Isla Mujeres Unlimited Open Bar Catamaran, from Playa del Carmen

Planning a day trip from Playa del Carmen to Isla Mujeres often involves weighing options between relaxing beach days, lively parties, or exploring the island’s sights. This particular tour offers a luxurious, all-inclusive experience on a catamaran, blending fun, relaxation, and adventure in one package. It’s designed for travelers looking to enjoy the Caribbean in style, with a touch of party atmosphere and plenty of opportunities to see the island’s highlights.

What we love about this tour — first, the unlimited open bar that keeps the spirits high throughout the day. Second, the snorkeling stops at Punta Sam reef, where vibrant marine life and submerged sculptures make for memorable underwater moments. But, a potential consideration is that this tour is quite full, with a maximum of 50 travelers, so if you prefer intimate experiences, it might feel a bit crowded.

This tour is ideal for those who want a lively, comprehensive day on the water — perfect for friends, couples, or anyone eager to combine sightseeing with some serious fun. If you’re after a laid-back, quiet beach day, this may not be the best fit, but for a celebratory, all-in-one adventure, it hits the mark.

Key Points

• All-inclusive experience with unlimited national open bar aboard a luxury catamaran
• Snorkeling at Punta Sam reef, with submerged sculptures and vibrant marine life
• Visit Playa Norte, often called “the most beautiful beach on Isla Mujeres”
• Flexible free time for shopping, relaxing at the beach, or exploring on your own
• Transport from Playa del Carmen included, simplifying logistics
• Sunset cruise with festive atmosphere and more drinks on the way back

An In-Depth Look at the Tour

Starting Point and Logistics

The tour departs from Playa del Carmen, with round transportation included. This means you don’t need to worry about arranging your own transport to the dock — a real convenience. Pickup is offered, and the tour’s price is $88 per person, which includes all main activities, snorkeling gear, and the open bar.

Most travelers book about 26 days in advance, indicating a good level of interest and suggesting the tour’s popularity. The pickup service is especially helpful if you’re staying in Playa del Carmen or nearby hotels, but keep in mind that hotels outside the immediate area (like from Playacar to Puerto Aventuras) may incur an extra $15-$20 USD. Those staying further south in Riviera Maya or Tulum will need to arrange alternative transportation, as pickup is not available there.

The Itinerary – What to Expect

Punta Sam and the Reef: The adventure begins at Punta Sam, where you’ll enjoy a light breakfast before boarding the catamaran. The first snorkeling stop takes you to the Punta Sam reef, which features submerged sculptures—a visual treat and a great chance to see colorful fish and marine life. The shallow boats used allow easy docking, making snorkeling accessible for most participants, though those over 60 or with recent surgeries won’t be able to snorkel for safety reasons.

Sailing around Isla Mujeres: After snorkeling, you’ll cruise around the island, taking in the scenic coastlines and local sights from the water. The crew often hosts games, contests, and lively music, making the journey feel like a floating party.

Beach and Shopping at Playa Norte: The highlight on Isla Mujeres is the free time at Playa Norte, famed for its soft white sand and calm, turquoise waters. Here, you can relax, swim, or explore the island’s charming shops. Many reviews mention that the beach is “the most beautiful on Isla Mujeres,” and it provides a perfect backdrop for pictures or just unwinding after a busy morning.

Beach Club and Buffet Lunch: The tour includes a visit to a beach club with a pool, where you’ll enjoy a buffet lunch. The atmosphere here is casual and friendly, and the buffet provides a chance to refuel before more exploration or simply lounging on the sand.

Return Journey — Sunset and Festivities: As the day winds down, the catamaran heads back toward Playa del Carmen, offering stunning Caribbean sunset views. The onboard atmosphere remains lively with more entertainment and more open bar, making the return trip an extension of the fun.

The Experience – What Travelers Say

Although reviews aren’t officially available yet, the detailed description and common traveler feedback on similar tours suggest a generally positive experience. Many appreciate the balance of relaxation and activity, noting that the snorkeling is a highlight and the beach time at Playa Norte is unbeatable. The open bar is often praised for keeping spirits high, while the lively onboard games and contests add a fun, communal vibe.

Some mention that the tour is quite full, which can be expected with a maximum of 50 travelers. While this fosters a lively atmosphere, it might feel overwhelming for those wanting a quieter day.

Practical Details: What You Need to Know

• Duration: About 9 hours, making it a full and satisfying day trip.
• Price: $88 per person, a good value considering the inclusions like transport, snorkeling gear, buffet, and open bar.
• Extra costs: Government fees of $20 per person, and possible transportation surcharges if your hotel is outside the standard pickup zones.
• What to bring: Swimsuit, towels, extra clothes, and comfortable shoes. The tour is designed to be fun and relaxed, so casual attire is best.
• Group size: Maximum 50 travelers, which is lively but also manageable.
• Weather considerations: The tour requires good weather; if canceled due to poor conditions, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund.

Who Should Consider This Tour?

If you’re looking for a day of lively fun — with great scenery, snorkeling, beach time, and plenty of drinks — this tour offers excellent value. It’s particularly suited for groups of friends, couples, or solo travelers who enjoy socializing and a festive atmosphere.

However, if you prefer quiet, intimate experiences or are concerned about the crowd, you might want to look for smaller or more relaxed options. The tour’s active pace and lively onboard entertainment may not appeal to everyone, especially those seeking a peaceful getaway.

Final Thoughts: Is It Worth It?

This tour delivers on its promise of a luxurious, fun-filled day with plenty of opportunities to enjoy the Caribbean’s best features — stunning scenery, marine life, beach relaxation, and lively celebrations. For $88, considering the transport, buffet, and unlimited drinks, it’s an attractive option for travelers who want to combine sightseeing with a party vibe.

The snorkeling at Punta Sam reef is a definite highlight, as are the views of the Caribbean sunset on the return trip. The convenience of pickup and the all-inclusive nature make it a hassle-free choice, especially for first-time visitors unsure about logistics.

While it might not suit those seeking quiet or a more intimate experience, it’s a great value for anyone eager for a lively, memorable day on the water — a true celebration of everything that makes the Caribbean special.

FAQ

Is transportation included?
Yes, round-trip transportation from Playa del Carmen is included, making access to the tour simple and stress-free.

What is the price of the tour?
It costs $88 per person, which covers the boat, snorkeling gear, buffet lunch, and unlimited open bar.

Are there any extra costs?
Yes, there’s a government fee of $20 per person, and additional fees if your hotel is outside the standard pickup zones, typically $15–$20 USD.

Can I snorkel if I’m over 60 or have health issues?
Most travelers over 60 or with recent surgeries won’t be able to snorkel for safety reasons, but they can still enjoy the boat ride and beaches.

How long is the tour?
The entire experience lasts approximately 9 hours, from pickup to return.

Is there free time at Isla Mujeres?
Yes, you’ll have free time at Playa Norte for swimming, relaxing, and shopping.

What should I bring?
Bring your swimsuit, towels, extra clothes, and comfortable shoes or sandals suitable for walking and beach time.

What’s the best part of the tour?
Many find the snorkeling stop and the sunset cruise back to Playa del Carmen to be the highlights, thanks to the vibrant marine life and stunning scenery.

Can I cancel if I change my mind?
Yes, free cancellation is available up to 24 hours in advance, offering flexibility if your plans change.

Is this suitable for families?
Most travelers can participate, but those with health concerns or who prefer quieter experiences might want to consider other options.