The 15 Mexico Island Hopping Tours That Earn Their Price

1.Boat and Snorkel Tour to 5 Islands of Los Arcos

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 1,176 reviews · 3 hours 30 minutes (approx.) · from $48Our pick

Meet in Puerto Vallarta’s Zona Romántica, ride a local bus to Mismaloya, then take a small boat around Los Arcos’ five islands. Guides such as Guillermo, Bruno, Andrés, Diego, and Sebastián explain the birds, caves, and sea life before a 30-minute snorkel stop and beach time.

“This was so much more than a boat and snork tour. You get to hang out on this awesome little beach with great food. You may even see a whale. Guillermo and his team are so knowledgeable and incredibly helpful. You're in good hands with them”

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2.Holbox: Yum Balam Reserve Classic Boat Tour

★★★★★★★★★★4.7 · 470 reviews · 3 hours · from $36Best value

Spend about three hours boating around Yum Balam Reserve with a bilingual guide such as Willy, Eddy, or David. Depending on your booking, swim at Yalahau or visit Bird Island, then see Passion Island and Punta Mosquito. Early departures offer calmer water and fewer boats.

“We did the 3 island private tour with Willy and we were very pleased with our experience! He explained everything thoroughly and even talked about the animals we came across. Loved that we booked this tour for our trip in Holbox!”

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3.Puerto Vallarta: Los Arcos Islands Boat Tour and Snorkeling

★★★★★★★★★★4.7 · 317 reviews · 3 hours · from $47

Take a guided public bus ride from central Puerto Vallarta to Mismaloya, then cruise around Los Arcos’ five islands and snorkel among fish and coral. English and Spanish guides such as Armando, Andrés, Bruno, and Sebastián explain the wildlife and keep the outing relaxed, focused, and personal.

“The trip was so much fun! We had lovely weather and calm waters and were able to see so many fish. Andreas our guide was awesome, informative and fun. Our boat driver Charlie was great too! We would love to tour with them again!”

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4.Los Arcos 5 islands Snorkeling Cliff Jumping and Hidden Beach

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 295 reviews · 3 hours (approx.) · from $49Top rated

Spend about three hours traveling from Zona Romántica to Mismaloya, then by boat to Los Arcos for optional cliff jumping, snorkeling, cave views, and a small beach stop. Guides such as Alfonso, Diego, Arnold, and Max help keep the outing moving, with drinks, water, and snacks included.

“Came with my husband and 13 year old son and we all loved it! For the cliff diving, they have different heights you can jump from. The snorkeling was amazing. We saw all kinds of different fish and even a sea turtle. Alfonso and Diego were our guides, they both had so much knowledge and were super helpful and friendly. Chito was our captain who was also great! Would highly recommend!!”

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5.Marietas Islands Snorkel Cruise from Puerto Vallarta All Inclusive

★★★★★★★★★★3.5 · 74 reviews · 9 hours (approx.) · from $87

Spend about nine hours sailing from Puerto Vallarta to the Marietas Islands on a catamaran. You get breakfast, lunch, snorkeling gear, kayaks, paddle boards, music, and bilingual guides. The cruise visits Playa la Nopalera, while Hidden Beach requires a separate reservation and extra payment.

“It was a nice experience and beautiful views. The meals with the open bar and the other services were great. I think it was worth the price.”

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6.Marietas Islands Boat Tour: Snorkel, Kayak, Playa Nopalera

★★★★★★★★★★4.7 · 40 reviews · 6 hours · from $131

Spend six hours aboard Chica Locca Tours’ spacious yacht, cruising from Paradise Village Pier or Carlos Co y Usa to the Marietas Islands. Guides such as Saul and Kano lead the water activities, while breakfast, fajitas, premium drinks, kayaks, paddleboards, and waterslides keep the day moving.

“My family and I had a great time on this tour. My nieces were the only two kids on the boat. The staff were very attentive and made sure the kids were safe at all times. We got to see numerous whales as well as blue footed boobies! Excellent experience!”

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7.Holbox: Punta Mosquitos, Yalahau, & Pasión Island Boat Tour

★★★★★★★★★★4.0 · 34 reviews · from $38

Join Cholencos Tours from Holbox for a boat trip to Punta Mosquitos, Pasión Island, and Yalahau. Expect birdwatching, sandbanks, swimming, and a freshwater spring. Boats include Andrea, Feridel, and Mr. Wahoo, with guides in English or Spanish and water provided.

“Ha sido una buena experiencia, sobre todo punta mosquito e isla pasión, el cenote de Yalahau fue lo único que para mi sobra, ya que se pasa mucho tiempo ahí y no es tan interesante a mi parecer. Actividad recomendable.”

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8.La Paz: Boat ride to Espiritu Santo island and sloop

★★★★★★★★★★4.4 · 20 reviews · from $109

From La Paz’s Fiscal Dock, you’ll cruise past Balandra and Espíritu Santo, stop at the Mushroom, San Gabriel, Candelero Bay, and La Mascara, snorkel near sea lions, then eat lunch at Ensenada Grande. A bilingual guide, gear, drinks, umbrellas, and a six-hour schedule are included.

“The activity was good, the tour guides were very friendly and provided interesting information. The visits to the beaches were short, but this is understandable given the government restrictions and in order to keep the beaches clean and beautiful. Thank you very much for everything.”

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9.6hrs of Sailing in Bacalar Lagoon: discover Cenotes, Islands and Stromatolites.

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 20 reviews · 6 hours (approx.)

Spend six hours on a private Bacalar Lagoon sailing trip for up to three people. Your bilingual crew takes you toward cenotes, islands, and stromatolites, with life jackets, fruit, guacamole, Mexican ceviche, beer, water, and private parking included.

“Super staff, perfect playlist, juicy fruit and guacamole, wonderful landscape... What a good day! Thank you!Auto-translated”

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10.Bacalar: Private Boat Tour – Pirate Canal, Cenotes & Islands

★★★★★★★★★★4.3 · 17 reviews · 3 - 4 hours · from $113

You’ll explore Bacalar Lagoon by private shaded pontoon, with stops at the Pirate Canal, Cenote Negro, Bird Island, and Cenote Esmeralda. English or Spanish guides such as José and Carlos lead the trip, which includes fruit, drinks, three beers per person, music, swimming, and kayaking.

“Super expérience, malgré le moteur de notre bateau défectueux. Notre guide était super gentil et le tour était finalement très intéressant. Je recommande vivement cette excursion.”

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11.Mujeres Island Tour by Catamaran from Cancun City

★★★★★★★★★★3.5 · 15 reviews · 7 to 8 hours (approx.) · from $75

Sail from Playa Langosta to Isla Mujeres on a bilingual catamaran with snorkeling gear, an onboard open bar, buffet lunch, and about five hours on the island. You can shop, relax, or add a golf-cart tour. Pickup is available at many Cancun hotels.

“First things first: if you're taking this trip to snorkel, find another trip. This was definitely a party cruise. They dropped us off to snorkel for about 30 minutes in a place teeming with other boats and nothing of note to see. By the time everyone got a life jacket and jumped into the water it was time to get back on the boat. We had upgraded to the platinum cruise for another $45 apiece and our first stop on the island was to a beach club owned by the tour company with a small beach area, a bar and a buffet. The food was good, typical buffet fare. I…”

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12.Holbox Island Tour Golf Cart Ferry with Lunch and Transportation

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 15 reviews · 8 to 9 hours (approx.) · from $170

Travel from Cancun or the Riviera Maya to Holbox Island by bus and ferry, then explore by golf cart, enjoy lunch, and visit Punta Mosquito. A bilingual guide accompanies the day, which runs roughly 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. Flamingos may appear from March through October.

“Un desastre! Todo mal organizado! No contraten este tour! 🙏 Decia que era con un grupo de 20 personas y primero nos subieron a una van y despues nos lasaron a un bus con 65 personas. Despues de varias horas (5hs para llegar) llegamos a holbox y los carros de golf no estaban. Jamas nadie nos acompaño a nada y ni hablar que decia que teniamls 7hs en holbox + 2hs en punta mosquito. Con suerte estuvimos 5hs.”

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13.Acapulco: Crystal Bottom Boat Tour to La Roqueta Island

★★★★★★★★★★3.9 · 10 reviews · 4 hours · from $43

Cruise from Acapulco to La Roqueta Island on a traditional glass-bottom boat. See coastal homes, the Virgin of the Seas statue, and a daring leap from Elephant Rock, then swim or try optional water sports. Pickup covers Acapulco’s Diamante and Dorada zones.

“even though I don't speak Spanish and couldn't understand the boat tour guide I'm overall very happy with the experience. Super friendly driver who picked us up from our hotel, entertaining boat trip and great time spent on the island!”

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14.2 Island Adventure: Contoy & Mujeres with Snorkeling & open bar

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 6 reviews · 8 hours (approx.) · from $80

Board at Marina Puerto Xtabay for an eight-hour boat trip to Isla Mujeres and Isla Contoy. You get fruit and sweet bread, reef snorkeling, free time, a buffet lunch, open bar, and an optional eco-tour. The listed price is $80, plus $70 in mandatory cash fees.

“The host made us feel like family. Over all 10 start experience will highly recommend. The tasting of the food and liquor were amazing.”

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15.Holbox: Three Islands Tour

★★★★★★★★★★3.2 · 5 reviews · 3.5 hours · from $72

Spend 3.5 hours by boat exploring Yalahau Lagoon, Isla Pájaros, and Isla Pasión from Holbox. You can swim at the Ojo de Agua, watch for flamingos and dolphins, see a turtle nursery, and enjoy English or Spanish guiding in a group of up to 10.

“The perfect trip! A nice start time (not too early!), great pacing of the trip and loved the cenote. Really enjoyed seeing dolphins which was a great added bonus!”

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