Puerto Morelos Secret Sandbar Catamaran Sail

The best part of this Puerto Morelos catamaran trip is the shallow offshore sandbar, where you can step from the boat into clear water and stand on the sandy bottom. It feels more relaxed than a snorkeling trip, with no hard sell for lessons or strenuous water sports.

I like the small maximum group of 26 and the crew’s hands-on service. I also like that lunch, floating mats, paddleboards, and unlimited drinks are built into the outing. The main catch is cost: the advertised $140 price does not include $20 in national park and dock fees, another $20 Marina La Bonita admission charge, or transportation from your hotel.

Key points

• Stand-up shallow water: The sandbar suits children and nervous swimmers, though some areas may still require a short swim from the boat.
• Four hours on the Adelita: Expect about an hour sailing out, time at anchor, lunch, and the return cruise.
• Attentive crew: Jose, Captain Martin, Arturo, and Ulises are among the crew members praised by name on recent departures.
• Food and drinks included: You get a ham and cheese baguette, fruit, chips, snacks, and unlimited alcoholic and nonalcoholic drinks.
• Extra charges matter: Add $40 per person for park, dock, and marina fees, before any hotel transportation charge.
• Weather can change plans: The operator may cancel for sea conditions even when the weather on land looks fine.

A sandbar made for easy water time

This is not the sort of catamaran trip built around racing, snorkeling instruction, or a long list of stops. The plan is simple: board at Marina La Bonita, sail through the calm waters around Puerto Morelos National Park, anchor at a remote sandbar, eat lunch, and enjoy the water before heading back.

That simple plan is the appeal. You get a proper half-day on the water without spending the whole outing changing boats or rushing between activities. The sandbar is far enough from shore to feel special, yet shallow enough in many spots for you to stand comfortably.

The color of the water is a major reason to book. Conditions vary with wind, clouds, and sea quality, but several recent departures had clear teal water and a soft sandy bottom. If sargassum has made your hotel beach unpleasant, this can be a useful escape, although sea conditions and seasonal conditions are never guaranteed.

Boarding the Adelita at Marina La Bonita

The standard meeting point is Marina La Bonita, with check-in at 12:30 p.m. From there, you walk to the dock and board the catamaran Adelita. You need to be able to walk on the beach, climb dock stairs, and get onto a boat.

The group limit is 26 people, which is modest for a catamaran excursion. Actual departures can feel smaller. One recent outing had only 11 people, while another group of five enjoyed a very quiet departure. A group of 20 also fit comfortably, so do not assume every sailing will feel private.

The boat has shaded and sunny areas, giving you a choice between shelter and open-air sailing. Bring sunblock, and consider goggles if you like looking into the water. The operator says towels are available in the highlights, but the inclusion details also list towels as not included. That contradiction is easy to solve: bring your own beach towel or confirm before departure rather than counting on one.

The Puerto Morelos National Park cruise

The first part of the trip is a slow sail through Puerto Morelos National Park. This is the scenic portion, with blue water, open views, music, and a chance to settle into the catamaran’s rhythm.

The ride out can take about an hour. That is useful to know if you are comparing this with a quick beach transfer. You spend a meaningful part of the four-hour schedule sailing, not only swimming. Some people will love the quiet ride and breeze. If your priority is maximum time in the water, the travel time may feel long.

The crew’s service is a central part of the outing. Jose is frequently singled out, and Captain Martin, Arturo, and Ulises have also been praised for keeping people comfortable. Drinks and snacks are offered throughout the cruise, and the crew may bring pillows or help with small needs before you ask.

Music adds a social touch, with some departures including dancing. You can join in or simply sit in the shade and watch the coast recede. The atmosphere can suit a family group, a couple, solo participant, or friends who want a pleasant afternoon without a formal lesson schedule.

Swimming at the Secret Sandbar

At the sandbar, the Adelita anchors and you can climb into the water. In shallow sections, the bottom is close enough to stand on, making this a strong choice for families and people who are not confident swimmers.

That said, do not read perfect for non-swimmers as no swimming ability needed. One family found the sandbar a little difficult for less experienced swimmers, and an older couple who were not confident in the water chose to remain aboard because they did not feel comfortable making the short distance from the boat to the sandbar.

The practical difference is important. Children who are comfortable in water can have a wonderful time, but every child must stay under adult supervision. One family described a young child drifting away from the catamaran on a floating mat before a crew member quickly brought her back. That is reassuring about crew attention, but it is also a reminder that floating mats move with wind and current.

You can swim, wade, float on the provided mat, or relax on board. Paddleboards are available, and the shallow bottom gives you a low-pressure place to try one. The sandbar is not presented as a major snorkeling site, so choose this excursion for easy water play and scenery rather than a reef-focused outing.

Lunch, drinks, and the practical food question

Lunch is light rather than a full meal: a ham and cheese baguette, fruit, and chips. Additional snacks such as apples and cookies have been served on some departures. Unlimited drinks are included, including alcoholic beverages, and bottled water is available.

This setup works well for a four-hour afternoon. You can eat aboard the catamaran, then return to the water for another swim or float. The food is convenient and filling enough for many people, but it is not a catered feast.

Dietary requests need special care. A vegetarian family member was promised an alternative meal but found that no vegetarian food had been prepared. The operator apologized and said it had reinforced its internal communication. Still, I would not rely on a verbal promise. Contact the company before the day of departure, get the request confirmed in writing, and bring a backup meal if the restriction is important.

Unlimited alcohol changes the character of the trip. You can keep it light with water and soft drinks, or make it more festive with beer and other alcoholic options. The minimum drinking age is 18. Parents should remember that a relaxed boat atmosphere does not replace close supervision of children near the water.

Returning to the marina

After lunch and the final swim, you can dry off on board, sit in the shade, or enjoy the breeze during the sail back. Some departures have allowed children to steer briefly under the captain’s supervision, a memorable touch for families, though it should be treated as an occasional crew decision, not a guaranteed part of the program.

The return cruise completes the roughly four-hour schedule. If you arrange hotel transportation, the operator can pick you up and return you afterward, but it charges extra. Pickup is offered from locations between Cancun and Playa del Carmen, while other locations require a separate transportation price.

The ride can be smooth, but the final road section near the marina may be rough. Potholes have caused carsickness for at least one person, so if you are prone to motion sickness, sit where the ride feels steadier and consider preparing before the drive. Ask for pickup details clearly, especially if you are staying outside the normal service area.

What the $140 price really covers

At $140 per person, this is not a bare-bones boat ride. The price includes the catamaran cruise, lunch, alcoholic drinks, other beverages, a floating mat, and access to paddleboards. You also get a small-group format rather than a very large party boat.

But the real starting cost is higher. National park and dock fees are $20 per person, and Marina La Bonita admission is another $20 per person. That brings the known total to about $180 per person before hotel pickup, tips, or any other optional expense.

I consider that reasonable only if you value the full package: a four-hour boat outing, food, drinks, equipment, and attentive service. If you only want a few hours at a beach, a local beach day will cost less. If you want a comfortable afternoon with minimal planning, the bundled format makes more sense.

Small groups also have value here. Crew members can keep an eye on children, bring drinks to people in the water, and help older participants board or move around. The limit of 26 does not promise an empty boat, but it is more personal than many large Cancun sailing trips.

Who should book this catamaran

I would put this near the top of the list for families with water-friendly children, couples who want a gentle afternoon, and solo visitors who prefer an easy social setting. It also works for older adults who would rather enjoy the scenery and remain on board than snorkel or take part in demanding activities.

It is a good match for you if:

• You want shallow water and a sandy bottom.
• You like a relaxed sail with music and drinks.
• You prefer one main stop instead of a packed itinerary.
• You value attentive crew service.
• You want lunch and water equipment included.

I would look elsewhere if you want serious snorkeling, a long beach stay, or a quiet, alcohol-free boat. I would also think twice if you cannot climb dock stairs or board a boat without help, since those movements are required.

Pregnant participants are advised not to book, and children must be accompanied by an adult. Most people can participate, but the access requirements are firm.

Weather, cancellations, and timing

This activity depends on good weather and safe sea conditions. The operator can cancel when the sea is unsuitable, even if skies over Cancun or your hotel look sunny. In that case, you are offered another date or a full refund.

That policy can be frustrating when your holiday schedule is tight. One family had a trip canceled the day before, and the next day appeared beautiful from land. The operator explained that offshore conditions were not safe for sailing. I would rather have the cancellation than a rough or unsafe boat ride, but you should avoid scheduling this on the final possible day of your vacation.

You can cancel for a full refund up to 24 hours before the start time. Cancellations or changes made inside that window are not refunded or accepted. Pickup details matter too. One missed pickup resulted in no reschedule or refund, so read the confirmation, set an alarm, and allow extra time for hotel traffic.

My final take: book it for the sandbar, not the thrills

I recommend the Puerto Morelos Secret Sandbar Catamaran Sail if you want a friendly, low-pressure day on clear shallow water. The crew service, especially the attention associated with Jose and Captain Martin, adds real value, and the format works across several age groups.

Book it with three cautions in mind: budget another $40 per person in listed fees, confirm any dietary needs in writing, and bring a towel because the towel information is inconsistent. Also keep a backup day available in case wind or sea conditions cancel the sailing.

If your ideal afternoon is standing waist-deep in clear water with a cold drink, a sandwich, and a catamaran nearby, this is a strong choice. If your ideal outing means reef snorkeling or nonstop activity, spend your money elsewhere.

FAQ

Where does the Puerto Morelos Secret Sandbar Catamaran Sail begin?

You check in at Marina La Bonita and walk to the dock to board the catamaran Adelita. The listed start time is 12:30 p.m.

Is hotel pickup available?

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

How long does the excursion last?

The activity lasts approximately four hours. The sail to the sandbar may take about an hour, followed by water time, lunch, and the return cruise.

How many people can join the catamaran?

The maximum group size is 26 people. The actual number can be smaller on a particular departure.

Are lunch and drinks included?

Yes. Lunch includes a ham and cheese baguette, fruit, and chips. Alcoholic beverages and other drinks are included, and additional snacks may be served.

Are paddleboards and floating mats available?

Yes. Paddleboards and a floating mat are available for use during the sandbar stop.

Are towels included?

The tour information is inconsistent. One section says towels are available, while another says towels are not included. Bring your own towel or confirm directly before departure.

Is the activity suitable for children and non-swimmers?

It is designed to suit children and nervous swimmers because the sandbar has shallow water. You must still supervise children, and some areas may require a short swim from the boat. Children must be accompanied by an adult.

What happens if the weather is bad?

If poor weather or unsafe sea conditions cancel the activity, you are offered a different date or a full refund. You can also cancel for a full refund at least 24 hours before the start time.