Puerto Morelos Secret Sandbar Catamaran Sail

This catamaran ride is interesting because it is built around one simple goal, a secluded sandbar stop where the water is shallow enough to feel confident. The whole vibe is easy, not a hectic excursion, which makes it a strong pick when you want ocean time without needing a scuba mindset or serious swimming skills.

Two things I love about it: the crew-focused service on board, with people getting snacks and drinks without having to hunt anyone down, and the fact that it works well for kids and non-swimmers because you can relax right where the boat anchors. A possible drawback to keep in mind is food requests, one vegetarian meal request was not honored on a recent sailing, so if dietary needs are a must, plan to confirm clearly ahead of time.

Key points before you go

• Small group feel with a maximum of 26 travelers, often with very few people on board.
• Shallow sandbar time where even nervous swimmers can jump in and still have an easy exit.
• Lunch plus drinks included (light lunch and alcoholic drinks), good for a true half-day on the water.
• Real comfort extras like floating mats, paddle boards, beach towels, and showers available.
• Helpful, safety-minded crew focused on kids and first-timers, with attention to what you need in the moment.

Where the day starts, Marina La Bonita at 12:30

This tour runs on a 12:30 pm start, and it is centered on Marina La Bonita in Puerto Morelos. If you do not want to think about a ride, you can request hotel pickup, but that comes with an extra charge. Pickup is offered from locations between Cancun and Playa del Carmen, and you can also arrange transport from other spots for an additional fee.

What makes this start time worth your attention is that it is late enough for a slow morning, but early enough that you are still done and back with time for dinner. The day is not meant to be a full travel grind. It is meant to be a float, swim, and snack kind of afternoon.

One small practical note: you still need to be able to walk on the beach, climb dock stairs, and board the boat. If mobility is an issue, you will want to think carefully.

The real value of the $140 price: lunch, drinks, and a sandbar stop

The listed price is $140 per person, and that is not just for a ride. You get a light lunch (ham and cheese baguette, fruit, and chips) and alcoholic beverages. You also get use of a floating mat, plus access to the sandbar experience where swimming and paddle boarding happen.

Then there are add-on fees you should budget for. The tour does not include National Park & Dock fees ($20 USD per person) and there is also an admission fee for Marina La Bonita ($20 USD per person). So, in plain terms, you can expect the trip to cost more than the headline price once those fees are added.

That said, for a catamaran day cruise with food and drinks included, the value holds when you look at what you avoid paying for. You are not buying a lunch box and separate drinks, and you are not paying extra for the main attraction, that secret sandbar swim. It is still a paid excursion, but the pricing matches a true half-day on the water rather than a short sightseeing hop.

The cruise portion: Puerto Morelos Lagoon, calm water, and a reef park stop

Once you check in at Marina La Bonita, you board the catamaran (the boat used is named Adelita). You then sail through the Puerto Morelos Lagoon toward the National Reef Park of Puerto Morelos.

This matters because a lagoon cruise tends to be a different feeling than open-water speed. People describe the trip as calm and relaxed, with lots of time to sit, drink, and look around. If your group is mixed in swimming confidence, this “in-between” part is useful, because you are not thrown into chaos right away. You ease into the day.

And yes, the water can still be pretty on the ride out. You are spending time on the water in a way that looks good from every angle, not just when the boat finally anchors.

The Secret Sandbar stop: shallow water, floating mats, and paddle boards

This is the heart of the trip. The catamaran anchors at a secluded sandbar far from shore, where you hop off to swim, paddleboard, or just chill on floating gear.

Here is what I think makes the Secret Sandbar stop work so well for families and non-swimmers. The water is shallow where the boat anchors. That means you can stand up and regroup if you need to. If someone is nervous about getting in, they are not stuck with only one option like a deep-water beach entry.

On top of that, you get options for different comfort levels:

• Floating mat or rafts for lounging on the water
• Paddle boards if you want something active
• Shaded and sunny spots on the boat so you can regulate comfort
• Towels available and showers on board, which helps after you are done swimming

One thing to keep in mind is that “easy” still requires you to navigate the boat-to-water area. The tour requires that you can board the boat and climb dock stairs, so plan around that. Also, one non-swimmer chose to stay on the boat during the swimming portion, which tells me that the sandbar is friendly, but it is still a water-based activity.

Lunch, unlimited drinks, and why the crew makes it feel personal

The food is a light lunch, not a sit-down restaurant plate. You get a ham and cheese baguette, plus fruit and chips. It is simple, but it works for this kind of half-day, especially when you are using the time for sun and swimming.

The drink side is a bigger part of the experience. You get alcoholic beverages included, and the minimum drinking age is 18. In practice, what you care about is that drinks are repeatedly brought around, so you spend your energy relaxing instead of tracking down a bartender.

This is also where I see the biggest “best-of” theme in the experience: the crew attention. Multiple people describe staff who are friendly and constantly checking in, with people getting what they need, when they need it. Names that come up in the onboard stories include Jose, Martin (often referred to as Captain Martin), Arturo, and Ulises (also shown as Ulysses). The vibe you are aiming for is that family-friendly, no-stress service style.

If you have kids, this is especially valuable. Some families mention kids steering or helping with the boat during the return sail, which turns the day into more than just swimming. Even if you do not get a “pilot for a minute” moment, the tone is clearly geared toward keeping young guests included.

Comfort on board: shade, music, and a boat that feels looked after

Catamarans can go two ways. Either they feel like a cattle car, or they feel clean, comfortable, and cared for. Here, you get descriptions of a clean, well-kept boat and staff who are thoughtful about comfort, including offering pillows and bringing items to people while they are in the water.

You should also expect the boat to have a mix of shaded and sunny seating areas. That is useful because even when the water is the main event, sun management becomes part of the day. People also mention music on board, with a fun atmosphere that does not feel overly “party bus.”

And if you worry about water safety, the crew attention helps. One story includes a crew member noticing a child floating mat situation and responding quickly to keep everything close to the boat. That is exactly the kind of safety awareness you want on a trip like this.

Things to watch: food needs, missed pickup risk, and weather cancellations

This is where I stay real with you.

Dietary requests can be a weak spot. One family asked for a vegetarian meal ahead of time and was told it would be available. On the day, they did not receive a vegetarian lunch and ended up without food. That does not mean your request will fail, but it does mean you should not assume it will happen automatically. If you have vegetarian, allergy, or other strict needs, confirm with the operator before you go and be ready with a backup plan.

Missed pickup can be serious. One review story describes a situation where an email about pickup timing was missed, leading to the person missing pickup and being unable to reschedule. I can not tell you how your provider will handle edge cases, but I will tell you how to avoid the problem: check pickup times twice, and if you do not receive the message, contact the operator before the day of the tour.

Weather can cancel the trip. This activity requires good weather. If conditions are unsafe at sea, the tour can be canceled, and the policy says you will either be offered a different date or a full refund. People describe cancellations happening even when land weather looked fine, which makes sense. Seas matter more than sunshine.

Who should book, and who should skip

This is one of those tours that fits a lot of travelers because the “swim part” is not an all-or-nothing situation.

You will likely love it if:

• You are traveling with kids who want water time but do not need advanced swimming
• You want a relaxed small-group catamaran day without planning snorkeling gear
• You want ocean views plus a simple lunch and drinks in one package
• You have mixed ability levels, including nervous swimmers or non-swimmers who still want to be on the water

You may want to think twice if:

• You have strict dietary needs and cannot confirm accommodations
• You do not feel comfortable with boat boarding, beach walking, and stairs at the dock
• You are pregnant, since it is not recommended for pregnant women
• You want a fully on-land cultural excursion, because this is very much a water-and-relax day

What to pack for a sandbar afternoon

You are heading into a shallow-water swim-and-relax setting. Pack for comfort, not for a complex adventure.

At minimum, I would bring:

• Sunblock and goggles, since clear water and swimming time are a big part of why people book this
• A swimsuit you are happy to wear under any towel or cover-up
• Comfortable footwear for the dock approach, since you have to walk and climb stairs to board

Also, if you are sensitive to sun or wind, pick clothing that lets you shift between shaded and sunny boat spots without fuss.

Quick decision guide: should you book this Puerto Morelos Secret Sandbar sail?

Yes, I think you should book if you want an easy, family-friendly catamaran day where the highlight is a shallow, anchored sandbar stop. The best sign is the combination of elements that rarely all show up together: a small-group feel, included lunch and drinks, and a crew that stays actively engaged, especially with kids.

If you are deciding between this and another excursion, use two filters. First, be honest about your group’s comfort with boarding and dock stairs. Second, handle food needs like it is on you to confirm, because a vegetarian request example shows that special meals may not always be smooth.

Bottom line: this is a solid half-day escape from the Cancun area if your idea of success is sun, shallow water, snacks, and people who help you enjoy it without turning it into work.

FAQ

Where is the meeting point for this catamaran sail?

You meet at Marina La Bonita. Hotel pickup is available for an extra charge for locations between Cancun and Playa del Carmen.

What time does the tour start and how long is it?

The start time is 12:30 pm, and the duration is about 4 hours.

What is included in the price?

Included are a light lunch (ham and cheese baguette, fruit, and chips), use of a floating mat, and alcoholic beverages.

What fees are not included?

National Park and dock fees are not included ($20 USD per person), and there is also a Marina La Bonita admission fee ($20 USD per person).

Can kids and non-swimmers join?

Yes. The experience is described as perfect for kids and non-swimmers. Children must be accompanied by an adult, and you must be able to walk on the beach, climb dock stairs, and board the boat.

Are alcoholic drinks included for everyone?

Alcoholic beverages are included, but the minimum drinking age is 18.

What if the weather is bad?

This experience requires good weather. If canceled due to poor weather, you will be offered a different date or a full refund.

How flexible is cancellation?

Free cancellation is available up to 24 hours before the experience start time for a full refund. If you cancel less than 24 hours before, the amount paid is not refunded.