Sail around cancun in the best transparent boat + 2 drinks

Introduction

If you’re planning a trip to Cancun and want a unique way to see its natural beauty without getting your hair wet, this glass-bottom boat tour around Nichupté Lagoon might just fit the bill. We’ve looked into this experience to help you decide whether it’s worth your time, especially if you’re after a relaxed, scenic cruise with some fun extras.

One thing we really like about this tour is how it combines the thrill of seeing marine life without diving in—an excellent choice for families or those wary of water activities. Plus, the inclusion of two drinks—whether soft drinks or alcoholic beverages—adds a laid-back vibe to your sightseeing. On the flip side, a potential consideration is the obligatory dock access fee of $15 USD, which you’ll need to budget for separately.

This tour is well-suited for travelers who enjoy easy, scenic experiences, along with a bit of comfort and socializing. It’s perfect if you want a taste of Cancun’s aquatic scenery without the strenuous effort of snorkeling or scuba diving. Let’s explore what makes this cruise stand out and whether it might be a good fit for your trip.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Key Points

• Scenic views of Nichupté Lagoon and the Caribbean from a transparent boat.
• Two drinks included, offering a casual social experience.
• Short but engaging 75-minute tour, suitable for all ages.
• Accessible stops at Calinda Bridge and “El Blanquizal” with great photo opportunities.
• Marine life sightings like turtles, stingrays, starfish, and submerged statues.
• Additional dock fee of $15 USD applies, which is an important part of your budget.

Discovering Cancun from the Water

This cruise offers a different perspective of Cancun’s natural beauty—gliding across Nichupté Lagoon, a large, protected natural area. The glass-bottom boat allows you to enjoy the underwater scenery without getting wet, which is especially good for those who prefer a comfortable viewing experience or traveling with children.

The tour begins at Envatours Cancún, conveniently located just beside a pharmacy, marked by a purple flag. The check-in process is straightforward, and the boat departs for a 30-minute scenic drive around the lagoon, giving you ample time to soak in the lush surroundings and tranquil waters. The bilingual guide also functions as a photographer, capturing your moments, which is a nice touch for those who want memories without the hassle of taking their own photos.

The Lagoon and Calinda Bridge

The first part of the adventure takes you across the Nichupté Lagoon, a significant natural reserve of over 3,000 hectares. Here, you’ll see turtles, snails, and starfish in their habitats, and if you’re lucky, stingrays swimming nearby. The guide’s commentary helps you identify and understand the local marine environment, making this part both scenic and educational.

Crossing the Calinda Bridge is a highlight—this iconic structure offers great photo ops of the bridge itself and the waters beneath. The boat stops here for about 45 minutes, allowing visitors to snap photos or simply admire the sweeping views of Cancun’s skyline contrasted with the calm lagoon waters.

“El Blanquizal” and the Reef Stop

The tour then moves toward “El Blanquizal”, a stretch of white sandy area that’s perfect for visualizing why Cancun’s beaches are so famous. Here, the fine sand seems to extend forever, and the clarity of the water makes this a memorable scene. The boat pauses at a small reef where you can see vibrant marine life in their natural environment. The guide points out submerged statues, which add an interesting and slightly mysterious element to your view underwater.

More Great Tours Nearby

What You’ll Experience

The entire experience lasts about 75 minutes, a perfect length for a relaxed sightseeing trip. You’ll get to sail around Cancun, enjoy the scenery, and indulge in two drinks—choices range from soft drinks to alcohol—making the trip feel more like a casual social outing.

While the tour is guided in both English and Spanish, reviews note the guides are friendly and knowledgeable. The group size tends to be small enough to feel intimate but large enough to keep the atmosphere lively.

Practical Details & What to Expect

Itinerary Breakdown

• Start at Envatours Cancún, where you’ll check-in and board the glass-bottom boat.
• First stop: Nichupté Lagoon, with a scenic 30-minute ride filled with marine life sightings and a calm intro to the environment.
• Second stop: Puente Calinda, a 45-minute crossing over the bridge. Be sure to have your camera ready for panoramic shots.
• Final stop: El Blanquizal, cruising over white sands and exploring a small reef with vibrant marine life.

What’s Included & What’s Not

The tour includes 2 drinks per person—your choice of soda or alcohol—adding a relaxed, social element. The bilingual guide also doubles as your photographer, capturing your moments during the cruise.

However, the $15 USD dock fee is not included in the ticket price and must be paid at the check-in office. This fee is standard for access to the marina and is worth budgeting for.

What to Bring & Restrictions

Comfortable clothes are recommended since you’ll be on the boat, but shoes, weapons, large bags, glass objects, or insect repellent are not allowed on the boat. Also, note that pregnant women, those with mobility issues, or people prone to motion sickness might find this experience less suitable due to the boat’s movement and the nature of the stops.

Duration & Flexibility

The entire tour lasts about 75 minutes, with options available in the morning and afternoon. You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund, offering flexibility should your plans change.

The Experience from the Traveler’s Perspective

Many reviews mention the great value for the price of $52 per person, especially considering the scenic stops and drinks included. Travelers appreciate the informative guides and the chance to see marine life close-up without getting wet.

Some note that the small reef stop offers a peaceful moment to appreciate Cancun’s underwater beauty, while others remark on the photo opportunities at Calinda Bridge and “El Blanquizal.” There’s a sense of relaxed exploration, perfect for those wanting a low-key, visually stunning experience.

One reviewer commented, “We loved the way the guides made it educational but fun, and the drinks made it feel like a little cruise with friends.” Another appreciated the ease of the process and the beautiful views—it’s a straightforward activity that delivers on its promise.

A Balanced View

While this tour offers a relaxing and visually appealing experience, it’s important to remember it’s not a snorkeling or diving adventure. The focus is on scenic views and marine observation, which makes it less suitable for those seeking active underwater interaction. The boat size and stops are designed for comfort and sightseeing, not adrenaline or adventure.

The additional dock fee can be a surprise if you’re not prepared, so it’s good to plan ahead. Some reviews express a desire for longer stops or more in-depth marine encounters, but given the tour’s brief length, it’s best viewed as an introduction rather than a full immersion.

Who Will Enjoy This Tour?

This 75-minute glass-bottom cruise is ideal for families, couples, or travelers who want an easy, relaxing way to see Cancun’s aquatic scenery. It’s perfect if you’re looking for a casual outing that combines sightseeing, light marine education, and some social fun with drinks included.

It suits those who prefer not to swim or snorkel but still want to glimpse underwater life and enjoy scenic views. Those on a budget will appreciate the reasonable price for what’s offered, especially since drinks are included.

However, if you seek more active or immersive underwater experiences, or have mobility or health restrictions, this tour might not be the best fit. Also, travelers sensitive to boat movement or with a fear of water should consider this when planning.

The Sum Up

This glass-bottom boat tour around Cancun’s Nichupté Lagoon offers a relaxed, scenic way to experience the area’s natural beauty. With marine life sightings, photo-worthy stops like Calinda Bridge and “El Blanquizal,” and the simple pleasure of two included drinks, it provides good value for a laid-back adventure. Its short duration makes it a perfect complement to a busy itinerary or a leisurely afternoon activity.

It’s a great choice for families, couples, or anyone wanting a gentle introduction to Cancun’s waterways. The combination of ease, scenic views, and educational insights makes it a worthwhile experience—especially at the friendly price point.

If you’re after a peaceful, picturesque cruise with minimal fuss but maximum relaxation, this tour fits the bill. Just remember the dock fee and keep your expectations aligned with a sightseeing cruise, not an adventure-packed water activity.

FAQ

Is there a need to bring my own camera?
While the guide is also a photographer, bringing your own camera or smartphone is a good idea to capture the scenery and marine life at your own pace.

Are there any age restrictions?
The tour is suitable for most ages, but it may not be ideal for pregnant women, those with mobility issues, or individuals sensitive to boat movement.

How long is the tour?
The total cruise lasts about 75 minutes, with stops at two main points: Calinda Bridge and El Blanquizal.

Do I need to pay anything extra?
Yes, there is a $15 USD dock access fee payable at the check-in office, which is separate from your ticket price.

What drinks are included?
You can choose between soft drinks or alcohol, with two drinks included per person.

Is this tour available in different languages?
Yes, the tour is offered in English and Spanish, with guides that can assist in both languages.

In summary, if you’re looking for a comfortable, scenic, and budget-friendly way to see Cancun from the water, this glass-bottom cruise delivers a gentle yet engaging experience. It’s perfect for those who want to enjoy marine views without the fuss or physical effort of more active water sports.

You can check availability for your dates here: