Day Trip from Cancun: What to Expect on an Isla Mujeres Catamaran Tour?
If you’re looking to escape the hustle and bustle of Cancun, an Isla Mujeres catamaran tour is the perfect way to relax and enjoy gorgeous beaches with turquoise waters. There are also no seaweeds or sargassum on the island, which is a bonus!
In this article, I will tell you everything you need to know about taking a catamaran tour or ferry from Cancun to Isla Mujeres. Let’s discuss what to expect, how to book, and what to bring with you on your trip. I will also review the different Isla Mujeres catamaran tour packages to help you decide if the upgrade is worth it!
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Why Visit Isla Mujeres from Cancun?
Isla Mujeres is a beautiful island located in the Caribbean Sea, only about a 15-minute boat ride from Cancun. With the name meaning “Island of Women”, Isla Mujeres was a sacred place where women went to worship the goddess Ixchel, the goddess of medicine and fertility. Today, Isla Mujeres is a popular spot for swimming, snorkeling, and relaxing on the beach. There are also a number of restaurants and bars, as well as shops and markets selling local handicrafts.
Best Ways to do a Day Trip to Isla Mujeres from Cancun
1. Full-Day All-Inclusive Isla Mujeres Catamaran Tour with Spinnaker Activity
If you’re looking for a unique and unforgettable day trip from Cancun, consider taking a catamaran sail to Isla Mujeres that includes spinnaker activity!
What is Spinnaker Activity?
Spinnaker activity is a unique, fun, and thrilling experience aboard an Isla Mujeres catamaran tour. This is when you jump into the ocean without a life jacket and swim over to the swing attached to a parachute. Once you’re there, try sitting on the swing and holding tight! When the wind picks up, you’ll start to ascend into the air, right in front of the catamaran.
The host and other guests will cheer you on as you fly with the wind! You can either jump back into the ocean from up high for an even more thrilling experience or watch the beautiful views from above until it’s time to descend. Spinnaker activity is definitely something you don’t want to miss out on while being aboard an Isla Mujeres catamaran tour!
Not all Isla Mujeres catamaran tours include spinnaker activity, and the ones that do often get sold out, so it’s recommended that you book the tour in advance.
With this tour, you will start your day trip to Isla Mujeres from Cancun aboard a luxury catamaran, where you’ll have access to an open bar to help you unwind. On the way to the island, the catamaran will stop for you to snorkel around the coral reefs.
Once you arrive on the island, you’ll have time to explore the village before making your way to Playa Norte, where you’ll enjoy exclusive access to a beach club and have lunch. At the beach club, you can swim, snorkel, or sunbathe to your heart’s content. If the weather conditions allow, you can take the opportunity to do a spinnaker activity on the way back.
I’ve done the Isla Mujeres catamaran tours with both Diamond Bright and Albatros, and I think they are both great options for a day trip from Cancun to Isla Mujeres. The Albatros Platinum package is more expensive, and whether the upgrade is worth it really depends on your budget and preferences, but you can see my honest review below.
In my opinion, the all-Inclusive Isla Mujeres Catamaran Tour offers great value for the price. The food and services were good, and there wasn’t really anything to complain about. On the other hand, the Albatros Platinum Isla Mujeres Catamaran Tour was more expensive, but I thought the upgrade was worth it.
The Albatros Platinum Isla Mujeres Catamaran Tour has more alcohol and cocktail options for the open bar. The VIP beach club is much less crowded, with more cabanas and hammock swings to relax. For lunch, you can order food from the à la carte menu with no extra cost instead of having a box lunch or a buffet like other catamaran tour packages. You can order as many à la carte dishes as you want so it’s technically like a buffet, but the food was so much fresher and better!
Optional Golf Cart Tour on Isla Mujeres
At the beach club on Isla Mujeres, you can pay $35 to rent a golf cart and join a guided group to drive around the island. The loop is easy to follow, and you’ll get a nice breeze while enjoying stunning views and some great photo ops.
The experienced tour guide will show you the way to the best scenic spots on the island and explain the historic and cultural significance of each place. It’s definitely a lovely way to spend some time on the island.
2. Private Isla Mujeres Catamaran Tour with Open Bar & Snorkeling
If you have a big group of more than four people or if you are simply looking for a more intimate experience, consider booking a private Isla Mujeres catamaran tour. You’ll have the entire catamaran to yourselves as you sail to Isla Mujeres with an open bar and have as much time as you want snorkeling at the coral reefs. It’s much more affordable than you’d think!
⛵Check prices for Private Isla Mujeres Catamaran Tour
3. Isla Mujeres Day Trip From Cancun – DIY
If you don’t want to join a tour, you can easily take a day trip from Cancun to Isla Mujeres with a ferry. The Xcaret Xailing ferry ticket costs $18 one way or $25 round trip, with a reduced price of 50% off for children. If you purchase the round trip ticket, you will have free access to the Scenic Tower of Cancun (Torre Escénica de Cancun).
⛴️ Cancun <-> Isla Mujeres Ferry Schedules & Tickets
While it is possible to reach the island by ferry from Cancun, many visitors prefer to book a day trip through one of the many tour companies that operate in the area. Personally, I find the catamaran tour to be a better deal because it includes an open bar, snorkeling gears, lunch, spinnaker activity, and beach club access in Isla Mujeres for just a slightly higher price than the round trip ferry tickets.
Isla Mujeres catamaran tour is a fun and economical way to explore the island without having to worry about logistics. However, if you want to explore the island on your own, the Xcaret Xailing ferry is a quick and comfortable way to get you there.
The ferries depart from El Embarcadero Isla Mujeres at Km 4.5 of the Cancun Hotel Zone, and the journey is pleasant thanks to the air-conditioned cabins and open areas aboard the ferry boats. Even though the ride is short (only about 15 minutes), you will be glad to know that there are Wifi, toilets, and a pet area on board. Upon arrival at the northern tip of Isla Mujeres, you’ll be right in the middle of all the action, with access to the island’s main beaches and shopping district.
Isla Mujeres Day Trip from Cancun FAQs
Is Isla Mujeres worth a day trip?
In addition to its pristine beaches, Isla Mujeres also offers a variety of activities that make it perfect for a day trip. The spinnaker activity aboard a catamaran is a great unique and fun way to get your adrenaline pumping while enjoying the incredible views. If you’re looking for an unforgettable experience, be sure to book a ride on an Isla Mujeres catamaran with a spinnaker, you won’t regret it!
What can you do on a day in Isla Mujeres?
There is plenty to do on a day trip to Isla Mujeres. Most visitors spend their time relaxing on the beach, swimming in the turquoise waters, or snorkeling in the coral reefs. Others prefer to explore the island by foot or golf cart and visit the shops and restaurants that line the streets.
How much does it cost to go to Isla Mujeres?
The cost of a day trip to Isla Mujeres will vary depending on how you choose to get there and what activities you want to do. A round-trip ferry ticket from Cancun is $25, or you can book a catamaran tour that includes an open bar, snorkeling, lunch, and spinnaker activity from $60 to $120.
Can you get cash on Isla Mujeres?
There are several banks on the island (such as Banamex and HSBC), where you can exchange up to $300 USD per day. There will be international transaction fees so check with your bank in advance. However, you will most likely get better rates for exchanging money in Cancun or Playa del Carmen than withdrawing from an ATM on Isla Mujeres.
Do restaurants and tour companies on Isla Mujeres accept credit cards?
Yes, most restaurants and tour operators on Isla Mujeres accept credit cards. If you join an all-inclusive catamaran tour from Cancun, you most likely won’t incur any extra charges on the island unless you want to buy extra snacks or souvenirs. Nevertheless, it is always a good idea to have cash on hand in case of an emergency.
What to bring on a day trip to Isla Mujeres?
Be sure to pack your sunscreen, swimsuit, and a hat to protect you from the sun. Snorkeling gears are included in most catamaran tours, but if you plan to go off on your own, make sure to bring your equipment as well. And of course, don’t forget your camera to capture all the beautiful memories!
The Wrap-Up: Isla Mujeres Catamaran Tour from Cancun
Whether you’re looking for a party, a relaxing day in the sun or some adventure, an Isla Mujeres catamaran tour from Cancun is the perfect way to spend a day. With so many activities included in the price, it’s hard to beat!
Diamond Bright All-Inclusive Isla Mujeres Catamaran Tour
Albatros Platinum Isla Mujeres Catamaran Tour
Cancun <-> Isla Mujeres Ferry Schedules & Tickets
Cancun/Riviera Maya Travel Resources
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