Puerto Morelos Secret Sandbar Catamaran Sail

Shallow water makes this sandbar feel stress-free. It’s a small-group catamaran afternoon built around one big payoff, a secluded Secret Sandbar where kids and non-swimmers can feel confident in the water. I also love how the crew keeps the vibe easy, with lunch and unlimited drinks built into the cruise so you do not have to think too hard.

The main drawback to plan for is cost stacking: you pay the $140 base price, then you may also owe park and marina fees per person, plus there is a note about towels not being included in the base package.

Key things to know before you go

• Small-group cap of 26: you get a more personal experience than the big-ferry style tours.
• Secret Sandbar, anchored far from shore: the whole point is that relaxed, shallow-water stop.
• Food and drinks are part of the flow: light lunch plus unlimited drinks while you sail and float.
• Water time is flexible: swim, paddle board, or just hang out on the floating mat.
• Crew service is a big deal: from constant drink checks to helping kids feel safe near the dock.

Why the Secret Sandbar is the main reason to book

This tour is built around one simple idea: you want beach time without the hassle of overcrowded shorelines. You sail from Puerto Morelos Lagoon area, then the catamaran drops anchor at a secluded sandbar far from the usual swim spots.

What makes it especially practical is the water depth. The stop is shallow enough that even kids and non-swimmers can step in and feel grounded, with options to jump off the boat when conditions allow. That means your “everyone is happy” plan is realistic, not just a marketing promise.

And yes, it is still a vacation, not a training session. The sandbar is basically a floating party zone with time for lounging, photos, and a slow return to the real world.

Marina La Bonita to Catamaran Adelita, what happens first

You meet at Marina La Bonita, then check in and head to the dock area to board the catamaran (the boat is listed as the Adelita). If you want pickup, you can request it for an extra charge, and the service area is between Cancun and Playa del Carmen.

Start time is 12:30 pm, which is a nice choice if you like a late lunch day. You avoid the early-morning rush, but you still get plenty of daylight for swimming and sunbathing on the sandbar.

Once you’re on board, the day runs on a steady rhythm: sail out, drinks show up, then the water stop becomes the center of the afternoon. This matters because it keeps the stress low for families and for anyone who does not want their day tightly choreographed.

Puerto Morelos National Reef Park cruise: the calm part of the day

Before you ever hit the sandbar, you sail through the Puerto Morelos National Reef Park waters. This is the “transfer” segment, but it is not just dead time in the seat.

The ride is part of the appeal because the catamaran style cruise tends to feel smooth and relaxed. You are out on open water, but the mood stays social rather than frantic. Music, drinks, and the crew’s attention help turn the sail into its own mini experience.

A key detail is that the stop at the sandbar includes plenty of downtime. You are not being rushed from one activity to another. If you want a calm afternoon where you can talk, snack, and regroup between dips, this format works.

Jump-off swimming and paddle boards at the sandbar

This is the big moment: the catamaran anchors at the Secret Sandbar, and you can swim or relax right away. You can also use a floating mat, and there are options on the water like paddle boards.

If your group includes kids or anyone who feels unsure about swimming, this is where the tour makes sense. The water is shallow enough to stand, so you are not stuck with only one stressful option. People who want to float can do that, and people who want to play in the water can do that too.

Just keep in mind the activity is still outdoors and on a boat dock. The tour info says you must be able to walk on the beach, climb stairs of the dock, and board a boat. So if mobility is limited, you will want to plan for a few steps and some uneven deck areas.

Also, you should treat this as a day in the sun and saltwater. Bring sun protection seriously, because the sandbar time is exactly the kind of situation where you can get sunburnt while thinking you are only out for a swim break.

Lunch, unlimited drinks, and why the crew matters

The value here is not just that lunch exists. It is that lunch and drinks are timed around the experience, not stuck in a separate schedule.

Included in the tour:

• Light lunch: a ham and cheese baguette, fruit, and chips
• Alcoholic beverages (listed as included), plus unlimited drinks as the cruise continues
• Use of a floating mat

There is also towel information that can be confusing because the features say towels are available, while the not-included list says toallas (towels). In practical terms, I would assume towels may cost extra unless you confirm what comes with your exact booking. If towels are important to you, double-check before you go.

The crew attention is repeatedly described as one of the top reasons people feel taken care of. Names that show up in the operation include Jose, Captain Martin, Arturo, and Ulises/Ulysses, and the vibe you want to look for is constant checking in, helping with comfort on board, and keeping kids safe around the dock area.

One balancing note from the experience data: if you have a vegetarian or other dietary need, do not assume it will automatically be handled. There was a case where a vegetarian meal request was not honored on the day of lunch. If your group has dietary restrictions, message the operator before you go, confirm in writing, and consider bringing a simple backup snack that is safe for that person.

Price and add-on fees, what $140 really means

The headline price is $140 per person for an about 4-hour catamaran excursion. That is a good sign for value because the tour includes food and unlimited drinks, plus the core experience is a full-on water day.

But you do need to budget for extra per-person fees listed as not included:

• National Park & Dock fees: $20 USD per person
• Marina La Bonita admission fee: $20 USD per person

That means you should plan for roughly $40 more per person on top of the $140 base, assuming those fees apply to your booking. If you are doing this as a family, that extra amount matters, so build it into your total trip math early.

Also note the tour price includes the main activities at the sandbar. You get the anchored swim time, the floating mat use, and the basic food and drink setup. That is why this ends up feeling fair compared to the tours that charge separately for every little thing once you get on board.

The only other place value can wobble is towels, depending on whether your booking includes them. If you are trying to travel light, plan for that uncertainty.

Pickup, timing, and how to make the day smoother

Start time is 12:30 pm, and the meeting is Marina La Bonita. If you choose hotel pickup, you can request it for an extra charge, and the pickup service covers locations between Cancun and Playa del Carmen.

A practical tip: build a little buffer around pickup and traffic. One thing I do not love about water tours is how they can be unforgiving if you are late, but you can reduce that risk by leaving yourself extra time and keeping your plans simple.

If you are sensitive to motion, think about how you will feel on the road. There are reports of road bumps on the way to the marina, and one passenger felt carsick. If that sounds like you, pack any motion-sickness remedy you trust, and try to sit where you feel most stable.

Once you are on the water, the pacing tends to feel comfortable. You are not sprinting around. You are sailing, then swimming and floating, then enjoying lunch, then heading back.

Best-fit guests for this catamaran sandbar sail

This tour is a strong match if you want:

• Kids and non-swimmers-friendly water time
• A small-group feel (max 26 travelers)
• An afternoon plan that includes lunch and drinks
• A more relaxed style of ocean outing, not a tight schedule

It also works for multi-age families. The sandbar stop is easy to enjoy whether someone wants to float, paddleboard, or just stand in shallow water. And since the crew is described as attentive, you get help that makes it easier to manage kids near the dock.

Solo travelers can also like it, because the group size and crew service make it social without being chaotic. If you want a day on the water without a full-day commitment, the timing is right.

Two groups should be cautious:

• Pregnant women: it is stated as not recommended.
• Anyone with limited mobility: you need to be able to walk on beach areas, climb dock stairs, and board a boat.

If you fit the comfort requirements, this is the type of tour where you end the day feeling like you did something special, without having to be a strong swimmer or a water athlete.

Should you book the Puerto Morelos Secret Sandbar catamaran sail?

If you are chasing that sweet spot of calm, shallow-water fun, and a crew that makes it feel easy, I think this is a great pick. The mix of Secret Sandbar time, light lunch, and unlimited drinks is exactly what makes afternoon catamaran days feel worth it.

Book it if your group includes kids, nervous swimmers, or mixed abilities. The anchoring setup and shallow-water access are the practical reasons it works.

Skip or look closely at alternatives if:

• Your group has strict dietary needs and you cannot bring a backup meal
• Mobility is limited and dock stairs are a problem
• You want a tour with no extra fees beyond the headline price

My bottom line: plan for the additional park and marina fees, confirm what you get for towels, pack sun protection (and goggles if you use them), and you will likely love the simple formula of sail, float, eat, drink, repeat.

FAQ

Where does the tour start, and what time does it run?

The tour meets at Marina La Bonita. The start time is 12:30 pm, and the duration is about 4 hours.

Is hotel pickup included in the $140 price?

Pickup is offered, but it is not included in the base price. There is an extra charge for pickup, and it covers locations between Cancun and Playa del Carmen.

Is this tour good for kids and non-swimmers?

Yes. The tour is described as perfect for kids and non-swimmers, with shallow water at the sandbar so even kids can feel comfortable jumping off the boat.

What are the included food and drink items?

A light lunch is included: a ham and cheese baguette, fruit, and chips. Alcoholic beverages are included, and drinks are unlimited during the cruise.

Are there extra fees beyond the $140 per person?

Yes. National Park and dock fees are listed as $20 USD per person, and there is also a Marina La Bonita admission fee of $20 per person, both not included in the base price.

Can children join, and what is the drinking age rule?

Children must be accompanied by an adult. The minimum drinking age is 18 years.

What happens if the tour is canceled due to poor weather?

If it’s canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund.