The catamaran at Casa de la Playa marina

During my March 2023 stay at Hotel Xcaret Arte, I took advantage of making a reservation at their newest excursion offering–the Veleo Catamaran Cruise.  When you receive your resort “Wishlist” (click here for my article about the Wishlist and what other free activities are available during your stay), you will see that the first page has a list of “Xperiences” that you can book.  This newest offering is listed under Catamaran by Xcaret, and you make your reservation request there on your wishlist which you send back to the hotel.

The Veleo Catamaran Cruise is for guests of all three Xcaret hotels–Hotel Xcaret Mexico, Hotel Xcaret Arte, and Casa de la Playa.  That means this excursion will have children aboard, so don’t expect it to be adults-only.  Also, the catamaran is quite large and offers two decks, seating on both decks, and a bar; shade is only offered on the bottom deck.  However, the catamaran did not offer overwater nets which was a disappointment for me given the fact that nets provide most of my catamaran fun…

Here’s some more info about the catamaran cruise:

• The only day it doesn’t operate is on Sunday.
• It’s two hours long
• It has two hotel departure times, 10:35 a.m. and 1:25 p.m.
• The cruise includes open bar and a boxed lunch (the resort lists it as “canapes”)
• The boxed lunches include one vegetarian option and two different meat options
• The catamaran cruise leaves from the marina at Casa de la Playa.  Yes, Casa de la Playa has its own marina.
• Transportation to Casa de la Playa is included for both Xcaret hotels.  You need to be waiting for the shuttle to take you to the catamaran at least 20 min. prior to the departure time.  The shuttle will let you off in a parking structure at Casa de la Playa where you will wait with the entire group from several shuttles.  A staff member then leads the group to the nearby catamaran for boarding.
• You cannot wander off to see Casa de la Playa.  There are no exchange privileges which allow other Xcaret hotel guests to see that resort.

This is Casa de la Playa

The chapel which divides Hotel Xcaret Mexico on the left from Hotel Xcaret Arte on the right.

Since it’s only a two hour cruise, the catamaran goes up and down the immediate Riviera Maya coastline–once it heads out of the marina it goes south so that guests can see all three Xcaret resorts from the vantage point of being on the water, then it heads north until it approaches the pier at Playa del Carmen.  Playacar Beach, one of my favorite beach areas in the Riviera Maya, was a highlight of this cruise; I saw many all-inclusive resorts in the distance which I easily recognized since I have stayed at many of them along this stretch of beach.  Nice déjà vu moments…

Playacar Beach in front of Riu Palace Riviera Maya

The catamaran played many recognizable American music hits as well as some Mexican songs which I did not recognize.  After box lunches were distributed and there had been some time to eat, staff encouraged guests to come to the bow for some line dancing lessons.  Kids seemed to really enjoy that activity.  It’s not a free for all dancing session, there was structure to that time onboard, so if you’re not into line dancing you may not appreciate that part of the cruise.

Line dancing lessons

Once you get off the catamaran you walk back to the same place you exited your shuttle; remember the shuttle you originally took!  It will take you back to your resort.

Would I do it again?  No, there were no overwater nets, and I don’t dance, but I did enjoy the resort sightseeing and memories.  I would say this excursion would be better for families who enjoy line dancing, or for those who just like to take some time to do a water activity and see the beautiful coastline.

Take a few moments to view my photo gallery below…