Cancun: Hip Hop Sessions Party Boat Cruise

A Cancun party boat is a short, loud, wet afternoon rather than a sightseeing cruise. On the Hip Hop Sessions boat the music is hip hop from start to finish, guest DJs work the deck, and the party hosts spend the three hours pulling people into games and dance-offs. If you are picturing a quiet sail with a cocktail in hand, this is the wrong boat, and the Isla Mujeres catamarans will suit you far better.

The open bar is the reason most people book. It covers well rum, tequila, vodka, beer, sodas, water and juice for the full sailing, so the £79 ticket does a lot of work compared with buying drinks in the hotel zone. Sandwiches keep the afternoon upright, and there is a champagne shower at the point when the deck is at its rowdiest.

The boat anchors for a swimming stop in the Caribbean partway through, so wear swimwear under your clothes and bring a towel. There are no lockers, so take as little as you can and keep phones in a dry bag if you plan to get in.

This is an adults-only cruise: children under 18 are not permitted, which is worth knowing if you are travelling as a family and were hoping to book everyone on. Two things are not in the ticket price. Photos and tips are optional extras, and there is a $10 docking fee that has to be paid in cash at check-in, so bring dollars.

Booking is free to cancel up to 24 hours before departure on most dates, which matters in a resort where afternoon plans move around. Boats in the hotel zone sell out fastest in spring break and over Christmas and New Year.

If your group wants a nightclub on water for one afternoon, book this. If you want the drinks but also a beach, snorkelling and a proper day out, the Isla Mujeres catamarans give you 8 to 10 hours with an open bar, snorkel gear and beach club access from £26 to £42. If you want the party on land instead, Coco Bongo runs from £75 for the nightclub show and £38 for the beach party, both also 18 and over.