Puerto Morelos Secret Sandbar Catamaran Sail

A calm catamaran day can fix a lot of beach plans. This 4-hour sail from Marina La Bonita takes you to a secret sandbar in the Puerto Morelos area, where you can swim, paddle, or just float in very shallow water.

I like that it’s set up for real families: the sandbar is easy to access even for non-swimmers. I also love the way the crew runs the boat like a checklist—food and drinks are kept moving, and the vibe stays relaxed.

One thing to think about: the price you see up front doesn’t include all fees, and if you have strict food needs (like vegetarian), you should confirm ahead of time.

Key Points You’ll Care About

• Shallow sandbar water makes the swim optional: people can stand, relax, or jump in without a long swim.
• Small-group feel (max 26): you’re not stuck on a giant party boat.
• Lunch and unlimited drinks are part of the flow: you eat and drink on the sail without hunting for snacks.
• Paddleboards, floating mats, showers: you get several ways to hang out on the water.
• Crew attention shows up in the details: from keeping drinks coming to helping kids feel safe.

The Value Math: What You Really Pay for the Catamaran

This tour lists a $140 per person price for an afternoon on the water (about 4 hours). That’s not just “transport and vibes.” You get lunch plus alcoholic beverages (and drinks are described as unlimited), along with the floating mat setup that makes the sandbar hangout easy.

Then comes the part that changes the real cost: National Park & dock fees ($20 USD per person) and the Marina La Bonita fee ($20 USD per person) are not included. In plain terms, you should budget closer to $180 total per person once those show up.

That still can be good value if you want a worry-free afternoon. Instead of paying separately for boat time, drinks, and a food stop, you get it bundled—plus the sandbar is the whole point.

Meeting at Marina La Bonita and the 12:30 Start

The meet-up is at Marina La Bonita in Puerto Morelos. The tour’s start time is 12:30 pm, and pickup is offered with an extra charge if you’re staying somewhere between Cancún and Playa del Carmen.

If you’re coming from another area, transportation can be arranged for an additional price—just send your hotel/location details during booking. Also, do yourself a favor and show up a bit early. Even when the schedule looks simple, marinas can be busy.

One practical heads-up from people who used pickup: the ride can feel rough on the final stretch due to road bumps and potholes. If you’re prone to motion sickness, pack what you need before you leave your hotel.

Onboard Catamaran Adelita: What the Sail Feels Like

Once you’re checked in, you board Catamaran Adelita and set out toward the Puerto Morelos area. The “cruise” part isn’t the main event—it’s your warm-up. You’re sailing through tranquil water, and the boat atmosphere is set up for relaxing rather than racing.

This is where the crew style matters. Many comments point out that staff were friendly and proactive—bringing drinks and food, checking on comfort, and helping guests get settled. There’s also mention of music onboard, including a lively feel at times, so it doesn’t feel like a silent, stiff tour.

And if you’re traveling with kids, that matters too. The sandbar stop is designed to be kid-friendly, but the sailing itself also stays hands-on and encouraging.

Stop 1: Puerto Morelos National Park Waters

The sail takes you through the National Reef Park of Puerto Morelos area. This segment is mostly about the ride and the setting—clear water views, calm movement, and the slow transition from marina to sandbar.

Why this stop matters for you: you’re less likely to feel rushed. It’s also a good moment to take photos, sip something cold, and get your bearings before the water becomes the main attraction.

Drawback to keep in mind: this tour is weather-dependent, and sea conditions can affect sailing. If you’re booking as your one shot to get in the water, I’d treat the trip as flexible, not guaranteed.

The Secret Sandbar Anchor Drop: Shallow-Water Swimming for Everyone

This is the whole reason to book.

Once the boat reaches the secluded sandbar, it drops anchor so you can hop off and swim or float. The key detail here is not marketing. The sandbar area is described as so shallow that even kids and non-swimmers can jump off the boat confidently.

Here’s what you can realistically do once you’re there:

• Stand, wade, and relax in the shallow areas
• Swim if you want more water time
• Use a floating mat to float and chill
• Try paddleboarding if you’re game
• Hang out in sun or shade depending on how the day feels

Many people highlight that the water can be crystal clear at the sandbar, which is huge if your nearby beach at home base is affected by sargassum. If your hotel beach has that “smelly, dark-water” problem, this kind of boat-based water access can be a relief.

Possible consideration: not all sandbar spots feel the same depth-wise. Even with shallow water, some guests found that less confident swimmers preferred to stay closer to the boat and float instead of wading farther.

Lunch on the Water: Ham and Cheese, Fruit, Chips

Between swims, you’ll get a light lunch on board. The menu is listed as a ham and cheese baguette, plus fruit and chips.

This is one of the reasons the trip works for families: you’re not juggling lunch plans while trying to enjoy the water. It also makes the day feel “complete” without turning into a half-tour that ends before you’re fed.

One caution based on real experiences: if you have strict dietary needs, confirm in advance. There was at least one case where a vegetarian request wasn’t fulfilled on the day, leaving someone without the special meal they expected. If you’re vegetarian, have allergies, or need another accommodation, message the operator and get clarity before you go.

Drinks, Alcohol Rules, and That Typical Sandbar Joy

The tour includes alcoholic beverages, and the description emphasizes unlimited drinks during the experience. There’s also a reminder that the minimum drinking age is 18, so kids are welcome, but drinking is adult-only.

From the vibe described by guests, the crew keeps drinks moving. People talk about the funny feeling of having beer or cocktails while standing in the ocean—exactly the kind of memory you want from a Cancun-area day trip.

And if you’re not drinking, the experience still works. You’ll still have access to the food and non-alcohol options mentioned in accounts, including cold bottled water noted by some guests.

Towels, Showers, and the Stuff That Makes a Difference

A good water day comes down to small logistics: can you rinse off, dry off, and not feel like you’re fighting the clock?

The tour description mentions showers and provides beach towels. At the same time, the “not included” list includes towels. That contradiction means you should plan to ask when you book: do you get towels at the boat, or do you need to bring your own?

Either way, bring your own basics:

• Sunscreen
• Water shoes if you prefer traction
• Goggles if you want to see underwater while floating or wading
• A bag for wet things

Who This Catamaran Is Best For

This is a strong fit for:

• Families with kids, especially if you want water time without the stress of a deeper, harder swim
• Non-swimmers who want to be near the water and safely jump in from the boat
• Couples who want an easy afternoon with a scenic sail and a relaxed hangout

It’s also nice for solo travelers because the boat setup is more social than chaotic, and the small group size helps you actually feel included.

Who might struggle:

• Anyone who can’t walk on the beach, climb dock stairs, or board a boat
• People for whom stairs and getting on/off quickly will be a challenge
• Pregnant travelers, since the tour is not recommended for pregnancy

Group Size: Why “Max 26” Feels Different Than Big Boats

This outing has a maximum of 26 travelers. That upper limit is one reason people consistently call it intimate or calm, rather than party-boat hectic.

Even more telling: some groups reported sailing with far fewer people (like 5 or 11). The result is that the crew can actually manage everyone without ignoring half the boat.

That matters because on a sandbar day, the crew is the difference between:

• you getting settled quickly, with drinks and food delivered
• and you feeling like you’re waiting around

Based on the experiences shared, the staff’s attention is a big reason for the high satisfaction rate.

The Crew Experience: Names You Might Meet

A bunch of reviews and details point to the same theme: the crew is friendly, attentive, and safety-minded. Specific names mentioned include Jose, Martin (including Captain Martin), Ulises/Ulysses, and Arturo.

What you can expect from that kind of crew style:

• helping kids feel comfortable
• checking that people have drinks and snacks
• offering support around the sandbar area (especially for kids around floating mats)
• making the experience feel personal rather than scripted

There are also stories about kids getting to help with steering or piloting during the return sail. Even if you don’t aim for that exact moment, it tells you the crew is willing to turn the trip into an actual experience, not just a stop-and-go photo op.

Weather, Cancellations, and How to Book With Confidence

This tour requires good weather, and if it’s canceled due to poor sea conditions, you’re offered a different date or a full refund. That’s the reality of catamaran days in the tropics.

My advice: don’t schedule this as the one activity you can’t move. If your itinerary is tight, keep a backup plan for that same afternoon window.

If you’re traveling around the holidays or with flights that are very time-sensitive, build in buffer time. One missed communication about pickup has caused problems for at least one party in the past—so double-check your pickup timing and confirmation details.

Should You Book the Puerto Morelos Secret Sandbar Catamaran Sail?

Book it if you want:

• a shallow-water sandbar experience
• lunch + drinks included in a 4-hour format
• a small-group feel with strong crew support
• something that works for kids and non-swimmers

Consider other options if you:

• need guaranteed vegetarian or other special meals (confirm first and don’t assume)
• can’t handle stairs/boarding steps at the dock
• want a guaranteed travel schedule with no weather risk

FAQ

FAQ

How long is the Puerto Morelos Secret Sandbar catamaran tour?

It runs for about 4 hours.

What is included in the tour price?

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

What extra fees should I expect?

National Park and dock fees are listed as $20 USD per person, and the Marina La Bonita fee is listed as $20 per person. Those are not included in the base price.

Is hotel pickup included?

Pickup is offered for an extra charge. The tour company picks up from locations between Cancún and Playa del Carmen.

Is this tour good for kids and non-swimmers?

Yes. The sandbar water is described as shallow enough for kids and non-swimmers to jump off the boat. Children must be accompanied by an adult.

Is there an age limit for drinks?

Yes. The minimum drinking age is 18.

If you want, tell me your group (kids’ ages, swimming comfort, and where you’re staying). I’ll help you decide what time window makes sense and what to pack for the sandbar.