REVIEW · PLAYA DEL CARMEN
3 Hour Xpu-Ha – 51′ Sea Ray Tulum, Playa del Carmen, Riviera Maya
Book on Viator →Operated by H2OH Sun Cruises · Bookable on Viator
A private boat makes Riviera Maya feel personal. This 3-hour 51-foot Sea Ray charter turns Xpu-Ha into a party-sized day: cocktails the moment you board, your own music on a 6,000-watt Bluetooth system, and time in the water where most people only see pictures.
I love how the crew keeps the vibe easy—board, settle in, then they handle the timing. I also love the real-food lunch: fire-grilled chicken with freshly made guacamole, salsa, rice, beans, and chips. One thing to consider: it’s weather-dependent, and the tour is non-refundable, so if the sea gets rough you’ll be adjusting on the fly.
For the right group, this is a rare mix of comfort and flexibility. You get a private setting for up to 15 people, plus unlimited standard bar drinks, paddle boards, and a high-dive option at Xpu-Ha. If you’re the type who wants calm, quiet sightseeing with zero party energy, you might prefer a slower, smaller boat.
In This Review
- Key Highlights to Watch For
- Entering the 51′ Sea Ray: what “private” feels like in real life
- Drinks and sound: how this boat turns a ride into a floating hangout
- The Xpu-Ha stop: anchor time, swimming options, and the high-dive choice
- Lunch on board: fire-grilled chicken and Mexican comfort food done well
- The short final cruise back: easy ending, no long transit drama
- Price and value: what $1,049 really buys for up to 15 people
- Who this charter fits best (and who should look elsewhere)
- Crew service: the names that keep showing up for good reason
- Practical tips before you go
- Should You Book This 3-hour Xpu-Ha Sea Ray?
- FAQ
- FAQ
- How long is the Xpu-Ha Sea Ray tour?
- How many people can be in a group?
- Where do we meet for the tour?
- What time does the tour start?
- What’s included with the price?
- What’s not included in the price?
- Do I need my own music equipment?
- What happens if the weather is rough?
- Is the tour refundable if I cancel?
Key Highlights to Watch For

- Cocktail-on-arrival boarding that turns the morning into a start, not a waiting game
- Unlimited standard bar with margaritas, beer, mixed cocktails, and shots
- Your music, your mood via Bluetooth and Spotify on a 6,000-watt system
- Xpu-Ha water time with safety briefing, paddle boards, and an upper-level high-dive
- Big, satisfying lunch that actually feels like a meal (not just snacks)
Entering the 51′ Sea Ray: what “private” feels like in real life

You meet at H2OH Sun Cruises in Puerto Aventuras, which is close enough to Playa del Carmen’s Riviera Maya rhythm without feeling like you’re stuck in the middle of a tourist circus. The start time is 10:00 am, and right from the dock you get a cocktail as you climb aboard. That small detail matters. It helps everyone relax instantly—especially groups with mixed ages.
This is a private charter, meaning only your group is on the boat. That changes the whole feel. You’re not negotiating loudness, timing, or shared space with strangers who show up late and order something complicated. Instead, you get decks, railings, and seating that work for families, celebration groups, and friend groups that want a true “our day” atmosphere.
The boat is built for comfort and movement. You’ve got multiple decks to hang out on, and once you’re underway, the crew makes the process smooth and quick. Onboard power also gives you real control: there’s a Bluetooth sound system with Spotify, plus a 6,000-watt system if you want to plug in your own music.
You can also read our reviews of more tours and experiences in Playa del Carmen
Drinks and sound: how this boat turns a ride into a floating hangout
The tour includes unlimited standard bar drinks throughout your time on the water. That’s not just beer-in-a-cooler energy. Expect margaritas, beer, mixed cocktails, shots, and also non-alcoholic drinks. If you have folks in your group who don’t drink alcohol, you’re still covered, so nobody gets stuck with soda duty.
The music setup is a big part of the fun. You can pick songs and use the system to play your own playlist, which is perfect for groups celebrating something—birthdays, weddings, anniversaries—or simply for the “we planned a mood” crowd. It also helps families, since you can keep the sound at a level that works for kids.
One practical tip: since this is a party-ready setup, you’ll want to coordinate with your group on what time you’ll eat and how long you’ll lounge before water time. It’s easy to lose track of time once everyone’s settled and the drinks start flowing.
The Xpu-Ha stop: anchor time, swimming options, and the high-dive choice

After cruising out, the plan is to reach Xpu-Ha and drop anchor. At that point, the crew gives a quick safety demonstration, then it’s go time for getting into the water. This is where the charter earns its name. Instead of just viewing the coast, you’re actually in it.
You’ll have multiple ways to enjoy the water:
- You can swim right from the boat.
- Paddle boards are included, with life jackets provided.
- There’s an upper-level high-dive option if someone in your group wants turquoise-water bragging rights.
Here’s the real-world value: anchor-and-go is flexible. If conditions are lively, you may spend more time paddling and snorkeling-like exploring close to the boat rather than doing anything that requires a long open-water commute. (Some groups report doing paddle boarding and snorkeling especially when the sea got rough.)
If someone in your crew wants a dramatic moment, the high-dive is right there at your disposal. If no one wants that, no pressure—the water time is still the main event.
Lunch on board: fire-grilled chicken and Mexican comfort food done well

Most boat lunches fall into two categories: edible, or a little disappointing. This one is structured like a real meal. You get a generous spread that includes:
Fire-grilled chicken, freshly made guacamole, fresh-cut Mexican style salsa, beans, rice, tortillas, and chips.
That combination matters. It’s flavorful, filling, and built to work with both hungry adults and teenagers who suddenly “aren’t that hungry” until they smell food. It also pairs naturally with the included drinks. No one’s scrambling to find lunch after the fact.
I also like that the lunch is part of the onboard flow. It means you don’t lose the best hour of your charter hunting down a meal dockside. When you’re paying for private boat time, time discipline is everything—and lunch is scheduled into the experience instead of stealing from it.
The short final cruise back: easy ending, no long transit drama

Once you finish the Xpu-Ha water time, the tour pulls back out and does a short final cruise into the marina, where it docks. This is one of the hidden perks of a 3-hour format. You get the best parts—boarding fun, water time, and a real meal—without turning the day into a half-day logistics puzzle.
You end back at the meeting point, so there’s no tricky handoff to another location. For groups who are already planning beach time in Playa del Carmen after, this ending timing helps keep your schedule sane.
Price and value: what $1,049 really buys for up to 15 people

The price is $1,049 per group, up to 15 people, for about 3 hours. On paper, it can look like a big number—until you spread it across the group and add what’s included.
What you’re getting that most day tours separate out:
- Unlimited standard bar (not just one drink ticket)
- Lunch with multiple components, including guacamole and salsa
- Paddle boards and life jackets
- Bluetooth sound system with Spotify and strong onboard audio
- Private charter setup—only your group on the boat
There’s also a cost to plan for that is not included: landing and facility fees are $20 per person. And towels aren’t included either. Also not included: private transportation.
Still, value is strong if you’re traveling with a group size where everyone can realistically be on the boat together. If you’re only 2 people, the economics change because you can’t use the up-to-15 group capacity. In contrast, if you’re rolling with 8–15 people, this format can be one of the more satisfying ways to buy “boat day” without turning it into a scattershot day of separate tickets and separate plans.
Who this charter fits best (and who should look elsewhere)

This tour is built for groups that want an organized, fun, high-comfort boat day.
It’s a great match if you:
- Have a family group and want space plus water activities without leaving anyone out
- Are celebrating something and want your own music + private atmosphere
- Prefer a straightforward itinerary where you’re not bouncing between multiple stops
- Want included food and drinks rather than paying for everything twice
You might think twice if you:
- Want a silent, nature-only experience with minimal party energy
- Are extremely weather-sensitive and can’t handle schedule shifts when seas get rough
- Don’t want to plan around a per-person facility fee
Crew service: the names that keep showing up for good reason

The crew makes or breaks a charter. Here, you’ll see repeated praise for friendly service, quick coordination, and people who keep things moving while still making time for guests. Names that have been credited with top service include JJ, along with Uriel, Ricardo, Gonzo, Jesus, Tomás, and Charlie.
I’d use that as a confidence signal, not a promise. But it does tell you the operation is set up to handle groups well—serving food smoothly, helping with water time, and keeping the onboard vibe welcoming.
One small detail from the experience: some crews even manage to make the day feel extra special with moments like catching fish. Even if that doesn’t happen every time, the point is the crew engages with the sea, not just the schedule.
Practical tips before you go
If you want your 3 hours to feel effortless, pack and plan like this:
- Bring swimmers and quick-dry clothing, since you’ll be entering the water at Xpu-Ha.
- Plan on skipping towels from home: towels aren’t included, so either bring your own or plan a stop afterward.
- Consider sunscreen and water protection. With drinks flowing, it’s easy to forget you’re in strong sun.
- If music matters to your group, have your playlist ready before boarding so you’re not troubleshooting tech while everyone’s excited.
And since it’s an experience that depends on weather, keep your day flexible. When conditions are good, you’ll feel like you’re cruising in luxury. When they’re not, your experience pivots to what’s still fun—paddle boards, water play, and relaxed onboard time.
Should You Book This 3-hour Xpu-Ha Sea Ray?
If you’re traveling with a group that’s at least several people and you want a true private boat day with unlimited drinks, real lunch, and actual water time, this is an easy yes. The value swings hard in your favor when you’re filling the group capacity, and the onboard setup (music + decks + included activities) makes it feel more like a celebration than a tour.
I’d especially recommend it for families and celebration groups because you get structure without stiffness: board with cocktails, enjoy downtime, hit Xpu-Ha for water time (with paddle boards and a high-dive option), then return for a smooth, simple landing back at the meeting point.
FAQ
FAQ
How long is the Xpu-Ha Sea Ray tour?
It’s about 3 hours.
How many people can be in a group?
The tour is priced per group and supports up to 15 people.
Where do we meet for the tour?
You meet at H2OH Sun Cruises at C Bahia Yanten Mz 33 Lt 9 Loc 7, Tulum Pto Avent Comp Turf, 77733 Puerto Aventuras, Q.R., Mexico.
What time does the tour start?
The start time is 10:00 am.
What’s included with the price?
Included are lunch (fire-grilled chicken, guacamole, salsa, beans, rice, tortillas, and chips), unlimited standard bar drinks, paddle boards and life jackets, and a Bluetooth sound system with Spotify. A ticket/admission is also included.
What’s not included in the price?
Private transportation, towels, and landing and facility fees of $20.00 per person are not included.
Do I need my own music equipment?
No. The boat has a Bluetooth sound system with Spotify, and you can also plug in your own music if you want.
What happens if the weather is rough?
This experience requires good weather. If it’s canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund.
Is the tour refundable if I cancel?
No. It’s non-refundable and can’t be changed for any reason.



























