Best Cancun Boat Tours

There are so many things to see and do in Cancun that practically all your entertainment desires can come true there. For example, if you like sailing, you will find different types of cruises. Which one you choose depends on what you are looking for.

If you want to relax, you can opt for a sailing trip or a romantic night cruise, but if you want to party and have fun, there are also options for you in Cancun. You will have the possibility to choose cruises with entertainment or also a boat with a party on board reserved only for adults...you choose.

On these cruises, as well as enjoying the sailing in the bay of Cancun, you will be able to attend a complete pirate show.

The Jolly Roger Cruise is considered the best show for the whole family. Its entertainment offer makes it an ideal activity if you are looking for something to do with children in Cancun.

Throughout the entire cruise there are interactive themed shows such as cannon fire, acrobatics, dancing and much more. The ship's crew are all dressed as pirates and are also professional actors who will ensure that everyone is entertained.

Whether you are travelling alone, as a couple, with friends or with your family, this option is for you if you like to have fun.

The cruise includes an open bar with premium drinks during the cruise and delicious gourmet food of your choice (you must inform us before the cruise what you are going to eat, you will be given instructions on how to do this when you book). Menus can include such enticing dishes as a "combination of grilled lobster tail and beef medallion accompanied by a caramelised onion in a red wine sauce or a pepper sauce" or "Asparagus and black truffle risotto" (dishes may change from trip to trip). There is also a special menu for children and vegetarians.

This type of attraction tends to be very crowded, so if you prefer something a little less crowded you can opt for a private cruise or a catamaran ride around Cancun, where it won't be so crowded.

Interesting details

• Price: from approximately 106 euros per person.
• Duration: around 3 and a half hours.
• Means of transport: boat with pirate scenery.
• Advantages of this option: it is a complete, interactive show for the whole family and includes a gourmet dinner and a free premium drinks bar.
• Disadvantages of this option: it tends to be very crowded.

If you're looking for fun and activities with lots of people, but prefer something for adults only, this is the option for you. On this type of cruise there is a party on board, but it is exclusively for adults.

This boat trip is one of the options you have available within the excursions to Isla Mujeres.

While the captain and his crew take you to the final destination, you get to meet new fun-seeking people on board while enjoying an open cocktail bar throughout the trip.

When the ship docks, a buffet lunch is usually served and available for you and your companions at the beach club. The fun doesn't stop there, because you'll also be snorkelling on the reefs.

You'll spend about an hour and a half on Isla Mujeres, enough time to visit the island and take some great pictures with your new adventure friends.

This option includes lunch and drinks, but if you want to visit the Cancun Underwater Museum of Art, you'll have to pay a separate entrance fee.

You'll also have to pay around 15 euros marine wildlife conservation fees at check-in.

Details of interest

• Price: from 77 euros per person plus the fee of approximately 15 euros.
• Duration: 7 hours.
• Advantages of this option: for adults only.
• Disadvantages of this option: entrance fees to the Underwater Art Museum are not included. You can book without risk because this option has free cancellation.

In this option the main experience is relaxation. There is no party on board so if you are looking for relaxation, this is the right boat trip for you.

The 5 hour cruise through the Caribbean Sea is really great, even more so if you can accompany it with the free drinks available during the whole trip. On the way to Isla Mujeres you will experience one of the best snorkelling experiences in Cancun, included in this tour.

When you arrive at Isla Mujeres you'll be able to spend some free time on the island and explore it at your own pace, although you can always ask the crew for advice on how to do this.

It's a good idea to check how long you'll be ashore to see if you can visit the Cancun Underwater Museum of Art, because it's really worth it. If you don't have enough time on this tour you can spend another day visiting the museum.

This category of Cancun boat tours doesn't usually include lunch, but makes up for it by picking you up and taking you back to your hotel (check if your hotel is included in the list). In this case you will have to pay around 10 euros "dock fee" which is not included in the price.

Details of interest

• Price: from 77 euros per person, plus the "dock fee" of approximately 12 euros.
• Duration: 5 hours.
• Advantages of this option: you will be picked up and taken back to the hotel.
• Disadvantages of this option: no meals included.

Cancun is party, good food and lots of tequila. If you want to enjoy those three things to the fullest, this is the ideal tour.

This night-time boat trip in Xoximilco is synonymous with Mexican-style fun.

The boat ride does not take place in an ordinary boat, but in a typical Mexican trajinera. Trajineras are colourful boats similar to Venetian gondolas.

During your trip you will taste the best that Mexican cuisine has to offer in a delicious menu on board. You will also have an open bar during the whole trip. The mariachi show invites you to sing and dance in this fun experience (in small groups).

In these options, tickets to visit the Xoximilco Cancun by Xcaret park are included in the price, as well as transportation to and from your hotel (check before booking if your hotel is on the list or if you have to coordinate another meeting point).

Details of interest

• Price: from 126 euros per person approximately.
• Duration: 5 hours.
• Means of transport: bus to and from the hotel. The ride is done in trajineras.
• Advantages of this option: it is an experience on typical Mexican boats.
• Disadvantages of this option: places sell out quickly. It is advisable to book in advance.

Details of interest

• Price: from 58 euros plus applicable taxes (around 12 euros).
• Duration: 7 hours.
• Means of transport: La Lupita sailing boat.
• Advantages of this option: it is an economical option.
• Disadvantages of this option: they do not take you to and from the hotel.

In this experience you will have the sailboat for you and your group of companions, as it is a private tour. On a regular tour of this type of excursion, in the extended version of 8 hours, you will be able to visit Isla Mujeres and walk around the island.

This option does not include snorkelling, spinnaker, or sightseeing. If you want to enter the Museum in Isla Mujeres or do any extra activity you will have to pay extra. Drinks and snacks are included, but there is no lunch or open bar available.

This is an ideal option for those who just want to enjoy the pleasure of sailing and relax on board without crowds, just with your friends or family. On this tour all you have to do is relax and enjoy yourself as the crew will take care of everything.

The cruise departs from Cancun Marina which can be easily reached by taxi or you can also request when booking to be picked up from your hotel (extra charges may apply).

Details of interest

• Price: from 528 euros plus applicable taxes (around 12 euros). The price will depend on the duration of the trip.
• Duration: 4 or 8 hours.
• Advantages of this option: it is a private option, just for you and your group.
• Disadvantages of this option: it does not include any extra activities.

The best way to book boat trips in Cancun is to do it online with companies specialised in selling package tours. By booking online you ensure the availability of the selected date and you can often benefit from price promotions.

Also, by booking online you will be able to see all the options of tours and activities in Cancun available to add to your travel itinerary. Online purchases are made by credit or debit card, so you will need one to book.

Cancun boat tours last on average 7 or 8 hours, depending on which option you choose. There are also 4-hour options, but these are usually private tours so the price is quite a bit higher.

If you're looking for a shorter sailing trip, you can opt for boat or catamaran trips so you can use the time you have left over for other activities such as visiting Cancun's best beaches, for example.

On these types of excursions you'll see a lot, depending on which option you choose, of course. You can snorkel the reefs, visit Isla Mujeres and even go on a spinnaker flight if the weather in Cancun allows it.

You can also choose options with on-board parties or shows, with meals and drinks included at no extra cost. One of the main attractions included in some of these tours is a visit to the Underwater Museum of Art, if you book an excursion that doesn't include this option, take advantage of your free time on the island to visit it, you can buy your tickets for the MUSA online.

Prices vary according to the services offered on board. You can find good deals starting at around 60 euros per person, with drinks and food included.

If you are looking for a private sailing trip, prices are much higher, starting at around 530 euros per person, for experiences without extras. Only the sailing is included in the price.

• Consider when planning your trip the best time to visit Cancun.
• Arrive on time at the pier.
• Remember to bring a towel , swimming costume, appropriate footwear and a change of clothes.
• Sunscreen is essential on this type of trip, don't forget it.
• A good hat and sunglasses are also a must when you go sailing.