All spring breakers know that there ain’t no party like a Cancún party. Cancún is a city that sits on the Mexican coast and is a renowned hub of good food, great resorts, and gorgeous beaches.
While many love to indulge in the delights of the mainland, there are many exciting islands and reefs to explore out on the water as well. If you’re planning to spend your days touring Mexico, then get your sea legs ready because here are some amazing cruises in Cancún to book for your holiday.
Highlights:
- Some cruises have open bars
- Gorgeous turquoise waters and white beaches
- Exquisite cuisine off– and on–land
Know before you book:
- The Yucatán Peninsula is a hurricane zone
- Overly crowded during peak season
- Tap water is not always safely drinkable, so stick with bottled water
Cancún is certainly one of the most beloved destinations along the Yucatan Peninsula, drawing in all kinds of people with its delicious cuisine, infectious culture, and dazzling landscape.
Although many are familiar with the city’s reputation for revelry, Cancún is as much an ideal destination for sightseers and daredevils, even from the deck of a ship. Although there are ample opportunities to enjoy the Caribbean Sea from the many hotels and resorts along the coast or Hotel Zone, the sights from the water itself are one in a million.
The sunset cruise tours are an especially big hit. For the busy-bodies, some cruises also offer water activities like snorkeling or exploring sea caves in their packages.
Other cruises even offer lunch onboard and shopping breaks on the mainland, so you won’t skip anything. Those afraid of missing out on the vibrant nightlife can also rest assured as there are certainly no shortages of party cruise tours.
Cancún’s climate is tropical: generally warm with cool sea breezes to keep it from reaching beyond 95°F (35°C). There are pronounced dry and rainy seasons, although a general high humidity and the odd thunderstorm can be expected between August and November.
Nonetheless, the scenery and culture alone are enough to make this city worth all of the weather. Once on the water, you will come to see that Cancún offers an experience unlike any other on earth.
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Cruises in Cancún Prices 2024
There are many different and exciting cruises to choose from, all of which vary in price as they each offer a different package. Tickets for cruises can start from MX$720 (39 USD) per person and can climb up to MX$63,500 (3,452 USD) per group of 15 people.
Compare prices across the ticket providers below:
Times for Cancún Boat Rides
Due to the variety of cruises available, specific opening times for individual offers will vary. The seasons will affect operating times, though most sail during the day. The shorter cruises sail only for an hour, but some cruises can stretch up to ten hours.
Tip: You should consult with the tours or operators directly about when they set sail.
Best Time to Go on a Cancún Boat Tour
The region can get quite rainy and humid between May and October, despite the year round heat. For sailing, you want the uninterrupted sun of the dry season. This is between January and April.
Cruises to Cancún, Mexico
For those of you who really enjoy the water and are unsure how to get to the Mexican coast, there are numerous packages for cruise ships sailing to Cancún. These cruises grant you an invaluable opportunity to take in the full expanse of the Caribbean Sea on the way to your ultimate party destination.
Quick Tip: If you grow tired of the beaches of Cancún and want a change of scenery, why not visit some other coastal cities along the Peninsula? You can find some equally captivating boat tours in Playa del Carmen, which is only an hour away from downtown Cancún.
Alternative Boat Excursions in Cancún Packages
There are numerous half-day and full-day options for a boat ride in Cancún that can last between three and eight hours. Some full-day packages offer tours of nearby islands and mainland tours. But there are also other excursions that operate at night, and some cruises are specifically dedicated to sunset tours.
If you’re looking for something different, check out these cruises:
Full-Day Tour: Excursion From Cancún to the Best of Holbox
Holbox is an island north of the Yucatan Peninsula that is the closest thing to paradise you’ll find in any direction. Its picturesque and quiet beaches are perfect for peaceful sunbathing, and the clear waters of the Laguna Yalahau are quite refreshing
This tour is great for couples and groups. Families would also enjoy the excursion, although there is an age limit of five for these activities.
Should you grow bored of the white sandbanks and turquoise waters, this package does include free time on the mainland, where you can explore the streets and some of the island murals. There is also an allocated stop for bird-watching or a walk along the beach.
Afterwards, you can get right back in the water for some swimming or sit down to a delicious lunch while overlooking the water.
What we liked: Isla Holbox is a renowned sanctuary for whale sharks, manta rays, and other fauna, all of which can be seen during the tour.
- Drinks, both alcoholic and nonalcoholic
- Lunch
- Air-conditioned vehicle
- Ecotax
- Dock Taxes
- Sanitation (30 USD pp)
This full-day tour sails for eight hours and departs from the docks at 7 am. The package does include transport from most of the main hotels. If you are staying in a hostel or motel, you should contact the tour operators directly to arrange for pickups.
Check Price & BookNighttime Tour: Captain Hook Dinner and Show for the Family Canún Cruise
It would be a crime to journey into Caribbean waters and not live out the ultimate swashbuckling fantasy at least once. This cruise is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for some great entertainment and for the chance to board and dine on an 18th-century Spanish galleon, or at least a very good replica of one.
This is certainly one of the most unique Cancún cruises and is one of the few that guarantees great fun for the whole family. In this package, you are treated to a delicious meal of authentic Mexican cuisine as you enjoy a live pirate show. You can also take in the gorgeous stretch of the hotel coastline as you cruise on the sea.
This is the perfect photo opportunity, as you will rarely find an experience like this. Although you will have to take those photos yourself. Families with newborns and toddlers should also know that this cruise is unfortunately not suitable for under twos.
Quick Warning: Although you will be on the water for the entirety of the tour, it is a strictly no-swimming cruise. No swimwear is permitted onboard the galleon.
What we liked: The onboard entertainment includes music, games and contests for all passengers.
- Onboard Dinner
- Open bar onboard
- Pirate Show
- Pier tax use
- Transportation
- Photos
This tour is four hours long and departs at 6:30 pm. It is advised that you arrive 45 minutes before departure and that all ticket holders bring their IDs or passports.
Check Price & BookSpecification: Cruise in Cancún | Boat Rides in Cancún & Prices
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Amarylis_R –
Great half day trip getaway. The boat ride was great! Snacks & drinks were provided and all the staff was very friendly! You get 2 hours on Isla Mujeres, which was perfect. The island is super crowded and you’re better off just walking to the beach where it’s less congested and peaceful to see. Staff recommended restaurants on the island. The seafood one was delicious, get the catch of the day. Sadly, we couldn’t snorkel because the tides were really strong and it wasn’t recommended as a first time experience. Overall, we had a great time!!
David_K –
The crew was fun, very entertaining and engaged. Overall a decent experience but there is some not so great moments. Pick a day that is less windy, i personally didn't do the snorkeling since I saw the wind conditions and rough waters. Everyone that did, said they didn't enjoy it. Don't waste time renting golf cart on isla mujeres, it's packed and there's traffic so you waste time siting in the cart and barely time to eat or enjoy the beach and views. Also word of advise NEVER STOP WALKING, hagglers can't maintain a convo if you're on the move. Overall great views catamaran is fun.
Henit_G –
The Boat ride to the subset explorer. The subsee explorer was too bumpy so I would not recommend for anybody who has motion sickness. Would have like to see more Bigger fishes.
Catherine_C –
So many things aren’t stated in the description of the excursion. You have to take a long boat ride to get to the sub on which the diesel fumes were horrible. Once you get there, you are hurried into this tiny, cramped space with way more people than should be in there. You have to bend over to try to see out the windows. It’s stifling hot in there and is extremely uncomfortable. Then there’s the long ride back complete with another round of diesel fumes. I really don’t recommend this excursion.