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

A private 40-foot yacht, a calm reef, fresh ceviche, and a cooler that keeps the drinks coming: this is the basic appeal of Riviera Elite’s cruise from Puerto Aventuras. You can snorkel, swim, fish, or simply stay aboard while the crew prepares lunch. I like the private format, since your group sets the mood and pace instead of sharing deck space with strangers.

I also like the way the food is tied to the outing. The crew prepares shrimp and fish ceviche onboard, and anything caught while troll fishing can be cooked for you. That makes the trip feel more like a day on the water than a simple boat transfer.

The main caution is cost. The rate is $1,707.99 per group of up to 12, then you add a $20 dock fee per person and arrange your own transportation to Puerto Aventuras. Smaller groups will pay much more per person, so this works best when the cost is shared.

Key points to know before you book

• Puerto Aventuras departure: You meet at Riviera Elite, Av. Bahia Yanten Manzana 33, Lot 9, Local 12.
• About two hours in the water: The reef stop allows time to swim, snorkel, and get on or off the yacht.
• Food is prepared onboard: Shrimp and fish ceviche are served during the water stop, with snacks included.
• Private group of up to 12: You are not combined with another party, which makes the day easier to shape around your own group.
• Drinks are included: Beer, wine, soft drinks, mixers, water, and bottled water are available without a separate bar bill.
• Plan for extra costs: Transportation is not included, and the dock fee is $20 per person.

A private yacht day from Puerto Aventuras

This five-hour outing is built for a group that wants a relaxed day at sea without the fixed feel of a large excursion boat. You depart from Puerto Aventuras and head north along the Riviera Maya coast toward the InHa reef.

The yacht is listed as a 40-foot vessel, with room for your private party of up to 12. That size gives you a useful middle ground. You get more space and privacy than on a small shared boat, but the outing still feels personal enough for the crew to prepare food and drinks around your group.

The atmosphere appears to be a major part of the experience. Music, flowing drinks, and attentive service were singled out in the strongest feedback, with one group calling it the favorite day of the week. Vicky is named as a gracious host, while the chef and snorkeling guide are praised for being attentive, generous, and fun. The crew refers to the yacht as the Blue Ray.

You should treat this as a social boating day, not a tightly scheduled sightseeing cruise. The appeal lies in having time to swim, snack, drink, listen to music, and enjoy the coast with your own group. If you want a guide constantly explaining the shoreline or a long list of formal attractions, this may feel too loose. If you want a pleasant day where nobody has to rush, the pace should suit you well.

Reaching the reef and settling into the water

After leaving Puerto Aventuras, the yacht travels north toward InHa reef. The supplied schedule gives the water activities about two hours, which is enough time to split your attention between snorkeling, swimming, fishing, and relaxing on the boat.

The water at the reef is described as clear and calm. You may see colorful tropical fish, sea turtles, and other sea life while snorkeling. The tour includes snorkeling equipment, so you do not need to bring your own mask and fins unless you prefer your personal gear.

The ability to get on and off the boat during the water period is useful. One person can snorkel while another stays aboard with a drink, and nobody has to treat the reef stop as a single group exercise. Families and mixed-age groups will appreciate that flexibility.

The phrase swim with turtles is part of what is included, but sea life is never a guaranteed performance. You may see turtles and plenty of fish, yet conditions and animal behavior can change. The calm water makes the stop approachable, but you should still be comfortable entering the sea and following the snorkeling guide’s instructions.

This is also a good place to set realistic expectations about the word reef. The outing gives you a reef visit with swimming and snorkeling, but the supplied details do not promise a formal marine park presentation, underwater photography, or a long guided route. You are paying for private time on the water, equipment, food, drinks, and the chance to see marine life in its natural setting.

Troll fishing adds a small adventure

Fishing is optional, but you can participate in troll fishing while the yacht is underway. If you catch something, the crew can prepare it onboard.

That detail gives the cruise a nice local-food angle. It also means the catch is part of the day rather than a separate activity that ends when you return to shore. Still, you should view the fishing as an extra possibility, not the main reason to book. The tour information does not promise a catch, a target species, or a dedicated fishing session.

For a group with children or adults who want a break from snorkeling, this can add variety. Someone who is not interested in fishing can remain on deck, swim later, or enjoy the food and drinks. Because the yacht is private, your group does not have to follow another party’s fishing schedule.

Ceviche, snacks, and an open drink service

The crew prepares shrimp and fish ceviche onboard while you use the water. That timing matters. You are not simply handed a prepacked lunch after returning to the dock. The food is part of the boat experience and arrives during the reef stop.

Snacks are included as well. Vegetarian, vegan, and other dietary needs can be accommodated, but you need to advise the company when booking. Do not wait until boarding, especially if your group has several different food requirements.

The drink package includes beer, wine, soft drinks, mixers, water, and bottled water. For a five-hour private cruise, that can add real value, particularly for a full group. You do not need to keep ordering drinks or calculate a separate beverage budget throughout the afternoon.

There are two practical limits. First, the minimum drinking age is 18. Second, alcohol can make a sunny boat day feel more tiring than expected, so water is worth taking seriously even though it is included.

The food and bar service seem to be central strengths of this outing. Feedback specifically praises the quality of the food, the steady drinks, and the music. That combination makes the yacht suitable for birthdays, reunions, family celebrations, and a group of friends who want a festive day without nightclub noise or a crowded resort pool.

What the private format really buys you

The biggest advantage is control. Only your group participates, so you can spend more time snorkeling, leave the water when you want, or settle into a quieter stretch of the cruise. A private boat also makes conversation easier and gives your group room to choose its own music and mood, within the crew’s working limits.

It is particularly useful for mixed groups. Strong swimmers can use the snorkeling equipment while others remain aboard. People who enjoy fishing can try trolling, while anyone more interested in ceviche and scenery can relax on deck.

The format is less useful if you are booking for only two or three people and dislike paying for unused capacity. The published price is per group, not per seat. At the full capacity of 12, the base cost works out to about $142.33 per person. Add the $20 dock fee, and that becomes roughly $162.33 per person before transportation.

For six people, the base price alone is about $284.67 per person. For four, it is about $427 per person before the dock charge. That is why the size of your party matters more here than on a regular shared excursion.

Five hours, with one timing detail to clarify

The experience is advertised at about five hours, while the detailed schedule assigns roughly four hours to the main cruise and water portion. That may simply reflect travel time, boarding, or the way the schedule is displayed, but I would confirm the exact timing before paying.

The overview also refers to two stops, while the detailed route provided describes the Riviera Maya and InHa reef portion in clear detail without separately naming a second stop. Ask Riviera Elite what the two stops include and how much time is allocated to each.

That small check can prevent disappointment. If your group wants the maximum amount of snorkeling time, you will want to know how much of the five-hour window is spent traveling and how much is spent at the reef. The stated two hours of water activity is the most useful timing figure for planning.

Getting there and handling the extra fees

You meet at Riviera Elite: Yachts in Tulum and Playa del Carmen, at Av. Bahia Yanten Manzana 33, Lot 9, Local 12, Puerto Aventuras, Quintana Roo 77750. The activity ends back at the same meeting point.

Private transportation is not included. The exact transportation cost depends on where you are staying, so budget for a taxi, shuttle, or other ride separately. This matters if you are based in Tulum or central Playa del Carmen, since the departure point is Puerto Aventuras rather than your hotel.

The dock fee is $20 per person. It is easy to overlook because the main rate is shown as a group price, but for a full party of 12 it adds $240. Add that charge to your group budget from the beginning.

Confirmation is issued within 48 hours of booking, subject to availability. The activity is generally booked about seven days ahead, so a last-minute request may not work, especially if you need a particular day.

Who will enjoy the Blue Ray most

I would choose this cruise for a group that values privacy, food, drinks, and a flexible day more than a packed sightseeing program. It fits:

• Families who want several ways to use the same boat day
• Friends splitting the group price
• Couples traveling with another group
• Birthday and celebration parties
• Swimmers and snorkelers who want reef time
• People who prefer a private crew to a large shared boat

The cruise can also suit children, but anyone age 18 or younger must be accompanied by at least one adult. Most people can participate, and service animals are allowed. The departure point is near public transportation, though the tour does not include transportation from your hotel.

I would be more cautious if anyone in your group dislikes boats, cannot comfortably enter the water, or expects a guaranteed turtle sighting. The main activities are marine-based, and the tour’s best moments depend on weather, sea conditions, and what you see at the reef.

Weather, cancellation, and the booking decision

This experience requires good weather. If poor weather causes a cancellation, you are offered a different date or a full refund.

Your own cancellation policy is strict. The booking is non-refundable and cannot be changed for any reason, so confirm your date, group size, transportation plan, and food needs before committing. The weather protection offered by the operator does not mean you can cancel freely for personal schedule changes.

The strongest case for booking is simple: your group wants a private yacht day with fresh ceviche, unlimited drinks, snorkeling, turtles, and music. The strongest case against it is also simple: the price is high for a small party, and the dock fee and transportation come on top.

Should you book this private yacht cruise?

Book it if you can fill most of the 12-person capacity and want a relaxed, festive day where the boat, food, reef, and crew all share the spotlight. Vicky’s hosting, the onboard chef, and the snorkeling guide add a personal touch, while the private setup lets your group enjoy the day without strangers setting the pace.

Before booking, ask Riviera Elite to confirm the exact second stop and the full five-hour timing. If your group is small, calculate the per-person cost carefully. For a well-filled group that wants privacy and an easy all-inclusive feel on the water, this is a strong splurge. For two or three people, a shared tour may offer better value.

FAQ

Where does the yacht cruise depart?

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

Where does the activity end?

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

How long is the yacht experience?

The experience lasts approximately five hours. About two hours are allocated to water activities, while the detailed route describes roughly four hours for the main outing. Confirm the exact schedule when booking.

How many people can join the private yacht?

The private booking accommodates up to 12 people, and only your group participates.

Are snorkeling equipment and drinks included?

Yes. Snorkeling equipment is included, along with beer, wine, soft drinks, mixers, water, and bottled water.

Is food included?

Yes. Snacks are included, and the crew prepares shrimp and fish ceviche onboard. Vegetarian, vegan, and other dietary options are available if you advise the company at booking.

Is transportation from my hotel included?

No. Private transportation is not included, and its price depends on your pickup location.

What happens if bad weather cancels the cruise?

You are offered a different date or a full refund if poor weather causes the operator to cancel. Your own cancellation or amendment is otherwise non-refundable.