Catamaran Tours in the Riviera Maya
Catamaran tours are a great way to get out on the ocean. These boats have you gliding across the ocean and can take you to beautiful spots that are not easily accessible otherwise. Most tours are about 4-7 hours long and can take you to snorkeling spots, offer you food, a chance to go swimming and relax. Catamaran tours in the Riviera Maya are something special to check out while on vacation here.
Where can you get a catamaran tour?
You might think that with all the coastline we have here, there would be lots of options to jump on a catamaran. The truth is there are not many ports, so access to the ocean is limited. Here are the best spots that offer catamaran tours.
Main locations for catamaran tours
- Cancun. They leave from km. 4.5 in the Hotel Zone in Cancun.
- Cozumel. Tours leave from the west side of the island near town.
- Puerto Aventuras. There are two catamaran tour companies that work from here.
Secondary locations for a catamaran tour
- Maroma Beach. This is between Playa Del Carmen and Puerto Morelos.
- Puerto Morelos.
Of the below mentioned catamaran tours, here is what is included in the tour:
- Alcoholic drinks including beer.
- Snorkels and equipment.
- Either a packed bag lunch or prepared meal or buffet.
- Music and fun!
A couple tips for booking tours
- Some tours have an automatic two people included in the ticker prices. See what the actual price is per person.
- We recommend booking transportation with each catamaran tour company because it will be the most efficient and most likely cost effective.
- Most tours have a rain policy with the chance to change to another day. Booking a catamaran tour early in your vacation leaves open the opportunity to rebook if the weather is not optimal.
- Most tours require a port fee (usually $15 USD) which is paid upon arrival.
- The links in this article are for the booking pages for each tour. These are affiliate links. This means that if you book through these links, it will help support our website and give us further opportunities to cover more tours and activities for your next trip to the Riviera Maya.
Cancun Catamaran Tours
Xailing Tour by Xcaret to Isla Mujeres
Xailing is the new tour by Xcaret that has two versions of this catamaran tour. Both tours leave from the Hotel Zone in Cancun and take you snorkeling at the El Mecco Reef. One version of the tour takes you to a beautiful beach club on the south end of the island where you will have a buffet lunch. The other version has a boxed lunch and then a visit to the north end of Isla Mujeres. Both tours give you time to visit the north end where you can see the funky vibe of Isla Mujeres. See more about these tours in our article here. You can also see more in our video below.
This tour has some advantages. For one you can stay longer on Isla Mujeres and take Xcaret’s ferry back at a later time if you like. Second, you get free access to the Scenic Tower in Cancun with your bracelets.
Cozumel Catamaran Tours to Take
This four-hour (approx.) tour from Cozumel takes you to some of the most popular spots, El Cielo and the Money Bar. Visitors flock to Cozumel for its idyllic landscapes and pristine beaches and this half-day catamaran tour helps you to explore it all. Join a small group and climb aboard your vessel for hours of swimming, snorkeling, and soaking up the sun. Explore coral reefs, relax on the sandbanks, and enjoy time to play on the inflatable water park at Tortugas Beach Club.
Enjoy free-flowing drinks and snacks onboard A small group means more attention from your guide All snorkeling equipment is provided.
Catamaran Tours in Puerto Morelos
Did you know that the second largest reef in the world is just off the coast of the Riviera Maya? One of the best places to see this reef is off the coast of Puerto Morelos. Visit the Americas’ largest coral reef on this small group snorkeling tour by spacious catamaran. Put on the provided fins and mask, jump in, and observe the variety of colorful flora and fauna just beneath the surface of these protected waters. Later, enjoy a light lunch with unlimited soft drinks, beers, mixers, and spirits.
This tour excludes dock fees; upgrade to include round-trip transfers from select Puerto Morelos and Riviera Maya hotels.
Snorkeling excursion on the Mesoamerican Barrier Reef from Puerto Morelos Ride aboard a spacious and modern catamaran in a group of maximum 18 Certified marine park guide helps with equipment and spotting marine life Enjoy a light lunch and an open bar, including Absolut, Bacardi, and tequila
Puerto Aventuras Catamaran Tours
Catamaya Catamaran tour from Puerto Aventuras
Catamaya has one 65 ft. specially made catamaran it uses for the tours. This boat is larger than most others used for tours and can give you a smoother ride on the ocean and more space walking around the boat.
Their tour leaves from the port and sails up the coast of the Riviera Maya. Here you will stop in a beautiful bay and snorkel. After about 45 minutes snorkeling you will get back on board and sail down the coast. Near to Puerto Aventuras you will stop at a lagoon that has shallow water. Here they will start grilling your meal while you plan. You can jump off the boat, swim or use the slide. For more information on Catamaya and their tour, see our article here.
Fat Cat Catamaran tour from Puerto Aventuras
Fat Cat catamaran tours leave for port and take you up the coast of the Riviera Maya to a bay to snorkel. Here the guides will show you a reef and then it is back on the boat to have a bagged lunch. While you sail down the coast you can enjoy drinks from the bar and relax. When back near to Puerto Aventuras they will stop in a lagoon area where you can go swimming. For more details on Fat Cat Catamaran tours you can see our article here.
For other tours that you can take while in the Riviera Maya and Playa Del Carmen, see our article here.
Have you been on these catamaran tours in the Riviera Maya? What did you think? Let us know in the comments below.
About The Author
New to your blog. We are coming to the Riviera Maya for the first time. We have gone to PV many times on the Pacific coast but now are looking for a place to retire. Keep up the great work. I am hoping you update it regularly.
I have a group of 7 adults and am wondering about special pricing on the Catamaya tour. I also have 2 small children (ages 3 and 4 years old), and am wondering if they charge for them, and if so, what that rate is.
The dates we are available are January 3rd, 4th or 5th. Our preference is for January 5th.
Thank you.
Hello Leslee
We checked with Catamaya. Children under 5 are free. The best price is using the discount code on our page. Larger groups can rent the whole catamaran. Out code gives you a discounted price which is the same as some cheaper tours on other boats but Catamaya is better quality, so that is why we wanted to offer the discount.