REVIEW · CANCUN
Cancun Private Catamaran Cruise– Open Bar & Snorkeling Experience
Book on Viator →Operated by Boat Trips Club · Bookable on Viator
A catamaran day can change your whole Cancun rhythm. This private cruise sets you up with an exclusive boat, an onboard crew, and time on the water for relaxing, swimming, and snorkeling. You depart from the Playa Tortugas marina area and spend the trip cruising along the coast, with stops that include Playa Tortugas and a second stop near Cancun.
What I really like is how straightforward the value is once you’re onboard: the open bar is included, and the menu is clear (rum, tequila, whisky, soda, juice, and water). You’ll also get snorkeling equipment—masks, snorkels, and fins—so you can show up without packing gear.
One thing to consider: the listed price doesn’t cover dock fees or pickup, so your total can rise once you add those per-person charges. Also, the tour asks for a strong physical fitness level, which matters if you plan to swim or snorkel for a while.
In This Review
- Key things to know before you go
- Private catamaran in Cancun: what makes it feel special
- Price and value: what $995 really covers (and what to budget)
- Meeting point, timing, and how to plan your arrival
- The Playa Tortugas stop: snorkeling setup and swim time
- Cruising along Cancun: relaxation, photos, and open-water time
- Open bar on a boat: what’s included and how to pace it
- Crew, service, and the human touch
- Who should book this private cruise (and who might rethink it)
- Weather realities and avoiding a wasted day
- Should you book this private catamaran cruise?
- FAQ
- How long is the Cancun Private Catamaran Cruise?
- Is this tour private?
- What’s included in the open bar?
- Is snorkeling equipment provided?
- Are dock fees included in the price?
- Is pickup available?
- Is the open bar for adults only?
Key things to know before you go
- Open bar is unlimited with rum, tequila, whisky, and non-alcoholic options included
- Snorkeling gear is provided for everyone on the boat (masks, snorkels, fins)
- Private charter feel: it’s your group only, with exclusive use of the catamaran
- Onboard comfort is included with a restroom and safety life jackets available
- Expect extra per-person costs for dock fees and optional pickup
- Bilingual crew support helps you move through the day smoothly
Private catamaran in Cancun: what makes it feel special
This is one of those Cancun plans that stops the usual “tour-bus shuffle” feeling fast. You’re not sharing the boat with strangers. You get an exclusive-use catamaran for your group, and that changes everything about how the day feels—more space, more control over your pace, and less time waiting for the slowest group.
The day is built around an easy rhythm: board the boat, cruise out into Caribbean water, enjoy the open bar, and then use the snorkeling and swim time at your own tempo. Even if your group is split between people who want to get in the water and people who’d rather stay onboard, the private setup keeps everyone comfortable.
Crew support matters too. You’ve got a professional, bilingual staff that can help you with the basics—where to go, how to use snorkeling gear, and general safety reminders—so you spend less mental energy figuring things out and more energy on enjoying the sea air.
You can also read our reviews of more boat tours in Cancun
Price and value: what $995 really covers (and what to budget)
The headline price is $995.00 per group (for private use). That matters because this isn’t a per-person ticket where the boat fills up and you pay more only because you show up with more people. With a private charter, your cost is about how many people you bring and how you want the experience shaped.
That said, there are two common add-ons:
- Dock fee: $20 USD per person
- Pickup fee: $20 USD per person (if you choose pickup)
So the best way to think about value is like this: if you’re traveling with enough people to share the group cost, your per-person price can end up feeling more sensible than a standard shared boat tour. If you’re a smaller group, the price can feel steep—but it still buys you a calmer, more personal day on the water.
Also, the itinerary is compact: about 4 hours total. That’s a good length for a sea day in Cancun. Long enough to feel like you escaped, short enough that you’re not stuck on a boat until dinner.
Meeting point, timing, and how to plan your arrival
Your meeting point is at Caribean Golden Catamarans, on Blvd. Kukulcan, kilometro 6.5, Playa Tortugas, Zona Hotelera, Cancún. The activity ends back at the same meeting point.
Pickup is optional. If you book pickup, the team will call you a day prior to confirm the pickup location and timing. You’ll also receive a mobile ticket, which makes the day easier if you prefer not to hunt for paperwork while you’re waiting in the hotel zone.
One practical tip: when your group arrives, try to gather near the meeting point a bit early. Cancun can be busy, and once you’re trying to coordinate sunscreen, swimsuits, towels, and everyone getting to the correct dock, a few extra minutes can save stress.
The Playa Tortugas stop: snorkeling setup and swim time
The first stop is Playa Tortugas, and this is where you’ll use the snorkeling equipment. The tour includes masks, snorkels, and fins for all guests, plus life jackets are available if you want that extra layer of comfort.
What this means for you: you don’t need to rent gear or carry bulky snorkel equipment in your bag. Just bring your essentials—swimwear, reef-safe sunscreen if you use it, and something simple to keep sand out of your things when you’re back onboard.
A realistic approach is to treat snorkeling time as flexible. Some people snorkel for short bursts; others go longer. The private charter format helps because your group isn’t being herded on a tight conveyor schedule. You can do one swim, watch the water from the boat, then decide whether you want to go again.
The tour also lists a strong physical fitness level requirement. That doesn’t necessarily mean you need to be an athlete, but it does suggest the day includes active water time. If your group includes anyone who’s hesitant about getting into open water, plan for a slower pace and make sure everyone feels confident with the safety gear before they start snorkeling.
Cruising along Cancun: relaxation, photos, and open-water time
After Playa Tortugas, the trip continues with a second stop near Cancun. Between and around these stops, you’ll spend time cruising along the coast—time to enjoy the sea breeze, soak up sun, and settle into “nothing to do but enjoy it” mode.
This is a great part of the day for couples and groups who want a mix: a little adventure (snorkeling and water time), and then pure downtime. You can stay onboard with a drink, find a spot that matches your mood—shade or sun—and just watch the coastline drift by.
One small detail I appreciate from a day like this is the onboard setup: there’s a restroom onboard, which sounds basic, but on a short 4-hour water trip it makes the experience feel easier. You’re not playing a guessing game about timing or rushing right when you’d rather keep relaxing.
If your group likes music or a social atmosphere, this type of cruise often leans that way. The key is that you’re in private mode, so the vibe stays centered on your group and not on managing other people.
You can also read our reviews of more private tours in Cancun
Open bar on a boat: what’s included and how to pace it
The open bar is a major reason people choose this kind of cruise. Here you get unlimited drinks, including rum, tequila, whisky, plus soda, juice, and water. Alcohol is available for guests 18 and older.
How you should think about it: this is fun best when you pace. On a moving boat, drinks can hit faster than you expect—plus you’ll likely be snorkeling or swimming. My practical rule: do one drink, then water, then a second. It keeps energy up and helps everyone enjoy the whole day without turning it into a sleepy recovery.
Also, having non-alcoholic options included is genuinely useful. If your group has mixed preferences, no one has to sit out the bar portion. You can keep the vibe going with juice and soda while others enjoy cocktails.
Crew, service, and the human touch
A good catamaran day isn’t just about weather and water. It’s about whether the crew keeps things smooth. Here, you get a friendly, bilingual staff that guides you and assists throughout the cruise.
One name that shows up in the experience is Isaías Cabrera. If you happen to be paired with him, it’s a sign your trip may come with extra warmth and attention to the details that make a private day feel effortless.
Look for how the crew handles the flow: quick checks at boarding, help with getting snorkeling gear fitted, and clear guidance on safety. When that part works, your group spends less time “figuring it out” and more time enjoying the sea.
Who should book this private cruise (and who might rethink it)
This experience is a strong fit if you want:
- A private water day with your own group
- An included open bar setup that simplifies planning
- A cruise with snorkeling gear provided so you can travel lighter
- A short day (about 4 hours) that still feels like a true break
It may be less ideal if:
- Your group is mainly looking for a beach day with lots of on-land time. This is an on-water experience with a focus on snorkeling and cruising.
- You’re booking with people who don’t meet the tour’s listed strong physical fitness requirement for water activities. If that’s a concern, consider whether you’ll still enjoy the cruise without snorkeling as your main activity.
Best match by trip style: couples who want a romantic, controlled environment; families who want a straightforward plan; and groups of friends who care about comfort and value once onboard.
Weather realities and avoiding a wasted day
This cruise depends on good weather. If conditions aren’t right, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund. That’s exactly the kind of safety-first decision you want from an operator.
To maximize your chances of a good outcome, book a day where your schedule can flex slightly. In Cancun, weather swings happen—heat, wind, and sea conditions can change fast—and a cruise like this needs the water to cooperate.
Should you book this private catamaran cruise?
If your group wants a simple formula—private boat + open bar + snorkeling gear + a half-day on the water—this is an easy yes. The value becomes especially good when you’re splitting the group cost across multiple people, and the included items reduce the “nickel-and-dime” feeling once you’re at sea.
I’d book this when:
- You want a calm, controlled experience away from crowds
- Your group includes people who actually use snorkeling time
- You’d rather pay for comfort and ease than manage rentals and shared schedules
I’d pause if:
- You’re traveling with guests who may struggle with the tour’s strong physical fitness requirement
- Your budget can’t stretch to the extra $20 dock fee per person (and optional pickup)
Bottom line: for a clean, well-supported sea day in Cancun, this private catamaran setup is hard to beat.
FAQ
How long is the Cancun Private Catamaran Cruise?
It lasts about 4 hours.
Is this tour private?
Yes. It’s a private tour/activity, and only your group participates.
What’s included in the open bar?
You get unlimited rum, tequila, whisky, soda, juice, and water.
Is snorkeling equipment provided?
Yes. Masks, snorkels, and fins are provided for all guests.
Are dock fees included in the price?
No. A dock fee of $20 USD per person is not included.
Is pickup available?
Pickup is offered, but it costs $20 USD per person and is confirmed by calling you a day prior.
Is the open bar for adults only?
Yes. Alcoholic beverages are available for guests aged 18 and older.
