Sailing Paradise: From Cancun to Isla Mujeres on Xcaret's Catamaran

My experience on the new Xcaret Xailing tour: Catamaran from Cancun to Isla Mujeres

A few days ago, I went with my friends to explore the new Xcaret tour that departs from the Cancun Hotel Zone Pier to Isla Mujeres. I'll tell you every detail of our experience on the Catamaran Prime Tour.

Check prices and what's included here: Catamaran by Xcaret.

Let's start by getting to know the tour's destination, one of my favorites in Mexico: Isla Mujeres.

Isla Mujeres - Magical Town

Isla Mujeres, located in the Mexican Caribbean, is a tropical paradise that captivates its visitors with its natural beauty and relaxed charm. Surrounded by crystal-clear turquoise waters, the island offers white sandy beaches, perfect for enjoying sunny days by the sea.

Its name, "Island of Women," is derived from pre-Hispanic goddess statues fishermen found on the island in honor of Ixchel, the moon goddess and fertility goddess.

In addition to its cultural history, Isla Mujeres attracts marine life enthusiasts with snorkeling and diving opportunities to explore vibrant coral reefs and diverse underwater ecosystems.

In addition to its beaches, the charming center of the island, with cobblestone streets and colorful houses, invites travelers to stroll and discover local shops, restaurants, and markets full of crafts.

Isla Mujeres is a tranquil retreat away from the hustle and bustle, where visitors can enjoy the serenity of its natural landscapes and the warmth of its local culture, making this island an unforgettable destination in the heart of the Mexican Caribbean.

Catamaran Journey from Cancun to Isla Mujeres

The meeting point to start the tour is at "El Embarcadero," located in the Cancun Hotel Zone, on Boulevard Kukulcán at kilometer 4.5.

From this same place, ferries also depart for the Cancun-Isla Mujeres route. You can get all the information about that service here: Ferry to Isla Mujeres routes and schedules.

In addition to providing services such as parking, restrooms, ATMs, and ticket booths, El Embarcadero features a souvenir shop where you can buy items that could be beneficial for your journey to Isla Mujeres, including swimsuits, towels, hats, caps, sandals, and more.

We embarked on the Xcaret Xailing tour aboard a catamaran, and I'll now explain what makes it unique.

A catamaran is a watercraft, whether sail or motor-powered, with two parallel hulls connected by a crossbeam framework. Its design provides exceptional stability and efficiency in the water, reducing resistance and allowing higher speeds than single-hull vessels.

Catamarans are popular in the Mexican Caribbean for recreation and tourist trips, offering a smooth and comfortable experience in calm seas. Their versatility makes them ideal for various water activities, from relaxing sunset cruises to day trips for snorkeling or fun parties on board.

First Stop: Snorkeling on the Reef

Once on board, the first activity we did after enjoying our refreshing welcome drink was gearing up to explore the coral reef. The guides provided us with a life jacket, a full-face mask, and fins (optional) and explained how to use them.

For those experiencing this for the first time, let me explain:

What is snorkeling?

Snorkeling is a recreational water activity that involves swimming on the water's surface equipped with a mask, breathing tube, and fins. Participants observe fascinating marine life while breathing through the tube, keeping their faces submerged.

This practice allows exploring coral reefs, colorful fish, and other underwater ecosystems in an accessible way without heavy diving equipment. Snorkeling is a popular experience to appreciate marine beauty in a relaxed manner and is suitable for people of all ages.

In this tour, we were divided into groups of 10 people per guide and swam gradually through different reef areas in El Meco, between Cancun and Isla Mujeres.

You may also be interested in: The fish you can see while snorkeling on the coral reef.

Second Stop: Beach Club in Isla Mujeres

After returning to the catamaran, drying off, and refreshing ourselves with delicious premium drinks, we prepared to disembark at a beautiful beach club in Isla Mujeres.

As we approached the island, a dreamlike tropical view appeared, full of palm trees and a beach with calm waters, perfect for resting and having a good time.

We had free time to take advantage of according to each person's preferences. The activities available for enjoyment include:

· Buffet lunch 

· Open bar

· Access to the pool

· Relaxing on sun loungers

· Strolling along the beach 

· Entering the sea

· Using bathrooms and showers

· Taking advantage of the beautiful spots for a photo session

We found that the time given was perfect for enjoying all the amenities. Undoubtedly, it is a very cozy and relaxing space.

Upon returning to the catamaran, the crew offered us a variety of freshly prepared drinks, including mojitos, mezcalinas, Palomas, micheladas, and more. We continued the journey through the dazzling colors of the Caribbean Sea towards our next activity.

Third stop of the tour: free time to explore Isla Mujeres

Our next stop was to explore Isla Mujeres freely. The guides explained several things we could do, such as visiting the island's most popular beaches, buying souvenirs at the local markets, and walking through its colorful streets, among many other options.

We decided to explore the island by walking through its picturesque downtown streets and reaching the viewpoint with a beautiful sea view. We also headed to the beach to enjoy the white sand full of shells, seashells, and ocean waves.

Return to Cancun

After strolling and enjoying this beautiful Magical Town, snorkeling in the Caribbean Sea reef, and enjoying the beach club, it's time to return to Cancun.

Tip: The tour guides explained that we could decide whether to stay longer on Isla Mujeres, return on one of Xcaret's ferries at a time that suits us best, or return on the catamaran.

If you choose to return on the catamaran with the tour, the atmosphere becomes lively on board, as there is a party, dancing, music, and drinks for those who prefer it.

If you want to buy this tour, you can do so through the website at this link: Get a quote for your Catamaran Prime Tour ticket.

If you have any questions, tell us what else you would like to know about this new Xcaret tour.