Catamaran to Isla Mujeres Kids Go Free! (Only Pay Dock Fee)

Traveling to Cancun and craving a day packed with sunshine, sea, and a taste of local charm? The Catamaran to Isla Mujeres tour promises a lively, all-inclusive outing, with the added bonus that kids go free—minus a small dock fee. But does it live up to the hype? We’ve sifted through reviews, tour details, and traveler insights to give you the real scoop.

What’s great about this experience? You’ll appreciate the relaxed vibe aboard the spacious catamaran, the chance to snorkel at vibrant reefs, and the laid-back exploration of Isla Mujeres’ colorful streets. Plus, the buffet lunch and onboard drinks make it a true Caribbean-style party. However, some reviews mention logistical hiccups and hidden costs, so it’s worth keeping expectations in check.

This tour is ideally suited for families, groups looking for a lively day out, or anyone wanting a taste of Isla Mujeres without high costs. If you’re after a straightforward, fun-filled day with plenty of photo opportunities, this could be just your speed—just be aware of some quirks along the way.

Good To Know

• Family-Friendly: Kids are free online but pay a small fee at check-in, making it a budget-conscious option for families.
• All-Inclusive Comfort: Includes snorkeling gear, buffet lunch, open bar, and onboard music, offering a full day of fun.
• Flexible Schedule: Multiple stops, free time in Isla Mujeres, and snorkeling at El Meco reef create a balanced mix of activity and relaxation.
• Potential Drawbacks: Some guests report delays, a confusing start, and extra fees, which could impact the overall experience.
• Authentic Feel: Opportunities to wander Isla Mujeres’ streets and shop for souvenirs give a genuine local vibe.
• Limited Group Size: With a maximum of 40 travelers, the tour maintains an intimate atmosphere despite being popular.

Setting Sail: What the Tour Looks Like

Starting bright and early from Playa Tortugas, the Caribbean Carnival dock—at Km 6.5 in the Hotel Zone—serves as the launchpad. You’ll meet friendly staff who guide you through check-in, setting the tone for a smooth adventure. Be prepared for the dock fee and reef conservation fee, payable at check-in, which some reviewers found confusing or unexpected. As one traveler pointed out, “All children pay a $45 USD fee at check-in (Dock & Reef Tax), same as adults,” so budget accordingly.

Once on board, the modern catamaran takes you across the azure waters of the Caribbean. Expect a lively atmosphere with music and drinks flowing—one guest mentioned the crew “turns up the music” during the return trip for an onboard party. The boat’s open deck offers sweeping views, perfect for photos or just soaking in the scenery. The crew, described as bilingual and certified, provides guidance, and many reviews highlight the knowledgeable guides who make the journey informative.

Snorkeling at El Meco Reef

Just over an hour into the voyage, the first highlight is snorkeling at El Meco Reef. Known for its crystal-clear waters and vibrant marine life, it’s an accessible spot for snorkelers of all levels. Onboard, gear is provided, and certified guides help you spot colorful fish and coral formations.

One reviewer appreciated this stop, mentioning “the reef was beautiful, and the guides made it easy for first-timers.” However, some experienced snorkelers noted that the reef isn’t the most extensive or pristine, making it more about fun than a serious underwater adventure. Still, it’s a good introduction to marine life and a refreshing break from sunbathing on deck.

Approaching Playa Norte

Following snorkeling, the boat heads toward Playa Norte, one of the region’s most famous beaches. The 20-minute cruise offers great views and lively music, helping build anticipation for what’s ahead. Once anchored just off the coast, guests can take a swim, float, or simply relax on the boat while soaking up the sun.

The swimming stop at Playa Norte is often praised as a highlight. Guests report crystal-clear waters perfect for floating and taking photos. One reviewer said, “It’s a great chance to cool off and enjoy the Caribbean’s calm waters,” though some noted that the stop duration—around 50 minutes—feels a bit short when you’re in full relaxation mode.

Lunch and Free Time in Isla Mujeres

At around 1:10 pm, the tour takes you to a local beachfront restaurant for a buffet lunch. Expect a variety of Mexican dishes, salads, and pasta, with plenty of options for different tastes. The all-you-can-eat setup and drinks make it a leisurely, laid-back dining experience. Some travelers found this meal satisfying, describing it as “a good value for the price,” especially considering it’s included in the tour.

After lunch, you’re given approximately 90 minutes of free time in downtown Isla Mujeres. This is prime opportunity to wander the colorful streets, browse local crafts, or grab an ice cream. Several reviews highlight this as a genuine way to experience the island’s charm, although some note that shops and eateries close early or are busy, so plan your exploration accordingly.

Return and Onboard Party

As the day winds down, the boat departs Isla Mujeres around 4:30 pm for the return trip. This segment is often described as a lively, party atmosphere with onboard music, drinks, and dancing. One guest remarked, “The crew really gets the party started,” which adds a fun, festive vibe to the last leg of your day.

The journey concludes back at Playa Tortugas by 5:30 pm, leaving you with a handful of great photos, souvenirs, and hopefully a sun-kissed glow. Keep in mind that some reviews mention delays and a slightly disorganized start, so it’s best to arrive early and stay flexible.

Overall Value and Who It’s Perfect For

This tour offers a lively, all-inclusive experience ideal for families, groups of friends, or anyone looking for a relaxed yet engaging day in the Caribbean. The price point—$25 per person plus the dock fee—is quite reasonable considering the included snorkeling gear, buffet lunch, drinks, and free time in Isla Mujeres.

However, be aware of the reviews mentioning delays and extra fees, which could impact your overall satisfaction. The small group size (max 40) helps ensure a more intimate vibe, but it’s still a popular tour, so advance booking is recommended.

The mix of activities—snorkeling, beach swimming, exploring, and onboard partying—caters to different tastes. If you’re after a structured, fun-filled day with the chance to see local sights without breaking the bank, this could be a solid option. But if you prefer a more relaxed, less commercialized experience, you might want to consider alternatives or prepare for some logistical quirks.

Final Thoughts

If your idea of a perfect day in Cancun involves sailing, snorkeling, and exploring Isla Mujeres with a lively crew, this tour hits many marks. The key highlights—vibrant reefs, beautiful beaches, and the colorful island streets—are genuinely enjoyable and offer great photo opportunities.

That said, the hidden costs and occasional delays mean you should plan to arrive early, stay flexible, and have a backup plan if you’re on a tight schedule. The onboard party vibe and friendly guides make it a memorable experience, especially if you enjoy social, energetic atmospheres.

For families and groups on a budget looking for a full day of Caribbean fun, this tour provides good value with plenty of options for relaxation and adventure. Just remember that some reviews suggest managing expectations regarding timing and organization, and be prepared for the dock and reef fees at check-in.

FAQ

Is transportation included in this tour?
No, transportation is not included unless you select the “Tour with Transportation” option. Additional transport fees for kids may apply in that case.

How much does the dock fee cost?
The dock fee and reef conservation fee are $45 USD per person and are payable at check-in, regardless of online booking.

Are kids free on this tour?
Children do not pay the online tour price, but they must still be selected in the booking. At check-in, all children pay a $45 USD fee, similar to adults.

What is the tour duration?
The tour lasts approximately 8 hours, starting around 10:30 am and ending around 5:30 pm.

What activities are included?
Snorkeling at El Meco Reef, swimming at Playa Norte, a buffet lunch, free time in Isla Mujeres, and onboard music and drinks.

Is there a limit on the group size?
Yes, the tour accommodates up to 40 travelers, maintaining a relatively intimate atmosphere.

What should I bring?
Swimwear, towel, sunscreen, and a camera for photos. Since most amenities are onboard, you don’t need much else.

Are there suitable options for non-swimmers?
While snorkeling gear is provided, non-swimmers can enjoy the boat ride, beaches, and exploring Isla Mujeres’ streets comfortably.

What do reviewers generally think?
Feedback is mixed—many enjoy the lively atmosphere, beautiful scenery, and guides, but some mention delays, organization issues, and hidden costs.

Final Summary

This catamaran tour to Isla Mujeres provides a lively, budget-friendly way to experience some of the best parts of the island—beautiful beaches, snorkeling, and charming streets—all in one day. The inclusive nature, with lunch, drinks, and activities, offers strong value, especially for families and groups. However, potential travelers should be prepared for some organizational quirks and extra fees, and temper expectations about timing and logistics.

Ultimately, if you’re seeking a spirited, social day out that combines adventure and relaxation, this tour could be a fitting choice. Just arrive early, stay flexible, and enjoy the lively Caribbean vibe.