Reviewed · PLAYA DEL CARMEN CATAMARAN AND YACHT CHARTERS

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

5.0 · 66 reviews 5 hours (approx.) Operated by Riviera Elite · Bookable on Viator
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A private 40-foot yacht, a calm reef, fresh ceviche prepared onboard, and five hours with only your own group: that is the appeal here. You cruise north from Puerto Aventuras along the Riviera Maya coast, then spend about two hours getting in and out of the water near InHa reef.

I like the private format, which lets your group set a comfortable pace instead of sharing a boat with strangers. I also like the practical mix of snorkeling, food, fishing, and drinks. The main caution is cost: at $1,707.99 per group, this makes the most sense for a larger party, and the $20-per-person dock fee plus transportation are extra.

Key points to know before booking

5H Private Lux 40' Yacht All Inclusive - Tulum & Playa del Carmen - Key points to know before booking

  • A full five hours on a private 40-foot yacht: Your group of up to 12 has the boat to itself.
  • About two hours in the water: Swim and snorkel near InHa reef, with the freedom to get on and off the yacht.
  • Fresh ceviche prepared onboard: The crew makes shrimp and fish ceviche while you enjoy the reef.
  • Troll fishing is available: You can try fishing from the moving yacht, and a catch may be prepared onboard.
  • Unlimited drinks are included: Beer, wine, soft drinks, mixers, water, and bottled water are part of the package.
  • A $20-per-person dock fee is extra: Private transportation from your location is also not included.

What your five hours on the Riviera Maya coast look like

5H Private Lux 40' Yacht All Inclusive - Tulum & Playa del Carmen - What your five hours on the Riviera Maya coast look like

The day begins at Riviera Elite Yachts in Puerto Aventuras, at Av. Bahia Yanten Manzana 33, Lot 9, Local 12. From there, the yacht heads north along the Riviera Maya coast toward InHa reef.

The boat itself is a 40-foot yacht, large enough for a group of up to 12. Since this is a private outing, you are not fitting into someone else’s schedule or sharing the deck with a crowd. That matters most if your party includes children, different swimming abilities, or people who would rather eat and listen to music than spend every minute in the water.

The advertised experience includes two stops, though the detailed route centers on the reef and the main water-activity period. You should think of this as a relaxed coastal cruise with a substantial reef stop, not as a packed sightseeing day with a long list of separate attractions.

The total duration is about five hours. The water portion lasts roughly two hours, giving you time to alternate between snorkeling, swimming, sitting on deck, and eating. You are welcome to get on and off the boat during that period, so nobody has to remain in the water for the entire stop.

InHa reef, snorkeling, and turtle sightings

5H Private Lux 40' Yacht All Inclusive - Tulum & Playa del Carmen - InHa reef, snorkeling, and turtle sightings

The main attraction is the clear, calm water around InHa reef. The conditions are intended for swimming and snorkeling, and the provided equipment means you do not need to bring your own mask and snorkel.

You may see colorful tropical fish, sea turtles, and other sea life. The included turtle swimming is an important part of the appeal, but marine life is never guaranteed on a particular outing. Still, this is a better fit for people who want time in the water than for anyone looking only for a scenic cruise.

The calm water can also make this a comfortable choice for a mixed-age family group. Most participants can take part, and children and young adults age 18 and under must be accompanied by at least one adult. If some people in your group are confident swimmers and others are cautious, the private setting gives you more room to choose how much time each person spends snorkeling.

The snorkeling gear is included, but you should still bring the usual personal items you want for a water day. The supplied information does not specify what beachwear, towels, or sun protection are provided, so ask the operator if those details matter to your plans.

Troll fishing while the crew prepares lunch

Fishing adds a small but enjoyable twist to the cruise. If you want to try it, you can participate in troll fishing while the yacht is moving. The unusual part is that anything you catch may be prepared for you onboard.

That makes the fishing more than a simple distraction for people who are not snorkeling. It connects the activity to the meal, though the catch is naturally not guaranteed. You should see it as an optional extra rather than the main reason to book the tour.

While you swim, snorkel, or fish, the crew prepares shrimp and fish ceviche. Fresh food served onboard is one of the strongest features of the day. It gives the outing a local coastal flavor and saves you from returning to shore for lunch during a short five-hour trip.

Snacks are also included. Vegetarian, vegan, and other dietary options are available if you advise the operator at booking. That is useful for groups with different eating needs, but do not wait until the boat departs to mention restrictions.

Unlimited drinks and the social side of the yacht

5H Private Lux 40' Yacht All Inclusive - Tulum & Playa del Carmen - Unlimited drinks and the social side of the yacht

The package includes unlimited beer, wine, soft drinks, mixers, water, and bottled water. For a group planning a celebratory day, this can make the price easier to understand because drinks are not being purchased one at a time throughout the cruise.

The drink policy also helps different people enjoy the boat in different ways. Some can choose alcoholic drinks, while others stick with bottled water or soft drinks. The minimum drinking age is 18.

The atmosphere appears suited to a social group. Music is part of the experience, and the most positive feedback focused on the combination of food, flowing drinks, and music. That suggests this is not a silent nature excursion. If you want a lively private day for friends or family, the yacht format works well.

If your ideal outing is quiet, highly structured, or focused only on marine biology, this may feel less tailored to you. The experience is built around relaxation and sociability, with snorkeling as one part of the day rather than the sole purpose.

A different kind of day out along the same coast:

The crew: Vicky and the Blue Ray

5H Private Lux 40' Yacht All Inclusive - Tulum & Playa del Carmen - The crew: Vicky and the Blue Ray

Vicky is specifically named in the guest feedback, along with the chef and snorkeling guide. The crew aboard the Blue Ray was praised for being attentive, generous, and fun, and the chef and snorkeling guide received particular appreciation.

You should still treat crew assignments as subject to change. The supplied information identifies Vicky and the Blue Ray in connection with the outing, but it does not guarantee that every booking will have the same staff or yacht. Confirmation is sent within 48 hours of booking, subject to availability.

A private tour gives the crew more ability to respond to your group’s interests. You can spend more time snorkeling if that is the priority, or remain on deck with food and drinks if that suits the group better. The exact balance depends on your party, weather, and the day’s conditions.

Is $1,707.99 good value for your group?

5H Private Lux 40' Yacht All Inclusive - Tulum & Playa del Carmen - Is $1,707.99 good value for your group?

The listed price is $1,707.99 for up to 12 people. If you fill all 12 places, the base cost works out to about $142.33 per person. That is before the $20-per-person dock fee and any transportation cost from your accommodation.

For a full group, the price can be reasonable for a five-hour private yacht with food, snorkeling equipment, unlimited drinks, a chef, and a dedicated crew. You are paying for exclusivity as much as for the boat. A smaller group of four or six will face a much higher per-person cost, so the value depends heavily on group size.

The private setup also has practical value. You are not paying for a shared boat if your party wants its own space, its own music, and a flexible rhythm between swimming and relaxing. For a birthday, family gathering, or friends’ day out, those details can matter more than adding another stop to a standard group cruise.

The extra fees deserve attention. The dock fee is $20 per person, which adds $240 for a full group of 12. Private transportation is not included, and the price varies according to your exact pickup location. Since the meeting point is in Puerto Aventuras, check the cost and travel time from Tulum, Playa del Carmen, or your resort before deciding.

Who will enjoy this private yacht day most?

5H Private Lux 40' Yacht All Inclusive - Tulum & Playa del Carmen - Who will enjoy this private yacht day most?

This is a strong match for:

  • Families wanting a private boat and a flexible water schedule
  • Friends who want drinks, music, food, and snorkeling in one outing
  • Larger groups that can spread the fixed price across many people
  • Seafood lovers interested in shrimp and fish ceviche
  • People who want a comfortable coastal day rather than a full-day tour
  • Mixed groups where some people swim and others prefer to stay onboard

It is less suited to a solo visitor or a very small party concerned about per-person cost. It may also disappoint anyone looking for a guaranteed turtle encounter, a fishing-focused charter, or a tightly packed route with many named attractions.

The tour is offered in English. Service animals are allowed, the meeting point is near public transportation, and most people can participate. Those points make the outing fairly accessible in practical terms, though the water activities themselves still require you to judge your own comfort and ability.

Weather, timing, and the details that matter

5H Private Lux 40' Yacht All Inclusive - Tulum & Playa del Carmen - Weather, timing, and the details that matter

The experience requires good weather. If poor weather forces cancellation, you are offered another date or a full refund. That protection is useful, but the standard cancellation policy is strict: the experience is non-refundable and cannot be changed for any reason if you cancel or request an amendment.

Confirmation arrives within 48 hours of booking, subject to availability. Since the tour is booked about seven days ahead on average, do not leave it until the final day of your vacation if this is a priority.

The tour begins and ends at Riviera Elite Yachts in Puerto Aventuras. Transportation from your hotel or rental is not included, so arrange that separately. The exact meeting location is important because Puerto Aventuras is not the same as central Playa del Carmen or Tulum.

For the smoothest day, tell the operator about vegetarian, vegan, or other dietary needs when you book. Also confirm any questions about towels, personal flotation equipment, and transportation before departure, since those details are not specified in the supplied information.

How this compares with a shared boat outing

The clearest advantage here is control. On a shared cruise, you normally accept the group’s pace, menu, music, and water time. On this private yacht, your own party fills the boat, so the experience can feel more personal and less crowded.

The tradeoff is price. A shared excursion usually spreads the boat cost across more people, while this package asks your group to cover the full yacht. If you have close to 12 participants, the calculation improves considerably. If you have only two or three, you are paying for space you may not need.

The five-hour length also hits a useful middle ground. It is long enough for a real reef stop, food, drinks, and a coastal cruise without taking the entire day. At the same time, the route is not designed to provide a full survey of the Riviera Maya. You are choosing quality time aboard one yacht over a long list of stops.

Should you book the Puerto Aventuras yacht?

Book it if you can gather a medium or large private group and want one easy day combining snorkeling, turtles, seafood, fishing, and drinks. The strongest reasons to choose it are the private boat, the approximately two-hour water period, onboard ceviche, and the relaxed crew-led format associated with Vicky and the Blue Ray.

Think twice if your group is small, your budget is tight, or you want a guaranteed wildlife encounter. Add the dock fee and transportation to the headline price, then divide the total by the number of people actually coming.

For a full group celebrating together, this is a practical splurge. For a couple or a small family, compare the per-person total with shared boat options before booking.

FAQ

Where does the yacht tour begin and end?

It begins and ends at Riviera Elite Yachts in Puerto Aventuras, at Av. Bahia Yanten Manzana 33, Lot 9, Local 12, 77750 Puerto Aventuras, Quintana Roo, Mexico.

How long does the experience last?

The tour lasts approximately five hours. The main water-activity period lasts about two hours.

How many people can join the private yacht?

The private yacht can accommodate a group of up to 12 people.

Is snorkeling equipment included?

Yes. Snorkeling equipment is included, along with the opportunity to swim and snorkel near InHa reef.

Can I see sea turtles?

The outing includes turtle swimming, and you may see sea turtles near the reef. Marine life sightings are not guaranteed.

Is food included?

Yes. Snacks and fresh shrimp and fish ceviche are included. The crew prepares the ceviche onboard.

What drinks are included?

Unlimited beer, wine, soft drinks, mixers, water, and bottled water are included. The minimum drinking age is 18.

Is fishing part of the tour?

You can participate in troll fishing onboard. If you catch something, it may be prepared for you onboard.

Is transportation from my hotel included?

No. Private transportation is not included. The price varies according to your exact location.

What happens if bad weather cancels the tour?

If poor weather causes cancellation, you are offered a different date or a full refund. The regular cancellation policy is otherwise non-refundable and does not allow changes for any reason.

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The Riviera Maya, end to end

Pick a cenote, a ruin or a stretch of reef.