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

The best part of this private catamaran trip is the mix of turtle snorkeling and easygoing time at sea. You leave Puerto Aventuras, cruise north for about an hour, then swim at In-Ha, a sheltered reef area known for clear water, sea turtles, tropical fish, and other reef life.

I like two things right away: the crew supplies all snorkeling gear, so you do not need to pack equipment, and the food is more than an afterthought. Fresh shrimp and fish ceviche, snacks, guacamole, cocktails, beer, soft drinks, and bottled water are included. The main catch is the extra $20 dock fee per person, plus transportation to the marina if you need it.

Key points to know before you book

• Private 38-foot catamaran: Your group has the boat to itself, with space for up to 15 people.
• In-Ha snorkeling stop: Look for sea turtles, colorful fish, and reef life in relatively calm water.
• La Bocana swim stop: This second stop is shallow and clear, with music playing from the boat.
• Fresh ceviche lunch: Shrimp and fish ceviche are prepared onboard, with vegetarian and vegan choices available if requested in advance.
• Drinks are included: Beer, liquor, mixers, soft drinks, and water are available throughout the trip.
• Optional troll fishing: Anything you catch may be prepared onboard with the chef’s family sauce.

Setting out from Puerto Aventuras

The trip begins at Riviera Elite in the Puerto Aventuras marina, at Avenida Bahia Yanten, Manzana 33, Lot 9, Local 12. Although the title mentions Tulum and Playa del Carmen, the actual departure point is Puerto Aventuras, so check your hotel location before booking.

The marina is a practical meeting point for a private boat outing, but transportation is not included. The operator can arrange private transportation for an added cost based on where you are staying. If you are traveling with a full group, splitting that transfer may make sense. If you are a smaller party, add the transport charge to the advertised price before deciding if this fits your budget.

Once aboard, the plan is simple: head north for roughly an hour toward the first swim area. That travel time matters. You are not getting a quick ride from shore to a nearby reef and straight back again. Part of the five-hour outing is spent cruising, which gives you time to settle in, listen to music, eat, and enjoy the open water.

The boat is private for your party, and that changes the mood. You do not need to share the schedule with strangers or adjust your music and swim time to a large public group. For a birthday, family gathering, or friends’ day out, that privacy is a major part of the value.

In-Ha: the main snorkeling stop

In-Ha is described as a semi-sheltered reef area, which is important in this part of the coast. Conditions at sea can change, and calmer water makes snorkeling easier for mixed groups. You can swim in clear water and look for sea turtles, tropical fish, and other reef life.

The word semi-sheltered is worth noticing. This is still an ocean outing, not a pool. Choppy water is possible, and anyone prone to seasickness should plan accordingly. One birthday group had rougher water but still found the day enjoyable, which suggests the crew can keep the outing pleasant when conditions are not perfect. Still, you should book with the understanding that weather and sea conditions may affect the route.

The crew provides the snorkeling equipment. That saves you from bringing fins, masks, and related gear, though you may still want your own sun protection and a towel. The supplied information does not specify the exact equipment sizes or whether flotation devices are available, so ask Riviera Elite if someone in your group needs particular gear.

Swimming with turtles is the headline attraction, but the reef is not only about turtles. You may also see colorful fish and smaller reef life. Keep expectations sensible: wildlife is never guaranteed, and conditions affect visibility. The appeal here is the chance to snorkel in a clear, relatively calm coastal setting without organizing the equipment or boat trip yourself.

The snorkeling stop also gives the crew time to serve food and drinks. Snacks, cocktails, refreshments, and freshly made shrimp and fish ceviche are available onboard. That combination is useful for groups with different priorities. Some people can snorkel while others relax, eat, and enjoy the boat.

Ceviche, guacamole, and an open bar at sea

Food is one of the strongest reasons to consider this charter instead of a basic boat ride. Lunch is included, along with snacks and unlimited beer, liquor, soft drinks, mixers, and water. You are not expected to buy each drink separately or wait until returning to shore for a meal.

The ceviche is prepared onboard, and the menu includes shrimp and fish versions. Vegetarian, vegan, and other dietary options are available if you advise the company when booking. Do that early. The supplied information confirms that alternatives can be arranged, but it does not spell out the exact substitute dishes.

Guacamole also received strong praise, with one group calling it the best they had eaten. That is a useful detail because simple boat lunches can be forgettable. Here, the food appears to be treated as part of the outing rather than a box handed over between stops.

The open bar works best for adults who want a relaxed social day. The minimum drinking age is 18. Since alcohol is included, pace yourself, especially in the sun and on moving water. Water and bottled water are available, so make hydration part of your plan.

Children and young adults 18 and under must be accompanied by at least one adult. The private format can suit families, but the snorkeling and boat conditions still require sensible supervision. The activity says most people can participate, though no detailed accessibility information is provided.

La Bocana and the slower second half

After In-Ha, the catamaran continues to La Bocana. This stop is described as shallow, clear, and easy to enjoy from the water. You can swim if you like, or remain aboard and take in the setting while the crew puts on your favorite music.

La Bocana sounds less focused on wildlife and more on the pleasure of having the boat to yourself. That balance is a strength. A five-hour charter would feel tiring if every minute required snorkeling or organized activity. This second stop gives your group room to chat, listen to music, drink something cold, and enjoy the sea without a strict program.

The shallow water may also be more comfortable for people who are not confident swimmers. However, the tour does not give exact water depths, and ocean conditions can change. Ask the crew for guidance before entering, particularly if children are in your group.

Music is another part of the private charter advantage. On a public boat, you usually accept the operator’s playlist or share speakers with strangers. Here, your group can enjoy its own music choices, within the practical limits of the boat and crew.

Troll fishing and the chef’s family sauce

The trip also offers troll fishing along the way. This is an optional extra activity, not the central reason to book the tour. If you catch something, the onboard chef can prepare it with a secret family sauce.

That possibility gives the outing a nice local touch, but fishing results are never promised in the information provided. Treat it as a bonus rather than a guaranteed meal. The included lunch already covers the main food service, so you are not depending on a catch to feed the group.

For people who want more than swimming and sunbathing, troll fishing adds a little purpose to the cruising time. It can also give children and families something to watch between stops. Ask the crew how much time is available for it on your date, since the primary plan remains the reef and swim stops.

What the private price really buys you

The charter costs $1,931.04 for up to 15 people. At the full capacity, that works out to about $129 per person before the dock fee and any private transportation. The dock fee adds $20 per person, bringing the total to about $149 each at full capacity, before transport.

That is a fairer comparison than looking only at the headline group price. You are paying for a private boat, crew, food, open bar, snorkeling equipment, and a five-hour outing. A smaller group pays more per person, but the privacy remains the same.

The value is strongest for a celebration or group that would otherwise spend the day paying separately for a boat, meals, drinks, and water activities. If you have only two or three people, a shared boat may cost less, though it will not give you control over the music, schedule, or company.

The private format also makes this a practical birthday option. One group used the trip for two birthday celebrations and singled out the service, food, and drinks. The crew members named in that account were Celeste, NerI, Angel, and Omar, and their service helped make the day feel personal even when the water was choppy.

The tour receives a 5 out of 5 rating from 106 reviews, with 99 percent recommending it. Those figures support the strong points here, especially the crew, food, boat, and overall service. They do not remove the normal risks of a marine outing, including weather changes, rough water, or less-than-perfect wildlife viewing.

Timing, meeting details, and practical planning

The experience lasts about five hours and ends back at the Puerto Aventuras meeting point. The one-hour trip north to In-Ha is part of the schedule, so plan for a proper half-day rather than a short morning activity.

You should confirm the meeting instructions after booking. Confirmation is sent within 48 hours, subject to availability. The tour is offered in English, and it is a private activity for your group only.

The booking includes free cancellation if you cancel at least 24 hours before the start time. Changes made inside that 24-hour window are not accepted, and cancellations within 24 hours are not refunded. If poor weather causes the operator to cancel, you will be offered another date or a full refund.

Because conditions matter, avoid placing this trip at the very end of a short vacation if missing it would spoil your plans. Giving yourself another day provides some protection if weather forces a change.

Bring the basics for a boat day: sun protection, a swimsuit, a towel, and clothing you do not mind getting wet. The supplied information does not list a specific packing list, so confirm any special needs with the operator before departure.

Who should book this catamaran

I would choose this trip for a group that values privacy, food, and a flexible day on the water more than a tightly scheduled sightseeing program. It fits families, birthday groups, friends, and adults who want snorkeling with drinks and lunch already arranged.

It is especially appealing if your group includes mixed interests. Strong swimmers can snorkel at In-Ha, while others can stay aboard with ceviche and music. At La Bocana, everyone can decide how active to be.

I would think twice if your budget is tight, your group is small, or you want a guaranteed wildlife encounter. The price makes more sense with a larger party, and the ocean cannot promise turtles, calm water, or ideal visibility on every departure.

Should you book it?

Book this private catamaran if you can fill much of the 15-person capacity and want a relaxed half-day with good food, an open bar, and a crew focused on service. The turtle snorkeling at In-Ha gives the trip a clear highlight, while La Bocana adds a slower swim and music stop.

Before paying, confirm the dock fee, transportation cost, dietary requests, and meeting details. If those extras fit your budget and your group prefers its own boat to a shared excursion, Riviera Elite’s five-hour charter offers a well-rounded day with genuine flexibility.

FAQ

Where does the catamaran tour depart?

The tour departs from Riviera Elite at the Puerto Aventuras marina, located at Avenida Bahia Yanten, Manzana 33, Lot 9, Local 12, 77750 Puerto Aventuras, Quintana Roo, Mexico.

How long does the experience last?

The activity lasts approximately five hours and ends back at the Puerto Aventuras meeting point.

Is the boat private?

Yes. This is a private activity for your group, with the price covering up to 15 passengers.

Are drinks and lunch included?

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

Is snorkeling equipment provided?

Yes. Snorkeling equipment is included, and the first stop is In-Ha, where you may see sea turtles, tropical fish, and other reef life.

What happens if the weather is poor?

The experience requires good weather. If the operator cancels because of poor weather, you will be offered a different date or a full refund.