Puerto Morelos Secret Sandbar Catamaran Sail

The best part of this Puerto Morelos catamaran trip is its destination: a remote sandbar where the water is shallow enough to stand in many places, far from the beach crowds. You get a relaxing sail, time in the water, lunch, and drinks in a compact four-hour outing.

I like the mix of easygoing time on the boat and a shallow-water stop that can work well for children and confident beginners. I also like the small-group cap of 26, which leaves room for the crew to help with drinks, food, and getting settled.

One thing to budget for: the $140 price does not include the listed $20 National Park and dock fee or the separate $20 Marina La Bonita admission fee. The lunch is a basic ham-and-cheese sandwich, so bring food if you need a special diet and confirm arrangements ahead of time.

The sandbar is the main event

This is a half-day outing built around one simple pleasure: sailing away from shore, then spending time in clear, shallow water. After checking in at Marina La Bonita, you board the catamaran Adelita and cruise through the Puerto Morelos National Park area to a secluded sandbar.

The trip is not a reef snorkeling tour, and it is not a fast-paced sightseeing cruise. The appeal is the boat ride, the scenery, and the chance to swim or stand in warm water without spending the day at a beach club. You can also stay aboard and enjoy the breeze, music, shade, and drinks.

The tour is listed at about four hours, with a 12:30 pm start. The sail out is roughly an hour according to the experience details, leaving a substantial stretch at the sandbar before the return. Exact time on the water can vary with conditions and the day’s operation.

The experience is offered in English, with a maximum group size of 26. That limit matters on a catamaran: fewer people can mean more space to sit and easier access to the crew. Some outings have been notably smaller, but you should plan for the stated maximum, not count on having the boat to yourself.

From Marina La Bonita to the open water

You meet at Marina La Bonita in Puerto Morelos. The listed start time is 12:30 pm, and you check in before walking to the dock and boarding Adelita. The marina is the actual departure point, not a Cancun hotel beach.

Hotel pickup is available from locations between Cancun and Playa del Carmen for an extra charge. You can also ask about transportation from other locations, but the price depends on the pickup point. If you request a ride, provide your hotel name when booking and make sure you have the pickup details in hand before travel day.

The drive itself can be part of the day’s logistics. One route account describes the final kilometers to the marina as very bumpy, with potholes, and says a passenger felt carsick. If you are prone to motion sickness, that is useful to know, especially if you have arranged a van ride.

There are two listed charges beyond the advertised $140: $20 per person for National Park and dock fees, and a $20-per-person admission fee for Marina La Bonita. That brings the known total to $180 per person before any paid transfer. Check the booking details for how and when those fees are collected.

The sail through Puerto Morelos National Park

Once aboard, the catamaran heads through the calm waters of Puerto Morelos National Park. The ride is a central part of the outing, not just transportation. You can take in the coastline and sea views, settle into a shaded spot, or sit in the sun and feel the breeze.

The crew serves alcoholic beverages, and the tour includes a light lunch. Past experiences describe attentive service, with crew bringing drinks and snacks around the boat and helping people get comfortable. Captain Martin and crew members Jose, Arturo, and Ulysses have been named by people on board. The crew’s warm, practical attention is one of the strongest reasons this trip appeals to families and small groups.

Music is part of the atmosphere. Expect a relaxed social outing rather than a quiet, formal sailing lesson. Some outings have included chances for a child or adult to steer the catamaran briefly, but that is not a promised part of the program, so treat it as a possible bonus.

The catamaran is described as clean and well-kept. There are sunny and shaded areas, but seating and shade can be more limited when the boat is near its 26-person maximum. If a particular seat or a quieter place matters to you, arrive ready to follow the crew’s directions and be flexible.

Time at the shallow sandbar

At the sandbar, the catamaran anchors and you can get into the water, use a floating mat, or relax aboard. The water is shallow enough to stand in many areas, with deeper spots where you can jump into the sea from the boat. That contrast makes the stop more versatile than a simple swim from a beach: you can wade, float, or choose a deeper patch.

The tour is promoted as suitable for children and non-swimmers, and the shallow water is a real advantage. Still, shallow does not mean every person will feel comfortable getting from boat to sandbar. One older couple who were not confident swimmers chose to remain on board rather than make the short swim. If you are nervous in the water, ask the crew about the distance and conditions before you enter, and do not feel obliged to swim.

The crew has been particularly attentive to children’s safety. One account describes a crew member noticing a child’s float mat drifting away and quickly helping bring the child closer to the boat. That kind of watchfulness is reassuring, but it does not replace close adult supervision. Children must be accompanied by an adult.

Paddleboards are listed among the available features, and the floating mat is included. The exact range of equipment in use may vary, so ask the operator if paddleboarding is a deciding factor for you. The trip is about relaxing in the water, not a guided marine-life or snorkeling session.

A simple lunch, with an important dietary caveat

Lunch is a light meal: a ham-and-cheese baguette, fruit, and chips. This is convenient after swimming, but it is not a full restaurant meal. If you have a large appetite, eat beforehand or bring a little extra food if permitted.

Vegetarians and people with other dietary needs should be especially careful. A vegetarian meal was reportedly confirmed in advance but was not available on the day. Contact the operator directly, get confirmation in writing, and bring a suitable backup if you can. Do not assume a special request has made it to the crew just because it was mentioned once.

Alcoholic beverages are included, and the minimum drinking age is 18. The outing is family-friendly, but it is also a social boat trip where drinks are part of the package. You can enjoy the views and water without drinking; cold bottled water has also been served.

What $140 buys, and what it does not

At $140 per person, this is not the cheapest way to spend an afternoon near Cancun. The price covers the catamaran outing, light lunch, alcoholic drinks, and use of the floating mat. The four-hour format also makes it easier to fit into a vacation than a full-day excursion.

The extra $40 in stated park, dock, and marina fees changes the real price to $180 per person before transportation. That is the figure to compare with other water activities. Hotel pickup costs extra as well, and the amount depends on your location.

Value depends on what you want. If your ideal afternoon is a comfortable boat ride, attentive service, unlimited drinks, and easy access to a calm sandbar, the package can justify the cost. If you mainly want to swim, you may find a beach day cheaper. If you are expecting a substantial meal, snorkeling gear, or a long list of included activities, this is not that sort of tour.

There is some conflicting information about towels. They are mentioned as available in the tour highlights and description, but they are not included in the itemized list of what you receive. Confirm before departure or bring your own. Showers are also mentioned among the available facilities, but the exact arrangements are not specified.

Weather, timing, and who should go

The tour requires suitable weather and sea conditions. A sunny forecast on land does not guarantee safe sailing conditions offshore, and the operator may cancel if conditions are not right. If the operator cancels for weather, you are offered another date or a full refund. Keep some flexibility in your schedule if this is a must-do activity, especially on a short visit.

You can cancel for a full refund up to 24 hours before the start time. Changes or cancellations within 24 hours are not accepted for a refund. If the minimum number of participants is not met, you are offered another date or experience, or a full refund.

This outing suits families with children who are comfortable around water, couples looking for a low-key afternoon, and solo travelers who are happy sharing a boat with a small group. It can also work for non-swimmers who prefer to stay on the catamaran, though anyone hoping to get in the water should be comfortable boarding the boat and judging their own ability.

It is not recommended for pregnant women. You must be able to walk on the beach, climb the dock stairs, and board the boat. If mobility, balance, or water confidence is a concern, contact the operator before booking rather than trying to resolve it at the marina.

Should you book the Puerto Morelos sandbar sail?

I would book this for a relaxed afternoon on the water, especially if the idea of standing in a shallow sandbar appeals more than a packed beach. The crew’s attentive approach, the manageable group cap, and the combination of sailing, swimming, lunch, and drinks make it a strong family outing.

Go in with a clear picture of the total cost and a modest expectation for lunch. Confirm transport, towels, and dietary needs in advance, and remember that weather can change the plan. If you want deep-water swimming, snorkeling, or a full meal, choose a different excursion. If you want an easy boat ride and a beautiful place to float, this one is worth considering.

FAQ

How long is the Puerto Morelos Secret Sandbar Catamaran Sail?

The outing lasts about four hours.

What time does the tour start?

The listed start time is 12:30 pm.

Where do I meet the catamaran?

You check in at Marina La Bonita in Puerto Morelos, then walk to the dock and board the Adelita.

Is hotel pickup available?

Yes. Pickup is offered from locations between Cancun and Playa del Carmen for an extra charge. Transportation from other locations may also be arranged for an additional price.

What food is included?

Lunch is a light meal consisting of a ham-and-cheese baguette, fruit, and chips.

Are drinks included?

Alcoholic beverages are included. The minimum drinking age is 18.

Are park and marina fees included in the $140 price?

No. The listed National Park and dock fee is $20 per person, and Marina La Bonita admission is another $20 per person.

Is the tour suitable for children and non-swimmers?

The shallow sandbar is described as suitable for children and non-swimmers. However, getting from the boat into the water may not suit everyone, and children must be accompanied by an adult.

What happens if the weather is poor?

If poor weather leads to a cancellation, you are offered another date or a full refund.