Clear Boat Tour in Cancun 1.5 hours great for pictures

If you’re looking for a leisurely, picture-perfect way to experience Cancun’s waters, the Clear Boat Tour might just fit the bill. This 1-hour 20-minute excursion offers something different from the usual boat rides — it’s an all-around view of both above and below the water through a fully transparent vessel. It’s especially appealing for those who love photography or simply want a relaxed way to take in Cancun’s stunning scenery without the hassle of snorkeling or diving.

From what travelers say, this tour is known for its stunning views, friendly guides, and good value for money. However, it’s worth noting that the experience can sometimes be affected by natural phenomena like sargassum, and some reviews mention that the views might not always meet high expectations. Overall, if you’re after a unique, Instagram-worthy experience in a calm environment, this tour is likely to suit you. It’s best for travelers who enjoy scenic, low-impact excursions with plenty of photo opportunities.

Key Points

• Unique transparent boat experience offers views both above and below the water’s surface.
• Great for photography with numerous chances for Instagram-worthy shots.
• Includes two drinks and a bilingual guide, making it a relaxed outing.
• Limited boat capacity ensures a more intimate experience, with a maximum of 30 travelers.
• Dock fee of $28 USD is mandatory, adding to the overall cost.
• Weather and natural conditions like sargassum can impact visibility and scenery, so expectations may vary.

Exploring Cancun from a New Perspective

Cancun is famous for its turquoise waters and vibrant marine life, but not every tour allows you to see these from such a unique vantage point. The Clear Boat Tour gives you the chance to glide over the calm waters of Nichupté Lagoon, then venture into the Caribbean Sea, all while sitting comfortably inside a fully transparent vessel. This means you’re constantly looking both up and down, which makes for a fascinating visual experience.

While some tours focus solely on snorkeling or diving, this one caters to those who prefer to stay dry but still want to enjoy the underwater scenery. We’ve read reviews where travelers appreciated the “amazing views of submerged statues and vibrant marine life” without needing to get wet, making it especially appealing for families with young children or anyone not keen on snorkeling.

The Itinerary: A Close Look

Stop 1: Laguna Nichupte

The tour begins in the spectacular Nichupté Lagoon, a sprawling natural reserve covering over 3,000 hectares. As your boat gently slides across its calm, greenish waters, you’ll be surrounded by lush mangroves—crucial to the health of Cancun’s ecosystem. Expect to see a variety of wildlife, including tropical birds, fish, and possibly a crocodile or two.

Travelers who’ve been here describe it as a peaceful, scenic start, with one reviewer mentioning the “beautiful natural landscape” and how it’s a great opportunity to learn about the lagoon’s ecological importance. The 20-minute stop here is brief but offers a serene introduction to Cancun’s natural surroundings.

Stop 2: Transition Into the Caribbean

After crossing under the iconic Calinda Bridge, your journey continues into Cancun’s famed Caribbean Sea. Here, the view shifts from lush green to the sparkling blues of the ocean. This segment, lasting about 40 minutes, is where you’ll see submerged statues and vibrant marine life, all visible through the clear hull of your boat.

Travelers have praised the “crystal-clear views of the water and marine life,” noting that the boat’s transparency enhances the experience, making it easier to spot fish and underwater features from every angle. The guide’s insights add context, helping you appreciate what you’re seeing.

What’s Included & What’s Not

Included in the tour are life jackets, bottled water, soda, beer, and a bilingual guide. These little touches make the trip more comfortable, and the two included drinks—both soft drinks and beer—add a relaxed, social element.

However, there are some costs that travelers should be aware of. A mandatory dock fee of $28 USD per person is charged at the end of the tour, which significantly increases the overall price if you’re counting on the initial $19 per person to cover everything. It’s important to budget for this in advance.

Extras like photo packages, souvenirs, or tips are optional but could add to your expenses. If capturing memories is important, you might want to consider the photo package, though some reviewers felt they had enough photos from the tour itself.

The Experience: Pros and Cons

What Travelers Love

Many reviews highlight the professionalism and punctuality of the staff, with one reviewer praising the guides as being “very knowledgeable.” The views are often described as “breathtaking” or “truly Instagram-worthy,” especially the underwater scenes visible from the transparent hull.

The relaxed pace and the inclusion of drinks make this a very laid-back experience. It’s a great way to unwind while enjoying the scenery. Also, the small group size, capped at 30 travelers, helps keep the experience intimate and less crowded.

Considerations and Drawbacks

Some travelers were disappointed when the views didn’t live up to expectations. One noted that “not much to see” and mentioned that visibility could be limited by natural factors like sargassum, which can sometimes blanket the waters.

Plus, the high harbor fee can be surprising if it isn’t clear upfront, adding a hefty $28 USD per person to what initially seems like a budget-friendly tour.

Another review pointed out that some found the tour “not much to see” and felt it was more about taking photos rather than exploring marine life. For those seeking an extensive underwater adventure, this might not fully satisfy.

Who Is This Tour Best For?

This tour is ideal for travelers who want a quick, visually stunning experience in Cancun’s waters without getting wet or diving in. It’s perfect for families, couples, or solo travelers looking for a relaxed activity with photo opportunities. If you’re after a unique way to see Cancun’s waters from a different perspective and don’t mind the extra dock fee, this tour offers a memorable snapshot of the Caribbean.

It’s less suitable for travelers seeking deep underwater exploration, snorkeling, or diving, as those activities aren’t included. Also, if natural conditions like sargassum or visibility issues are a concern, you might want to consider the timing of your visit.

The Bottom Line

In the end, the Clear Boat Tour in Cancun offers a fun, easy, and visually appealing way to experience the region’s waters. Its unique transparent vessel provides a rare perspective, especially for photography enthusiasts. The calm pace, friendly guides, and stunning scenery make it a worthwhile addition to many travelers’ itineraries.

While it’s not the most extensive or immersive marine experience, it’s a great value for the price, especially considering the included drinks and the views you’ll capture. Be prepared for the mandatory dock fee and possible natural visibility issues, but overall, this tour stands out as a light, scenic escape in Cancun’s busy hotel zone.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does the tour last?
The tour is approximately 1 hour and 20 minutes, including stops at Laguna Nichupte and the Caribbean Sea.

What is included in the price?
You get a bilingual guide, life jackets, bottled water, soda, and beer. Photos and souvenirs are optional extras.

Is there a dock fee?
Yes, there is a mandatory dock fee of $28 USD per person, payable at the end of the tour.

Can children participate?
Most travelers can participate, but children must be accompanied by an adult.

Where does the tour start and end?
It begins at Envatours Cancún, Blvd. Kukulcan km 3.5 and returns to the same point.

Do I need snorkeling gear?
No, snorkeling is not included or required. The experience is based on the boat’s transparent design for viewing.

What should I wear or bring?
Bring sun protection, a camera, and a sense of adventure. The tour provides drinks, but you might want to bring additional personal snacks or souvenirs.

To sum it up, the Clear Boat Tour in Cancun offers a relaxed, visually engaging way to enjoy Cancun’s waters, especially for those wanting fantastic photos and a gentle boat ride. It’s well-suited for families, couples, or solo travelers who appreciate scenic views and a calm pace. Keep the dock fee in mind, and don’t expect an underwater snorkeling adventure — but if unobstructed views and a unique perspective sound appealing, this tour won’t disappoint.