A smooth day on the water with real sea life. This private catamaran packs snorkeling at two reef areas, unlimited drinks, and a ceviche-style lunch into a tight 5-hour plan. You’ll be handed gear, served food and music on the move, and the day is built for easy fun rather than checklists.

Two things I love here: the chance to see sea turtles in calm, clear water, and the way the crew runs the experience like a party with a purpose—Celeste, NerI, Angel, and Omar are specifically named in great feedback for keeping things warm, quick, and genuinely fun.

One possible drawback to plan around: there’s an extra $20 dock fee per person, and the whole trip depends on good weather. If you’re counting every dollar or going during iffy conditions, factor that in early.

Key highlights at a glance

• Snorkel in calm water at In-Ha, where the reef area is semi-sheltered for easier swimming
• La Bocana is shallow and clear, with music playing so you can enjoy the water slowly
• All-inclusive drinks on board, including beer, liquor, mixers, soft drinks, and water
• Ceviche lunch is included (with a ceviche option or an alternative, plus snacks)
• Snorkeling equipment is provided, so you only need a swim-ready mindset
• Troll fishing is offered, and anything you catch can be prepared onboard with the chef sauce

What this private catamaran day is really like (38 feet, 5 hours, and a tight plan)

This is a private charter on a 38-foot luxury catamaran. That matters, because you’re not waiting on a big mixed group, and the crew can pace the day for your group size and energy level. The tour runs about 5 hours, with two water stops and plenty of time to relax in between.

The value angle is simple: for a fixed half-day, you get the full “on-water package” — snorkel gear, food, drinks, and two different kinds of water time. It’s the kind of schedule that works well if you’re also trying to see Tulum or Playa del Carmen on the same trip, without feeling like you gave up your whole day to logistics.

English is offered, and you’ll get a mobile ticket, which is handy if you like keeping things digital while you’re hopping around the region.

The all-inclusive part: drinks, lunch, and what you’ll actually get

“All-inclusive” can mean a lot of things. Here, it means you’re covered for the basics most people care about on a boat:

• Unlimited alcohol and soft drinks

That includes beer, liquor, mixers, soft drinks, and water / bottled water.

• Lunch included, with a ceviche lunch as the included choice (and alternatives are available).
• Snacks on board, so you’re not stuck waiting for the main meal.
• Use of snorkeling equipment included, so you don’t need to pack or rent gear separately.

In the feedback, food is a major part of the good mood. One account calls out the ceviche and guacamole as standouts, which lines up with the tour’s focus on fresh onboard prep. If you want a day at sea where you’re not just sipping and floating but also eating something actually good, that’s where this tour earns its money.

Do note one practical detail: there’s a dock fee of $20 per person. That’s not listed as included, so treat it as a real extra cost when you budget.

The meeting point and where you start playing: Puerto Aventuras

You start at Riviera Elite: Yachts in Tulum and Playa Del Carmen, at Av. Bahia Yanten Manzana 33, Lot 9, Local 12, in Puerto Aventuras. The tour ends back at the same meeting point.

This is important if you’re staying in Tulum or Playa del Carmen. You’ll likely need private transportation, since that isn’t included and varies by where you are. If you’re picking hotels, plan your timing around getting to Puerto Aventuras and back without stress. A half-day tour punishes late starts.

The nice part: the trip is built around water time, so once you’re on board, it’s straightforward. You’ll be able to focus on the reef stops and relaxing rather than constantly shifting plans.

Stop 1: In-Ha reef waters for turtle spotting and easy snorkeling

The first stop is In-Ha, a semi-sheltered reef area. Semi-sheltered is a clue to look for: the water tends to feel calmer than open ocean spots, which makes snorkeling feel easier for most people. You’re moving north from Puerto Aventuras for about an hour, then you’re set up for the first swim.

What you’re going for here is clear: sea turtles and colorful tropical reef life. Even if you’re not a hardcore snorkeler, this kind of shallow reef area is the sort of place where you can see a lot without wrestling with rough water.

Onboard, the crew serves snacks, cocktails and refreshments, and you’ll be able to enjoy the food and drinks while you wait your turn to get in. The best part is that the day doesn’t feel like a rushed tour where everyone gets tossed in and out. It feels like you settle into the water, look around, and take your time.

The downside? If you’re prone to motion sickness, any boat outing on open water can feel choppy at times. The good news from feedback is that even with some choppy conditions, people still described the day as smooth and well handled. Still, pack what you normally use for seasickness if you’re sensitive.

Stop 2: La Bocana shallow, clear water plus music on the move

After In-Ha, you head to La Bocana. This is the “slow down and enjoy” stop: the water is really shallow and clear, so it’s ideal if you want a calmer, more leisurely swim. Think less about challenging conditions and more about floating, watching fish, and soaking in the view.

The tour also adds a fun layer here: they’ll get your favorite music playing. That matters more than it sounds. Music turns a water stop into an experience you remember, not just a quick checkmark. You’ll feel it as you spend time on the water, because it sets a relaxed tone.

Another nice bonus: you’re not stuck in one mode. You can swim, linger near the boat, or just enjoy the scenery while the crew keeps the day moving.

The food moment: ceviche lunch, onboard snacks, and that family-sauce detail

Food on a boat can be either forgettable or part of the joy. Here, the plan is built around fresh, casual meals that match the sea vibe.

You’ll have a ceviche lunch (with alternatives available if you need different options). There’s also shrimp and fish ceviche mentioned as part of the onboard serving, plus snacks during the day. That lines up with the strong feedback for flavor—especially the ceviche and guacamole.

Then there’s the fishing option, which adds a playful twist to the day. Troll fishing is offered, and anything you catch can be prepared onboard with the chef’s secret family sauce. Even if you don’t fish, it adds a bit of theatre to the afternoon, and it’s one of those details that makes the trip feel more personal than a standard cruise stop.

Vegetarian or vegan options (and other dietary restrictions) are available if you advise at the time of booking. That’s a big deal on boat days, where last-minute substitutions can be hard. If you have dietary needs, don’t wait—make sure you communicate them when you book.

Drinks and the party-with-a-plan feel (with age rules that are clear)

The drink plan is generous: unlimited beer, liquor, mixers, soft drinks, and water. This is the kind of setup where you can relax without calculating every refill.

The only hard constraint is the minimum drinking age of 18. Also, kids and young adults 18 and under must be accompanied by at least one adult. If you’re traveling as a mixed group, it’s worth confirming everyone’s comfort level with the age policy before you book.

One practical thing: the unlimited drinks can change how people pace themselves. If you want a more relaxed snorkel experience, you might set a personal rule like one drink at a time. The water time is the star here, and you’ll enjoy it more if you’re steady on your fins.

Price and value: what $1,931.04 per group buys (and what to budget extra)

Pricing is $1,931.04 per group, for up to 15 passengers. That’s per private charter, not per person, so the “value” part depends on how you fill the boat.

This tour tends to be best when you can bring a full or near-full group: families, friend groups, or couples traveling together who want privacy without paying for a full-blown yacht day. When the group is tight, you basically trade hotel crowds and big-group tours for a controlled, crew-led outing with food and drinks included.

Budget-wise, don’t forget the $20 dock fee per person. And since private transportation is not included, your real total cost is often transport plus dock fees plus the charter price. If you’re staying close to Puerto Aventuras, your all-in cost can look very different than if you’re coming from farther away.

Bottom line: this feels like good value when you treat it as a private “all the fun in one go” half-day. If you’re traveling solo or as a tiny group, the per-person math might be less appealing.

Who this is best for (and who should think twice)

I think this tour fits best for:

• Couples and friend groups who want a private boat day and don’t want to scramble for gear or food plans
• People who want a mix of snorkeling + relaxation + good drinks
• Travelers with flexible water comfort levels who want calm snorkel time at In-Ha and shallow fun at La Bocana
• Anyone who cares about food quality on a boat, since ceviche shows up as a highlight

It might be less ideal if:

• You’re extremely budget-focused and don’t want the extra dock fee or transport cost
• You’re sensitive to boat motion and conditions could be choppy (weather matters here)
• You want a long sightseeing day instead of a tight 5-hour water plan

Should you book this private catamaran day?

If you want a memorable Riviera Maya boat experience that’s easy to manage—gear handled, food and drinks handled, two reef moments planned—this is a strong pick. The combination of turtle-focused snorkeling at a semi-sheltered reef, shallow clear water at La Bocana, and an onboard food-and-drink setup makes the day feel like more than just travel-from-A-to-B.

I’d book it if your group can make the private format work (especially up to 15 passengers), you’re okay adding the $20 dock fee per person, and you can align your schedule with good weather.

If you’re unsure about weather risk, treat this as a “plan your best day for it” kind of booking. When conditions are right, the snorkeling stops and relaxed vibe are exactly what you’re paying for.

FAQ

What is the duration of the catamaran tour?

The tour runs for about 5 hours.

Is this a private tour?

Yes. It’s a private charter, and only your group participates, up to 15 passengers.

What’s included in the price?

You’ll get unlimited beer, liquor, soft drinks, mixers, and water/bottled water, plus lunch (including a ceviche option), snacks, and use of snorkeling equipment.

Where does the tour meet and where does it end?

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

Is a dock fee included?

No. There is a dock fee of $20 per person.

What dietary options are available?

Vegetarian/Vegan options and other dietary restrictions are available if you advise at the time of booking.

What is the cancellation policy?

You can cancel for a full refund up to 24 hours before the experience starts. If you cancel less than 24 hours before, the amount you paid is not refunded. The experience requires good weather, and if canceled due to poor weather you’ll be offered another date or a full refund.