Top Cancun Catamaran Cruises

Many companies offer catamaran tours in Cancun. Based on past customers’ reviews and ratings, here are some of the best ways to cruise around the turquoise Caribbean Sea:

• Isla Mujeres Luxury Catamaran Sailing Plus Lunch and Open Bar
• Riviera Maya Luxury Snorkeling Cruise with Lunch and Drinks
• Private Cancun to Isla Mujeres Catamaran Cruise with Open Bar
• Riviera Maya Luxury Sunset Sailing Plus Light Dinner and Open Bar
• Cancun Dancer Catamaran Cruise with Snorkeling and Lunch

Yes, Cancun catamaran tours are definitely worth it because they’re a hassle-free way to get to Cancun’s best snorkeling sites while taking in picturesque ocean views. Most daytime Cancun catamaran cruises even include lunch with alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks, too.

As mentioned, most daytime catamaran cruises in Cancun include lunch, alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks, and snorkeling equipment so you can take a dip, hassle-free. Depending on the tour, evening cruises may include drinks, snacks, and live music.

Booking a private Cancun catamaran is not cheap—you’ll pay at least US$1,000 to rent a catamaran for your own group. However, scheduled excursions on a shared catamaran cruise are less expensive and just as fun, especially if you’re not traveling with a large group of your own.

Shared catamaran cruises leave at pre-scheduled times from central meeting points and are easily the most affordable way to get on the water. Typically, they’ll include an open bar with basic beverages, a buffet lunch, and time for snorkeling. Private charters, meanwhile, cost significantly more but they let you and your group have the run of the deck for the duration of your sail. These are great for special occasions and large groups.

Cancun catamaran cruise prices vary depending on duration and inclusions. If you’re looking for high-quality experiences on the lower end of the price range, these are the best tours to book now: 

• Isla Mujeres Catamaran Tour with Open Bar, Lunch, and Snorkeling
• Isla Mujeres Tour in a Catamaran with Snorkel, Open Bar, Lunch
• Isla Mujeres Catamaran from Cancun with Open Bar and Lunch
• Catamaran Tour to Isla Mujeres with Snorkeling and Lunch
• Catamaran with Snorkeling and Playa Norte Beach, Isla Mujeres

Some do, but it’s not typical. In fact, transportation may be charged as an optional extra or add-on, so it’s usually easier to meet right at the departure point. However, given the central marinas from which Cancun catamaran cruises tend to leave, it’s not too difficult to arrive by public transport or taxi.

A catamaran tour from Cancun to Isla Mujeres will last around eight hours, on average. These full-day trips include lunch and free time to explore the small island alone, as well as relax on a white-sand beach or shop in the colorful downtown area, before hopping back aboard the boat.

It depends! Lots of catamaran cruises in Cancun are geared towards friend groups and solo travelers and do tend to get rowdy thanks to those aforementioned open bars and live music. If you’re traveling with kids, you should look for boats that offer family-friendly options and focus more on things such as snorkel stops, beach time, and lunch. Or, splash out on a private charter for your nearest and dearest.

It depends. Some Cancun catamaran cruises include food and drinks, as well as live music and snorkeling gear, so they are—in effect—all-inclusive. However, it’s rare that a catamaran cruise experience will also include free round-trip transportation to the marina, dock fees, crew tips, or beach club upgrades. In short, check the listing carefully before booking to see what’s actually included.

Yes, the vast majority of Cancun catamaran cruises will be fully equipped with snorkel gear so that you can take a dip during a stop or on the beach. Life jackets are also provided and required if you want to take part in the snorkeling fun—this means you don’t necessarily need to be a strong swimmer to take part, though knowing how to swim is a huge bonus.

The best time to book Cancun catamaran cruises is in the dry season (December to April), when you’ll enjoy sunny skies, calm seas, and ideal sailing conditions. Cruises run year-round, but the rainy season (May to October) can bring brief tropical showers and choppier water—book in advance in peak months to get the time and boat you want.

Wear comfortable clothes you don’t mind getting wet if you’re heading out on a Cancun catamaran tour. You should also pack or wear a bathing suit if you plan to go snorkeling, and bring a cover-up and hat to protect yourself from the tropical sun. Additionally, reef-safe sunscreen, a towel, water shoes, and sunglasses are great too.

It depends on your individual supplier, though most Cancun catamaran cruises will allow you to cancel for a full refund up to 24 hours prior to departure. Check the listing carefully before booking if you think you might need to rearrange or rebook, and know that a last-minute rebooking in peak season may be easier said than done.

There are tons of fun tours and excursions in Cancun aside from Catamaran cruises. According to previous travelers, these are the best activities to book for your next trip:

• Day Trips
• Jet Ski Rentals
• Snorkeling
• Boat Rentals
• Horseback Riding