5 Best Boat Tours and Cruises in Cancun

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. The one you choose will depend on what you're looking for.

If you want to relax, you can opt for a sailing trip or a romantic night cruise, but if you're looking for parties and fun, there are also options for you in Cancun. You can choose from cruises with shows or a party boat reserved for adults only... the choice is yours.

On these cruises, in addition to enjoying sailing around Cancun Bay, you can attend a full pirate show.

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

Throughout the 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 has a great time.

Whether you're 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 trip and delicious gourmet food of your choice (you must inform us before the trip what you would like to eat, and you will be given instructions on how to do this when you book). The menus can include such tempting dishes as a "combination of grilled lobster tail and beef medallion accompanied by caramelised onions in red wine sauce or pepper sauce" or "asparagus and black truffle risotto" (dishes may vary from one trip to another). There is also a special menu for children and vegetarians.

This type of attraction tends to be very popular, so if you prefer something less crowded, you can opt for a private cruise or a catamaran trip around Cancun, which will be less hectic.

Details of interest

• Price: from approximately £106 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 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 just for adults, this is the option for you. These cruises feature parties on board, but are exclusively for adults.

This boat trip is one of the options available as part of the excursions to Isla Mujeres.

While the captain and crew take you to your final destination, you can meet new people looking for fun on board while enjoying the open bar with cocktails throughout the trip.

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

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

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

You'll also have to pay around £13 in marine wildlife conservation fees when you check in.

Details of interest

• Price: from £77 per person plus an approximate fee of £15.

• Duration: 7 hours.

• Advantages of this option: adults only.

• Disadvantages of this option: admission to the Underwater Art Museum is not included. You can book without risk because this option has free cancellation.

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

The 5-hour cruise on the Caribbean Sea is truly wonderful, even more so if you can enjoy the free drinks available throughout the trip. On the way to Isla Mujeres, you will enjoy one of the best snorkelling experiences in Cancun, included in this trip.

When you arrive at Isla Mujeres, you will have free time to explore the island at your leisure, although you can always ask the crew for advice.

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

This type of boat trip in Cancun does not usually include lunch, but this is compensated by the service of 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 for a "dock fee" which is not included in the price.

Details of interest

• Price: from £77 per person, plus the "dock fee" of approximately £12.
• Duration: 5 hours.
• Advantages of this option: you will be picked up and taken back to your hotel.
• Disadvantages of this option: meals are not included.

Cancun is all about partying, good food and lots of tequila. If you want to enjoy all three to the fullest, this tour is for you.

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

The cruise is not on a regular boat, but on a typical Mexican trajinera. Trajineras are colourful boats similar to Venetian gondolas.

During your trip, you will sample the best Mexican cuisine has to offer with a delicious menu on board. You will also have unlimited drinks throughout the trip. The mariachi show invites you to sing and dance in this fun experience (in small groups).

With these options, tickets to visit Xoximilco Cancún by Xcaret are included in the price, as well as round-trip transportation to your hotel (please check before booking if your hotel is on the list or if you need to arrange another meeting point).

Important details

• Price: from approximately £126 per person.

• Duration: 5 hours.

• Transportation: round-trip bus to the hotel. The tour is done on trajineras.

• Advantages of this option: it is an experience in typical Mexican boats.

• Disadvantages of this option: places fill up quickly. It is advisable to book in advance.

On this experience, you will have the sailboat all to yourself and your group, as it is a private tour. On a typical tour of this type, in the extended 8-hour version, you can visit Isla Mujeres and explore the island.

This option does not include snorkelling, spinnaker, or visits. If you want to visit the museum on Isla Mujeres or do any extra activities, you will have to pay for them separately. 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, only 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 the Cancun Marina, which you can easily reach by taxi or you can request a pick-up from your hotel when you make your reservation (this may incur additional costs).

Details of interest

• Price: from £528 plus applicable taxes (around £12). 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: no extra activities are included.

The best way to book boat trips in Cancun is online with companies that specialise in selling tourist packages. By booking online, you can ensure availability on your chosen date and often benefit from special offers.

What's more, when you book online, you can see all the tours and activities available in Cancun that you can add to your itinerary. Online purchases are made with a credit or debit card, so you will need one to make your reservation.

Duration of boat rides in Cancun

Boat trips in Cancun last an average of 7 to 8 hours, depending on the option you choose. There are also 4-hour options, but these are usually private tours, so the price is considerably higher.

If you are looking for a shorter boat trip, you can opt for a speedboat or catamaran trip and use the extra time for other activities, such as visiting the best beaches in Cancún.

On this type of excursion, you will see many things, depending on the option you choose, of course. You can snorkel on the reefs, visit Isla Mujeres and even go spinnaker sailing if the weather in Cancun allows it.

You can also choose options with a party on board or shows, which also include meals and drinks at no extra cost. One of the main attractions included in some of these tours is a visit to the Underwater Art Museum. If you book a tour that does not include this option, take advantage of your free time on the island to visit it. You can buy your tickets for MUSA online.

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

Trips that include extra activities such as snorkelling or museums cost around £80 per person.

If you're looking for a private sailing trip , prices are considerably higher, starting at around £530 for experiences with no extras. Only the sailing is included in the price.

• When planning your trip, keep in mind the best time to visit Cancun.

• Arrive at the pieron time.

• Remember to bring a towel, swimsuit, appropriate footwear and a change of clothes.

• Sunscreen is essential for this type of trip, so don't forget it.

• A good hat and sunglasses are also essential for sailing.