5H Private 44′ Catamaran All-Inclusive – Tulum & Playa del Carmen

A day on a private catamaran in Riviera Maya is a fast track to feeling like you got away. This 5-hour charter pairs two standout reef stops with an all-in open bar and a proper lunch onboard, so your time isn’t split between logistics and waiting around.

My favorite parts are how easy the day feels (you cruise, you snorkel, you eat) and how the water delivers real Caribbean sea life at In-Ha. The main thing to pencil in is the extra $20 dock fee per person, plus you’ll need decent weather since the tour requires it.

If you’re planning around Tulum or Playa del Carmen, this is also one of the more straightforward ways to get offshore: you start from Puerto Aventuras marina and spend most of the day on the water with only a couple of swim stops. And it’s truly private, so it’s built for groups that want their own space, from bachelorettes to family trips.

Key highlights at a glance

• In-Ha snorkeling with calm, semi-sheltered water and a good chance to spot turtles and reef fish
• Open bar all day: tequila, rum, vodka, Mexican beer, plus soda, juice, and bottled water
• Ceviche-focused lunch and snacks onboard, including shrimp and fish
• La Bocana’s shallow, clear water makes an easy final swim stop
• Optional troll fishing, with anything you catch prepared onboard
• Space for up to 30 people, while this booking is priced for groups up to 15

A private 44-foot catamaran day in Riviera Maya feels like your own schedule

I like the way this charter is structured: you don’t have to juggle a bunch of stops or meet random strangers. A private boat means your group sets the tone, and the crew can keep the day moving in the order that works best once you’re on the water.

The vessel is described as a 44-foot catamaran with room for up to 30 people, but this package is priced for groups up to 15. Translation: you get breathing room, and you’re not crammed shoulder-to-shoulder like you can be on larger public excursions.

It’s also a simple “5 hours, done” plan. That matters if you’re trying to enjoy Tulum or Playa del Carmen without turning the trip into an all-day production.

What’s really included: open bar, towels, snorkel gear, and lunch

This is one of those tours where the included items cover the things that usually add up. You get an open bar with unlimited drinks plus snacks and a lunch-style food service onboard.

Here’s what’s included:

• Open bar: tequila, rum, vodka, Mexican beer, bottled water, soft drinks, and juice
• Food: chips and snacks, plus famous shrimp and fish ceviche served onboard
• Gear: towels and snorkeling gear (and fishing gear if you want to try)
• Comfort: a restroom on board
• Diet needs: vegetarian/vegan options and other dietary restrictions can be requested in advance

I also like the way the day is built around food and drinks without turning it into a lecture. Snacks and cocktails show up during the transit and during the stops, so you’re not waiting for a single big meal time.

If you have dietary restrictions, put them in your booking notes early. The tour specifically says you can request alternate lunch options based on dietary restrictions.

Stop 1: In-Ha snorkeling, turtles, and calm Caribbean water

Your day starts at Puerto Aventuras marina. From there, the catamaran heads north for about an hour to the first stop, a semi-sheltered reef area called In-Ha.

In-Ha is the kind of stop that works even if you’re not a hardcore snorkeler. The water is described as calm and crystal clear, which makes it easier to float, look around, and get comfortable.

What you’re aiming to see:

• sea turtles
• colorful tropical reef fish
• other reef life

The practical angle is this: snorkeling here isn’t just about getting wet and rushing. The plan allows time for a meaningful swim, and the crew serves snacks, cocktails, and refreshments while you’re out there.

There’s also a very real “choose your comfort” option. If you’d rather not go in the water, you can stay onboard, sunbathe, and keep sipping while others snorkel. That matters because snorkeling days can swing between amazing and exhausting depending on the person.

If troll fishing is on your agenda, fishing gear is provided, but your first big focus is still the reef experience.

Between swims: the onboard pace that keeps the day fun

After In-Ha, you’ll re-board and continue toward the next stop. This is where the day’s rhythm matters.

You’ll be cruising while the crew keeps things moving with drinks and snacks. That means your group doesn’t spend the middle stretch bored or hungry, and it keeps the “party boat” energy going at a relaxed speed.

The crew style shows up in how often groups mention constant attention and the fact that drinks keep arriving. I’d call it a hands-on service approach: you don’t have to flag someone down.

Stop 2: La Bocana, shallow water, music, and ceviche time

The second stop is La Bocana, set up as a more playful finale swim. The water is described as shallow and clear, so it’s easy to enjoy without needing to gear up for a deep snorkel mission.

La Bocana also doubles as a social food-and-drink moment. This is when many people choose to enjoy ceviche while staying in the water if they want that. It’s basically the end-of-day “last swim, last tastes” energy.

And the tour plan includes music. If your group likes a lively vibe, this is where it shows up—music on, drinks flowing, people relaxed in the water.

One small drawback to note: because La Bocana is focused on shallow water enjoyment, it’s more about hanging out than chasing heavy current or deep reef structure. If you’re hoping for a serious drift-snorkel style adventure, this stop may feel more casual than you expect.

Cruising back to Puerto Aventuras with open bar and coastline views

Once everyone is back onboard, you’ll slowly cruise back to Puerto Aventuras marina. This return leg is a nice buffer after swimming and snorkeling, because you get time to sit, sip, and look at the Riviera Maya coastline from the water.

It’s also when you can keep the day’s theme going. With open bar still active, it’s less about “wrap up and leave” and more about “stay for the scenery a bit longer.”

This kind of finish matters. A lot of boat tours end with a scramble. Here, the pacing is built so your group still feels in vacation mode.

Crew members, margaritas, and the service that makes it feel personal

Service is the big recurring theme. People talk about crew members being friendly, attentive, and quick to take care of what the group needs.

I’ve seen names like Vicky, Captain Neri, Omar, and Yair listed often, plus others like Ramón. There’s also mention of Dale as a helpful guide. Chefs also get credit, including Chef Pablo Mae.

You’ll also want to know about the food because it’s not treated like a bland afterthought. Groups highlight ceviche and even specific sides like guacamole, with multiple people calling it among the best they had in Mexico. That’s a good sign if you care about flavor, not just snacks.

One fun extra: there’s mention of a photographer experience with Trinity, where posing and photo guidance were part of the day. If you want the celebration side, that kind of add-on energy can make the trip feel more like an event.

Price and value: what $2,479.34 per group really means

The price is $2,479.34 per group, for up to 15 people. That’s a private-boat price, not a per-person ticket.

So what’s the real value? Divide it by group size:

• If you max it at 15 people, it’s about $165 per person before the extra dock fee
• Then add the $20 dock fee per person, and you’re closer to $185 per person total for the day

In return, you get a 5-hour private charter with unlimited drinks plus snorkeling and fishing gear, towels, lunch/snacks, and onboard restroom access.

Is it expensive? Sure. But it’s also competing with other “group-splitting” tours where you pay almost as much once you add private transport, drinks, and better meal options. If you’re traveling with 10–15 people, this tends to land in the sweet spot where it’s actually cheaper than piecing together a day yourself.

If you’re a couple or a small group, it can still be worth it if you want the privacy and you’re treating it as a splurge. Just run the math first and be honest about whether you’ll use the snorkeling time and bar.

Getting to Puerto Aventuras from Tulum or Playa del Carmen

You’ll meet at Riviera Elite: Yachts in the Puerto Aventuras area. The address provided is:

Av. Bahia Yanten Manzana 33, Lot 9, Local 12, 77750 Puerto Aventuras, Q.R., Mexico

Private transportation is not included, and the tour does say it’s near public transportation. In plain terms: plan on a taxi or rideshare from wherever you’re staying, especially if you’re in Tulum proper.

Why this matters: if your ride timing is off, you’ll feel it. Boat tours are not flexible like strolling around town. Build in a buffer so your group arrives calm, not rushing.

Also note: the tour uses a mobile ticket, and it’s offered in English.

Who should book this catamaran charter, and who might skip it

This is a strong fit if:

• you want a private boat day with a group
• snorkeling is on your wish list, and you like the idea of two reef stops
• your group wants a real meal and open bar included
• you’re celebrating something (bachelorettes, weddings, family trips show up in the story of this tour)

It’s also a solid choice for mixed comfort levels. Even if not everyone wants to snorkel, the plan explicitly allows people to relax onboard and enjoy drinks while others swim.

The limits to remember:

• Minimum drinking age is 18
• children under 18 must be accompanied by at least one adult
• the experience requires good weather, so you need flexibility in your schedule

If someone in your group hates being on boats or can’t handle snorkeling gear, you can still have a good day by staying onboard. But the overall “point” of the tour is the water time, so it’s best for people who want to spend most of the afternoon at sea.

Weather, timing, and making the day work on your itinerary

The tour needs good weather, and if conditions are poor, the operator will offer a different date or a full refund. That’s normal for the Caribbean coastline, and it’s worth planning with at least one extra flexible option in your overall Riviera Maya schedule.

As for timing, expect about 5 hours on the water. That length is long enough to snorkel twice and actually enjoy the between-stop cruising, but short enough that you can still plan other evening plans afterward.

For best flow, treat it like your main event of the day. Don’t stack it with another high-momentum activity right beforehand unless you know your transport timing.

Should you book 5H Private 44′ Catamaran All-Inclusive?

I’d book this when you want a private, food-and-drink-focused boat day with real snorkeling highlights. The combination of calm In-Ha reef time, a more relaxed La Bocana finale, and an included lunch with ceviche makes it feel like you’re not missing anything essential.

You should probably pass or look for another option if:

• you want a tour with lots of time on land
• your group isn’t interested in snorkeling or swimming at all
• your budget is tight and you don’t have enough people to spread the private-boat cost

If your group includes a mix of snorkelers and non-snorkelers, this still works because the day supports both. And if service quality matters to you, this charter is consistently described as attentive, fun, and high-energy—exactly what you want when you’re paying for privacy.

FAQ

How many snorkeling stops are included?

There are at least two stops for swimming and snorkeling in the Caribbean. The first stop is In-Ha, and the second is La Bocana.

What’s included in the open bar?

The open bar includes tequila, rum, vodka, Mexican beer, bottled water, soft drinks, and juice. It’s listed as unlimited.

Is lunch included?

Yes. Lunch is included with snacks onboard, and the tour specifically mentions shrimp and fish ceviche. Other lunch requests can be made in advance based on dietary restrictions.

Do you provide snorkeling and towels?

Yes. Towels and snorkeling gear are provided, and fishing gear is also provided if you want to troll fish.

Is this tour private?

Yes. It’s a private tour/activity, meaning only your group participates.

How does the dock fee work?

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

What are the cancellation rules?

You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund. If you cancel less than 24 hours before the start time, the amount you paid will not be refunded.