A day on a private catamaran can feel like a cheat code. You get a 5-hour sailing plan with snorkeling in calm water spots, plus open bar and fresh meals cooked on board. The itinerary also has a couple of relaxing options if you’d rather watch the sea than get in it, with crew members like Ramon, Ali, Fernando, and Alan often highlighted in great reviews.

What I like most is how all-in it feels for the time you’re actually on the water: snacks, lunch, gear, and unlimited drinks are part of the deal. The second thing I like is the attention to food details, including shrimp and fish ceviche and the chance to troll-fish and have it prepared onboard.

One consideration: this is weather-dependent, and if conditions don’t cooperate, you’ll need to be flexible with dates or plans.

Key things I’d zero in on before you book

• Private sailing for up to 15 people, with crew handling the day
• Snorkel at In-Ha in semi-sheltered, crystal-clear water
• La Bocana shallow-water finale-style stop with open bar and ceviche
• Open bar runs throughout (tequila, rum, vodka, Mexican beer, soft drinks, water, juice)
• Troll fishing gear is included, and what you catch can be cooked onboard
• Dietary needs can be handled, including vegetarian/vegan options if you request ahead

A private 40′ catamaran on the Riviera Maya (why it’s worth your time)

This tour is built for people who want a smooth day at sea without juggling logistics. You’re not meeting other boats for a crowded experience. It’s a private tour, and it stays that way for your group.

The boat itself matters. A 40-foot catamaran gives you room to spread out, and the cruising time is part of the fun. You’re not rushing from one picture spot to another. Instead, you’re doing slow sailing between two water areas where snorkeling and hanging out are the main event.

Also, this is designed for “real life” variety. If you snorkel hard, you can. If you’d rather float, sunbathe, or enjoy drinks while others swim, you can do that too. Reviews back up that the crew keeps the vibe moving and the day feeling well-run.

Meeting at Puerto Aventuras and what to expect in the first hour

Your meeting point is Puerto Aventuras at Riviera Elite: Yachts in Tulum and Playa Del Carmen, Av. Bahia Yanten Manzana 33, Lot 9, Local 12, 77750 Puerto Aventuras, Q.R., Mexico. The activity ends back at the meeting point.

Departures run from that marina, and the plan includes cruising north for about an hour to get to the first snorkeling area. Practically, that means you’ll spend your energy at sea, not in traffic. It’s also near public transportation, which can help if you’re not renting a car.

You can choose a morning or afternoon departure time. That choice affects your overall mood. A morning trip tends to feel fresher and calmer, while an afternoon trip can give you more of a laid-back, day-drinking pace. Either works as long as you’re ready to be out for the full 5 hours (approx.).

Stop 1: In-Ha snorkeling in calm water, plus ceviche and cocktails

The first stop is a semi-sheltered reef area called In-Ha, reached after about an hour of sailing. This matters because sheltered water makes snorkeling easier. The ocean here is described as calm and crystal clear, which is exactly what you want if you’re chasing reef life without fighting heavy chop.

In the water, you can expect great odds of seeing:

• Sea turtles
• Colorful tropical fish
• Other reef life

Back on board, the crew keeps things moving while you’re in and out of the water. You’ll get snacks, cocktails, and refreshments, and they serve freshly made shrimp and fish ceviche. If you’re hungry, the timing is good. You’re not waiting until the end of the trip to get fed.

The nice part: you’re not forced into the ocean. The plan explicitly includes an easy alternative. If you prefer not to go in the water, you can stay onboard for sunbathing and drinks while others snorkel.

A small detail that shows up in the reviews: the crew often helps people feel comfortable in the water and keeps the group safe. Names that come up include Ali and Ramon, along with other crew like Fernando and Alan.

Stop 2: La Bocana, shallow-water lunch, and the open bar rhythm

After snorkeling time at In-Ha, you head to the second stop: La Bocana. This is described as shallow and clear, so it’s more of a “get in, hang out, and enjoy” kind of stop. Think of it as a finale-style moment on the sea.

This is where many people enjoy their ceviche lunch and keep the drinks going. The open bar is part of the experience here, not just something you can access if you remember to ask.

One practical advantage of La Bocana is that shallow water changes how you relax. Even if you’re not snorkeling, you can still enjoy being surrounded by water and light. The plan also notes music playing while you’re there, which is one of those simple touches that can make the whole vibe feel like a party without turning into chaos.

From what people praised, the crew does a good job managing the energy so it stays fun and organized. If you like a day that mixes swimming with an actual meal and a good mood, this stop is built for you.

Troll fishing gear and how lunch can become your catch

You’ll get troll fishing gear on this tour. That’s a key difference from the typical snorkel-and-sip setup. It gives you an optional “do something” element during the sailing.

Anything you catch can be prepared onboard with the chef’s secret family sauce. The exact catch isn’t guaranteed, but the structure is there: fishing gear is included, and the crew has a plan for turning it into food if you’re lucky.

Even if you don’t fish, this feature adds variety. It helps keep the day from feeling like only one mode. And in reviews, people describe the staff as engaged, problem-solvers, and genuinely enthusiastic about making the experience feel special.

Drinks and meals: what all-inclusive really means here

This tour is all-inclusive in practice, not just in marketing. It includes meals, snacks, and an open bar, plus snorkeling gear, life jackets, and towels.

Open bar (the full list matters)

The open bar includes:

• Tequila
• Rum
• Vodka
• Mexican beer
• Bottled water
• Soft drinks
• Juice

That lineup is a big deal because it covers both alcohol and non-alcohol options. You’re not forced into one kind of drink all day.

Minimum drinking age is 18, and children and young adults under 18 must be accompanied by at least one adult. If your group is mixed ages, this is the kind of detail you want to know up front.

Food on board

You’re served chips/snacks plus shrimp and fish ceviche. Vegetarian/vegan options are available if you request them at booking time. Reviews specifically call out vegan accommodations as something the crew handled well.

Food quality shows up again and again in the feedback, with people praising the ceviche as a standout. One reviewer also mentioned burgers as being good, which suggests there’s enough variety that you won’t feel stuck on one item.

And yes, the drinks can move fast. One review mentioned drinks not running out. Still, I’d treat unlimited alcohol as a bonus, not a dare. Pace yourself, especially if you’re in the water.

Gear and comfort basics

The tour provides:

• Snorkel gear and life jackets
• Towels
• Fishing gear
• A restroom on board

That last one is underrated. When you’re out for hours, it saves time and stress. Reviews also mention smooth, professional service, which pairs well with having the basics handled.

Crew, safety, and the names you may remember

A private tour lives and dies by the crew. Here, the crew gets high praise for professionalism and safety, while still keeping things fun.

Specific names that came up in the reviews include:

• Ramon
• Ali
• Fernando
• Alan
• Avan
• Andre
• Miguel
• Luis (mentioned as part of the crew team)

People also describe the crew as attentive with kids. One review mentioned a family traveling with children where the crew went out of their way to accommodate everyone. Another review praised how the crew handled weather issues by still making it a wonderful day.

There’s even a memorable “we’ll fix it” story: crew members jumped into the water more than once to retrieve a phone cover, then later to retrieve an actual phone. That’s not the kind of thing you plan on, but it does hint at a staff that takes problems seriously.

Timing, weather, and what to do if the sea gets moody

This experience requires good weather. If it’s canceled because of poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund. The tour is non-refundable and can’t be changed for any reason, so it’s worth choosing dates with some buffer in your schedule.

Even with good scheduling, snorkeling can be affected by water conditions. One review said the weather didn’t cooperate for snorkeling at one point, but the crew turned it into a great experience anyway. That’s the best-case scenario: you still get sailing time, drinks, food, and a good plan.

My practical advice is simple: if you’re booking close to a day you absolutely can’t move, you’re taking on risk. If you have flexibility, this kind of weather-dependent tour usually pays off.

Price and value: what $2,258.96 buys you for up to 15

The price is $2,258.96 per group (up to 15 people). That’s a group rate, so value depends on how many people you bring.

Here’s the quick math:

• If you fill 15 people, it’s about $151 per person
• If you bring 10 people, it’s about $226 per person
• If you bring 6 people, it’s about $376 per person

What makes it feel fair (especially at higher headcounts) is that so much is included: private boat time, crew, open bar, snacks, lunch/ceviche, snorkeling gear, life jackets, towels, and a restroom on board. Many boat days around this region charge separately for drinks, meals, and gear.

Also, the “private” part is not small. If you’ve ever been stuck on a crowded day, you know it can ruin the mood fast. With a private group, the crew can focus on your pacing, your comfort, and your swim plan.

If you’re traveling as a couple only, the cost can still be workable, but it’s no longer “cheap.” It becomes more of a special-occasion splurge. If you can add friends or family to reach closer to the top end, it usually starts looking like a smarter deal.

Who should book this catamaran trip in Playa del Carmen

This tour fits best if you want:

• A private sailing day with no shared boat vibe
• Snorkeling time in a calm, reef-focused area like In-Ha
• An easy onboard schedule: swim, eat, drink, repeat
• A crew that’s praised for safety and service
• Included food that isn’t an afterthought

It may be less ideal if you’re chasing a purely active adventure with nonstop activities. This is more about a balanced day on the water than a packed itinerary full of extra stops. Also, if you’re very sensitive to weather changes, remember snorkeling can depend on sea conditions.

If you’re traveling with kids, this can be a strong option. One review specifically highlighted that the crew took care of children and kept accommodations in mind. Just note the alcohol age rules.

Should you book it?

I think this is a smart booking when you value a low-stress, all-in day on the water. The snorkeling spots, the included ceviche, and the open bar model make it easy to enjoy the day without constant decisions. The biggest “yes” signals for me are the consistent praise for crew professionalism, the hands-on service, and the fact that dietary needs like vegan options can be handled if you ask ahead.

I’d book it if you can plan around weather and you have either a fuller group (so the per-person price makes sense) or a clear reason to splurge on a private sailing day. If either of those is true, this catamaran experience is built to deliver a memorable Riviera Maya afternoon or morning.

FAQ

Where does the tour start?

It starts at Riviera Elite: Yachts in Tulum and Playa Del Carmen, Av. Bahia Yanten Manzana 33, Lot 9, Local 12, 77750 Puerto Aventuras, Q.R., Mexico.

How long is the catamaran tour?

The tour runs for about 5 hours.

What’s included in the price?

The tour includes a private catamaran experience, lunch and snacks, snorkel gear and life jackets, towels, a restroom on board, troll fishing gear, and an open bar with unlimited drinks (alcoholic and non-alcoholic).

What drink options are part of the open bar?

The open bar includes tequila, rum, vodka, Mexican beer, bottled water, soft drinks, and juice.

Is snorkeling included, and do I get gear?

Yes. Snorkel gear and life jackets are provided, and snorkeling time is built into the schedule at In-Ha.

Is there a vegetarian or vegan option?

Vegetarian and vegan options are available. You’ll want to advise the operator at the time of booking, along with any other dietary restrictions.

Are there age rules for the drinks?

Yes. The minimum drinking age is 18 years old, and anyone under 18 must be accompanied by at least one adult.

Is this a private tour or shared?

This is a private tour/activity. Only your group participates.

Is troll fishing part of the experience?

Troll fishing gear is included. If you catch something, it can be prepared onboard with the chef’s secret family sauce.

What happens if weather is bad?

The experience requires good weather. If it’s canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund.

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