Clear Boat

If you’re looking to combine excitement, beautiful scenery, and a touch of adventure during your Cancun trip, the Clear Boat tour from Krea Travel might just fit the bill. This activity promises an hour and 20 minutes of exploring the Caribbean’s underwater beauty, all from the comfort of a transparent boat. While we haven’t personally taken this tour, reviews and descriptions paint a compelling picture of a fun, relaxed experience suitable for most travelers.

What we love about this tour are its unique vantage point over marine life, the friendly vibe of the crew, and the convenient location starting from the Nichupte Marina. The opportunity to snap underwater photos without the hassle of getting wet is another highlight. One potential consideration is that the lunch isn’t included, so you might want to plan for a snack afterward. This tour primarily appeals to those wanting a quick, family-friendly aquatic adventure with great photo opportunities and a relaxed atmosphere.

Good To Know

• Short but sweet: Perfect for travelers with limited time but wanting a memorable marine experience.
• Includes drinks: Two beers and bottled water are part of the package, enhancing the relaxing vibe.
• Family-friendly: Most travelers can participate, and the group size is small, with a maximum of 10 people.
• Focus on underwater beauty: The tour highlights coral reefs, tropical fish, turtles, and manta rays.
• Flexible booking: Free cancellation up to 24 hours before the activity.
• Location advantage: Easy access from the Zona Hotelera with near public transportation options.

What to Expect from the Clear Boat Tour in Cancun

The Clear Boat experience begins at the Marina Kaybal on Kukulcan Boulevard, a convenient departure point in Cancun’s hotel zone. From here, the journey takes you through the Nichupte Lagoon, a sprawling natural reserve of over 3,000 hectares. As you leave the marina, you’ll cruise through the channels, passing under the Calinda Bridge, which offers a charming glimpse of Cancun’s waterways and skyline.

The Itinerary: From Lagoon to Underwater Paradise

The main highlight of this tour is the visit to the blue Caribbean waters, where the boat stops in front of the Casa Maya hotel for snorkeling and underwater viewing. The tour is designed to give a broad yet close-up look at the vibrant marine ecosystem. The highlight is the extensive coral beds and tropical fish, including species like turtles, starfish, manta rays, and more. The underwater scenery promises a burst of color and life that makes for excellent photos, especially since you’re on a transparent vessel.

Travelers typically spend part of the time cruising through the channels—enjoying views of Cancun’s skyline and lush greenery—before entering the calmer waters suited for snorkeling. The turtle sightings and manta rays are often mentioned as memorable moments. It’s worth noting that the boat is constructed to allow for clear views into the water, making it suitable for those who prefer to stay dry while still enjoying the underwater spectacle.

What Reviewers Say

One guest described the experience as “amazing,” appreciating the friendly and fun staff, especially noting how the photographer gave instructions for poses, adding a playful element to the photos. The music on board was also praised, making the journey lively and enjoyable. In contrast, another reviewer was disappointed because they couldn’t participate at the scheduled time, highlighting that last-minute schedule changes can happen, often due to marina operations or weather.

Drinks and Amenities

The tour includes two beers and natural waters, which can help keep you refreshed as you relax on the boat. The protective life vest is provided to ensure safety during snorkeling, and all taxes and fees are covered in the cost. Keep in mind, lunch isn’t included, so plan accordingly if you’re hungry afterward.

The Detailed Breakdown of the Tour

Departure and Initial Navigation

Starting from the Kukulcan marina, the boat sets off through the Nichupte Lagoon, a scenic waterway that showcases Cancun’s lush surroundings. This part of the trip is as much about the views of the mangroves, bridges, and cityscape as it is about the water activity.

Passing Through the Channels and Bridge

Traveling through the Calinda Bridge marks a transition from urban waterways to more natural environments. The bridges and channels offer good photo opportunities, with some guests noting the charm of cruising under bridges that connect different parts of Cancun.

Reaching the Coral and Fish Area

The boat then approaches the blanquizales (white sandbars) in front of the Casa Maya hotel. Here, the waters are calmer and clearer, perfect for snorkeling and exploring the colorful coral beds. This part is where most underwater viewing happens. Guests can expect to see a variety of tropical fish and possibly encounter turtles or even manta rays, depending on luck and seasonality.

Snorkeling and Photography

The underwater area is teeming with marine life, making it ideal for photography. The transparent boat design allows for pictures without getting wet, ensuring that even non-swimmers or those hesitant about snorkeling can still enjoy the underwater visuals. The included photographer will guide you for the best poses, and some guests mentioned being encouraged to freestyle, which makes the experience more relaxed and personal.

Return Journey

After about an hour in the water and viewing the marine scene, the boat heads back toward the marina, passing by more scenic views of Cancun. The journey is leisurely, with time to enjoy the music, drinks, and company.

Is the Price Worth It?

At $60 per person, this tour offers a value-packed experience—combining scenic cruising, easy snorkeling, and photos, all in a compact time frame. While it doesn’t include meals, the drinks and the chance to see incredible marine life make it a reasonable choice for those who want a quick but memorable activity.

The small group size (up to 10 travelers) means you’ll likely get more personalized attention, making it a good option for families, couples, or solo travelers who prefer an intimate vibe.

Who Will Enjoy This Tour?

This activity is ideal for families, groups of friends, or solo travelers seeking a relaxed, fun aquatic experience. It’s particularly good for those who appreciate photo opportunities and want to see marine life without strenuous activity. It suits travelers with limited time in Cancun but still wanting to tick a water-based adventure off their list.

Final Thoughts: Is the Clear Boat Tour for You?

This tour offers a relaxed, scenic, and entertaining way to experience Cancun’s marine environment without diving or extensive snorkeling. The stunning underwater views, combined with the favorable location and small group setting, create a laid-back yet memorable outing.

If you’re after a family-friendly activity that combines scenic cruising with underwater sights and good company, this tour is a solid option. The inclusion of drinks and the opportunity to photograph under the water adds to its appeal. However, if a hearty meal or more extensive snorkeling is your priority, you might want to consider other options.

In summary, the Clear Boat tour balances affordability, convenience, and the chance to see a variety of marine life, making it perfect for travelers looking for a quick, fun, and visually captivating experience in Cancun.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does the tour last?
Approximately 1 hour and 20 minutes, including cruising and snorkeling time.

What is included in the price?
Two beers, natural water, all taxes and fees, and a protective life vest.

Is lunch included?
No, food and meals are not included, so plan to bring snacks or eat afterward.

Where does the tour start?
From Marina Kaybal on Kukulcan Boulevard in Cancun’s hotel zone.

Can most travelers participate?
Yes, most travelers can join, and the group sizes are small (up to 10 people).

What kind of marine life might I see?
Expect to see corals, tropical fish, turtles, starfish, and possibly manta rays.

Are drinks served during the tour?
Yes, you get two beers and bottled water included.

Is the tour canceled in bad weather?
Yes, it requires good weather. If canceled due to weather, you can reschedule or get a full refund.

Can I take photos underwater?
Absolutely, the transparent boat and photographic guidance make capturing marine life easy.

What should I bring?
Bring sunscreen, a camera or phone for photos, and possibly a towel if you want to sunbathe after snorkeling.

This clear boat tour combines scenic waterways, underwater beauty, and relaxed fun—making it a worthwhile addition to your Cancun itinerary if you value authentic sights with minimal fuss.