Puerto Morelos Secret Sandbar Catamaran Sail

The best part of this Puerto Morelos catamaran trip is the sandbar itself. Far from shore, the water is clear, calm, and shallow enough in places for children and nervous swimmers to stand on the soft bottom. You can swim, use a floating mat, paddleboard, or simply stay aboard with a drink.

I like the small maximum group of 26, though some departures are much smaller. I also like the relaxed service: crew members such as Jose, Captain Martin, Arturo, and Ulises have been praised for bringing drinks, snacks, pillows, and help before anyone needs to ask. The main catch is cost. The $140 price does not include $40 in listed park, dock, and marina fees, and hotel transport costs extra.

Key points

• The shallow sandbar suits families: You can often stand in the water, making this easier for children and cautious swimmers than a deep-water boat stop.
• The Adelita offers a calm half-day sail: Expect roughly an hour each way, with music, open water, shade, and breezes along the route.
• Food and drinks are included: The light lunch includes a ham and cheese baguette, fruit, and chips, with alcoholic drinks and bottled water available.
• The group stays small: The maximum is 26 people, and some departures have had only 5 or 11 guests.
• Bring your own towel: The details are inconsistent, with towels mentioned as available in one place but listed as not included elsewhere.
• Plan for extra fees: National Park and dock fees are $20 per person, plus a separate $20 Marina La Bonita admission fee.

A shallow-water escape from Puerto Morelos

This is not a snorkeling-heavy expedition or a full-day party cruise. It is a simple, pleasant afternoon on the water: sail out, stop at a shallow sandbar, eat lunch, swim, then sail back.

That focus is part of the appeal. You do not need to master a long list of activities. If you want a quiet float, there is a floating mattress. If you want a little more action, paddleboards are available. If you prefer dry feet, the catamaran gives you shaded and sunny places to sit.

The setting is the Puerto Morelos National Park, with the boat moving through calmer coastal waters before reaching the sandbar. The exact conditions change with wind, clouds, seaweed, and weather, but the central attraction is the clear, shallow water rather than a dramatic reef presentation.

The tour runs about four hours and starts at 12:30 p.m. That timing works well if you want a morning at your hotel or a half-day activity that does not take over your entire schedule. It also means you should eat a small breakfast or early snack if you tend to get hungry, since lunch comes after the boat has reached the sandbar.

Boarding the Adelita at Marina La Bonita

You meet at Marina La Bonita in Puerto Morelos, then walk to the dock and board the catamaran Adelita. The marina charges a $20 admission fee per person, and the National Park and dock fees add another $20 per person.

Those charges matter when you compare this excursion with other boat trips. The advertised $140 price becomes at least $180 per person before any hotel transfer. Families should do this math before booking, since four people would pay an additional $160 in listed fees.

Hotel pickup is available from locations between Cancun and Playa del Carmen for an extra charge. You need to provide your hotel name when booking or send it by email. If you arrange transportation, allow extra patience for traffic and the road near the marina. One pickup route was described as smooth for most of the ride but very bumpy during the last few kilometers, with potholes that caused motion sickness for one passenger.

If you drive yourself, confirm the exact meeting instructions and allow time for the marina admission process. The experience is offered in English, and confirmation arrives when you book.

The ride through Puerto Morelos National Park

Once aboard, the boat heads out through the protected waters of Puerto Morelos National Park. The ride to the sandbar can take about an hour, so this is a real sailing outing, not a quick shuttle to a swimming platform.

The pace is easy. Music plays, drinks are served, and you can choose between sun and shade. The crew has also been known to bring pillows and snacks around the boat, which helps make the long ride comfortable for people who want to sit back instead of socialize.

I would treat the sailing time as part of the attraction. Look out across the open water, watch the shoreline recede, and settle into the unhurried rhythm. You may find this portion more enjoyable than expected if you want a break from resort pools and hotel entertainment.

The boat has received strong praise for being clean and well kept. Service is a major part of the outing, with Jose, Captain Martin, Arturo, and Ulises specifically recognized for friendly, attentive care on different departures. The crew may invite children to help steer or visit the helm, but this is not guaranteed, so do not book solely for that possibility.

The secret sandbar stop

The catamaran anchors at a secluded sandbar away from the main beach. Here the water is often so shallow that you can step off and stand on the sandy bottom in some areas. Other spots are deep enough for jumping from the boat, so conditions are not identical across the entire sandbar.

This mixed depth is useful for families and groups with different comfort levels. A confident swimmer can move farther from the boat, while a child or cautious adult can stay in shallower water. Still, shallow does not mean risk-free. One account described a child on a floating mat drifting away from the boat before a crew member quickly brought her back.

You should keep children close and follow the crew’s instructions. The sandbar may be easy for confident young swimmers, but it can still feel challenging to less experienced swimmers who must move from the boat to the shallow area. One older couple chose to remain aboard because they were not comfortable making even the short swim to the sandbank.

That is the most important qualification to the family-friendly claim. The water itself is shallow, but you must still be able to board the boat, climb dock stairs, walk on the beach, and move between the catamaran and the water. The activity is not recommended for pregnant women.

At the sandbar, you can swim, float, paddleboard, or lie in the sun. The floating mats are included. Towels are less clear: one part of the information says beach towels are provided, while the inclusion list says towels are not included. Bring your own towel unless the operator confirms otherwise.

Lunch, drinks, and what is really included

The lunch is light rather than a full Mexican meal. You receive a ham and cheese baguette, fruit, and chips. Some accounts also mention snacks such as apples, cookies, and additional fruit, but the stated meal is the baguette, fruit, and chips.

That is enough for many people during a four-hour outing, but it may not suit every diet. A vegetarian meal was promised to one family but was not available on the day. If you have dietary restrictions, contact the operator before booking, then confirm the request again shortly before departure. If the request is important, bring a suitable backup snack.

Alcoholic drinks are included, along with unlimited beverages during the cruise. Bottled water has also been available. This is convenient, but remember that alcohol and swimming do not mix well, especially for children and weaker swimmers in your group. The crew’s attentiveness helps, but it does not replace personal supervision.

The mood can range from peaceful to playful. Music and dancing are part of some departures, while other groups describe the day as calm and restful. Your experience will depend partly on the size and personality of your group. The small-group limit keeps the boat from feeling like a huge excursion vessel, though a full group of 26 will feel different from a departure with 5 or 11 people.

A good fit for children and cautious swimmers

This trip makes sense if you want your children to enjoy the sea without committing to snorkeling or deep-water swimming. The sandbar gives you a rare middle ground: your family can step into the water, stand in places, and still have the fun of jumping from a boat.

Parents should remain hands-on. Children must be accompanied by an adult, and the water’s depth can change around the boat. Bring sun protection, since you will spend several hours outdoors, and consider water shoes if your family prefers extra footing in the sand.

The tour also works for older adults who enjoy being on the water but do not want a demanding activity. You can remain on the catamaran, use the shade, eat lunch, and watch others swim. But you must be able to walk on the beach, climb the dock stairs, and board the boat.

Solo visitors and couples can fit in well, too. The relaxed setup does not require you to bring a large group, and smaller departures can feel sociable without being overwhelming. If you want a quiet private charter, though, this is not described as a private tour. You will share the boat with other people, up to a maximum of 26.

Where this trip can disappoint

The biggest weakness is the mismatch between the easygoing promise and a few practical limits. The water is shallow, but some people will still be uncomfortable swimming from the boat to the sandbar. If you are a non-swimmer who wants guaranteed time in the water, ask exactly how close the boat anchors and what flotation support is available.

Weather is another factor. The tour requires suitable conditions, and the operator may cancel for sea conditions even when the weather at your hotel looks sunny. That can be frustrating if the cancellation comes close to your departure date, but boating conditions offshore are not always visible from land. If this is your only planned excursion, leave room for a backup plan.

Pickup can also add time and expense. Cancun and Playa del Carmen traffic can be slow, and the final road to the marina may be rough. Anyone prone to motion sickness should consider taking precautions and sitting where the ride is most comfortable.

Finally, the meal is basic and special diets need careful handling. The lunch works as a light boat meal, not as a culinary reason to book. Families with vegetarians, allergies, or other restrictions should get a clear written answer before paying.

Is the $140 price good value?

At first glance, $140 per person is a substantial price for four hours. Once you add the $20 National Park and dock fee, the $20 marina admission, and possible transport, the final cost is meaningfully higher.

The value improves if you will use the included drinks, floating mat, and paddleboards, and if you care about having a small boat with attentive service. A cheaper boat trip may not offer the same group limit, food, drinks, or easy shallow-water stop. On the other hand, if you plan to remain aboard and skip the water, the price will feel harder to justify.

I would compare the total price, not the headline rate. For a family of four, the listed mandatory fees add $160 to the booking. Ask about towel availability, transport cost, and dietary requests before you commit.

The 4.7 rating from 396 reviews, with 92 percent recommending the experience, suggests that most departures deliver what people want: pretty water, a clean boat, a friendly crew, and an uncomplicated afternoon. The few serious complaints center on missed pickup, weather cancellation, and an unfulfilled vegetarian meal. Those are not minor if they affect your plans, so handle the practical details carefully.

What to bring and how to prepare

Pack a swimsuit, sunblock, sunglasses, and a change of clothes. Bring your own towel unless Marina La Bonita confirms that one will be supplied. Goggles can be useful if you want to look beneath the clear water, though snorkeling is not presented as the main activity.

A small waterproof bag will help protect your phone and room key. Keep valuables to a minimum. The boat has shaded areas, but you will also spend time in direct sun, and the return sail can feel breezy.

If you need hotel pickup, enter the correct hotel name in the special requirements field. Watch your email for the pickup details and check them before the excursion day. One missed pickup led to a lost booking with no reschedule, and the stated policy does not refund cancellations made within 24 hours.

You can cancel for a full refund up to 24 hours before the start time. If poor weather or an insufficient minimum group causes cancellation, you are offered another date or a full refund.

Should you book the Puerto Morelos Secret Sandbar Sail?

Book it if you want a small-group catamaran afternoon with clear shallow water, simple lunch, unlimited drinks, and a crew that takes service seriously. It is especially suitable for families, mixed-age groups, couples, and people who want to enjoy the sea without a strenuous reef activity.

Think twice if you need a private boat, a substantial meal, guaranteed vegetarian food, or a fully accessible route. Also reconsider if you are uncomfortable boarding from a dock or swimming even a short distance from the catamaran.

For the best value, calculate the added fees, confirm transport, bring a towel, and put dietary requests in writing. With those details handled, the Secret Sandbar Sail offers an easy, scenic way to trade a crowded hotel beach for a few hours on clear Puerto Morelos water.

FAQ

Where does the Puerto Morelos Secret Sandbar Catamaran Sail begin?

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

What time does the tour start?

The listed start time is 12:30 p.m.

How long does the catamaran experience last?

The experience lasts approximately four hours.

Is hotel pickup available?

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

What is the maximum group size?

The tour has a maximum of 26 travelers.

What food is included?

The stated light lunch includes a ham and cheese baguette, fruit, and chips.

Are drinks included?

Yes. Alcoholic beverages are included, and the tour describes unlimited drinks during the cruise.

Are paddleboards and floating mats available?

Paddleboards and floating mats are available. Use of a floating mat is included.

Are towels included?

The information is inconsistent. One description says beach towels are provided, while the inclusion details list towels as not included. Confirm before departure or bring your own.

Are there extra fees?

Yes. National Park and dock fees are listed at $20 per person, and Marina La Bonita charges a $20 admission fee per person. Hotel transportation costs extra.

Can children join the tour?

Yes. Children must be accompanied by an adult, and the shallow sandbar is intended to suit children and cautious swimmers.

Is the tour suitable for non-swimmers?

The shallow water can work well for non-swimmers, but you must be able to board the boat, climb dock stairs, walk on the beach, and manage the movement between the boat and water. Some non-swimmers may prefer to remain aboard.

Is the tour offered in English?

Yes. The tour is offered in English.

What happens if the weather is poor?

If the tour is canceled because of poor weather, you are offered a different date or a full refund.

Can I cancel my booking?

You can cancel for a full refund at least 24 hours before the experience start time. Cancellations or changes made less than 24 hours before the start time are not accepted for a refund.