5-Hour 38’Luxury Catamaran All-Inclusive Tulum & Playa del Carmen

The best part of this private catamaran trip is the mix of reef snorkeling and relaxed time at sea. You sail north from Puerto Aventuras to In-Ha, a calm reef area where you can swim in clear water with sea turtles and tropical fish, then continue to shallow La Bocana for music, drinks, and an easy swim.

I like that the price covers the whole boat for up to 15 people, not a seat on a crowded shared cruise. I also like the practical all-inclusive setup: snorkeling gear, lunch, snacks, soft drinks, bottled water, beer, liquor, and mixers are included. The shrimp and fish ceviche, guacamole, and onboard cooking give the outing more character than a simple boat ride.

The main consideration is the price. At $1,931.04 for the boat, plus a $20 dock fee per person and possible private transportation, this makes the most sense for a full group. The trip also depends on good weather, and choppy water can affect comfort even when the crew keeps the day running well.

Key points to know before booking

• In-Ha is the main snorkeling stop: Expect calm, clear water, sea turtles, colorful fish, and other reef life.
• La Bocana is a shallow second stop: It is suited to a gentle swim, music, drinks, and time in the water rather than a major snorkeling session.
• The boat is private for up to 15 people: You control the atmosphere with your own group instead of sharing the catamaran with strangers.
• Food and drinks are built into the day: Ceviche, snacks, cocktails, beer, liquor, soft drinks, water, and lunch are included.
• Fishing is an optional extra activity: Troll fishing is offered, and anything caught may be prepared onboard with the chef’s family sauce.
• The dock fee is separate: Budget $20 per person in addition to the charter price, along with any transportation to Puerto Aventuras.

Sailing north from Puerto Aventuras

The meeting point is Riviera Elite at Av. Bahia Yanten, Manzana 33, Lot 9, Local 12, in Puerto Aventuras. Although the experience is marketed for the Tulum and Playa del Carmen area, the boat leaves from Puerto Aventuras, so check your hotel location carefully before booking transportation.

The first run north takes about an hour. That travel time matters because the five-hour outing is not five hours at the reef. You get a proper boat journey, but time is shared among sailing, snorkeling, the second stop, lunch, drinks, and the return to the marina.

For a private group, the hour underway is part of the appeal. You can settle in with music, refreshments, and snacks instead of worrying about a fixed public-cruise schedule. The crew serves drinks throughout the trip, and the boat has room for your group to talk, eat, and move around at a comfortable pace.

The service team connected with this experience includes Celeste, NerI, Angel, and Omar. Their work includes serving food and drinks, helping with the water activities, and keeping the day organized. One useful detail from the experience notes is that the crew handled choppy conditions well, although rougher water is still worth considering if anyone in your group gets seasick.

In-Ha, the strongest stop for snorkeling

In-Ha is described as a semi-sheltered reef area, which is important in the Riviera Maya. A protected setting can make swimming easier than being fully exposed to open water, though sea conditions still change from day to day.

This is the stop to prioritize if your main goal is seeing marine life. You can swim with sea turtles and look for colorful tropical fish and other reef life. Snorkeling equipment is provided, so you do not need to pack your own mask and fins unless you strongly prefer your personal gear.

The water is described as calm and crystal clear, but the trip does require you to be comfortable in the ocean. The crew can provide equipment, yet this is not a glass-bottom sightseeing ride where you stay seated. If you want the best use of the stop, bring a swimsuit, sun protection, and anything you need to feel comfortable in the water.

The turtle encounter is a major reason to choose this charter over a simple sunset cruise. Still, sea life is never fully controlled. You should view turtles and fish as the aim of the stop, not a guaranteed performance. The value is also in the reef setting and time to swim, even if sightings vary.

La Bocana brings a slower second act

After In-Ha, the catamaran continues to La Bocana. The water here is especially shallow and clear, making it a good place to cool off without treating the stop as a serious snorkeling session.

The crew can put on your preferred music while you enjoy the setting from the boat or enter the water. This creates a useful change of pace. In-Ha is about seeing reef life, while La Bocana is more about floating, swimming, listening to music, and enjoying another drink.

That difference is worth noting when you set expectations. If you want two major reef sites packed with marine activity, this may feel less focused than a dedicated snorkeling trip. If your group includes people who want some snorkeling and others who mainly want a pleasant day on the water, the two-stop plan works better.

La Bocana is also a good point in the day for people who are less confident swimmers, since the water is shallow. You should still follow crew instructions and use the provided equipment as needed. The experience information says most people can participate, but it does not promise that every activity suits every swimmer.

Ceviche, guacamole, and an open bar onboard

Food is one of the better parts of this charter. The crew serves freshly made shrimp and fish ceviche, along with snacks and lunch. Guacamole also receives special praise, and the food is described as one of the strongest parts of the day.

The menu is not limited to one fixed option. Vegetarian, vegan, and other dietary choices are available if you tell the operator when booking. Do not wait until boarding to mention a restriction, since the crew needs notice to prepare.

Drinks include unlimited beer, liquor, soft drinks, mixers, water, and bottled water. This is useful on a five-hour boat outing, particularly in a warm climate where hydration matters. You can enjoy cocktails and alcoholic drinks, but keeping water in rotation is sensible, especially after swimming and spending time in the sun.

The open bar adds real value for a group that plans to drink, but it does not automatically make the charter a bargain for everyone. If several people do not drink alcohol, the price is still paying for the private boat, food, service, and water activities. That is why the group size matters more than the drink list alone.

Troll fishing and the chef’s family sauce

The charter also offers troll fishing while the catamaran is underway. This gives your group something extra to try between the main stops, though it should be treated as an optional activity rather than the core reason to book.

If you catch something, the onboard chef can prepare it with a secret family sauce. That detail adds a personal touch and makes the fishing feel connected to lunch rather than just a side game.

The information provided does not specify the species you might catch, the fishing equipment in detail, or the amount of time devoted to it. If fishing is the priority for your group, ask Riviera Elite about those points before paying. For most groups, it works best as a fun possibility during the sailing portions.

What the private price really means

The charter costs $1,931.04 for up to 15 people. That works out to about $129 per person if the boat is full, before the dock fee and transportation. Add the $20 dock fee per person, and a full group would pay about $149 per person before getting to the marina.

For 10 people, the base cost is about $193 per person, or roughly $213 with the dock fee. For six people, it rises to about $322 per person before the dock fee. The fewer people you bring, the less favorable the per-person value becomes.

You also need to account for private transportation, which is not included and varies by pickup location. The boat returns to the same meeting point, so your ride needs to wait for the end or be arranged for a suitable pickup time.

I see the strongest value for birthday groups, families, wedding parties, and friends who want their own music and schedule. A full boat lets you spread the fixed charter cost across a large group. A small group can still enjoy the privacy, but should compare the total with a shared catamaran option before booking.

The charter has a five-star rating from 106 reviews and is recommended by 99 percent of customers. The praise centers on the beautiful boat, attentive service, food, drinks, and the crew’s ability to keep the day enjoyable in choppy water. That is useful evidence about the overall service, but it does not remove the weather and ocean-condition risks that come with any sea outing.

Who will enjoy this catamaran most

I would choose this experience for a group that wants several things in one day: snorkeling, turtles, an open bar, lunch, music, and private time on the water. You do not need to plan separate meals, equipment rentals, or a second boat activity.

It is also a good fit for mixed-age groups, since not everyone has to snorkel. Some people can swim at In-Ha, others can stay onboard with a drink, and La Bocana offers a shallower setting for a more casual water stop.

Children and young adults age 18 and under must be accompanied by at least one adult. The minimum drinking age is 18. Service animals are allowed, and the activity is near public transportation, though private transportation from your accommodation is not included.

I would think twice if your group wants a tightly timed wildlife tour, a long fishing session, or a low-cost outing for just two or three people. The private format is the point, and you pay for that privacy even when your group is small.

Booking, weather, and practical details

Confirmation arrives within 48 hours of booking and depends on availability. The tour is booked, on average, 34 days ahead, so early planning makes sense for a birthday, group holiday, or a specific travel date.

The experience requires good weather. If poor weather cancels the trip, you can receive a full refund or choose another date. You can also cancel for a full refund if you do so at least 24 hours before the start time. Cancellations or changes made within 24 hours are not refunded or accepted.

Bring a swimsuit, sun protection, and a change of clothes. Snorkeling gear is supplied, and food and drinks are included, so your packing list can stay simple. I would also bring any personal medication and water-friendly protection for phones or cameras, since the itinerary includes swimming and ocean spray.

The boat returns to the starting marina after the five-hour experience. Plan your day around that return rather than scheduling a tight airport transfer or another fixed activity immediately afterward.

Should you book the Puerto Aventuras catamaran?

Book it if you have a group large enough to share the cost and want a private day that combines turtles and reef snorkeling with food, drinks, music, and swimming. The strongest reasons are the In-Ha stop, the private boat, the all-inclusive service, and the flexibility to enjoy the ocean at your own pace.

Skip it or compare alternatives if you have a very small group, do not care about an open bar, or want a trip devoted only to fishing or snorkeling. The dock fee and transportation add to the total, and rough weather can change the feel of the day.

For a full group of up to 15, this is a well-rounded Riviera Maya charter with a clear purpose: spend five hours on a private catamaran, see what you can at the reef, eat well, and let the crew handle the details.

FAQ

Where does the catamaran tour start?

It starts at Riviera Elite at Av. Bahia Yanten, Manzana 33, Lot 9, Local 12, 77750 Puerto Aventuras, Quintana Roo, Mexico.

How long does the experience last?

The activity lasts about five hours and ends back at the same meeting point.

Is this a private tour?

Yes. The charter is private, and only your group participates. The boat can accommodate up to 15 passengers.

What food and drinks are included?

Lunch, snacks, shrimp and fish ceviche, unlimited beer, liquor, soft drinks, mixers, water, and bottled water are included.

Is snorkeling equipment provided?

Yes. Snorkeling equipment is included, and the tour visits In-Ha for swimming and snorkeling.

Is the dock fee included in the price?

No. A dock fee of $20 per person is charged separately. Private transportation is also not included.

What happens if the weather cancels the tour?

If poor weather causes cancellation, you can receive a full refund or select a different date.