6 BEST Isla Mujeres Tours from Playa del Carmen (2023)
Are you looking for the best Isla Mujeres tours from Playa del Carmen? Look no further!
As a travel blogger who lives in Playa del Carmen, I’ve visited Isla Mujeres many times to check out all the best activities on the island.
Isla Mujeres is incredibly beautiful but it can be quite a trek to get there from Playa del Carmen involving multiple transportation methods.
That’s why it’s easiest to book an all-inclusive Isla Mujeres tour from Playa del Carmen, where all your transportation, activities, and food are included for a stress-free trip.
MY TOP PICK
⌚️ Don’t have time to read the full article?
The best Isla Mujeres tour from Playa del Carmen is the Luxury Catamaran & Snorkel Tour with Lunch, Open Bar, and Visit to Isla Mujeres with over 1,700 5-star reviews!
In this post, I’m sharing my top picks for the best tours to Isla Mujeres from Playa del Carmen including catamaran sails, island adventures, and snorkeling excursions.
Read on to find out which of these best Playa del Carmen to Isla Mujeres tours is right for you!
Top 3 Picks: Best Isla Mujeres Tours from Playa del Carmen
Whale Shark Tour from Playa del Carmen
✅ Whale Shark Snorkeling in Isla Mujeres
✅ Transportation Included
Best Isla Mujeres Tours from Playa del Carmen
Book one of these best Isla Mujeres tours if you want to avoid the hassle of a day trip to Isla Mujeres from Playa del Carmen and having to get there on your own:
1. Luxury Catamaran and Snorkel with Lunch, Open Bar, and Visit to Isla Mujeres
⭐️ RATING: 4.5 out of 5 Stars (with more than 1,700 5-star reviews)
🕘 TOUR LENGTH: 5-7 hours
🛥 HOW TO BOOK: Check rates & availability here
Why book this tour?
My top recommendation when visiting Isla Mujeres is going on this Luxury Catamaran Sail because the water there is so unbelievably clear!
As one of the best catamaran tours in Playa del Carmen, this tour combines both catamaran sailing and free time on the island.
So you get time on the water but still get to visit Playa Norte (the most famous beach on the island) or explore the island on foot.
A must-do adventure! Friendly staff and fantastic service. Warm greetings when everyone came on board and making sure folks were comfortable. Attentive during sailing and also knowledgeable. We had a great time!
–Kommaly (read more reviews)
Plus, snorkeling, lunch, and an open bar onboard are included so you can tour Isla Mujeres and have an all-inclusive island adventure.
And since hotel pickup from Playa del Carmen is also included, you won’t have to worry about taking buses, taxis, and ferries to get there on your own.
What’s included in the Luxury Catamaran and Snorkel Tour:
- Catamaran sail from Cancun to Isla Mujeres
- Snorkeling
- Free time to explore Isla Mujeres at leisure
- Gourmet lunch
- Open bar while onboard
- Snorkeling gear
- Life jacket
- Docking fee
- Professional crew
- Hotel pickup and drop-off from Playa del Carmen hotels
👀 Looking to ditch the crowds? Consider booking a private Isla Mujeres catamaran tour!
2. Beach Escape: Isla Contoy and Isla Mujeres with Snorkeling
⭐️ RATING: 5 out of 5 Stars (with more than 340 5-star reviews)
🕘 TOUR LENGTH: 8 hours
🛥 HOW TO BOOK: Check rates & availability here
Why book this tour?
This Beach Escape Combo Tour provides two island adventures in one with a visit to both Isla Contoy and Isla Mujeres.
Just north of Cancun, Isla Contoy is a private island and nature sanctuary that only allows 200 visitors per day to set foot on its jaw-dropping tropical beach.
Along the way, you’ll get to enjoy snorkeling, as well as a stop in Isla Mujeres where you can explore the shops, walk around, or check out the famous Playa Norte beach.
Amazing island to visit! The tour was very well organized from pick up to drop off, it went very smoothly. Our guide JP was really cool and passionate which added value to the experience. 100% would do this again!
–Derin (Read more reviews)
Plus, it includes breakfast, lunch, snorkeling gear, and roundtrip transportation so you don’t have to worry about any of the logistics.
I’ve personally done this Isla Contoy and Isla Mujeres tour from Playa del Carmen and it is one of the most memorable Riviera Maya tours I’ve ever done!
Trust me, you’ll be blown away by the beauty of Isla Contoy!
What’s included in the Beach Escape: Isla Contoy and Isla Mujeres Tour:
- Visit to Isla Contoy
- Snorkeling at the Parque Nacional Isla Contoy
- 1 hour free time in Isla Mujeres
- Professional guide
- Snorkel equipment and life jacket
- Breakfast
- Lunch
- Water, soft drinks, and beer
- Round-trip air-conditioned transportation with hotel pickup from Playa del Carmen
3. Whale Shark Tour from Playa del Carmen
⭐️ RATING: 5 out of 5 Stars (with more than 440 5-star reviews)
🕘 TOUR LENGTH: 8 hours
📅 AVAILABILITY: May through mid-September only
🛥 HOW TO BOOK: Check rates & availability here
Why book this tour?
If you’re visiting during the months of May-mid September, consider this bucket-list Whale Shark experience of swimming and snorkeling with whale sharks off the coast of Isla Mujeres.
The whale sharks arrive to Isla Mujeres every year during the time to feed on the plankton that blooms in the shallow waters off shore.
An absolute MUST-DO! I will come back to Cancun JUST to do this tour!!! It was INCREDIBLE!! And the tour guide, captain, and first Mate were all top notch!!
–Alex (READ more reviews)
And while swimming with sharks might seem intimidating, rest assured the whale sharks are gentle giants and you’ll be in the company of knowledgeable guides.
And after the thrill of the whale shark encounter, you’ll get to anchor at Playa Norte and enjoy a refreshing lunch of ceviche, guacamole, and drinks.
I’ve personally done this Isla Mujeres whale shark tour and it was one of the best Playa del Carmen snorkeling tours I’ve done–and not as scary as it sounds!
What’s included in the Whale Shark Tour from Playa del Carmen:
- Whale shark snorkeling near Isla Mujeres
- Anchor at Isla Mujeres’ Playa Norte
- Continental breakfast
- Water and soft drinks
- Light lunch (ceviche and guacamole)
- Snorkel equipment and life jacket
- Round-trip air-conditioned transportation with hotel pickup from Playa del Carmen
4. Snorkeling in Isla Mujeres, Luxury Sailing
⭐️ RATING: 4.5 out of 5 Stars (with more than 17 5-star reviews)
🕘 TOUR LENGTH: 5 hours
🛥 HOW TO BOOK: Check rates & availability here
Why book this tour?
This catamaran to Isla Mujeres from Playa del Carmen offers the perfect chance to explore Isla Mujeres in a smaller group.
With group sizes capped at 15 participants, you’ll enjoy personalized attention from your guide and plenty of space to soak up the sun onboard the luxurious catamaran.
Snorkeling on the Caribbean Sea is also included, so you can hop in the water for an up close view of coral reefs and Isla Mujeres’ underwater world.
Perfect day on the sea! We had an amazing time snorkeling, swimming and then on Isla Mujeres. The boat was sparkling clean, lunch was really good, and the whole crew was super attentive and fun. They made the trip worth it.
–Julianna (Read more reviews)
Plus, there’s an onboard open bar, lunch, and free time is Isla Mujeres to top off the your Isla Mujeres trip from Playa del Carmen.
And with hotel pickup available from Playa del Carmen, you’ll get there and back in comfort and ease.
What’s included in the Snorkeling in Isla Mujeres, Luxury Sailing Tour:
- Catamaran sail to Isla Mujeres
- Snorkeling
- Free time on Isla Mujeres
- Lunch
- Open bar
- Use of snorkeling equipment
- Port fee taxes
- Hotel pickup from Playa del Carmen ($5 USD per person)
5. Full Experience Isla Mujeres: Food aboard + Premium drinks + Snorkel + Free time
⭐️ RATING: 5 out of 5 Stars (with 8 5-star reviews)
🕘 TOUR LENGTH: 5-6 hours
🛥 HOW TO BOOK: Check rates & availability here
Why book this tour?
This Full Experience Isla Mujeres from Playa del Carmen tour offers the perfect combination of activities, with sailing, snorkeling, and free time on Isla Mujeres, plus a delicious lunch and premium open bar to top it off.
After setting sail from Cancun, the tour will start with a 45-minute snorkeling stop at El Meco reef.
You’ll get to explore Isla Mujeres’ underwater world up close and even get to see the famous underwater fingers sculpture known as “The Blessings” (Las Bendiciones).
Overall good experience! We had a great tour! Everyone was very friendly. We liked that they were very punctual and that they gave us clear instructions.
–Kristal (read more reviews)
After that, you’ll have around 2.5 hours of free time on Isla Mujeres to explore the island, swim at the beach, or check out one of the many fun things to do in Isla Mujeres.
Plus, with hotel pickup from Playa del Carmen included, you can sit back, relax and enjoy the luxury Isla Mujeres day tour experience.
What’s included in the Full Experience Isla Mujeres Tour:
- Catamaran sail to Isla Mujeres
- Snorkeling at El Meco reef
- 2.5 hours of free time on Isla Mujeres
- Use of snorkeling equipment
- All fees and taxes
- Lunch
- Soft drinks
- Premium open bar
- Roundtrip transportation with hotel pickup from Playa del Carmen
6. Sailing Experience to Isla Mujeres in a Catamaran with Open Bar
⭐️ RATING: 4 out of 5 Stars (with 860 5-star reviews)
🕘 TOUR LENGTH: 7 hours
🛥 HOW TO BOOK: Check rates & availability here
Why book this tour?
This Isla Mujeres catamaran tour from Playa del Carmen differs from the others in the fact that it includes a stop at a private beach club on Isla Mujeres.
Combining sailing, snorkeling, and relaxation time on the island, this Isla Mujeres boat tour is the perfect way to explore Isla Mujeres in one day.
Amazing adventure! The crew and boat were fantastic. They kept the vibe upbeat and fun the entire time. Snorkeling was terrific with many fish and beautiful coral. The crew was very attentive and helpful in all aspects of the day.
–Robert (read more reviews)
Plus, with the included open bar and buffet lunch, you can indulge in unlimited drinks while taking in the incredible views.
And with round-trip transport from hotels in Playa del Carmen, you’ll be able to enjoy your Isla Mujeres sailing experience with no hassles.
What’s included in the Sailing Experience to Isla Mujeres in a Catamaran with Open Bar:
- Catamaran from Playa del Carmen to Isla Mujeres
- Snorkeling
- Free time at a private beach club on Isla Mujeres
- Unlimited drinks (open bar)
- Buffet lunch
- Professional guide
- Use of snorkeling equipment
- Round-trip transportation with hotel pickup from hotels in Playa del Carmen
Tips for Tours to Isla Mujeres from Playa del Carmen
Follow these tips to make the most of your Isla Mujeres excursions from Playa del Carmen:
- Be prepared for a long day: It takes over an hour to drive from Playa del Carmen to Cancun, and then you’ll either board a boat there or take a ferry to Isla Mujeres. Be prepared for a long day of travel by car and boat – but it is so worth it!
- Watch out for the tourist traps: Be prepared for some tourist traps once you first get to the island. Near the ferry location, it can feel very touristy and there are no shortage of souvenir shops, restaurants, and bars (i.e. Señor Frog’s) trying to get your attention. But once you head further into town and away from the bustling center, Isla Mujeres is a beautiful island full of adventure, relaxation, and hidden gems.
- Don’t miss Playa Norte: Located on the northern tip of the island, Playa Norte (North Beach) is the best beach on Isla Mujeres, and has even been voted as one of the best beaches in the world by TripAdvisor. If your tour provides free time in Isla Mujeres, be sure to spend some time swimming or sunbathing at Playa Norte. It is within walking distance from the ferry terminal and marina.
- Bring cash for island purchases: Cash is the preferred method of payment on Isla Mujeres when dining at restaurants and shopping for souvenirs. Bring enough cash to cover your expenses for any island purchases. If you don’t have cash, some restaurants (but not all) may allow you to pay with a credit card for a 5% surcharge.
- Bring biodegradable sunscreen, a towel, and a change of clothes: Regular sunscreen is prohibited on most tours, so you’ll want to bring biodegradable reef-safe sunscreen for sun protection. You’ll also want to bring a quick-dry beach towel, and a dry change of clothes for the ride back to Playa del Carmen.
- Don’t forget money for tips: Be sure to bring some extra money to tip your tour guides, as it is customary to do so.
Isla Mujeres Tours: FAQs
Here are the answers to some of the most frequently asked questions about tours to Isla Mujeres from Playa del Carmen:
No, there is not a direct ferry to Isla Mujeres from Playa del Carmen. You’ll need to drive from Playa del Carmen to Cancun (1 hour), and then take the ferry from Cancun to Isla Mujeres (20 minutes).
Isla Mujeres is better than Playa del Carmen if you’re looking for a quiet island escape. Isla Mujeres is much smaller and less developed than Playa del Carmen, so you can enjoy a more laid-back atmosphere with better beaches.
Isla Mujeres is an island so you cannot drive there directly. A taxi from Playa del Carmen to the Isla Mujeres ferry terminal in Cancun may cost around $1000 pesos (~$50 USD) each way.
Cash is the preferred method of payment on Isla Mujeres. However, some restaurants, shops, and establishments may allow you to pay with a credit card for a 5% surcharge.
Conclusion: Best Isla Mujeres Tours from Playa del Carmen
I hope this guide has helped you with planning Isla Mujeres tours from Playa del Carmen!
Isla Mujeres is a beautiful escape and a great day trip from Playa del Carmen if you’re looking for a stunning island adventure.
But since getting there from Playa del Carmen can be a bit of a hassle, it’s easiest to book a tour with round-trip transportation included.
Catamaran tours from Playa del Carmen to Isla Mujeres are my top recommendation for seeing the island because the bright turquoise waters are really so unforgettable!
My top pick for the best Isla Mujeres catamaran tour is the Luxury Catamaran and Snorkel Tour with lunch, open bar, and free time on Isla Mujeres.
And you’ll have round-trip transportation from Playa del Carmen for a hassle free trip.
But no matter which Isla Mujeres tour from Playa del Carmen you choose, you’re sure to have an unforgettable time exploring the island!
