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

A private catamaran, a calm reef stop, sea turtles, and a plate of fresh ceviche make this a fine way to spend five hours on the Riviera Maya. You sail from Puerto Aventuras, not from central Tulum or Playa del Carmen, and the boat heads north for about an hour to In-Ha.

I like the all-inclusive setup, with beer, liquor, soft drinks, water, snacks, lunch, and snorkeling gear covered. I also like the private format: a group of up to 15 can use the boat without sharing it with strangers.

The main thing to weigh is the total cost. The charter is $1,931.04, then add the $20-per-person dock fee and any private transportation. It makes the most sense for a full group, since the price is per boat rather than per passenger.

Key points to know before you book

• In-Ha is the main water stop: Expect calm, clear water, snorkeling gear, tropical fish, and the chance to see sea turtles.
• La Bocana is shallow and relaxed: This second stop is suited to wading, swimming, music, and enjoying the view from the boat.
• The boat is private for up to 15 people: Your group controls the mood, music, food pace, and time in the water within the five-hour schedule.
• Ceviche is part of the experience: Fresh shrimp and fish ceviche, guacamole, snacks, and drinks are served onboard.
• Troll fishing is available: Anything caught can be prepared onboard with the chef’s family sauce.
• Plan for extra costs: Transportation is not included, and the dock fee is $20 per person.

A private catamaran day from Puerto Aventuras

This is not a quick harbor cruise. You leave from Riviera Elite at Puerto Aventuras and spend roughly five hours on a private 38-foot catamaran, with time split between sailing, swimming, snorkeling, eating, and relaxing onboard.

The private setup changes the feel of the day. You can bring a family group, a birthday party, or a circle of friends and avoid sharing the boat with an unknown crowd. With room for 15, the math can also work well for a large group. At the advertised charter price, the boat costs about $128.74 per person if filled to capacity, before the dock fee and transportation.

For a smaller group, the value is less favorable. Six people would share the same charter price, so you are paying for privacy and space rather than a low-cost boat ride. I would compare the total price with your group size before booking.

The meeting point is Riviera Elite: Yachts in Tulum and Playa del Carmen, at Av. Bahia Yanten Manzana 33, Lot 9, Local 12, in Puerto Aventuras. Despite the tour name, Puerto Aventuras is the practical departure point. Arrange transportation carefully, since private transfers are not included and the price varies by your exact location.

Sailing north for the In-Ha reef

The first part of the outing takes about an hour as the catamaran heads north toward In-Ha. That sailing time matters. You are not stepping straight off the dock into a reef. You have time to settle in, choose a drink, enjoy the sea view, and let the crew prepare the food and equipment.

In-Ha is described as a semi-sheltered reef area, which is important for swimmers. The water is calm and clear, making this the strongest stop for snorkeling. You receive the needed equipment onboard, so you do not have to bring your own mask, snorkel, or related gear.

The underwater draw is straightforward: sea turtles, colorful tropical fish, and other reef life. Sightings in the sea can never be guaranteed, but the stop is chosen for the chance to see turtles in a good snorkeling setting. If you are hoping for the most active part of the tour, this is it.

I would use the first stop according to your comfort level. Strong swimmers can spend more time snorkeling. If you are less confident in open water, you can stay in the calm area and enjoy a shorter swim. The description says most people can participate, but it does not promise flotation support or a particular accessibility setup, so ask the operator if anyone in your group needs special assistance.

The water conditions can affect the experience. One birthday group had some choppy water and still had a very good day, but rougher conditions may make swimming less comfortable. This is a weather-dependent trip, so keep some flexibility in your plans.

Ceviche, guacamole, and an open bar at sea

Food is one of the stronger reasons to choose this charter over a simple boat trip. Fresh shrimp and fish ceviche are prepared onboard, along with snacks and drinks. The included lunch gives the day more substance than a few packaged snacks, especially after time in the water.

The food received especially strong praise for its flavor, including the guacamole and ceviche. One group also used the trip for two birthday celebrations and singled out the food and drinks as part of what made the day memorable. You can expect the meal to be a central part of the outing, not an afterthought.

The open bar includes unlimited beer, liquor, soft drinks, mixers, water, and bottled water. That is convenient, but I would still pace yourself. A five-hour boat trip, warm weather, swimming, and alcohol can catch up with you quickly. Water is included, so use it often.

Vegetarian and vegan meals, along with other dietary needs, are available if you advise the operator when booking. Do not wait until boarding to mention an allergy or special meal. The supplied information confirms options are available, but it does not give a fixed menu beyond ceviche, snacks, and lunch.

The minimum drinking age is 18. Children and young people aged 18 and under must be accompanied by at least one adult. The private format can suit families, but the open bar means adults should plan the day with younger members of the group in mind.

La Bocana brings a slower second stop

After In-Ha, the catamaran continues to La Bocana. The water here is described as very shallow and clear, so this stop has a different purpose from the reef. It is a place to swim, wade, listen to music, and enjoy being on the water without making snorkeling the main task.

This is likely the more relaxed section of the day. The crew can play your favorite music, and you can remain onboard or get into the water if conditions suit you. If some people in your group want a break after snorkeling, La Bocana gives them an easier option.

The shallow water may be especially useful for families or anyone who prefers not to swim in deeper water. Still, the exact depth and conditions can change, and the available information does not promise a particular beach landing or time ashore. Think of La Bocana as a water stop from the catamaran rather than a formal shore excursion.

The two stops create a useful rhythm. In-Ha offers the main wildlife and snorkeling opportunity. La Bocana slows things down with music, swimming, and open water views. That mix helps prevent the outing from feeling like five straight hours of one activity.

Optional troll fishing and onboard cooking

Troll fishing is offered during the trip. This is an extra touch that may appeal to families and groups who want something to do while sailing between stops. It is not presented as a guaranteed catch, so treat it as a pleasant possibility rather than the goal of the charter.

If you catch something, the onboard chef can prepare it with a secret family sauce. That gives the fishing a practical payoff and adds a personal food element to the outing. The information does not specify the fishing gear, target species, or amount of time devoted to it, so ask the crew about the plan when you board.

I like this option because it gives the day a bit of variety. You can snorkel, swim, eat, listen to music, and try fishing without needing a separate activity. For a group with different interests, that flexibility is more valuable than a tightly programmed boat trip.

What the crew adds to the day

The crew named in the strongest feedback were Celeste, Neri, Angel, and Omar. Their service was praised for staying attentive and friendly, including during choppy water. You should confirm the crew lineup when booking, since staffing can change.

On a private charter, crew service matters more than it does on a large shared boat. The staff handle snorkeling equipment, drinks, food, and the timing of the stops while your group enjoys the boat. Good service also helps when conditions change or when people in the group have different comfort levels in the water.

Music is part of the experience, particularly at La Bocana. Since the boat is private, your group has more say in the atmosphere than it would on a shared excursion. That makes the trip a better match for birthdays, family gatherings, and groups of friends than for someone seeking a quiet, naturalist-led outing.

The mood is social and easygoing. You get a polished private charter, but not a formal yacht cruise with a detailed cultural program. The focus is the sea, food, drinks, swimming, and time together.

Cost, dock fee, and what is really included

The charter price is $1,931.04 for up to 15 people. A separate dock fee of $20 per person applies. At full capacity, that adds $300, bringing the listed costs to $2,231.04 before transportation, or about $148.74 per person.

That price includes the catamaran, crew service, lunch, snacks, unlimited drinks, snorkeling equipment, and the private use of the boat. You are not paying an additional admission fee for the reef or the La Bocana stop.

The value improves as your group gets larger. For 15 people, the private boat and open bar can compare well with buying separate meals, drinks, snorkeling gear, and a private water activity. For a small party, the price becomes harder to justify unless privacy is your main goal.

Transportation is the important extra. The meeting point is in Puerto Aventuras, and the operator can arrange private transportation at a variable price depending on your location. Put that transfer cost into your budget before deciding.

The tour is often booked about 34 days ahead, which suggests planning early is sensible, especially for a specific birthday or group date. Confirmation arrives within 48 hours of booking, subject to availability.

Who will enjoy this catamaran most

I would recommend this charter to a group that values privacy, food, and flexibility more than the lowest price. It is particularly suited to:

• A group of friends sharing the boat cost
• Families with an accompanying adult for anyone 18 or younger
• Birthday groups and other private celebrations
• Swimmers who want turtles and reef fish
• People who want a full bar and lunch without packing supplies
• Groups with mixed interests, since fishing, music, swimming, and snorkeling are all available

It is less suitable if you want a short, inexpensive excursion, a guaranteed wildlife encounter, or a detailed guided tour focused on marine science. The trip also may not suit anyone who gets uncomfortable on boats or in choppy conditions.

Because the outing requires good weather, keep your schedule flexible. If poor weather forces a cancellation, you can receive a different date or a full refund. You can cancel for a full refund up to 24 hours before the start time. Inside that window, refunds are not available and changes are not accepted.

Service animals are allowed, and the activity is near public transportation. The information says most people can participate, but anyone with mobility, medical, or water-safety concerns should contact Riviera Elite before paying.

My take: book it if your group fills the boat

I would book this Riviera Maya catamaran if you can gather a sizable group and want a private day built around swimming, drinks, seafood, and time together. The best parts are specific: turtle snorkeling at In-Ha, shallow water at La Bocana, fresh ceviche and guacamole, and the option to cook a catch onboard.

The decision turns on group size. With 12 to 15 people, the charter price is easier to defend. With only a few people, the same fee buys a lot of space but not much savings. Add the dock fee and transportation before making the comparison.

If your group is ready for a social day on the water and can accept some weather risk, this is a strong choice. If you want the cheapest way to see turtles, choose a shared excursion instead.

FAQ

Where does the catamaran tour depart?

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

How long is the experience?

The activity lasts approximately five hours.

How many people can join the private charter?

The price covers one private charter for up to 15 passengers.

Is snorkeling equipment included?

Yes. Snorkeling equipment is provided during the tour.

Can I see sea turtles?

The first water stop at In-Ha is chosen for snorkeling and offers the chance to see sea turtles, tropical fish, and other reef life. Wildlife sightings are not guaranteed.

Is lunch included?

Yes. Lunch, snacks, and fresh shrimp and fish ceviche are included. Vegetarian, vegan, and other dietary options are available if requested when booking.

What drinks are included?

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

Are transportation and dock fees included?

Private transportation is not included, and its price depends on your pickup location. A dock fee of $20 per person is also charged.

What happens if the weather is poor?

The experience requires good weather. If it is canceled because of poor conditions, you can choose another date or receive a full refund. You can also cancel for a full refund at least 24 hours before the start time.