Sail around cancun in the best transparent boat + 2 drinks

If you’re after a gentle, scenic adventure without the splash and fuss of swimming or snorkeling, this glass-bottom boat tour in Cancun offers a peaceful way to soak in the area’s natural beauty. With just over an hour of cruising, you’ll get to explore Nichupté Lagoon, cross the iconic Calinda Bridge, and marvel at “El Blanquizal”—all from the comfort of a clear-bottom boat.

What makes this tour stand out? First, the transparent boat itself reveals the colorful underwater world without getting wet, perfect for those who prefer to stay dry. Second, the included drinks—whether you fancy a cold beer or a soft drink—add a relaxing touch to the ride. Third, the scenic stops at key spots like the reef and “El Blanquizal” deliver both tranquil views and photo opportunities. One thing to consider? The dock access fee of $15 USD is an extra expense you’ll need to budget for. This tour suits travelers wanting a low-key, family-friendly experience that offers insight into Cancun’s waterways and marine life without heavy activity.

Good To Know

• Comfortable Experience: It’s a relaxed, 75-minute boat ride perfect for all ages.
• Scenic Highlights: Cross Calinda Bridge, explore Nichupté Lagoon, and see the white sands of “El Blanquizal.”
• Marine Discoveries: Spot turtles, stingrays, starfish, and submerged statues.
• Inclusive Drinks: Enjoy 2 beverages per person—ideal for unwinding.
• Bilingual Guide: Tour includes a guide who can also take your photos.
• Extra Costs: Dock fee of $15 USD is mandatory; photographs are not included.

You can check if your dates are available here:

A Deeper Look at the Experience

Starting Point and Check-in

Your adventure begins at Envatours Cancún, conveniently located beside a pharmacy, marked by a purple flag. The check-in process is straightforward, and staff are friendly and helpful. The tour is operated by WonderMex Tours, which maintains a solid 4.3 rating—indicating reliable service with some room for improvement in small details like photo options.

Nichupté Lagoon: The Calm Before the Waters

The tour kicks off with about 30 minutes exploring the Nichupté Lagoon, a vast natural reserve spanning over 3,000 hectares. This part of the journey sets the tone—peaceful, scenic, and relatively flat, so even those prone to motion sickness should find it comfortable. As we glide through, the guide points out local wildlife, including turtles and snails, and offers commentary on the lagoon’s ecological importance. From reviews, it’s clear that the bilingual guide adds value, sharing interesting facts and snapping photos. Many travelers appreciate that the guide’s photography skills mean you leave with memorable shots, especially of the lagoon’s lush surroundings and the boat’s transparent bottom.

Crossing Calinda Bridge

Next, you’ll cruise under the Calinda Bridge, a popular photo stop. Here, the boat pauses for a moment to take in the view—an impressive sight of the bridge and the city skyline beyond. This stretch lasts about 45 minutes, giving you ample time to relax, chat, and enjoy your two drinks—beers and sodas are both available, and reviews suggest the drinks are well chilled and appreciated after a warm day.

More Great Thing To Do Nearby

Marine Life and Submerged Artifacts

One of the most captivating parts? The underwater statues that appear as hidden treasures beneath the turquoise waters. These floating relics are great conversation starters and photo props. Tourists have shared that the guide describes their history or purpose, adding an educational element to the experience. Notably, many reviews mention the vibrant marine life at the reef stop, where fish, starfish, and stingrays thrive in the shallow waters. The small reef area is perfect for a quick view—be prepared for snorkelers if you wish, though snorkeling isn’t part of this tour.

“El Blanquizal” – White Sand Paradise

The final highlight is the “El Blanquizal”, a vast expanse of fine white sand stretching as far as the eye can see. It’s a tranquil, surreal environment—ideal for photos or simply basking in the sun. Many guests find this part visually stunning, describing it as a “breathtaking” and “peaceful” setting. The guide will likely point out the area’s ecological importance and suggest the best angles for photos.

Returning and Additional Fees

After roughly 75 minutes, the tour concludes back at the starting point. Remember, there is a dock access fee of $15 USD, payable at the office, which is an obligatory expense. Photos aren’t included, so if you want professional images, you’ll need to bring your camera or smartphone.

Practical Details for Visitors

Pricing and Value

At $52 per person, this tour balances affordability with a memorable experience. The inclusion of two drinks adds a relaxed vibe, especially on a warm day. When you consider the scenic stops, marine viewing, and ease of access, it offers good value for those seeking a low-impact, scenic activity in Cancun.

Duration and Timing

The trip lasts 75 minutes, making it a manageable addition to your day. It’s typically available in the morning and afternoon, fitting into most schedules. Since it’s a gentle cruise, you don’t need to worry about strenuous activity or long waits.

Group Size and Guides

While specific group sizes aren’t detailed, tours like this usually run in small to medium groups, making it intimate enough for personal questions and good photo opportunities. The bilingual guide enhances the experience, providing commentary in both English and Spanish, and is also the photographer, which many reviews find helpful.

Accessibility and Restrictions

This activity isn’t suitable for pregnant women, those with mobility issues, or anyone prone to motion sickness. No shoes, weapons, glasses, large bags, or fireworks are allowed on the boat, ensuring safety and comfort for all.

What Travelers Say

Many guests have appreciated the friendly, helpful guides and the smooth organization. Some note that the underwater statues and marine life sightings are particularly memorable. However, a few reviews mention that the photo options could be improved, as no photographs are included, and you might want to bring your own camera.

Overall, reviews highlight that the scenic views and tranquil pace make this a worthwhile, relaxing experience, especially for couples, families, or solo travelers wanting a gentle introduction to Cancun’s waterways.

The Sum Up

This transparent boat tour around Cancun offers a quiet, scenic way to experience the lagoon and Caribbean views without the hassle of swimming or snorkeling. It’s especially suited for travelers who want a relaxed, informative, and visually rewarding activity, with the bonus of drinks and the chance to see marine life and white sands up close.

It’s a flexible and affordable choice for families, couples, or solo explorers looking for a peaceful outing. The inclusion of a bilingual guide and the boat’s unique transparency make it stand out, while the scenic highlights keep it interesting throughout the 75-minute journey.

For anyone seeking a calm, picture-perfect adventure that offers both natural beauty and easy access to Cancun’s marine environment, this tour is a solid pick—just remember the extra dock fee and to bring your camera.

FAQs

Is this tour suitable for children?
Yes, the tour’s gentle pace and scenic stops make it suitable for children. Keep in mind that little ones should be comfortable on boats and avoid the restrictions on shoes and large bags.

How long does the tour last?
The total duration is approximately 75 minutes, including time to cruise Nichupté Lagoon, cross Calinda Bridge, and visit “El Blanquizal.”

Are drinks included?
Yes, each person receives two beverages—either soft drinks or beer—adding a relaxing touch to the experience.

What is the meeting point?
You’ll check in at Envatours Cancún, right beside a pharmacy, marked with a purple flag. The process is straightforward and well-organized.

Do I need to pay extra?
Yes, there’s a mandatory dock access fee of $15 USD payable at the office, which is not included in the ticket price.

Can I take photos during the tour?
While your guide may take photos, personal photos are not included in the package. Bringing your own camera or phone is recommended.

Is snorkeling part of the tour?
No, snorkeling isn’t offered. However, you can observe marine life from the boat or at the reef stop.

What should I bring?
Comfortable clothes, sunscreen, and a camera. Shoes, large bags, and glass objects are not allowed on the boat for safety reasons.

This glass-bottom cruise provides a laid-back, visually stunning glimpse of Cancun’s lagoon and marine environment, perfect for those seeking a peaceful and picturesque outing.

You can check if your dates are available here: