If you only do one thing on the water in Cancún, make it this. The full-day private charter to Isla Mujeres is the most requested trip we run, and after hundreds of them we can tell you exactly how the day unfolds.
The route, hour by hour
You board at the marina between 9:00 and 10:00 am. The crossing to Isla Mujeres takes roughly thirty minutes from the Cancún hotel zone marinas — less from Puerto Juárez. The water goes from deep navy to that impossible turquoise about ten minutes in, and that is usually when the first drinks come out.
The first stop is the sandbar, a shallow flat where the water is waist-deep and clear enough to see your feet. Boats anchor, people get in, and nobody wants to leave. From there most groups head to El Farito, a shallow reef beside the old lighthouse, or to MUSA, the underwater sculpture museum where hundreds of concrete figures sit in about eight metres of water. Both are easy snorkeling — no experience needed, and the crew goes in with you.
Around midday the boat pulls into Playa Norte, regularly voted one of the best beaches in the world. You have a few hours ashore: lunch at a beach club, a walk into town, or simply more swimming. On the way back the captain usually swings past the cliffs at Punta Sur so you get the postcard photos, and you are back at the dock by late afternoon.
Which boat suits this trip
For six to twelve guests, a mid-size motor yacht is fast and comfortable — the Sea Ray 47 or the Azimut 50 are the usual picks. For larger groups or anyone who wants shade and space to spread out, a private catamaran is the better call: the Lagoon 45 takes up to 30 guests and has a trampoline deck that people end up lying on all day. If you want the flagship, the Leopard 51 has three cabins, three bathrooms and a chef on board.
What it costs
A full-day charter to Isla Mujeres runs from about $2,600 USD for the boat, depending on the vessel and the number of hours. That includes captain and crew, fuel, unlimited open bar, food on board and snorkel gear. Add roughly $10 to $20 USD per person for the government dock fee at boarding.
Practical things worth knowing
- Reef-safe sunscreen only. Regular sunscreen is not allowed at the snorkeling stops and the crew will ask.
- Bring cash for the island. Beach clubs and taxis in town are easier with pesos.
- Motion sickness: the crossing is short and usually calm, but if you are sensitive, take something an hour before and stay on deck.
- Book early for December to April. Holiday weeks and spring break fill up weeks ahead.
Ready to plan the day
Tell us your date and group size and we will match you with a boat, confirm the marina and send an all-inclusive price. Browse the options first on our fleet page.
Ready to get on the water?
Send us your dates and group size and we will come back with boat options and an all-inclusive price.
