Envatours Transparent Boat in Isla Mujeres: 45-Minute Reef Ride, $38
Quick answer
Envatours MX runs a 45-minute ride in a fully transparent boat past three reefs from Marina Bartolomé for $38 per person, with dock tax and photos included.
You stay dry, the group is small, and the listing holds 4.3/5 from 40+ reviews on GetYourGuide.
The Envatours transparent boat is a short, dry way to look at Isla Mujeres reefs through the hull and floor of the boat. It leaves from Marina Bartolomé, 120 m from the ferry terminal, and spends about 40 minutes on the water.
The detail that changes the decision is the swimming.
This trip is built for people who do not want to put their face in the sea, and several passengers say so. If you want to swim with turtles, the Isla Mujeres snorkeling tours give hours in the water; if you want a calm look at coral, the Isla Mujeres boat tours list shows this and two close rivals. The home page covers the rest of my cities.
| Operator | ENVATOURS MX |
|---|---|
| Boat type | Fully transparent boat; the listing says small group but gives no capacity |
| Price | $38 per person (about MXN 699 at 18.38, checked 2026-10-16), dock tax included |
| Duration | 45 minutes |
| Departure times | Not stated; the listing says to check availability |
| Meeting point | Marina Bartolomé reception, where you swap your voucher; Marina Bartolomé on Google Maps |
| Route | Cadenita reef, El Farito reef, La Cabonera reef (the listing's spelling), back to the marina |
| Food and drinks | None; food and glass objects are not allowed on board |
| Languages | English and Spanish |
| Cancellation | Free up to 24 hours before for a full refund |
| Rating | 4.3/5 from 40+ reviews on GetYourGuide |
What is the Envatours transparent boat and what do you see?
It is a glass-hulled sightseeing boat that crosses shallow reefs, with a guide and captain pointing out coral and fish through the floor.
- Cadenita reef: a shallow patch with fan coral and fire coral, per the listing. Cadenita reef on Google Maps.
- El Farito: the lighthouse reef with colourful fish. El Farito on Google Maps.
- La Cabonera: the final reef, spelled this way on the listing, before the return.
- Photos: the guide takes pictures, and the price includes them.
Passengers report turtles, a manta ray and plenty of fish on this boat, including some non-swimmers who liked seeing the sea floor without getting in.
MXN 125 per person per day is the entry fee CONANP lists for Costa Occidental de Isla Mujeres national park.
The listing mentions only dock tax, so ask whether the park fee is inside your $38 before you rely on that.
Where does the Envatours transparent boat leave from?
You check in at Marina Bartolomé, on the waterfront of Isla Mujeres town, and the boat is a one-minute walk from the counter.
- Take the passenger ferry to Isla Mujeres; the Ultramar terminal is 120 m from the marina, a 2-minute walk (OSRM).
- Swap your voucher at the reception counter inside the marina.
- Take off your shoes before you step into the boat, as a passenger notes.
Ultramar ferry terminal on Google Maps.
What is the route, stop by stop?
The Envatours transparent boat makes three reef passes and returns in about 45 minutes, with 30 minutes of marine-life viewing and 10 minutes of scenery.
| Step | Time |
|---|---|
| Walk from the front desk to the boat | 1 min |
| Cadenita, El Farito, La Cabonera: marine life viewing | 30 min |
| Scenic cruise past the island | 10 min |
| Return to Marina Bartolomé | Remainder of the 45 min |
How long is it and when does it sail?
It lasts 45 minutes, and the listing publishes no start times, so you choose from the slots shown when you pick a date.
A 45-minute ride also fits before a ferry or after a snorkel trip. The ride is short enough to stack with the Isla Sea Tours snorkel from the same morning, but allow time for check-in on each. After the ride you are in the middle of the town: Playa Norte on Google Maps is 951 m away, a 13-minute walk from the Ultramar terminal (OSRM).
What is on board and what is included?
The ticket covers the boat, the crew, the dock tax and photos, and nothing to eat or drink.
| Item | Status |
|---|---|
| Transparent boat ride | Included |
| Guide and captain | Included |
| Dock tax | Included |
| Photos taken by the guide | Included |
| Tips | Optional |
| Food, glass objects, sunscreen, pets | Not allowed |
| Baby strollers | Not allowed |
Accessibility is contradictory on the listing. It lists people with mobility impairments as excluded, while the know-before section accepts wheelchair users as long as the chair is left on the quay. The stricter structured line is the one to plan around, so ask the operator before booking.
How does the Envatours transparent boat compare with the other glass-bottom rides?
The Envatours transparent boat is the most-reviewed of the three transparent boat rides on my list and sits between a $31 and a $54 rival.
| Tour | Price | Length | Rating | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| ENVATOURS MX | $38 | 45 min | 4.3 (40) | Dock tax and photos included |
| Amigo Tours LATAM clear boat ride | $31 | 45 min | 4.3 (8) | 100 MXN dock fee in the ticket |
| Highlife Mex transparent boat | $54 | 45 min | 4.8 (4) | Safety briefing and photo stop |
The Amigo ride costs $7 less with 8 reviews, and the Highlife ride costs $16 more with 4. The ticket price changes little, so the review count is the stronger argument for Envatours.
Is the Envatours transparent boat worth it versus a snorkel trip?
The Envatours transparent boat is worth $38 if you do not want to swim and want a fast reef look; it is not worth it if you can snorkel.
- $38 for 45 minutes - about $50.7 per hour, more than three times the $14.8 hourly rate of the three-site snorkel.
- Dry viewing - the one thing a snorkel trip cannot do for non-swimmers.
- Same reefs as the snorkel trip - El Farito is on both routes.
- Short and flexible - it fits between a ferry and a lunch.
I'd book it for a non-swimmer or a young child in the group; for everyone else, the full-day party catamaran or the three-site snorkel gives more water for the money.
When is the best time to go?
March and April are the driest months, and a calm, bright morning gives the clearest view through the hull.
| Month | High 2025 | Rain days | Sunrise / sunset | On the water |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | 26 °C (mean 26) | 13.3 | 7:25 AM / 6:27 PM | Showers likely; water activities can be called off |
| Feb | 26 °C (mean 26) | 7.8 | 7:15 AM / 6:46 PM | Mostly dry; best odds of calm water |
| Mar | 27 °C (mean 27) | 5.8 | 6:54 AM / 6:57 PM | Mostly dry; best odds of calm water |
| Apr | 27 °C (mean 27) | 3.9 | 6:26 AM / 7:07 PM | Mostly dry; best odds of calm water |
| May | 28 °C (mean 28) | 10.4 | 6:07 AM / 7:19 PM | Showers likely; water activities can be called off |
| Jun | 29 °C (mean 29) | 14.6 | 6:03 AM / 7:31 PM | Showers likely; water activities can be called off |
| Jul | 29 °C (mean 29) | 9.5 | 6:12 AM / 7:33 PM | Mostly dry; best odds of calm water |
| Aug | 30 °C (mean 30) | 14.2 | 6:24 AM / 7:18 PM | Showers likely; water activities can be called off |
| Sep | 30 °C (mean 29) | 19.1 | 6:32 AM / 6:51 PM | Wettest months; forecast check and a refundable slot |
| Oct | 29 °C (mean 29) | 20.0 | 6:41 AM / 6:23 PM | Wettest months; forecast check and a refundable slot |
| Nov | 28 °C (mean 28) | 15.5 | 6:56 AM / 6:06 PM | Wettest months; forecast check and a refundable slot |
| Dec | 27 °C (mean 27) | 14.4 | 7:15 AM / 6:08 PM | Showers likely; water activities can be called off |
Rough water blurs the floor view, so the trip suits calm days. The operator refunds or reschedules by its 24-hour rule, so check the forecast the day before.
The wetter months, September and October, average 19 to 20 rain days of 1 mm or more in 2015-2024, so showers are likely. A 45-minute booking is easier to move than a full day, and the 24-hour free cancellation applies the same way.
What do passengers say?
All ten reviews visible on the listing are five stars, so the sample is positive only; the patterns are wildlife, helpful guides and a good fit for non-swimmers.
- Wildlife: turtles, rays, coral or colourful fish in 7 of 10.
- Guides: named or praised in 6 of 10.
- Non-swimmers: 3 of 10 say it suits someone who does not swim or dislikes putting their head in the water.
- Sea state: 1 of 10 mentions chop.
Sub-scores are 4.4 for guide, 4.3 for transportation and 4.1 for value. Value is the lowest, which fits a 45-minute ride at this price.
Who should skip the Envatours transparent boat?
Strong swimmers, travellers with limited mobility and anyone who wants a long outing should pick a different boat from the full list of Isla Mujeres boat tours.
- Snorkelers: you will want the water.
- Wheelchair users: the chair cannot come aboard, and the listing is unclear on access.
- Families with strollers or pets: neither is allowed; assistance dogs are allowed only if small and carried in a bag.
- Anyone who wants lunch or drinks: food and glass are not allowed.
How do you book the Envatours transparent boat?
Book the Envatours transparent boat on GetYourGuide, choose a slot, then swap your voucher at the Marina Bartolomé counter.
$38 per person for the Envatours transparent boat: 45 minutes, three reefs, dock tax and photos included, with free cancellation up to 24 hours before.
Check availabilityI earn a commission if you book through this link, at no extra cost to you.
FAQ
Is the Isla Mujeres tour worth it?
For non-swimmers, yes: $38 buys 45 minutes over three reefs with photos and dock tax included, but it costs more per hour than a snorkel.
What are the best excursions to take in Isla Mujeres?
For a dry look at the reefs, a transparent boat; for swimming, the three-site snorkel; for a national-park island, an Isla Contoy speedboat.
What should you be careful of in Isla Mujeres?
Sun and sea: UV was forecast at 6.8 on 18 October, and waves of about 1 m can rock small boats, so wear a hat and sit near the middle.
How much is the Envatours transparent boat?
$38 per person, about MXN 699 at 18.38 pesos per dollar, with dock tax and the guide's photos included.
Where is the meeting point?
At the Marina Bartolomé reception in Isla Mujeres town, 120 m from the Ultramar ferry terminal.
Will I get wet?
No; it is a viewing ride in a transparent boat, and the listing describes no swimming or snorkel stop.
Can wheelchair users join?
It is unclear: one section accepts wheelchair users who leave the chair on the quay, another excludes mobility impairments, so ask the operator first.
Can I bring food or sunscreen?
No, food, glass objects and sunscreen are on the not-allowed list.
Is the park fee included?
The listing includes dock tax and does not mention the CONANP entry of MXN 125, so confirm with the operator.
Can I cancel?
Yes, free up to 24 hours before the start for a full refund.
Sources: GetYourGuide listing (price, reefs, includes, rating, checked 2026-10-17); CONANP, Costa Occidental de Isla Mujeres national park; CONANP, reef monitoring; Open-Meteo climate and marine APIs; OSRM walking route; Frankfurter exchange rates.
