catamaran hotel xcaret

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All-inclusive resorts in cancun and the riviera maya.

Hotel Xcaret’s Newest Excursion–A Review of Their Catamaran Cruise

The catamaran at Casa de la Playa marina

During my March 2023 stay at Hotel Xcaret Arte , I took advantage of making a reservation at their newest excursion offering–the Veleo Catamaran Cruise. When you receive your resort “Wishlist” (click here for my article about the Wishlist and what other free activities are available during your stay), you will see that the first page has a list of “Xperiences” that you can book. This newest offering is listed under Catamaran by Xcaret, and you make your reservation request there on your wishlist which you send back to the hotel.

The Veleo Catamaran Cruise is for guests of all three Xcaret hotels–Hotel Xcaret Mexico, Hotel Xcaret Arte, and Casa de la Playa. That means this excursion will have children aboard, so don’t expect it to be adults-only. Also, the catamaran is quite large and offers two decks, seating on both decks, and a bar; shade is only offered on the bottom deck. However, the catamaran did not offer overwater nets which was a disappointment for me given the fact that nets provide most of my catamaran fun…

Here’s some more info about the catamaran cruise:

The only day it doesn’t operate is on Sunday.
It’s two hours long
It has two hotel departure times, 10:35 a.m. and 1:25 p.m.
The cruise includes open bar and a boxed lunch (the resort lists it as “canapes”)
The boxed lunches include one vegetarian option and two different meat options
The catamaran cruise leaves from the marina at Casa de la Playa. Yes, Casa de la Playa has its own marina.
Transportation to Casa de la Playa is included for both Xcaret hotels. You need to be waiting for the shuttle to take you to the catamaran at least 20 min. prior to the departure time. The shuttle will let you off in a parking structure at Casa de la Playa where you will wait with the entire group from several shuttles. A staff member then leads the group to the nearby catamaran for boarding.
You cannot wander off to see Casa de la Playa. There are no exchange privileges which allow other Xcaret hotel guests to see that resort.

This is Casa de la Playa

The chapel which divides Hotel Xcaret Mexico on the left from Hotel Xcaret Arte on the right.

Since it’s only a two hour cruise, the catamaran goes up and down the immediate Riviera Maya coastline–once it heads out of the marina it goes south so that guests can see all three Xcaret resorts from the vantage point of being on the water, then it heads north until it approaches the pier at Playa del Carmen. Playacar Beach, one of my favorite beach areas in the Riviera Maya, was a highlight of this cruise; I saw many all-inclusive resorts in the distance which I easily recognized since I have stayed at many of them along this stretch of beach. Nice déjà vu moments…

Playacar Beach in front of Riu Palace Riviera Maya

The catamaran played many recognizable American music hits as well as some Mexican songs which I did not recognize. After box lunches were distributed and there had been some time to eat, staff encouraged guests to come to the bow for some line dancing lessons. Kids seemed to really enjoy that activity. It’s not a free for all dancing session, there was structure to that time onboard, so if you’re not into line dancing you may not appreciate that part of the cruise.

Line dancing lessons

Once you get off the catamaran you walk back to the same place you exited your shuttle; remember the shuttle you originally took! It will take you back to your resort.

Would I do it again? No, there were no overwater nets, and I don’t dance, but I did enjoy the resort sightseeing and memories. I would say this excursion would be better for families who enjoy line dancing, or for those who just like to take some time to do a water activity and see the beautiful coastline.

Take a few moments to view my photo gallery below…

Light Tour: Get to know Isla Mujeres on a Catamaran

An incredible catamaran trip from cancun to isla mujeres.

Available : Monday to Sunday, two departures: 8:30 a.m. and 11:30 a.m.

Duration : Between 6 and 7 hours.

Minimun Age : For all ages (for snorkeling everybody needs to know how to swim, have at least 8 years old and in company of an adult).

Children : 25% discount for children from 5 to 11 years old on the adult price.

*You must show your ID at the Embarcadero's ticket office.

ITINERARY – 9:00 A.M. ITINERARY – 11:30 A.M.

7:00 a.m. 7:00 am Pick-up (only if included in your reservation
8:30 a.m. 8:30 a.m. Check-in and boarding
9:00 a.m. 9:00 a.m. Tour starts. Transfer to the reef and safety briefing
9:30 a.m. 9:30 a.m. Snorkeling experience at El Meco
10:20 a.m. 10:20 a.m. Transfer to the Perla Negra dock at downtown area
10:40 a.m. 10:40 a.m. Descent at the Perla Negra dock
10:50 a.m. 10:50 a.m. Box Lunch delivery
11:00 a.m. 11:00 a.m. Free time at Isla Mujeres
2:15 p.m. 2:15 p.m. Boarding at the Perla Negra dock for the returning trip
2:30 p.m. 2:30 p.m. Transfer and party onboard the catamaran
3:45 p.m. 3:45 p.m. Arrival to the Embarcadero pier
4:00 p.m. 4:00 p.m. Access to the Scenic Tower
5:00 p.m. 5:00 p.m. Transfer back to the hotel (only if included in your reservation)
10:00 a.m. 10:00 a.m. Pick-up (only if included in your reservation)
11:30 a.m. 11:30 a.m. Check-in and boarding
12:00 p.m. 12:00 p.m. Tour starts. Transfer to the reef and safety briefing
12:30 p.m. 12:30 p.m. Snorkeling experience at El Meco
1:20 p.m. 1:20 p.m. Transfer to the Perla Negra dock at downtown area
1:40 p.m. 1:40 p.m. Descent at the Perla Negra dock
1:50 p.m. 1:50 p.m. Box Lunch delivery
2:00 p.m. 2:00 p.m. Free time at Isla Mujeres
4:50 p.m. 4:50 p.m. Boarding at the Perla Negra dock for the returning trip
5:05 p.m. 5:05 p.m. Transfer and party onboard the catamaran
6:00 p.m. 6:00 p.m. Arrival to the Embarcadero pier
6:15 p.m. 6:15 p.m. Access to the Scenic Tower
6:45 p.m. 6:45 p.m. Transfer back to the hotel (only if included in your reservation)

The tour includes

Recommendations, important information.

Catamaran ride with music and ambiance, round trip from Cancun.
Snorkeling tour at El Meco reef (minimum age of 8 years and requires to know how to swim).
Premium drinks on board.
Fruit and cookies on board.
Free time to explore Isla Mujeres.
Access to the Scenic Tower.
Return by ferry or catamaran.
Wear cool clothing, a swimsuit, hat or cap, and sunglasses.
Bring a towel and chemical-free sunscreen.
If you added transportation from your hotel, please confirm the place and time of pick-up.
The minimum age for consumption of alcoholic beverages is 18 years old, and official identification is required.
For the snorkeling tour at the reef, the minimum age to participate is 8 years old and requires to know how to swim. Underage must be always in the company of an adult and it is mandatory to wear a lifejacket. Snorkeling activity is subject to weather conditions.
Avoid touching the reefs or feeding the marine fauna.
An adult must accompany minors.
We ask you to follow all the indications of the crew for your safety and the safety of your family and friends.
In bad weather, the authorities, through the Port Captaincy, will indicate if safe navigation is possible.
To access the Scenic Tower, you must present your catamaran tour ticket. It is valid until 15 days after the date of the visit.

Online Price

The Catamaran Light Tour departs from El Embarcadero by Xcaret

El Embarcadero by Xcaret located at the Cancun Hotel Zone Km 4.5 is the departing point for the Catamaran Light Tour to Isla Mujeres.

You can get there by public transportation, taxi or car (there is parking available at an additional cost).

FAQs about the Catamaran Light Tour

How and where to travel by catamaran.

If you are enjoying your vacation in Cancun, you can take a fun catamaran tour to the wonderful Isla Mujeres. The boat leaves from the Embarcadero to Isla Mujeres by Xcaret and takes you on a 7-hour experience with snorkeling, music on board, snorkeling, premium drinks and free time on the island.

How long does the catamaran trip to Isla Mujeres take?

The catamaran tour to Isla Mujeres has a duration of 7 hours. It includes:
Snorkeling tour at El Meco reef (minimum age of 8 years and requires knowing how to swim).

How safe is a catamaran?

Totally safe! The captain and his crew are fully trained to make you spend a day of fun and confidence in high quality boats.

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Sailing Paradise: From Cancun to Isla Mujeres on Xcaret's Catamaran

December 12, 2023

My experience on the new Xcaret Xailing tour: Catamaran from Cancun to Isla Mujeres

A few days ago, I went with my friends to explore the new Xcaret tour that departs from the Cancun Hotel Zone Pier to Isla Mujeres. I'll tell you every detail of our experience on the Catamaran Prime Tour.

Check prices and what's included here: Catamaran by Xcaret.

Let's start by getting to know the tour's destination, one of my favorites in Mexico: Isla Mujeres.

Isla Mujeres - Magical Town

Isla Mujeres, located in the Mexican Caribbean, is a tropical paradise that captivates its visitors with its natural beauty and relaxed charm. Surrounded by crystal-clear turquoise waters , the island offers white sandy beaches , perfect for enjoying sunny days by the sea.

Its name, "Island of Women," is derived from pre-Hispanic goddess statues fishermen found on the island in honor of Ixchel, the moon goddess and fertility goddess.

In addition to its cultural history, Isla Mujeres attracts marine life enthusiasts with snorkeling and diving opportunities to explore vibrant coral reefs and diverse underwater ecosystems.

In addition to its beaches, the charming center of the island, with cobblestone streets and colorful houses, invites travelers to stroll and discover local shops, restaurants, and markets full of crafts.

Isla Mujeres is a tranquil retreat away from the hustle and bustle, where visitors can enjoy the serenity of its natural landscapes and the warmth of its local culture, making this island an unforgettable destination in the heart of the Mexican Caribbean.

Catamaran Journey from Cancun to Isla Mujeres

The meeting point to start the tour is at "El Embarcadero," located in the Cancun Hotel Zone, on Boulevard Kukulcán at kilometer 4.5.

From this same place, ferries also depart for the Cancun-Isla Mujeres route. You can get all the information about that service here: Ferry to Isla Mujeres routes and schedules .

In addition to providing services such as parking, restrooms, ATMs, and ticket booths, El Embarcadero features a souvenir shop where you can buy items that could be beneficial for your journey to Isla Mujeres, including swimsuits, towels, hats, caps, sandals, and more.

Ver esta publicación en Instagram Una publicación compartida de Xcaret Xailing (@xcaretxailing)

We embarked on the Xcaret Xailing tour aboard a catamaran, and I'll now explain what makes it unique.

A catamaran is a watercraft, whether sail or motor-powered, with two parallel hulls connected by a crossbeam framework. Its design provides exceptional stability and efficiency in the water, reducing resistance and allowing higher speeds than single-hull vessels.

Catamarans are popular in the Mexican Caribbean for recreation and tourist trips, offering a smooth and comfortable experience in calm seas. Their versatility makes them ideal for various water activities, from relaxing sunset cruises to day trips for snorkeling or fun parties on board.

First Stop: Snorkeling on the Reef

Once on board, the first activity we did after enjoying our refreshing welcome drink was gearing up to explore the coral reef. The guides provided us with a life jacket, a full-face mask, and fins (optional) and explained how to use them.

For those experiencing this for the first time, let me explain:

What is snorkeling?

Snorkeling is a recreational water activity that involves swimming on the water's surface equipped with a mask, breathing tube, and fins. Participants observe fascinating marine life while breathing through the tube, keeping their faces submerged.

This practice allows exploring coral reefs , colorful fish, and other underwater ecosystems in an accessible way without heavy diving equipment. Snorkeling is a popular experience to appreciate marine beauty in a relaxed manner and is suitable for people of all ages.

In this tour, we were divided into groups of 10 people per guide and swam gradually through different reef areas in El Meco , between Cancun and Isla Mujeres.

You may also be interested in: The fish you can see while snorkeling on the coral reef .

Second Stop: Beach Club in Isla Mujeres

After returning to the catamaran, drying off, and refreshing ourselves with delicious premium drinks, we prepared to disembark at a beautiful beach club in Isla Mujeres.

As we approached the island, a dreamlike tropical view appeared, full of palm trees and a beach with calm waters, perfect for resting and having a good time.

We had free time to take advantage of according to each person's preferences. The activities available for enjoyment include:

· Buffet lunch

· Open bar

· Access to the pool

· Relaxing on sun loungers

· Strolling along the beach

· Entering the sea

· Using bathrooms and showers

· Taking advantage of the beautiful spots for a photo session

We found that the time given was perfect for enjoying all the amenities. Undoubtedly, it is a very cozy and relaxing space.

Upon returning to the catamaran, the crew offered us a variety of freshly prepared drinks, including mojitos, mezcalinas, Palomas, micheladas, and more. We continued the journey through the dazzling colors of the Caribbean Sea towards our next activity.

Third stop of the tour: free time to explore Isla Mujeres

Our next stop was to explore Isla Mujeres freely. The guides explained several things we could do, such as visiting the island's most popular beaches, buying souvenirs at the local markets, and walking through its colorful streets, among many other options.

We decided to explore the island by walking through its picturesque downtown streets and reaching the viewpoint with a beautiful sea view. We also headed to the beach to enjoy the white sand full of shells, seashells, and ocean waves.

Return to Cancun

After strolling and enjoying this beautiful Magical Town, snorkeling in the Caribbean Sea reef, and enjoying the beach club, it's time to return to Cancun.

Tip: The tour guides explained that we could decide whether to stay longer on Isla Mujeres, return on one of Xcaret's ferries at a time that suits us best, or return on the catamaran.

If you choose to return on the catamaran with the tour, the atmosphere becomes lively on board, as there is a party, dancing, music, and drinks for those who prefer it.

If you want to buy this tour, you can do so through the website at this link: Get a quote for your Catamaran Prime Tour ticket .

If you have any questions, tell us what else you would like to know about this new Xcaret tour.

Hotel Xcaret México expands in 2025 with exclusive experiences for every family member. From new themed houses and spectacular slides to dedicated areas for babies, teens, and adults, experience the magic of Mexico like never before!

Relive the unforgettable highlights of the 2024 Life and Death Traditions Festival at Xcaret. A celebration of Mexico’s Day of the Dead with vibrant altars, music, art, and traditional flavors in the Riviera Maya.

The authentic flavors of Quintana Roo that made us remember and reconnect with this beautiful Mexican tradition.

Explore the rich tradition of altars in the context of Día de Muertos, a celebration deeply rooted in Mexican culture. In Xcaret, these altars become a space where we honor our loved ones who have passed away, decorated with symbolic elements such as marigold flowers, candles, photographs, and traditional sugar skulls.

The Festival of Life and Death Traditions at Xcaret is a vibrant celebration that honors the rich culture of the Day of the Dead in Mexico. To fully enjoy this event, it is essential to choose the appropriate attire.

Reik joins the celebration of the Festival of Life and Death at Xcaret, where their music will resonate on a stage as iconic as the festival itself.

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Xcaret Xailing

Parks and Tours

Grupo Xcaret

Detinations

Xcaret - Mexico, Chetumal - Puerto Juarez Federal Highway, Km. 282, Rancho Xcaret,Playa del Carmen,Quintana Roo. México. CP 77710.

Telephone USA/CAN: 1-855-326-0682 Open Monday to Friday from 7:00 a.m. at 12:00 a.m. | Saturdays and Sundays from 7:00 a.m. at 10:00 p.m. Quintana Roo local time.

Price Guide

Check the price for the cozumel and isla mujeres ferry tickets, and our catamaran tours.

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Sail at our Ferry service and the Catamaran Tours by Xcaret Xailing

Get the best of your Riviera Maya and Cancun vacation! Enjoy the sun, the astounding turquoise waters of the Caribbean Sea, and marvelous views. Get the Ferry to Isla Mujeres from the Embarcadero Pier at a great location in the Cancun Hotel Zone . It’s a fantastic option to discover the island at your own pace or even stay a few days there.

You can also visits the amazing Cozumel Island on board a modern ferry from Playa del Carmen. The Ferry to Cozumel by Xcaret Xailing takes you to discover a snorkeling and scuba diving paradise in the Mexican Caribbean on a comfortable 45 min ride.

For a visit Isla Mujeres for the day, the Catamaran Tour is a great option. Dip into the water to snorkel in a nearby reef, enjoy a Premium open bar on board, and take a walk by the downtown area. Choose the Catamaran Prime Tour to rest and having lunch at an exclusive beach club. Get delighted by the Mexican Caribbean with Xcaret Xailing .

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