Cancun: Isla Mujeres Catamaran + Coco Bongo Show

Planning a day trip from Cancun that combines natural beauty, fun activities, and vibrant nightlife? This tour promises just that. It offers a full 10-hour adventure, taking you aboard a sailboat to explore Isla Mujeres, snorkel in colorful reefs, unwind on stunning beaches, and finish the day with the electrifying Coco Bongo Show & Disco. Whether you’re after relaxation, snorkel thrills, or a lively night out, this experience aims to tick all those boxes.

What we love about this trip is the chance to enjoy the Caribbean’s crystal-clear waters and scenic vistas, the inclusive open bar that keeps the mood lively, and the opportunity to explore Isla Mujeres’ charming streets. Plus, the sunset views with a piña colada in hand are quite the highlight. That said, one thing to keep in mind is the potential for logistical hiccups, especially around the Coco Bongo booking, which some past travelers reported as stressful.

This tour is best suited for travelers who enjoy a mix of outdoor activities, scenic sailing, and nightlife. It’s especially appealing if you love snorkeling, picturesque beaches, and vibrant shows, but might be less ideal if you prefer a more relaxed, less structured day or have tight time constraints.

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Key Points

Scenic sailing and snorkeling in the Caribbean offer memorable water experiences.
Inclusive amenities like open bar and buffet lunch add to the value.
Free time in Isla Mujeres allows for shopping, exploring, and relaxing at Playa Norte.
Sunset views with drinks create a perfect end to the day.
Limited reviews suggest some logistical issues, so stay flexible.
Nightlife at Coco Bongo promises an unforgettable show, but book early for easy access.

You can check availability for your dates here:

An In-Depth Look at the Experience

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The Itinerary and What You Can Expect

This tour packs a lot into a single day, making it ideal for travelers who want a comprehensive taste of Isla Mujeres and Cancun nightlife. The day begins with a choice of pick-up locations—either Costa Mujeres, Playa del Carmen, or Cancun—making it flexible for different hotel locations. After a short drive to the marina, guests board a sailboat for a 45-minute cruise across the bay, setting the tone with a relaxing, scenic journey.

One of the highlights is stopping at the largest natural pool in Latin America, a shallow, calm spot perfect for wading or floating. This natural wonder, along with the stop at Playa Norte, offers some of the most stunning views in the area. Here, you can snap photos, swim in the clear waters, or just lounge on the soft sand.

The Beach Club and Lunch Experience

After the first snorkeling session, you’ll head to Zaza Beach Club for a buffet lunch and unlimited drinks. This part of the day is about unwinding and soaking up the sun. The all-you-can-eat buffet provides a variety of options, and with the open bar, you’ll have plenty of cocktails, beers, and spirits to keep the energy up.

Past reviews note that timing here can be tight; one traveler mentioned being given less than an hour to eat due to overbooking at the beach club. This highlights the importance of managing expectations for free time and meal duration. Still, the staff seems to do their best to keep things moving efficiently.

Exploring Isla Mujeres

Post-lunch, you’re given about two hours to wander the streets of Isla Mujeres. You might visit local shops, pick up souvenirs, or simply stroll along the bay. The town has a laid-back, colorful charm that travelers often find appealing. A review from a different traveler pointed out that the free time is relatively limited, and some activities like buggy rentals lack safety features, so consider how much exploration you want to pack into this window.

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More Snorkeling and Scenic Sails

After exploring, you’ll hop back onto the boat for more sailing and a second snorkeling session in the Caribbean. The water here is clear, warm, and inviting—perfect for floating among vibrant fish and coral. Some travelers have noted the experience as enjoyable but advise being aware of time constraints; the last cruise back to Cancun is scheduled for around sunset, so don’t be late.

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Sunset and Return Journey

As the day winds down, you’ll witness a gorgeous sunset over the Caribbean while enjoying a piña colada. This peaceful moment is a favorite among many guests and provides a perfect photo opportunity. The boat then heads back to Cancun, giving you a chance to relax after a busy day.

The Nightlife at Coco Bongo

The evening’s grand finale is the Coco Bongo Show & Disco, famous for its dazzling performances, costumes, and lively atmosphere. This experience offers a fun, energetic ending to the trip—though getting tickets can sometimes involve extra steps, as one review mentioned booking issues. The ticket includes five drinks, which makes the show even more entertaining.

Please note that tickets are available every day except Friday and Saturday, and you’ll need to contact the provider directly for tickets. Entrance fees, cover charges, and drinks during the show are not included unless specified.

Transport, Duration, and Practical Tips

The full-day tour runs about 10 hours, making it quite the commitment but also offering good value for the price of $171 per person. Transportation from Cancun is available as an add-on for around $10 USD, with other pickup options in Costa Mujeres and Playa del Carmen.

The schedule is fairly packed, with several stops, sailing, snorkeling, and free time. Expect to be on the move but also to get ample opportunities for relaxing and taking in the scenery. The tour is wheelchair accessible and offers multilingual guides in Spanish, English, French, Portuguese, and Italian.

What to Bring and Consider

Pack light, comfortable clothes, swimwear, sunscreen (preferably biodegradable), and cash for tips or souvenirs. Be prepared for a full day of activity—good shoes, sunglasses, hats, and a change of clothes are practical choices. Remember, smoking and touching marine life are not allowed, and safety instructions for snorkeling should be followed carefully.

Authentic Traveler Insights

Past guests have shared mixed experiences. One reviewer expressed frustration over poor communication and booking issues, which can cause stress. However, others rave about the gorgeous views, especially during the sunset, and the lively atmosphere at Coco Bongo. It’s worth noting that some felt time at Isla Mujeres was too limited, making it a more rushed experience than initially expected.

Is this Tour Worth It?

For those who love a full, active day out—snorkeling in beautiful waters, exploring charming town streets, and ending with an energetic show—this tour offers a fantastic package. The inclusions like open bar and buffet lunch add significant value, especially for travelers looking for a hassle-free, all-in-one experience.

However, if you’re sensitive to logistical hiccups or prefer a more relaxed pace, you might want to consider how tightly scheduled this day can be. The key is managing expectations about timing, especially in busy seasons.

Who Should Consider This Tour?

Adventure seekers who want a mix of water activities and nightlife will find this tour ideal.
Couples and groups seeking a fun, social experience with plenty of photo moments will enjoy the scenic stops and sunset views.
Travelers with flexible schedules who don’t mind a packed day and some unpredictability will get the most out of it.
Those wanting a taste of both natural beauty and vibrant nightlife will find this experience hits the mark.

This tour isn’t perfect for travelers with very tight schedules or those who want to relax without a jam-packed itinerary. It’s also worth considering if you’d prefer a more seamless Coco Bongo booking process, as some past travelers faced hiccups.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is transportation to the meeting point included?
Transportation from Cancun can be added for around $10 USD, or you can organize your own transfer. The tour also offers pickups in Costa Mujeres and Playa del Carmen at additional costs.

How long is the boat ride?
Each sail on the catamaran lasts around 45 minutes, with some additional sailing time between stops, so expect about 2 hours of cruising in total.

What’s included in the price?
The tour fee covers snorkeling equipment, life vests, masks, a buffet lunch at Zaza Beach Club, open bar, visit to Isla Mujeres, and tickets to Coco Bongo Show & Disco (excluding drinks during the show and additional expenses).

Can I do the Coco Bongo show on the same day?
Yes, but you must contact the provider for tickets, which are available every day except Friday and Saturday. Be aware that some past guests had booking issues, so plan accordingly.

What should I bring?
Bring comfortable shoes, swimwear, sunglasses, hat, sunscreen, a change of clothes, towel, cash, and biodegradable sunscreen. Remember that smoking and touching marine life are prohibited.

How much free time do I get in Isla Mujeres?
You’ll have about two hours to explore the town, relax on Playa Norte, or shop for souvenirs. Keep in mind that some reviews mention this window can be somewhat rushed.

Is the tour suitable for children?
The experience is not recommended for children under 18 or people with epilepsy, mainly due to safety concerns and the nature of the activities.

Final Thoughts

This tour offers a balanced mix of adventure, relaxation, and nightlife, making it a compelling option for travelers wanting an all-in-one day in Cancun and Isla Mujeres. The scenic sailing, vibrant reefs, and stunning beaches provide plenty of picture-perfect moments, while the lively Coco Bongo show caps off the night with high-energy entertainment.

The inclusions are generally good value, especially considering the open bar and buffet lunch. However, the experience can sometimes be marred by logistical issues, like limited free time or booking confusion, so staying flexible is key.

Overall, it’s best suited for travelers who enjoy active days filled with water activities, scenic stops, and lively nights out. If you’re after a full, fun-filled day with plenty of variety, this tour is worth considering. Just be prepared for some busy moments and minor hiccups along the way.