xcaret sailing catamaran

The experience of sailing with Xcaret's Yachts, Catamarans, and Ferry in the Mexican Caribbean

April 09, 2024

We all want to travel to the Caribbean and get lost in its turquoise blue!

If we talk about beautiful beaches and tropical landscapes, we can't stop thinking about Quintana Roo. The combination of beaches, sunsets, culture, and diversity of activities has made it one of the most important tourist destinations in Mexico and the world.

More and more travelers look for different experiences on their vacations, whether in the style of activities or locations. This also includes how they are transported. The search for flexible schedules, quality, and trust will be the key to choosing the best option.

What options for maritime transportation are there in Quintana Roo?

Currently, there are more options to travel by sea within the destination. Now we can have the freedom to choose the one that best suits our preferences and type of travel. Whether by ferry, catamaran, or yacht.

  Everything you should know about Xcaret Xailing  

A new Xcaret brand that aims to create new sailing experiences with different sailing products that redefine the way we travel.  

Let's review each one with its characteristics:

Xcaret Ferry

Xcaret Xailing ferries are a new option in the destination to travel from Cancun to Isla Mujeres and viceversa in a comfortable, fast, and privileged location.

The pier has a very tropical style with a very photographable spot of the letters of Isla Mujeres. The location is at km 4.5 of the Cancun Hotel Zone.

You can anticipate your purchase and buy your tickets online or through the ticket office before boarding.

Choose to travel with your pet! 🐾

  Xcaret Ferry boats are pet-friendly; they have an assigned area on the deck so you can travel with them and enjoy the views.   

  Route Isla Mujeres ↔️ Cancun:

Departures from Cancun are every day of the year from 9:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. (except 3:00 p.m.). Something to highlight is that any type of ticket includes free access to the Scenic Tower of Cancun.

We recommend confirming the departure times on our official platforms:  

• Website 

  Read more about the experience of sailing to Isla Mujeres with Xcaret Ferry: https://blog.xcaret.com/en/how-to-get-to-isla-mujeres-from-cancun/

What promotions does Xcaret Ferry have?  

You can take advantage of three types of discounts:  

• Quintana Roo residents  
• Isla Mujeres residents 

Scenic tower   

  How tall is the Cancun Scenic Tower?  

The tower is 80 meters high and has 360° views to admire the immensity of the Caribbean Sea and the Nichupte Lagoon. It is open from 9:00 am to 9:00 pm, Monday to Sunday. We recommend going up during the day and at night to enjoy two different views.

How long is the ride on the Scenic Tower?

The duration of the ride is approximately 15 minutes.

A focus on sustainability

It is important to mention that all vessels are 100% compliant with the protocols established in the International Convention for the Prevention of Pollution from Ships (MARPOL). Each vessel has two main engines, built to IMO Tier 2 emission reduction standards.

La Tienda del Puerto

Inside the pier, you can also find La Tienda del Puerto, a souvenir store with the best souvenirs for your beach getaway. Here you can buy any souvenir from Xcaret's parks and hotels.

Open Monday through Sunday from 8:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m. You'll want to bring everything!

Route Playa del Carmen ↔️ Cozumel:   

We are launching a new route from Playa del Carmen to Cozumel!

Departures to Cozumel are from the maritime terminal in Playa del Carmen, very close to 5th Avenue. This route has 14 daily departure times, with punctual departures every hour at the 30-minute mark.

It is a great option for those who wish to visit Cozumel at their own pace.

You will travel aboard new and comfortable boats with the guarantee and seal of Xcaret.

In addition, you can also take advantage of discounts for people from Quintana Roo and INAPAM. The Cancun Scenic Tower is included in your ticket!

Buy directly at the Playa del Carmen Maritime Terminal ticket office or online .   

  We recommend you to confirm departure times on our official platforms:  

• Website  
•   App  

  Xcaret Catamaran Isla Mujeres  

A tour that has it all!

If you are looking for a tour that brings together the best of a tropical party, snorkeling, and unlimited drinks, this is your best option.

Xcaret Catamaran is a new experience to enjoy a little piece of Isla Mujeres by sea and land. This tour consists of snorkeling in the area of El Meco to admire hundreds of fish, enjoy premium drinks, and have the option to rest in a beach club.

Departure for this tour is at 9:00 a.m. from the pier in Cancun's Hotel Zone.

Learn more about the two types of tours and what they include:

Recommendations for the tour:

• Bring a towel and a change of clothes.
• Protect yourself from the sun with a hat or sunglasses. 
• Consider extra money to purchase your photo package.
• Use a biodegradable sunscreen

Find more details of the new Catamaran tour: https://blog.xcaret.com/en/xcaret-catamaran-tour-cancun-isla-mujeres/  

How much does the Xcaret Catamaran tour to Isla Mujeres cost?

There are different rates depending on the tour you choose. Here you can learn about Prime Tour and Light Tour prices. This experience also has special rates for people from Quintana Roo, INAPAM and Mexicans.

Exclusive boating experiences from Xcaret Hotels

Xcaret Hotels also offer different sailing options to their guests with avant-garde proposals to enhance their stay in the Mexican Caribbean.

  Xcaret Yachts  

The definition of luxury and sophistication in the Caribbean.

Xcaret's yachts provide a unique, private and completely personalized service with luxury boats. It is ideal to celebrate a special occasion while enjoying the sunset.

The private tour includes a premium open bar and canapés.

Xcaret Yacht Serena:  

• 45" boat for 14 people.  
• Tours of 4 and 6 hours  

  Includes:

• Canapés  
• Premium open bar  
• Snorkeling equipment  
• Floating mattresses  
• WiFi  
• Towels  
• Bilingual crew (Captain, deckhand and hostess).  

Xcaret Yacht Shaloha:

• 50" boat for 16 people  
• 4 and 6 hour tours
• Towels   
• Bilingual crew (Captain, sailor and hostess).  

  Service hours: 8:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m.  

Xunset Party Catamaran and Xunset Lovers Catamaran

The ideal option to celebrate a birthday anniversary or even an emotional proposal.   

Xunset Party combines the warm colors of the sunset with a party on board with DJ.   

On the other hand, Xunset Lovers has everything you need to live a great romantic moment by the Caribbean Sea. Enjoy live sax music.  

Both include canapés and an open bar on board.

More information and reservations from the concierge.  

  Schedule: 18:00 to 20:30 hrs

How to book?  

To book these experiences you need to contact the concierge of Hotel Xcaret Mexico, Hotel Xcaret Arte, or Casa de la Playa or write directly to the live chat of Xcaret Hotels.

  5 tips for an unforgettable experience in the Mexican Caribbean:  

• Book in advance to avoid mishaps.  
• Research the destinations of your interest   
• Connect with local culture   
• Take care of the beaches and marine life   
• Let yourself be pampered and have fun.   

This is how Xcaret Xailing aims to create new experiences on the Caribbean Sea, giving it a characteristic touch with the Xcaret guarantee, where the most important thing is comfort and quality of service.

Now you already know the new sailing options in Quintana Roo! We hope to see you soon enjoying the paradisiacal views that this destination has. Thank you for your preference!

See you in the next blog 🙂

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Experience that feels like a continuous celebration.

Discover the history of Xcaret through these three books: "Xueños," written by its creator; " Xcaret Passport," to have fun while you get to know its secrets as you explore the park, and a photographic gallery on Mexican culture.

Discover insider tips to unlock unbeatable promotions for your Xcaret adventure. Learn how to snag the best deals of the year with our expert advice.

We had a very interesting conversation with the art curator of Hotel Xcaret Arte about how creative expression can nurture the soul and promote personal growth.

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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.

©Copyright 2022 Experiencias Xcaret Parques, S.A.P.I. de C.V

CATAMARAN to Isla Mujeres, Snorkel & Beach Club by Xcaret

• Round trip from Cancún to Isla Mujeres. Optional returning by Ferry.
• Light option: Box lunch, premium beverages and fruits
• Prime option: Buffet with Open Bar at the beach club.
• At Beach club, loungers, palapas, swimming pool, showers, Wi-Fi, lifeguard
• Free time to visit to Isla Mujeres downtown
• Guided snorkeling at the reef with equipment.
• Entry/Admission - Cancun
• Entry/Admission - Zona Arqueologica El Meco
• Entry/Admission - Torre Escénica
• Parking Fees
• Embarcadero Isla Mujeres, by Xcaret., Blvd. Kukulcan 4, Kukulcan Boulevard, Zona Hotelera, 77500 Cancún, Q.R., Mexico Sea Terminal "Embarcadero by Xcaret" Km 4.5 de la Zona Hotelera in Cancún offers: Parking Lot, Taxi, Wi-Fi area, ATM, Bellboy, Toilets. Tour Schedules Catamaran Round Trip: 1st departure 9:00 a.m. to 15:00 hr, 2nd departure 12:00 to 18:00 hr
• Not wheelchair accessible
• Near public transportation
• Confirmation will be received at time of booking
• Not recommended for travelers with back problems
• Not recommended for pregnant travelers
• No heart problems or other serious medical conditions
• Travelers should have a moderate physical fitness level
• Alcoholic beverages are only offered to 18 years old and above.
• Minimum age: 8 years old
• Maximum age: 79 years old
• This tour/activity will have a maximum of 90 travelers
• For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours in advance of the start date of the experience.
• Zona Arqueologica El Meco

Similar experiences

• You'll start at Embarcadero Isla Mujeres, by Xcaret. Blvd. Kukulcan 4, Kukulcan Boulevard, Zona Hotelera, 77500 Cancún, Q.R., Mexico Sea Terminal "Embarcadero by Xcaret" Km 4.5 de la Zona Hotelera in Cancún offers: Parking Lot, Taxi, Wi-Fi area, ATM, Bellboy, Toilets. Tour Schedules Catamaran Round Trip: 1st departure 9:00 a.m. to 15:00 hr, 2nd departure 12:00 to 18:00 hr See address & details
• 1 El Embarcadero Cancún-Isla Mujeres Stop: 25 minutes - Admission included See details
• 2 Zona Arqueologica El Meco Stop: 45 minutes - Admission included See details
• 3 Zaza Yacht & Beach Club Stop: 90 minutes See details
• 4 Isla Mujeres Stop: 4 hours See details
• 5 Torre Escenica Stop: 45 minutes - Admission included See details
• You'll return to the starting point

• dillianp2023 0 contributions 5.0 of 5 bubbles Thank you Miriam for lovely and professional service Make sure and scan beforw entering from the island. Had to go back and scan from the next side. But the staff carried me and showed me the exact sport and had the vessel wIted for me Read more Written May 2, 2024
• Jake7372 0 contributions 5.0 of 5 bubbles Excellent and Fast I purchased an E ticket boarding was so fast for me. The crew has sailor uniforms Good vibes. I like that this company issued me a ticket for my luggage and stored my luggage in a dry area. This ferry is twice as fast as the other companies. For me this was a better experience than the other companies. I will use this company again in the future 🤩 Read more Written April 15, 2024
• 154jupiterg 0 contributions 5.0 of 5 bubbles Yes Like the ferry very much! Amazing top experience and great team, only the ticket box was printed out tickets for 20 minutes, not sure why Read more Written March 25, 2024
• Eric R 0 contributions 5.0 of 5 bubbles Easy, convenient, frequent and reasonably priced ferry Great experience, very easy, with frequent and timely departures to and from mainland Cancun and Isla Mujeres, less than 30 minutes travel time. My only constructive feedback would be to make it a little bit more clear which lines to get into when leaving Isla Mujeres, there was more than one line there for various things. Read more Written February 28, 2024
• Travelaround2222 0 contributions 1.0 of 5 bubbles Waste of time and money Xcaret catamaran skip it. 2.5 hours of idling and going 2 kilometers to sit for an hour and inhale diesel fuel. No sails. Perfect weather. Read more Written February 14, 2024
• Heremerald 0 contributions 5.0 of 5 bubbles Great, but to short! Very nice, would have been great if the wind hadn’t been so bad.We decided to leave the island much sooner than we wanted to in order to get back the Cancun safely. Read more Written February 10, 2024
• karenaX3415HB 0 contributions 5.0 of 5 bubbles Awesome ride!! Either on deck in the open air or inside with air con, this was a fantastic ride both ways, both days. Super friendly & helpful staff always with huge smiles. We went to Isla de la Mujeres then a week later, back to Cancun. If waiting, try the port restaurant, they plays great tunes and have amazing pizza!! 🍕🍹🍺 Read more Written February 7, 2024
• JetSkiRacr1 0 contributions 3.0 of 5 bubbles Fast and easy but 1 way only shuttle Boat is nicer than average. Shuttle ride was quick and easy from outside Fiesta Americana Coral Beach. I should have read the small print. The return shuttle wasn't included. The few $$ we save we spent on a cab back. So it cost the same as the other company overall. No big loss. They took credit cards so I went with them. Read more Written September 5, 2023
• Gazpacho16 0 contributions 5.0 of 5 bubbles Great comfort and amazing views! We took the air-conditioned ferry boat return trip to Isla Mujeres with Xcaret Xailing. Tickets included admission to the XCARET rotating tower as well. We enjoyed beautiful bird-eye views from the top and took some amazing pictures! Highly recommend this transport and sightseeing activity. It was well worth it! Read more Written August 1, 2023
• Tracy R 0 contributions 5.0 of 5 bubbles Nice trip Quick and easy booking online. Downloaded my ticket and off we went. Clean and comfortable. The outdoor decks filled up quick. If you want those seats, be early. Read more Written July 25, 2023
• yaya_1515 0 contributions 3.0 of 5 bubbles Look for an actual ticket booth! Ok so I’m writing this review in the hopes of saving the ones reading this money lol So the ferry itself was beautiful, smooth ride and the schedule is right on the dot. But when you arrive, if you’re walking here like we did because it was really close to our resort , that’s when you have to watch out. When you walk in there is a little information booth to your left and a small desk on your right… avoid them if you want to save some money. So my husband thought that’s where we had to buy the tickets for the ferry, and he asked the lady in the booth and she said “ the desk behind you, that’s where you buy them” so we turn around and when we asked how much the tickets were he said told us the price in pesos but after we paid we calculated in dollars and was around $30 bucks per person. I thought to myself, that’s pretty pricey ☹️ So we make our way down the hallway and go down the staircase and low and behold the actual ticket booth was right there 😩 only $11 bucks per adult and like $7 bucks per kid. So I went back up there and asked him why he charged us so much if the tickets were much cheaper downstairs. He went ahead to tell me that it included the sky ride which we were never asked if we wanted to do that. So yeah lost money there and didn’t even end up doing the sky ride because it didn’t interest us. Morale of the story, go to the downstairs area and pay at the actual ticket booth, it has a big convenience store next to it & buy your tickets there if you’re not interested in the sky ride thingy. Read more Written July 25, 2023
• Destination789867 0 contributions 5.0 of 5 bubbles Great time Great time and service. Two hour tour with different people from around the world. Just the right amount of people not too crowded. Thank you. Read more Written July 17, 2023
• Vidar A 0 contributions 5.0 of 5 bubbles Xmooth Xailing Professional, modern and comfortable. Can’t see why more people don’t go with Xcaret in stead of Ultramar, which seems more crowded and have smaller boats. Read more Written July 11, 2023
• Joken1234 0 contributions 1.0 of 5 bubbles Terrible company Employees here are liers!! We paid for a rountrip shuttle to go to the ferry to isla mujeres but once we got back from Isla mujeres , they never picked us back to drop us back to the hotel.. We had to Walk 8 Kilometers. I would not recommend this terrible company!!!!!! Read more Written July 9, 2023
• GK360 0 contributions 5.0 of 5 bubbles Excellent What a great experience on this ride to and from Isla Mujeres for a day trip. We walked up to the ticket booth on the Cancun side - no line - boarded the ferry about 15 minutes before departure time. Clean, comfortable and professional. There is open-air seating out front and air-conditioned seating inside. We rode inside on the way to Isla and rode open-air out front on the way back to Cancun. So enjoyable. Skip the overcrowded "yellow and blue" ride - take Xcaret to Isla. Read more Written June 27, 2023

More to explore in Cancun

Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.

Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as wait time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.

Buy it with

CATAMARAN to Isla Mujeres, Snorkel & Beach Club by Xcaret provided by Xcaret Xailing

We never go out of style

Experience the caribbean like no one else in the luxury, and comfort of xcaret yachts.

Enjoy a day of luxury and comfort in a private experience on board Xcaret Yachts. Exclusivity from start to finish, sailing directly from the Marina Xcaret to explore the Mexican Caribbean.

Enjoy your day amid luxury and comfort in a private tour onboard one of the 4 upscale yachts that await you.

45” y 50” vanquish vessels by xcaret yachts.

Upscale recent-model yachts for 14 and 16 passengers, featuring powerful motors and a top-speed of 42 knots. It is a great way to fully enjoy your stay at Riviera Maya with a private tour that includes premium open bar and appetizers.

Xcaret Serena Yacht

Xcaret Shaloha Yacht

Yates Azimut de 55” y 60” by Xcaret Yachts

An outstanding experience to navigate by the Mexican Caribbean. Featuring state-of-the-art modern yachts with three cabins and comfortable facilities for you to have a smooth journey and a remarkable event. Unwind onboard having a beverage of the premium open bar and tasty appetizers, plus the possibility of upgrading the tour’s experience.

Xcaret Divertida Yacht

Xcaret Contenta Yacht

We have the best fit, exclusively for you.

Price Guide

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

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Choose the Xailing service to check the prices

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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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…

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Ferry to Isla Mujeres

Take the chance to discover isla mujeres, ferry to isla mujeres from cancun.

Board the modern Xcaret Xailing ferry to cross from Cancun to the amazing Isla Mujeres and spend a day between sun, sand and sea.

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Get your admission

Discover a jewel of the Mexican Caribbean with Ferry by Xcaret Xailing! Board a comfortable boat from an ideal location in the Cancun Hotel Zone and cross to Isla Mujeres by ferry from El Embarcadero at km 4.5, right where the bridge is located. Spend a great day discovering attractions such as Playa Norte, the cliffs of Punta Sur, or just enjoying the tranquility of the place.

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