5H Private Lux 40′ Yacht All Inclusive – Tulum & Playa del Carmen

Snorkeling with turtles on your own yacht. This 5-hour private cruise runs from Puerto Aventuras and mixes calm reef swimming with unlimited drinks, so your day feels more like a vacation plan than a tour schedule. You get two stops out on the water, plus snorkeling gear, with plenty of time to hop in and out.

What I really like is the onboard food and the way the day stays relaxed. You’ll have fresh seafood and shrimp ceviche made onboard during the snorkeling break, so you’re not waiting on shore for a mediocre meal after the fun.

One thing to factor in up front: the $20 dock fee per person isn’t included, and that can add a noticeable chunk to the final cost—especially if you’re not filling the full group size.

Key things to know before you go

5H Private Lux 40' Yacht All Inclusive - Tulum & Playa del Carmen - Key things to know before you go

  • Private yacht for up to 12 people means you’re not sharing space with strangers.
  • Two snorkeling stops with provided snorkeling equipment, including the reef area near InHa.
  • About 2 hours of water time at Stop 1, with the option to swim or snorkel and hop on/off the boat.
  • Unlimited drinks: beer, wine, soft drinks, mixers, and bottled water.
  • Onboard ceviche prep: shrimp and fish ceviche prepared by the crew while you’re in the water.

Why this private 40-foot yacht feels like a real treat in Riviera Maya

5H Private Lux 40' Yacht All Inclusive - Tulum & Playa del Carmen - Why this private 40-foot yacht feels like a real treat in Riviera Maya
This is one of those cruises where the private format changes everything. A 40-foot yacht keeps you close to the action, and it usually means less waiting around, fewer crowded moments, and more control over the pace of your day. Even the vibe tends to be calmer because you’re not herded through check-in lines and then stuck shoulder-to-shoulder on a large boat.

You also get a full “day on the water” approach: time to snorkel, time to relax, and food and drinks handled onboard. That matters because the Riviera Maya coast can feel busy on land. Out on the water, the rhythm is simpler: swim, snorkel, eat, drink, repeat.

You can also read our reviews of more boat tours in Playa del Carmen

Puerto Aventuras meeting point and what the day timing actually means

The cruise starts back at the Riviera Elite dock area in Puerto Aventuras (Av. Bahia Yanten Manzana 33, Lot 9, Local 12, 77750 Puerto Aventuras, Q.R., Mexico). Your activity ends back at the same meeting point, which is helpful if you don’t want to deal with complicated end-of-day logistics.

The duration is listed as about 5 hours, and that gives you enough time for two water stops without turning your day into a full half-week vacation. Also, this is booked as a private group experience (up to 12), and the tour includes a mobile ticket—so you can plan around a fairly smooth arrival.

One more “day of” reality: the tour requires good weather. If conditions don’t cooperate, you won’t just push through. If the provider cancels due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund (while the experience itself is generally non-refundable once booked).

Stop 1 at the reef near InHa: turtles, snorkeling calm water, and optional fishing

5H Private Lux 40' Yacht All Inclusive - Tulum & Playa del Carmen - Stop 1 at the reef near InHa: turtles, snorkeling calm water, and optional fishing
Stop 1 takes you north along the Riviera Maya coast and into snorkeling territory near the InHa reef area. The water here is described as clear and calm, which is exactly what you want if you’re sharing the experience with friends or family—especially if some of your group is snorkeling for the first time.

At this stop, you’ll get roughly 2 hours of water activity time. You can swim or snorkel, and the setup is designed so you can hop on and off the boat instead of feeling locked into one long stretch in the water. That flexibility makes the stop more comfortable, especially in warm weather when fatigue and sun exposure add up.

This stop is also the star for sea life. You’ll often see colorful tropical fish while snorkeling, and the experience includes the chance to see sea turtles. Seeing turtles isn’t something you can guarantee anywhere in nature, but the reef area and the snorkeling window are clearly built around this kind of encounter.

If you’re into fishing, there’s a fun option: troll fishing onboard. The plan is that if you catch something, they can prepare it for you right there. Even if you don’t fish, it adds a different energy to the ride because the crew can shift the experience toward what your group wants.

While you’re in the water, the crew prepares shrimp and fish ceviche onboard. That’s not just “snacks later”—it’s part of the stop’s timing, so you’re eating while the day still feels active.

Possible drawback at Stop 1: if your group is especially sensitive to heat or sun, you may want to use the hop-on/hop-off style wisely. With a couple of hours in the water plus waiting for snorkeling time to line up, sunscreen and shade matter.

Stop 2: your second chance to snorkel and reset onboard

5H Private Lux 40' Yacht All Inclusive - Tulum & Playa del Carmen - Stop 2: your second chance to snorkel and reset onboard
The big picture here is simple: you get two stops, and snorkeling gear is included for both. Stop 1 gives you the clearest description of the reef area and the near-InHa snorkeling time. Stop 2 is your second water break—another chance to swim/snorkel, enjoy the sea life, and keep the “private boat rhythm” going.

Because the exact location of Stop 2 isn’t spelled out in the details you have, the safest way to plan is by the goal: you’re getting a second shot at the water with the provided equipment, plus continued access to food and drinks onboard between and during swims.

This second stop is also where the private format really helps. If your group loved the snorkeling at the first reef area, you can keep the mood going without changing boats or fighting for space. If some people want more relax time, they can usually stay onboard while others hop in—since the “hop on/off” approach is part of how Stop 1 is described, and the tour is built around multiple water windows rather than one long forced session.

Food and drinks onboard: ceviche + unlimited pours (with real value)

5H Private Lux 40' Yacht All Inclusive - Tulum & Playa del Carmen - Food and drinks onboard: ceviche + unlimited pours (with real value)
Let’s talk about why this tour can make sense even at the premium private-yacht price.

You’ll have snacks onboard, and the day centers around seafood—specifically shrimp and fish ceviche prepared onboard during the snorkeling break. When this is done well, it’s one of the best parts of a coastal yacht cruise because you’re eating close to the water and not far removed from the sea life you just saw.

Then there’s the drinks. The tour includes unlimited beer, wine, soft drinks, mixers, and bottled water. For many groups, that inclusion is where the math gets easier. It reduces the “what will we spend after this?” stress, and it keeps your group social on the boat rather than having to pass around a limited beverage budget.

A couple of practical points:

  • There are vegetarian/vegan options (and other dietary restrictions), as long as you tell them at booking.
  • Minimum drinking age is 18, so if you’re traveling with younger people, plan accordingly for alcohol-free time.

One extra detail that’s worth noting from feedback is the overall onboard atmosphere—people highlight the host and crew energy, and there’s mention of music that helps set a fun mood without turning it into a party-free-for-all.

You can also read our reviews of more private tours in Playa del Carmen

Snorkeling gear, sea conditions, and how to make the most of the water time

5H Private Lux 40' Yacht All Inclusive - Tulum & Playa del Carmen - Snorkeling gear, sea conditions, and how to make the most of the water time
You get use of snorkeling equipment included, so you don’t have to pack a mask and snorkel if you don’t want to. The tour is also built around calmer, clear water conditions at Stop 1, which helps beginners feel more comfortable.

To get the best experience from the snorkeling time:

  • Wear what you can move in easily, and bring something quick-drying.
  • Use sun protection before you get in the water. When you’re on a boat for hours, sunscreen time adds up.
  • If your group has mixed comfort levels, use the hop-on/hop-off rhythm. Spending 20–30 minutes at a time usually works better than pushing for a single long session.

Even with good water conditions, remember that reef experiences are still outdoors. If seas get choppy, you may not want to force longer swims. The overall tour design is flexible, but you should still listen to the crew and use the breaks wisely.

Price and value: what $1,707.99 per group really buys you

5H Private Lux 40' Yacht All Inclusive - Tulum & Playa del Carmen - Price and value: what $1,707.99 per group really buys you
The price is $1,707.99 per group for up to 12 people, for an experience that includes private yacht time, two stops, snorkeling gear, snacks, shrimp and fish ceviche, and unlimited drinks.

Here’s the rough value math: if you fill the boat with 12 people, that comes to about $142 per person before add-ons. Then you still have the $20 dock fee per person that isn’t included, so budget closer to about $162 per person at full group capacity. If your group is smaller than 12, the per-person cost climbs fast, so this is best when you have a friend group or multi-family setup that can actually use the group size.

Also factor in what’s not included:

  • Private transportation is extra (depending on where you’re staying).
  • The dock fee is extra.
  • Alcohol has an 18+ minimum drinking age, though soft drinks and water are included for everyone.

The tradeoff is clear: if you want privacy, food onboard, and snorkeling access without negotiating a crowd, this price can feel fair. If you’re traveling solo or as a small pair, you may want to compare against shared boat options because the private cost is spread out best with more people.

Who this yacht cruise suits best (and who should think twice)

5H Private Lux 40' Yacht All Inclusive - Tulum & Playa del Carmen - Who this yacht cruise suits best (and who should think twice)
This trip fits best if you want:

  • A private day on the water with friends, family, or a small celebration group.
  • Snorkeling as a main activity, not a quick photo stop.
  • Food and drinks handled onboard so you can relax instead of coordinating meals on land.

It’s also a strong match for people who like the idea of sea turtles and reef snorkeling but don’t want to join a huge crowd to get there. The private setup and the multiple water windows make it easier to manage different energy levels.

Who might think twice:

  • If you’re trying to keep costs extremely low and you won’t reach close to the full group size of 12, the per-person price can get steep.
  • If weather is iffy in your travel window, you should expect that the experience needs good conditions for the day to run.

Quick guidance for booking decisions

If you can fill enough of the group to keep the per-person cost reasonable, I’d call this a good value for the mix of private yacht time, two water stops, snorkeling gear, and unlimited drinks. The onboard shrimp ceviche and the crew’s attention (including host Vicky) are the kind of details that turn a reef snorkel outing into a full “remember this day” experience.

If you’re a solo traveler or a couple, I’d do one extra step: check whether the group size you’ll book can genuinely spread the cost. If not, you may get similar snorkeling elsewhere for less.

FAQ

How long is the 5H private yacht tour?

It runs for about 5 hours.

Where does the yacht cruise start?

It starts at the Riviera Elite meeting point in Puerto Aventuras (Av. Bahia Yanten Manzana 33, Lot 9, Local 12, 77750 Puerto Aventuras, Q.R., Mexico).

Is this a private tour or a shared boat?

This is a private tour. Only your group participates.

How many stops are included?

There are two stops.

Is snorkeling included?

Yes. Snorkeling gear is included, and you can swim or snorkel during the stop water time.

What food is included onboard?

The experience includes snacks and shrimp and fish ceviche prepared onboard during the snorkeling time.

Are drinks included?

Yes. Unlimited beer, wine, soft drinks, mixers, and bottled water are included.

What is the dock fee?

A dock fee of $20.00 per person is not included.

Is there an alcohol age requirement?

Yes. The minimum drinking age is 18.

What if the weather is bad?

The experience requires good weather. If it’s canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund. The experience itself is non-refundable and cannot be changed for any reason otherwise.

Not for you? Here's more nearby things to do in Playa del Carmen we have reviewed

Scroll to Top