What People are saying
A bit shabby but wonderful massage
Laetitia315on 24/08/2017 23:58I went today to the beach club (70 pesos as the other reviews stated) and got a lounger under the palapa which was perfect in the midday heat. The snorkelling is amazing! Not a natural reef but plenty of colourful fish and a few anemones too. The beach club buildings themselves have seen better days but if you are there for the snorkelling you can put up with it.
There is a masseuse (Juan) who works on the site - I got a 45 minute shiatsu massage on a bed overlooking the sea. It was amazing! I cannot recommend it highly enough. It was 300 pesos (I haven't had another massage anywhere else in Mexico so I don't know if this is good value but I would definitely say it was worth it!).
Good Snorkelling Location
Joel Son 24/05/2017 01:08Just back from 2 glorious weeks at VDP Cancun so this is not for the hotel part. My wife and I usually spend 2-3 days over at Isla Mujeres. This time we discovered a great snorkel option at Garrafon de Castilla. We went twice.
The entry fee is 70 pesos. Opens at 10am. The first time we had a daily rental golf cart and stayed only a couple hours. The second time we took a taxi (100pesos) right from the ferry as we wanted to spend the whole day there. The taxi guy will pick you up at prearranged time if you want.
Shower, banos(bring backup tp), change rooms, shaded palapa area and a beach area with chairs/loungers are incl. Lockers, snorkel gear and food to feed fish avail at extra minor cost. We bring our own so I cant comment on the quality of their gear. There is a small restaurant area and bar. We did not try the restaurant as we were stuffed from breakfast. Did use bar though😁
It is a bit older/dated but the snorkelling is very good. Much better than Xel Ha that we also did first time this trip. My wife really enjoyed feeding the fish right from her hand.
Best to go during lower or easterly wind conditions. Will definitely be going back and highly recommend it for the snorkelling.
Not What it Used to Be
onvacation2017on 28/02/2017 04:56We are regular visitors of Isla Mujeres and visit Garrafon de Castilla Beach Club every year. I read that Garrafon de Castilla Beach Club is under new management and it isn't the place it used to be. The admission has gone up to 70 pesos and the cost of equipment rental has also increased. There are some newer sun loungers but many loungers needed a good cleaning or wipe down, some loungers were disgusting. Straws, papers, empty bottles from the previous day were not picked up. The sand under the palapa needed to be raked to clean out the bits of rubbish. Washroom toilet was very plugged, no soap or paper towel in the washroom. The grass is no longer green but is brown and dying. The place needs some attention. However, the view is fantastic, there is lots of space to spread out on the beach or up above under the palapa, there are alot of places to sit and the snorkling is great family fun. The restaurant food is excellent. Outside food is not permitted.
20 years of visits...still paradise
portlandgrandmaon 10/01/2017 16:21We love this place. It is slow paced, and has amazing views from every part of the resort. It is older and shows a bit of wear, but that is just the way we like it. The food is great, Angel and Jose work so hard to get you everything you need, and the gentle humor and service is so appreciated. We arrive early in the morning, set up our 'camp' and snorkle, read, swim and eat throughout the day. It feels like family, and the relaxed pace is just what we need and love. What a bargain!!
If you like yo ser the Mexican way of things come here!
Maria del angel Con 29/06/2016 14:22The place as always absolutely amazing the view is great and the even having a bad weather weekend and Rain the place still Amazing the chicken nachos were delicious the ojo Rojo without alcohol.... just great I think it's the only boy place on the island that prices are still the same as 4 yrs ago which is great because I feel no one is trying to rip me off.
See it for yourself