free to roam at your own pace. Many travelers appreciate this flexibility, though some express frustration over additional fees, like local ecotaxes or docking charges, which can add around 850 MXN per traveler. Raquel notes these fees seem excessive and should perhaps be included upfront.

The Ice Bar: Frosty Fun at -18°C

The highlight for many is the “Ice Bar” — a place where the temperature drops dramatically to -18°C, and drinks are served in glasses made of ice. It’s a fun, quirky experience perfect for photos and for those curious about what a sub-zero environment feels like. The bar is a unique feature, and those who enjoy novelty or a cool photo-op will find it memorable. Francisco appreciated the “calidad buena” and the attentive staff, especially noting the “perfect host” at the bar.

Return and Sunset Sail

As the day winds down, you’ll sail back to Cancun with the sunset painting the sky in golden hues, creating a peaceful and beautiful end to your adventure. The return journey is about 30 minutes, and the atmosphere is chilled, with music floating on the breeze and a chilled drink in hand. However, some reviews warn that the timing can be unpredictable — delays or boat issues might extend the day unexpectedly.

Practical Details & Considerations

Transportation: Included if you choose the transport option, simplifying logistics. The pickup is generally punctual and efficient.

Duration: Approximately 8 hours — which means ample time for activities but also some reports of delays or mechanical issues. Some reviewers mention that the boat’s motor broke on the return trip, leading to a longer journey back, almost two hours. That’s something to keep in mind if you have tight schedules afterward.

Group Size: Max 35 travelers, which strikes a balance between being intimate and having a lively group. Smaller groups often mean better service and more social opportunities.

Cost & Extras: The tour costs $37, which is budget-friendly. However, be prepared for additional fees like ecotaxes and service charges at the pier, totaling around 850 MXN (roughly $40 USD). These are not included in the initial price and can be a surprise if you’re not expecting them.

What’s Included: The open bar, snorkeling equipment, guides, entertainers, and access to the ice bar make this a well-rounded package for the price. The buffet at the beach club is an added bonus, giving you a proper meal during the land portion.

What’s Not Included: Photos or souvenirs can be purchased separately, but not included in the package. The extra fees at the pier are also not part of the initial cost.

Who Would Love This Tour?

This experience is best suited for those who are seeking a lively, social day with a mix of activities and don’t mind some unpredictability. If you enjoy boat rides with a good drink, quick snorkeling, and the chance to explore Isla Mujeres at your leisure, this tour offers excellent value. It’s particularly good for budget travelers or groups who want a fun, hassle-free day without breaking the bank.

However, if you’re a snorkeler hoping for multiple dives or longer underwater time, this might not meet your expectations. Also, if you prefer a perfectly smooth, trouble-free trip, be aware that some reviews mention mechanical issues and extra fees, which can detract from the overall experience.

The Sum Up

The Discover Isla Mujeres tour is a spirited, budget-friendly way to enjoy some of the Caribbean’s highlights in a single day. You get a scenic catamaran cruise with drinks, a brief snorkeling session, free time to explore the island, and the chance to step inside a genuinely cool ice bar. It’s best suited for travelers who value fun, casual socializing, and flexible exploration over a polished, luxury experience.

While some aspects—like snorkeling duration and boat reliability—aren’t perfect, the overall vibe and unique features make this a memorable outing for many. The combination of affordability, variety, and the novelty of the ice bar makes it worth considering if you’re in Cancun and want a lively, straightforward day trip with enough photo ops and good stories.

FAQ

How long is the entire tour?
It lasts about 8 hours, including pickup, the boat ride, free time on Isla Mujeres, and the return journey.

Is transportation included?
Yes, if you select the transportation option, pickup from your hotel or meeting point is provided.

What drinks are available?
An open bar with both alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks is included on the boat, making for a relaxed, social atmosphere.

How long is the snorkeling activity?
According to reviews, snorkeling typically lasts around 9 minutes, which might seem brief for some travelers.

Are there any extra costs?
Yes. Local ecotaxes and docking fees amounting to about 850 MXN per person are payable at the pier. Photos are also not included in the price.

What’s special about the Ice Bar?
It’s a bar made entirely of ice, with temperatures dropping to -18°C, offering a fun and highly photogenic experience.

What should I know about the boat?
Some travelers have reported mechanical issues, like the motor breaking on the way back, which can extend the trip unexpectedly.

Who is this tour best for?
It’s ideal for those looking for a lively, social, and affordable day out, willing to accept some unpredictability and short snorkeling times.

Can I customize the experience?
Since the tour includes free time at Isla Mujeres, you can choose how to spend your hours exploring or relaxing.

This tour offers a lively taste of the Caribbean with enough flexibility and fun to satisfy many travelers—just be prepared for some surprises along the way.