Cancun Mexico

Xcaret Xailing is the premier ferry and catamaran experience founded by Grupo Xcaret and takes visitors back and forth between Playa Del Carmen and Cozumel and Isla De La Mujeres on a daily basis. This Xcaret Xailing review will cover what to expect before, during and after your Xcaret Xailing experience.

Where Is Xcaret Xailing? A Review of Location

Xcaret Xailing Destinations

The Xcaret Xailing service is a ferry and catamaran service that provides 2 primary routes.

One destination is La Isla De Mujeres (The Island of Women) that goes roundtrip from the port of Cancun to the La Isla De La Mujeres.

There is a second destination which is Cozumel, Mexico which goes from a different port of Playa Del Carmen to Cozumel which is also a roundtrip ferry ride sponsored by Xcaret Xailing.

You will have the option to either take the ferry or catamaran and the ride is about 45 minutes long each way. Xcaret Xailing has 2 primary destinations that it sails to daily at every hour from 9AM to 7PM.

Although there are ferries that leave every hour, it is a good idea to plan on it being a full-day excursion as both the Isla De Mujeres and Cancun are full day activities that require a large portion of the day to fully explore the island.

Xcaret Xailing: What to Expect on the Ferry

The good thing about Xcaret Xailing is that the ferry is a comfortable 45 minute ride with both indoor and outdoor seating inside the ferry. There is also a bathroom located in the back.

During the ride, there will be ample seating, with the indoor seating fully air conditioned and also an outdoor seating area for those who want to catch the view of the water as you cruise through the ocean.

There is also bathrooms located towards the back of the ferry, so there is no need to worry about needing to hold your bladder through the 45 minute trip.

As you continue in the ferry ride, there will be a a TV playing with the various Xcaret excursions available and also someone handing out flyers with different excursion options with the different Xcaret parks and attractions. If you haven’t read my Xcaret guide yet, I recommend checking it out.

What to Bring to the Xcaret Xailing Excursion

Any supplies that you think you might need on Xcaret Xailing and for the long fun-filled adventurous day ahead is important. I’d recommend brining the following supplies:

• Sunscreen- The sun is very strong on both Isla De Mujeres and Cozumel, Mexico as it is so close to the equator. Bring a good bottle of sunscreen with you, as you will burn up fast in the hot sun even though you might not notice it initially.
• Pesos or US Currency – The Mexican currency is called Pesos, but many items on the islands can also be priced in dollars as well. I’d bring some of both just in case, as some vendors prefer one over the other, and if you are planning to do shopping you should have cash available. Rarely some merchants do accept credit cards, but it was the minority.
• Extra change of clothes- I’d recommend wearing or bringing a pair of swim shorts or a swim suit if you are planning to partake in any of the excursions in either Isla De Mujeres or Cozumel, Mexico. Many of the excursions and activities involve water sports, snorkeling or scuba diving as well as going to the beach.

At times the ferry can rock back and forth quite a bit due to the waves and the weather conditions while en route so if you are prone to motion sickness, it is important to keep this in mind.

Like any other boat, there will be a rocking motion so if you are the motion sickness prone type you might want to bring nausea or motion sickness medications so you can ride in comfort.

Xcaret Xailing Destination #1 – The Ferry to Isla De Mujeres

The ride to Isla De Mujeres is quite smooth on the ferry. There may also be an option to ride the Catamaran boat which is a smaller boat but an equally relaxing ride to the island.

I wrote an in-depth guide on what to expect at the Isla De Mujeres excursion, but it is a beautiful island and has everything to do whether you enjoy doing some shopping, going to try out to local cuisine and restaurants, or simply want to peruse the island on foot or on a buggy there is something here for everyone.

There are many excursions on this island to partake in, which includes snorkeling, scuba and cave diving, shark encounters, or even a boat that takes you to a private beach – the possibilities are really endless here on the island.

Isla De Mujeres is home to many shops and restaurants displaying the local artisans and cuisine wonderful Mexican cuisine that you must check out!

Xcaret Xailing Destination #2 – Ferry to Cozumel, Mexico

Cozumel is another beautiful island popular with tourists and cruises alike in Mexico due to the plentiful amount of restaurants and shops available to the millions of visitors every year.

This island is about a 30-40 minute ferry ride from Playa Del Carmen.

Once you dock at Cozumel, Mexico you will be given a plethora of options for excursions. The island is known for their snorkeling at El Cielo sandbar and Palancar Reef.

If you prefer a more relaxed experience there are beach clubs like Mr. Sanchos or Paradise Beach. For those that prefer adventure and wildlife, you can also book an excursion to Punta Sur Eco Beach Park.

There will also be local vendors offering you water sports and cultural tours that embrace the Mayan culture and even as extreme as ATV jungle adventures if you feel more on the adventurous side!

Conclusion: Xcaret Xailing is a Great Experience

For those wondering if Xcaret Xailing is worth the money and time, it surely is and will likely allow you to create some of the most memorable experiences of your vacation. This excursion was definitely my top experiences while traveling to Cancun Mexico and I did explore both islands in-depth and the cultural experience, food and nature based water sports and eco-friendly excursions make this island a must visit for families of all ages.