Reviewed · ISLA MUJERES TRIPS

Plus Experience Isla Mujeres Tour

★ 4.5 · 95 reviews 7 hours (approx.) From $67 Operated by Cancun Sailing Catamarans · Bookable on Viator
Book on Viator →

The best part of the Plus Experience Isla Mujeres Tour is its mix of open-water sailing and unhurried island time. You leave Cancun by catamaran, stop at the Arrecife de Coral for about 30 minutes, then get roughly four hours to explore downtown Isla Mujeres, swim, or shop for souvenirs. The sea, not a packed list of sights, is the main event.

I like two things here: snorkeling gear is provided, so you do not need to pack your own, and the onboard open bar keeps drinks flowing during the sailing portions. The main catch is money and meal planning: the advertised price is $67.50, but the $20 reef tax is extra, transportation is not included, and the information about lunch is unclear.

Key points to know before you book

Plus Experience Isla Mujeres Tour - Key points to know before you book

  • Four hours on Isla Mujeres: You get a useful block of free time in town rather than a rushed photo stop.
  • A 30-minute coral reef stop: Snorkeling equipment is supplied, and children must be at least 8 years old to snorkel.
  • Open bar on the catamaran: Unlimited drinks are included during the tour.
  • The real cost is higher than $67.50: Add the required $20 reef tax, plus transportation and any food or souvenirs.
  • A large sailing group: The maximum is 90 people, so this is a social boat trip, not a quiet private cruise.
  • Weather matters: Poor conditions can lead to a new date or a full refund.

Setting sail from Marina Las Perlas

Your meeting point is Marina Las Perlas, at Hotel Imperial las Perlas on Kukulcan Boulevard in Cancun’s Hotel Zone. The tour begins and ends there, and transportation to the marina is not included. That makes this easiest if you are already staying nearby or can arrange your own ride.

The departure point is close to public transportation, which helps, but you still need to plan your arrival. Do not treat the $67.50 fare as door-to-door pricing. The additional $20 USD reef tax is paid at check-in on the day of the tour, bringing the known cost to $87.50 before transportation, food, photos, or souvenirs.

The catamaran is the setting for much of the day. With a maximum of 90 people, the boat can feel lively and communal. That suits you if you like music, conversation, drinks, and a holiday atmosphere. If you want a calm sail with plenty of personal space, a group of this size may feel less appealing.

The guide may speak more than one language, and English is offered. No individual guide names are provided, so you should not expect to book around a particular staff member. A professional guide is included to help with the schedule and activities.

Other Cancun days travellers weigh against this one:

The 30-minute Arrecife de Coral stop

Plus Experience Isla Mujeres Tour - The 30-minute Arrecife de Coral stop

The first major activity is a stop at Arrecife de Coral, described as part of the world’s second-largest coral reef barrier. You have about 30 minutes here, with snorkeling equipment available from the captain.

That half-hour is enough for a short look beneath the surface, but it is not a long reef expedition. You will need to listen closely to instructions and use the time well. The stop works best if you already know how to use a mask and snorkel, though equipment is supplied for you.

The reef stop also comes with clear age rules. Snorkeling is permitted for children 8 and older, and children must be accompanied by an adult. The tour is generally open to most people, but the supplied information does not promise that every physical need or mobility concern can be accommodated. If that matters to you, ask the operator before paying.

The biggest practical benefit is convenience. You can leave your own snorkeling gear at the hotel and borrow the captain’s equipment. That saves luggage space and avoids renting a separate set for a short activity.

Still, keep expectations measured. The coral stop is only 30 minutes, and conditions can affect visibility and comfort. The tour requires good weather, so poor conditions may bring a schedule change or a full refund rather than a reef outing.

Four hours to find your own Isla Mujeres

Plus Experience Isla Mujeres Tour - Four hours to find your own Isla Mujeres

After the reef stop, the tour gives you about four hours in downtown Isla Mujeres. This is the part I find most useful for independent-minded visitors because you are not locked into one narrow activity.

You can walk through town, browse souvenirs, swim at the beach, or simply choose a place to sit and watch the island pass by. The free time gives you room to set your own pace. Families may prefer a swim and a simple meal, while couples or friends might spend more time shopping and exploring.

The freedom is also the limitation. No detailed walking route, landmark visit, or admission to a named attraction is included. You are being given time and a place, not a guided cultural tour of the island. If you want a structured history lesson or several specific sights, this may feel light on content.

Four hours is long enough that you should decide in advance how you want to use it. Wandering without a plan can be pleasant, but it can also make the return time sneak up on you. Keep track of the meeting instructions from your guide, since the boat will need to leave on schedule.

The island visit is also where extra spending is most likely. Souvenirs are not included, and food arrangements need clarification. The tour information lists lunch among the highlights but also says lunch is not included. That is an important inconsistency. Ask the provider exactly what lunch means before departure, rather than assuming a meal is covered by the fare.

Open bar, food, and the true value of the price

Plus Experience Isla Mujeres Tour - Open bar, food, and the true value of the price

At $67.50 per person, the tour looks like a fair entry price for a seven-hour catamaran outing with snorkeling equipment, a reef stop, open-bar drinks, a professional guide, and a beach club. Those inclusions matter because separate boat, gear, and drink costs can add up quickly.

The $20 reef tax changes the calculation. Your known minimum becomes $87.50 per person, before you pay for transportation, lunch if needed, and optional souvenir photos. The open bar may make the total feel worthwhile if you plan to spend much of the sailing time enjoying drinks. If you do not drink alcohol, the value is less obvious, since the largest included extra may not matter much to you.

The food wording deserves special care. One part of the information presents lunch as a highlight, while the inclusion list specifically excludes it. Until the operator confirms otherwise, budget for lunch yourself. This is not a small detail on a seven-hour outing, especially if you are traveling with children.

Souvenir photos are available for purchase but are not included. That is standard for this kind of activity, but you should not feel pressured to add them to the cost. The important memories here are the boat ride, the reef stop, and your own time on Isla Mujeres.

A 4.3 rating from 95 reviews suggests a generally positive but not flawless experience. The strongest praise centers on the fun, the water, and the steady availability of drinks. That matches the tour’s design: it is built for an easygoing day at sea, not a highly customized excursion.

Who will enjoy this catamaran day

Plus Experience Isla Mujeres Tour - Who will enjoy this catamaran day

I would point this tour toward you if you want several Cancun holiday staples in one booking:

  • A boat ride from the Hotel Zone
  • A short snorkeling session
  • Unlimited drinks
  • Beach-club access
  • Free time in Isla Mujeres
  • A return to the same marina

It is also a sensible choice if you do not own snorkeling equipment or do not want to arrange separate island transport. The provided gear removes one chore, and the professional guide gives the day a basic structure without controlling every minute.

Families can participate, but the age rule matters. Children need adult supervision, and only children 8 and older may snorkel. Younger children can still be part of the wider outing if they meet the general participation requirements, but the data does not promise a separate children’s program or child-focused activities.

This tour may be less suitable if you dislike large groups, do not drink, want a quiet boat, or expect a full meal and detailed sightseeing to be included. The 90-person maximum is a meaningful clue about the atmosphere. You are signing up for a shared excursion with a holiday-party feel.

What to bring and what to confirm

Plus Experience Isla Mujeres Tour - What to bring and what to confirm

The operator supplies snorkeling equipment, but practical preparation still helps. Bring swimwear, sun protection, and anything you need for several hours around water. The supplied information does not list towels, lockers, or personal items storage, so do not assume those are provided.

You should confirm four things before the day arrives:

  1. Lunch: Ask why it is described as both a highlight and an excluded item.
  2. Reef tax payment: Bring or arrange the required $20 USD per person at check-in.
  3. Transportation: Plan your own way to Marina Las Perlas and back.
  4. Return timing: Listen carefully to the guide when leaving the boat in Isla Mujeres.

The mobile ticket is convenient, and confirmation is sent when you book. The tour is offered in English, though the guide may be multilingual. Since the boat can hold up to 90 people, arrive ready for a group process at check-in and boarding.

The experience also depends on weather. If poor weather cancels the tour, you are offered another date or a full refund. If your plans are uncertain, the cancellation terms are useful: cancel at least 24 hours before the start time for a full refund. Inside that window, you receive no refund, and changes are not accepted.

Booking advice for a seven-hour island outing

Plus Experience Isla Mujeres Tour - Booking advice for a seven-hour island outing

The strongest reason to book is convenience. In one day, you get a catamaran, coral reef snorkeling, drinks, a beach club, and a long block of free time in Isla Mujeres. You do not need to build the day from separate reservations.

The strongest reason to hesitate is the lack of precision around food and the added costs. The base fare does not cover transportation or the reef tax, and lunch needs confirmation. For a careful budget, calculate at least $87.50 per person, then add your own transport and meal allowance.

The group size is the other key choice. A maximum of 90 people is not automatically a problem, but it tells you what kind of outing this is. You will likely have more energy and social activity than privacy. The excellent water and all-day drinks are central to the appeal, as reflected in the enthusiastic praise for the service, fun, and drinks.

Should you book the Plus Experience Isla Mujeres Tour?

Plus Experience Isla Mujeres Tour - Should you book the Plus Experience Isla Mujeres Tour?

Book it if you want a social, all-in-one boat day and value the combination of snorkeling, open-bar drinks, and four hours to make your own plans on Isla Mujeres. The $20 reef tax is easy to account for, and the supplied snorkeling gear is a real convenience.

Skip it if you want a small boat, a quiet sail, a structured island tour, or a clearly included lunch. Before booking, get a firm answer about food and prepare for your own transport to Marina Las Perlas. With those details settled, this is a practical choice for a relaxed Cancun day on the water.

FAQ

How long is the Plus Experience Isla Mujeres Tour?

The tour lasts approximately seven hours.

Where does the tour start?

It starts at Marina Las Perlas, at Hotel Imperial las Perlas Km 2.5 on Kukulcan Boulevard in Cancun’s Hotel Zone.

Where does the tour end?

The activity ends back at the original meeting point, Marina Las Perlas.

Is transportation included?

No. Transportation is not included, so you must arrange your own way to and from the marina.

Is snorkeling equipment provided?

Yes. Snorkeling equipment is available for use during the coral reef stop.

How old must children be to snorkel?

Children must be at least 8 years old to snorkel, and children must be accompanied by an adult.

How much is the reef tax?

The required reef tax is $20 USD per person, paid at check-in on the day of the tour.

Are drinks included?

Yes. Unlimited drinks from the onboard open bar are included.

Is lunch included?

The available information is inconsistent. Lunch is described as a highlight in one place but is also listed as not included. Confirm the meal arrangement with the provider before the tour.

Can I cancel for a refund?

Yes. You can receive a full refund if you cancel at least 24 hours before the experience start time. Cancellations or changes made within 24 hours are not accepted for a refund. If poor weather cancels the tour, you are offered a different date or a full refund.

More like this

Isla Mujeres Trips, compared.

The full Isla Mujeres Trips list →
Isla Mujeres Luxury Sailing: Adults Only or Family Friendly
★★★★★★★★★★4.5· 3,418 reviews· from $129

Isla Mujeres Luxury Sailing: Adults Only or Family Friendly

Read our review →
Isla Mujeres Snorkeling Tour Adventure
★★★★★★★★★★5.0· 1,746 reviews· from $58

Isla Mujeres Snorkeling Tour Adventure

Read our review →
Isla Mujeres Catamaran Tour with Snorkel, Open bar and Transport
★★★★★★★★★★4.5· 1,275 reviews· from $85

Isla Mujeres Catamaran Tour with Snorkel, Open bar and Transport

Read our review →
Whale Shark Adventure in Isla Mujeres and Cancun
★★★★★★★★★★5.0· 951 reviews· from $155

Whale Shark Adventure in Isla Mujeres and Cancun

Read our review →
Beach Escape: Isla Contoy and Isla Mujeres with Snorkeling.
★★★★★★★★★★5.0· 717 reviews· from $169

Beach Escape: Isla Contoy and Isla Mujeres with Snorkeling.

Read our review →
Isla Mujeres Catamaran, Open Bar & Optional Buffet and pick up
★★★★★★★★★★3.5· 628 reviews· from $39

Isla Mujeres Catamaran, Open Bar & Optional Buffet and pick up

Read our review →

Browse the lists this tour appears in

Scroll to Top

Where Mexico is worth a whole day

Reef, ruin, market or agave field.