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

Saltwater time with no planning headache. This private 15-person catamaran outing blends great reef snorkeling with an easy pace, plus unlimited drinks and a ceviche lunch onboard.

What I like most is how the trip is built around two water experiences: first a semi-sheltered reef for calmer snorkeling, then a second stop with very shallow, clear water where you can just hang out. I also love that snorkeling gear is included, so you can focus on the water instead of packing extra stuff.

One thing to consider: you pay a per-person dock fee that’s not included in the group price, and the schedule depends on weather being good.

Key things to know before you go

• Private charter for up to 15 people means you set the vibe, not a crowded group.
• Snorkeling equipment is provided, so you only need to show up.
• Unlimited alcohol and soft drinks are on board, with mixers and bottled water.
• Two snorkeling-style stops: a calmer reef first, then a shallow, clear-water break.
• Ceviche lunch and onboard snacks are part of the experience, not an add-on.
• Optional troll fishing can be fun if you want more than snorkeling and hanging out.

What you’re really paying for: a private charter with open bar and real food

The headline price is for a private group up to 15, which is the key value piece here. If you’re traveling with friends or family, it can feel like a lot less than it sounds, especially once you factor in the included drinks, snacks, and lunch.

Unlike many “boat day” options that nickel-and-dime you for basics, this one clearly covers the stuff that usually drives costs up: unlimited beer and liquor, soft drinks, mixers, and bottled water. You also get a cevic​he-style lunch (with vegetarian/vegan options available if you ask at booking), plus snacks while you’re out on the water.

The tone of the day is meant to be relaxed. You’re not racing from sight to sight. You’re out there for a few anchored stops, with time to swim, snorkel, and enjoy the boat.

Getting to Puerto Aventuras: easy start, clear meeting point

The catamaran departs from Puerto Aventuras marina, and you’ll meet at Riviera Elite: Yachts in Tulum and Playa Del Carmen, Av. Bahia Yanten Manzana 33, Lot 9, Local 12, Puerto Aventuras, Q.R., Mexico.

There’s no mystery about where the tour ends either. It comes back to the same meeting point. That matters if you’re trying to plan transport for the rest of your day in the Tulum and Playa del Carmen area.

A couple practical notes that help your planning:

• The tour uses a mobile ticket.
• It’s offered in English.
• It’s near public transportation, though private transport is not included (you’d pay extra depending on where you’re staying).

Stop 1 at In-Ha: calm reef water and sea turtle chances

The first water stop is at a semi-sheltered reef area called In-Ha. You’ll head north from the marina for about an hour before you reach it.

Why In-Ha matters: semi-sheltered reefs tend to mean calmer water, and that makes snorkeling more comfortable for beginners and casual swimmers. The goal here is simple—get in the water and look around.

You can expect to see sea turtles, colorful tropical fish, and other reef life while you’re swimming in crystal-clear, calm conditions. Also, you’re not doing this in silence. The onboard crew serves snacks and drinks while you’re out there, so the “boat day” feeling stays intact.

If the ocean is a little choppy, this itinerary still has a built-in advantage: the calm-water setup at the first stop helps you enjoy the snorkeling even if the ride there isn’t perfect.

Onboard food and drinks: ceviche lunch plus real refreshment flow

This tour’s food setup is one of the strongest reasons it works. You’re not just getting a snack plate. You get a ceviche lunch (shrimp and fish are specifically mentioned), and it’s described as freshly made.

On top of lunch, there are snacks during the sailing and time between stops. When you’re spending hours on a boat, that small detail makes the day feel smoother. You won’t be constantly thinking about when you’ll eat or whether the food is worth the wait.

The drink flow is similarly straightforward. You get unlimited beer, liquor, soft drinks, mixers, water, and bottled water. The practical benefit is that you don’t lose time placing drink orders or tracking costs mid-trip.

Two small but important things to note:

• The minimum drinking age is 18, so if you have younger kids, plan around that.
• You can request vegetarian/vegan options at booking if that’s needed for your group.

Stop 2 at La Bocana: shallow water, clear sightlines, and music

After the first snorkeling stop, you head to the second stop at La Bocana. This is another part of the itinerary that’s designed for easy enjoyment rather than strenuous activity.

La Bocana is described as really shallow and clear. That’s a great match if you want to float, swim without stressing, or just watch fish without the pressure of long snorkeling sessions.

This is also where the vibe shifts slightly. You’ll have music playing, and you can enjoy the moment from the sea. It’s the kind of segment that often becomes the “slow down and relax” part of the day.

If you’re in a group with different comfort levels in the water, La Bocana is a nice equalizer. Even if some people want to snorkel longer, others can stay closer to the surface and still have a satisfying experience.

Optional troll fishing: try it if you want a hands-on twist

If you’re curious and your group wants something different, there’s an optional troll fishing component. The idea is simple: you try to fish along the way, and then anything you catch can be prepared onboard.

The chef’s note is fun here: there’s a mention of a secret family sauce. You should treat that as part of the experience’s style and not something you can count on for every situation, but it gives the fishing option extra appeal beyond just the act of trying.

If fishing isn’t your thing, you can still treat this as a normal catamaran day focused on snorkeling, swimming, and relaxing. The core itinerary doesn’t depend on everyone fishing.

Duration and pacing: why 5 hours feels about right

The tour runs for about 5 hours. That’s long enough to enjoy two water stops, time to eat, and time to hang on the boat. It’s also short enough that you’re not trapped on the water all day.

The pacing is built around:

• A travel time of about an hour before the first stop
• Swimming/snorkeling time at In-Ha
• A move to La Bocana for the shallow-water break
• Time onboard for food, drinks, and snacks during the sailing

Because it’s a private charter, the experience should feel flexible within that time window. In practice, that’s what you’re buying: comfort and space, not a rushed checklist.

Price and logistics: $1,931 per group plus the $20 dock fee

Here’s the math that matters.

The listed price is $1,931.04 per group, up to 15 passengers. That works out to roughly $129 per person at full capacity (before other fees). The itinerary includes drinks, lunch, snacks, and snorkeling equipment, so the value doesn’t come only from the boat—it comes from what’s covered onboard.

Two costs to plan for:

• Dock fee: $20.00 per person (not included)
• Private transportation depends on where you’re starting from

Also, confirmation happens within 48 hours, subject to availability. And the tour requires good weather—if conditions are poor, you’ll be offered another date or a full refund.

If you’re coming from a beach area where you can reach Puerto Aventuras easily, your total cost stays closer to the “per person” estimate. If you’ll need a more involved private transfer, your budget should account for that up front.

Who this catamaran day is best for

This is a strong choice for groups that want a private day on the water without turning it into a full-day production.

It’s especially good for:

• Friends or families who want turtle snorkeling plus a relaxed schedule
• People who like the idea of unlimited drinks and a meal included
• Travelers who want snorkeling gear included rather than packing their own
• Mixed groups where some people just want to swim casually in shallow clear water

It may be less ideal if:

• You’re a solo traveler without interest in coordinating with a group
• You prefer an itinerary focused on land activities, because this is mainly about the water stops and the boat experience
• Your group includes someone who doesn’t drink alcohol, since the alcohol is a big part of the included value

Practical tips for a smoother day on the water

A few common-sense items can make your 5 hours much more comfortable.

• Bring sun protection. Even with calm-water stops, you’re exposed for hours on open water.
• Have a plan for your phone and valuables. You’ll be in and around the water, so keep them secure.
• If you want the vegetarian/vegan meal, request it at booking so it’s handled before you arrive.
• If you’re coming with a younger group member, remember that children and young adults age 18 and under must be accompanied by at least one adult.
• If you’re sensitive to motion, consider that the ride from the marina to the first stop takes about an hour, and water conditions can vary.

One more detail: crew service is a major part of the feel of this trip. The onboard team—people like Celeste, Neri, Angel, and Omar—has been praised for keeping the day running smoothly and for the food quality. If you’re the type who enjoys a friendly, attentive crew, you’ll probably appreciate this setup.

Should you book this 5-hour luxury catamaran?

If your ideal day is two water stops, good snorkeling opportunities, a ceviche lunch, and a boat that handles the “extras” for you, this is a solid pick. The private up-to-15 format is where you get the most value, especially because it bundles drinks, snacks, lunch, and snorkeling equipment into the experience.

I’d book it if you’re traveling with a group that can fill the charter comfortably and you want a relaxed Riviera Maya water day near Tulum and Playa del Carmen. I’d think twice if you’re cost-sensitive after add-ons like the $20 dock fee, or if your group wants more land-based sightseeing than time on the sea.

FAQ

How long is the catamaran experience?

It runs for approximately 5 hours.

How many people is the private charter for?

It’s priced as a private charter for up to 15 passengers.

Where does the tour start and end?

It starts and ends back at the meeting point at Riviera Elite: Yachts in Tulum and Playa Del Carmen, in Puerto Aventuras.

What snorkeling equipment is included?

Snorkeling equipment is included as part of the tour.

Is lunch included?

Yes. A ceviche lunch is included, and vegetarian/vegan options are available if requested at booking.

Are drinks included, and is alcohol available?

Yes. Unlimited beer, liquor, soft drinks, mixers, water, and bottled water are available onboard. The minimum drinking age is 18.

Are there sea turtle viewing chances?

Yes. Swimming with turtles is included, and sea turtles are mentioned for the first snorkeling stop.

What is the dock fee?

A dock fee of $20.00 per person is not included in the tour price.

Is troll fishing included?

Troll fishing is offered on the tour, and anything you catch can be prepared onboard.

What’s the cancellation policy?

You can cancel for a full refund up to 24 hours before the start time. If you cancel less than 24 hours before, the amount paid is not refunded. The experience also depends on good weather; poor weather can lead to a different date or a full refund.