Isla Mujeres Catamaran Adventure

During our stay at Mirage Majestic Costa Mujeres we booked an excursion to Isla Mujeres to celebrate our 33rd wedding anniversary. We met our Air Canada Vacations representative Pedro Ortiz in the tour office of the hotel. Mr Ortiz advised that the excursion we were interested in was in a Luxury Catamaran and included 45 minutes of snorkeling over a beautiful reef and followed by a “ Beautiful Lunch Buffet “ provided by the Mia Hotel Isla Mujeres. We were also told that after the lunch we could use the facilties of the hotel including the umbrellas and chairs . We boarded our Catamaran named Longerin on the morning of June 26th . After about 20minutes on the boat , our captain Pedro advised that we have now arrived at the reef to do our snorkeling. To our surprise there was hardly any reef or fish to see while we where snorkeling. We actually spent most of the time swimming around in the water following our Captain Pedtro who was ponting us to specific sites. Once we arrived on the island , Pedro instructed us to follow him to our buffet . To our disappointment, the buffet was Inside a shack without any air conditioning and the food that was being served was disgusting . My wife and I were afraid of getting food poisoned so we could not eat anything at all . By this time , Pedro had already departed the island and were on our own for the next 4 hours until we were to be picked up . Instead of being able to use the facilities of the Mia Hotel including their beach chairs and umbrellas , we were told that we have to rent beach chairs and umbrella for $30 for 2 hours . My wife and I ended up spending the hours before our pick up , looking for any places of shade and taking our turns in going to water to cool off while one of us looked after our belongings.

I need more than 25 words to describe how this cruise almost ruined my entire trip. 59 people on one boat? Barely enough food to feed everyone, and the food selection was terrible, one guy was making tacos with his bare hands. Extremely cramped. I wasn't able to snorkel due to not enough gear on the boat, I had to fight just for seating for myself and my wife. I wouldn't take this cruise again if you paid me. The crew on the boat were amazing, they were doing their best to make sure we had enough to drink. I felt bad because they were so busy.

It all starts at the marina. Confused boarding and a lot of agitation. So far ok, but at the time of boarding we were surprised. We hoped to do the snorkeling sequence, pass on Playa sur and go for lunch at a Beach club and stay at Playa Norte (the most beautiful) and centre. But the walk was the opposite. We did not have the snorkel due to suspension for some risks. We went straight to Playa Sur and stopped at a restaurant for lunch. Simple lunch, ok...no problems, but with lack of hygiene can not! The employee took the chicken pieces to put in the buffet with his hands. Yes!!! Without any protection. Beach? Forget! The place was delimited by nets, dark water. It looked more like a fish tank. Smell of mango. After lunch, we boarded and headed to the center. Very beautiful, reminds a lot of the Cuban streets in their best stage. A small walk, you get to Playa Norte and there yes...worth a lot! Linda! Various Beach, clean and calm sea, but there nothing included..not water. Even if the time in place was long, there would be no problem. We would pick up chairs, some beers (nothing cheap) and we would close the afternoon, but we did not stay more than 30 Minutes and we had to go back, since we had about 15 minutes to walk to the boat. In the catamaran the open bar service and good..simple drinks, national. Don't expect the best, but follow. It's the crew that makes the difference. Animated, willing and always playful. In fact, it was they who saved the ride.

Snorkeling was not done, but I was charged for it. Bumpy ride on boat with no seats, people with back pain should avoid!

Our group of 10 had an excellent experience on Manuel IV with Captain JC and Leo. One of our group had motion sickness from the van ride to the sea port and was recovering while on the catamaran. The crew was truly accommodating and ensured she was well looked after until she came around to enjoy the rest of the trip. Excellent communication and even though some of the crew did not speak great English, everyone communicated the best that they could and ensured everyone on the trip had a good visit to Isla Majures. Thanks again!