Through our online booking we were told we would be picked up at 10am from our hotel. We were in our lobby promptly before 10 but no ride was present. We ended up having to contact our booking agency who was able to get ahold of Fragata and we were finally picked up at 10:50. Our van did not have AC, thus we had a very very warm ride to the boat. We were let out of the van and told to walk to the end of the path at La Isla Plaza. We weren't given any further direction and were ultimately approached by an employee because we looked lost.
We were directed to check in and ended up having to shelve out $70 we didn't expect to pay. Through our booking agency we were told the transportation was $12, and it ended up being $15 (not a big problem). We were then told there was a $20 dock fee per person. An additional $40 we weren't aware of. (Inconvenient, but not the end of the world).
We get on the boat and they immediately start blasting music. The ride was beautiful and the staff were extremely nice. Although their English wasn't the best, we got by and enjoyed them.
We pulled up to snorkel (expecting that was the purpose of the trip), and only snorkeled for 30-40 minutes. We were given fins and masks, but no snorkel. We got back on the boat, they let folks jump off the boat, but that was the extent of the swimming.
We then got back in the boat and were taken to the restaurant in Isla Mujeres. We went to Ice Bar but never say ice, or the bar. The food was decent. The ceviche was the best part. After sweating outside in the dining area, we went back to the boat and were taken to Isla Mujeres' north beach by boat.
Once at the beach, you are bombarded by people peddling trinkets and typical tourist trap nonsense. We weren't given any direction and honestly didn't know we'd be going to Isla Mujeres to walk around at all.
If you're booking this for a snorkeling trip, I would avoid it. If you're looking to eat decent food and explore Isla Mujeres's north beach, it's a great idea.
The final straw to this adventure was the ride back to hotel in the provided transportation. We got into a cramped van with 8 other patrons and the driver had the A/C off. I know it worked because it was initially on, but dear lord the hour ride back to Playa Del Carmen was insufferable. The window next to me got steamed up and was genuinely one of the worst experiences I've ever had. To the point I considered ordering an Uber to make it back.
All in all, quite the adventure. read more