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

The best part of this private catamaran charter is the mix of easygoing sailing, reef snorkeling, and food served right on the boat. You leave from Puerto Aventuras, head north for about an hour, and spend your time between clear water, music, cocktails, and two very different swimming stops.

I like the all-inclusive setup, especially the fresh shrimp and fish ceviche, snacks, unlimited drinks, and included snorkel gear. I also like the space for up to 15 people, which makes the $1,931.04 group price far more sensible for a full family or friend group than for just two people.

The main thing to consider is the extra cost: transportation to the marina is not included, and there is a $20 dock fee per person. 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

• Private 38-foot catamaran: Only your group participates, with room for up to 15 passengers.
• In-Ha snorkeling stop: Look for sea turtles, tropical fish, and other reef life in a semi-sheltered area.
• La Bocana water stop: Shallow, clear water and music make this a relaxed second stop.
• Food and drinks included: Expect ceviche, lunch, snacks, beer, liquor, soft drinks, mixers, and water.
• Optional troll fishing: Anything you catch may be prepared on board with the chef’s family sauce.
• Extra fees matter: Add the $20 dock fee per person and arrange your own transportation to Puerto Aventuras.

Setting sail from Puerto Aventuras

The boat leaves from Riviera Elite: Yachts in Tulum and Playa del Carmen, at Av. Bahia Yanten Manzana 33, Lot 9, Local 12, in Puerto Aventuras. This is the practical starting point for the day, and the cruise returns to the same meeting point after about five hours.

The route heads north for roughly an hour toward the first swimming area. That travel time is part of the experience, not just dead time. You get open-water views, a chance to settle into the boat, and time for the crew to begin serving snacks and drinks.

Because this is a private charter, you are not sharing the boat with a large unrelated group. That matters if you want control over the music, a relaxed birthday outing, or a day with children and older family members. It also lets your group spend more time in the water if everyone is ready, rather than working around strangers.

The catamaran is described as 38 feet long and holds up to 15 passengers. The group limit is important when judging comfort. Fifteen people is a full boat, but it is still a much more personal setup than a large public cruise. For a smaller party, you are paying for privacy and flexibility more than for a low per-person fare.

Why In-Ha is the main attraction

The first stop is In-Ha, a semi-sheltered reef area known for calm, clear water. This is where the snorkeling has its best chance of feeling like the main event rather than a quick swim between boat activities.

You can use the provided snorkeling equipment and look for sea turtles, colorful tropical fish, and other reef life. The included gear saves you from packing or renting equipment separately, though you should still bring any personal mask or snorkel you strongly prefer.

The water is described as calm and clear, but remember that conditions can change. One strong point of the boat is that the crew can help manage the day when the water becomes choppy. Still, this is an ocean outing, not a controlled pool visit. If you are sensitive to motion, you may want to keep that in mind before booking a five-hour trip.

The turtle element adds real appeal, but wildlife is never fully predictable. You should expect a chance to see turtles rather than treat a sighting as a guarantee. The stop is also more than a photo break. You have time to swim, snorkel, and see reef life while the crew serves refreshments from the boat.

The food is a surprisingly important part of this stop. Shrimp and fish ceviche are prepared on board, along with guacamole and snacks. Celeste, Neri, Angel, and Omar are the crew names associated with particularly strong service, and the food received special praise, especially the guacamole and ceviche. That gives you a useful clue about the character of the day: this is not a bare-bones boat ride with a cooler of packaged snacks.

La Bocana brings a slower second act

After In-Ha, the catamaran continues to La Bocana. This stop is shallow and clear, so it offers a different kind of water time from the reef snorkeling.

You can get in for a swim if you like, or stay on board with a drink and take in the view. The shallow water makes La Bocana a good place for people who prefer a less demanding swim. It also gives the group a change of pace after snorkeling.

Music becomes a bigger part of the experience here. The crew can put on your favorite music while you enjoy the setting from the sea. This is the point in the trip designed for conversation, drinks, photos, and a more relaxed party mood.

The trade-off is that La Bocana may feel less special if your only goal is serious snorkeling. Its appeal is the clear, shallow water and the easy atmosphere, not necessarily a second major reef session. If your group includes mixed interests, though, that balance works well. Strong swimmers can enjoy the water while others stay aboard.

Ceviche, lunch, and the open bar

Food and drinks are built into the price, which makes planning simpler. You receive lunch, snacks, and freshly made shrimp and fish ceviche. Vegetarian, vegan, and other dietary options are available if you advise the operator at booking.

The ceviche is not just a token meal. It is one of the most distinctive parts of the day because it is made and served on board while you are out on the water. Guacamole also received special praise, so this is a good choice if your group values food as much as the sailing.

Drinks include unlimited beer, liquor, soft drinks, mixers, and bottled water. The open bar is useful for a private celebration because you do not need to track every drink or decide in advance how much to bring. Water is also important in the Caribbean sun, even when you are spending much of the day swimming.

The minimum drinking age is 18. Children and young adults aged 18 or under must be accompanied by at least one adult. That makes the charter suitable for family groups, but it is worth agreeing on the mood before you go. One group may want a quiet day of snorkeling and lunch, while another may focus on music and cocktails.

Optional troll fishing on the way

The boat also offers troll fishing during the trip. If you catch something, the onboard chef may prepare it with a secret family sauce.

This is a nice extra because it gives the sailing time a purpose for people who are not eager to snorkel continuously. It is also a reminder that this is a private day with several ways to use the time. You can swim, eat, listen to music, drink, or try fishing instead of following a rigid schedule.

The information provided does not specify the fishing equipment, target species, or how long the fishing portion lasts. I would treat it as an optional bonus rather than the reason to book. If fishing is central to your plans, ask Riviera Elite for those details before paying.

What the private price really buys you

The listed price is $1,931.04 per group of up to 15 people. At the full capacity, that works out to about $129 per person before the dock fee and any transport costs. Add the $20 dock fee per person, and the total becomes about $149 per person for a full group, not counting transportation.

For a party of 10, the base price works out to about $193 per person. For two people, it is a costly private outing. The value improves sharply as your group gets larger, especially since lunch, snacks, drinks, snorkeling gear, and the boat are included.

You are also paying for privacy. A private charter can be worth the extra money for a birthday, family reunion, wedding-related outing, or group of friends who want control over the music and schedule. If you only want a short snorkeling trip at the lowest possible price, a shared excursion may make more financial sense.

The $20 dock fee per person is not hidden in the headline price, but it is easy to overlook when budgeting. Transportation is another separate cost, and the exact amount depends on where you are staying. Confirm both before booking so the final figure does not surprise you.

The experience is booked an average of 34 days in advance, which suggests you should not wait until the last minute if your dates are fixed. Confirmation arrives within 48 hours, subject to availability.

Who will enjoy this catamaran most

I would choose this charter for a group that wants several activities in one day without moving between locations. Snorkeling, turtle watching, lunch, an open bar, music, fishing, and relaxed swimming all happen from the same boat.

It is especially well suited to:

• Families who want a private setting and included food
• Friends celebrating birthdays or other occasions
• Couples traveling with a larger group
• Groups that want drinks and music without sharing the boat with strangers
• People who prefer a gentle mix of activity and downtime

It may be less suitable if you want a long, technical snorkeling session, a low-cost excursion for one or two people, or a guaranteed wildlife encounter. The water can also become choppy, so anyone prone to seasickness should take the open-water setting seriously.

The crew’s service is a meaningful part of the experience. Celeste, Neri, Angel, and Omar are specifically connected with warm, attentive service, and the boat crew continued to provide good care even when the water became rough. That matters on a private charter, where the staff can shape the whole day.

Practical details for a smoother day

Bring swimwear, sun protection, and anything you need for personal comfort on the water. Snorkeling equipment is provided, and bottled water is included, but the tour details do not list towels, hotel pickup, or personal transportation.

The tour ends back at the Puerto Aventuras meeting point. Service animals are allowed, most people can participate, and the meeting point is near public transportation.

Tell the operator about vegetarian, vegan, or other dietary needs when you book. Do not wait until boarding, since the crew needs advance notice to prepare alternatives.

This experience requires good weather. If poor weather forces cancellation, you can choose another date or receive a full refund. You can also cancel for a full refund if you do so at least 24 hours before the start time. Within 24 hours, refunds are not available, and last-minute changes are not accepted.

Should you book this private catamaran?

Book it if you have a group large enough to share the cost and want a full day of water activities, food, drinks, and privacy. The strongest reasons are the In-Ha snorkeling stop, the chance to see turtles, the fresh ceviche and guacamole, and the ability to set the mood with your own music.

Think twice if you are traveling as a couple, trying to keep costs low, or mainly want intensive snorkeling. Also budget for the dock fee and transportation, and leave room for weather changes.

For a birthday or group celebration, this is an easy choice. For a full group of 15, the price becomes much more reasonable, and the private format lets everyone enjoy the boat in the same way. I would book it well ahead, confirm the final fees, and give dietary details before the trip.

FAQ

Where does the catamaran tour start?

The tour starts at Riviera Elite: Yachts in Tulum and Playa del Carmen, located at Av. Bahia Yanten Manzana 33, Lot 9, Local 12, 77750 Puerto Aventuras, Quintana Roo, Mexico.

Where does the tour end?

The activity ends back at the same meeting point in Puerto Aventuras.

How long is the catamaran experience?

The tour lasts approximately five hours.

How many people can join the private charter?

The price covers one private group of up to 15 passengers.

Is snorkeling equipment provided?

Yes. Snorkeling equipment is included.

Are food and drinks included?

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

Is transportation to the marina included?

No. Private transportation is not included. The price varies based on your exact location.

Is there an additional dock fee?

Yes. The dock fee is $20 per person.

What happens if bad weather cancels the tour?

If poor weather causes a cancellation, you can choose another date or receive a full refund.