3 Hour Xpu-Ha – 47′ Azimut, Tulum, Playa del Carmen, Riviera Maya

REVIEW · PLAYA DEL CARMEN

3 Hour Xpu-Ha – 47′ Azimut, Tulum, Playa del Carmen, Riviera Maya

  • 5.0440 reviews
  • 3 hours (approx.)
  • From $975.00
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Operated by H2OH Sun Cruises · Bookable on Viator

A private yacht turns Xpu-Ha into a party. This private yacht charter from H2OH Sun Cruises puts you on a 47′ Azimut for a 3-hour, all-inclusive style hop to Xpu-Ha, with unlimited drinks plus onboard music you control through Bluetooth/Spotify. I love the group-first setup—easy food, easy fun—and I especially like that paddle boards are part of the deal. One thing to keep in mind: wind can change where you spend your time, and the standard bar may not be everyone’s favorite.

This is built for groups, not crowds: your charter is for your party only, up to 15 people, starting at 10:00 am near Puerto Aventuras (H2OH Sun Cruises). Budget for the $20 per person landing/facility fee (not included) and bring your own towels since towels aren’t provided.

Key Things to Know Before You Go

3 Hour Xpu-Ha - 47' Azimut, Tulum, Playa del Carmen, Riviera Maya - Key Things to Know Before You Go

  • Private for your group only: no mixing with strangers.
  • All-inclusive basics: lunch plus unlimited standard bar drinks and non-alcoholic options.
  • Paddle boards included with life jackets, so you can actually use the water time.
  • Bluetooth/Spotify + karaoke onboard, with microphones and lyrics on an HD TV.
  • Wind can matter: if conditions are rough, your plan can shift to a cove.

On a 47-Foot Azimut, You Set the Party Pace

3 Hour Xpu-Ha - 47' Azimut, Tulum, Playa del Carmen, Riviera Maya - On a 47-Foot Azimut, You Set the Party Pace
The big appeal here is control. You’re not joining a boat full of people hoping your group gets a decent chunk of time together. You get your own private charter, which changes the vibe fast—more talking, more photos, less waiting for schedules to move.

The boat is a 47′ Azimut, and that matters because the experience is basically “group hangout on a real yacht,” not a cramped speedboat setup. You’ll have time to settle in, eat, and actually enjoy the ride before you even reach the water at Xpu-Ha.

Then there’s the onboard entertainment system. The Bluetooth sound system and Spotify let you steer the soundtrack, and the karaoke setup means the fun can turn from background music to full-on performance pretty quickly. If you’re planning a bachelor or bachelorette outing, that kind of built-in energy saves you from trying to bring and manage your own gear.

You can also read our reviews of more tours and experiences in Playa del Carmen

The 3 Hours to Xpu-Ha: What Your Time Will Feel Like

3 Hour Xpu-Ha - 47' Azimut, Tulum, Playa del Carmen, Riviera Maya - The 3 Hours to Xpu-Ha: What Your Time Will Feel Like
This charter is short—about 3 hours total—but it’s designed to feel complete. You’ll depart from H2OH Sun Cruises and head toward Xpu-Ha, then spend your time enjoying the Caribbean water and the onboard package before returning to the same meeting point.

Here’s what your timeline typically turns into:

1) Boarding and settling in (before the water part)

Once you’re on board, you’ll be able to get moving right away: drinks start flowing, and the crew keeps things active. This is where the Bluetooth/Spotify setup usually becomes a focal point—someone plugs in, people pick a playlist, and the boat starts feeling like a party venue instead of just transportation.

If your group likes structure, you’ll still get it. Even with the relaxed vibe, the crew is the engine behind the flow: getting you fed, keeping drinks moving, and making sure people aren’t stuck waiting around.

2) The Xpu-Ha water time (and why wind can change it)

The highlight is the stop at Xpu-Ha, where you can enjoy the Caribbean water. Paddle boards are included, and life jackets are provided, so you can focus on having fun instead of scrambling for equipment.

Now the reality check: Riviera Maya can get windy. On a windy day, your crew may choose to stay in a cove rather than push full-speed out as originally planned. That doesn’t automatically mean it’s a bad day. It just means your “exact postcard scenario” can shift with the weather, and the water conditions will guide where you hang out.

3) Lunch and drinks while the clock runs

Lunch is part of the included package: fire-grilled chicken, freshly made guacamole, fresh-cut Mexican-style salsa, plus beans, rice, tortillas, and chips. I like that it’s not a sad boat snack. It’s the kind of meal that keeps a group happy without turning your outing into a full restaurant stop.

And the drinks are unlimited through the standard bar: margaritas, beer, mixed cocktails, shots, and non-alcoholic options. For a group charter, unlimited matters because it removes decision fatigue. You don’t have to track who has what. You just enjoy the ride and keep the mood up.

4) Karaoke ramp-up (if your group wants it)

The karaoke setup comes with HD TV lyrics, microphones, and a library of 18,000+ songs. That’s a big deal for groups because it makes it easy for different age ranges and music tastes to participate without hunting for one specific track.

If your group is shy, no pressure. But if your group is ready, this is the part that can turn the whole day into a memory.

Drinks, Food, and the Real-World Bar Bet

This package is pretty clearly built for fun first and comfort second. And that’s fine—just go in with expectations.

Lunch is solid for a 3-hour window

The included lunch menu hits the basics of crowd-pleasing Mexican comfort: fire-grilled chicken, guacamole, salsa, beans, rice, tortillas, and chips. It’s the kind of meal that works even if your group isn’t all the same food type. Veggie options aren’t spelled out beyond the guacamole/salsa and sides, but the overall lunch setup is filling and easy.

In my mind, that’s the real value of the lunch being included: you don’t have to spend your limited time stepping off the boat or coordinating a meal break.

The standard bar can be hit or miss

Unlimited drinks is great. Still, one review noted the standard alcohol provided with the boat wasn’t very good unless you upgrade. That doesn’t mean the drinks are terrible every time, but it does mean you should be realistic.

If you’re picky about cocktails or specific spirits, plan to upgrade if the crew offers options—and ask in advance what upgrades cost. Also, if someone in your group wants to bring their own bottles, be aware you may be quoted a fee to bring and open your own alcohol (one review cited a $300 fee). It’s better to ask early than assume.

Paddle Boards, Life Jackets, and How to Actually Use Your Water Time

3 Hour Xpu-Ha - 47' Azimut, Tulum, Playa del Carmen, Riviera Maya - Paddle Boards, Life Jackets, and How to Actually Use Your Water Time
Paddle boards and life jackets are included, which makes the water time more than just sitting on a boat while you get sun.

The practical part: you’ll want to move with the waves in mind. If it’s windy, board sessions may be shorter or shift to calmer water near a cove. In other words, your fun comes from adapting to conditions, not forcing the original plan.

What I like about the inclusion is that it removes one of the most annoying “boat tour” hassles: needing to rent or hunt for gear at the last minute. Here, you can simply grab what you need and go.

Bring what the boat doesn’t provide

Towels aren’t included. That one detail matters more than people think. If you forget towels, you’ll be dealing with wet stuff and awkward drying while you’re trying to keep the party vibe alive. Plan to bring your own beach towel and basic sun protection.

Music and Karaoke: Built for Groups Who Like to Act Silly

3 Hour Xpu-Ha - 47' Azimut, Tulum, Playa del Carmen, Riviera Maya - Music and Karaoke: Built for Groups Who Like to Act Silly
This is where the experience becomes different from a standard sightseeing cruise.

You get a Bluetooth sound system and Spotify, so your group can bring its own energy. There’s also karaoke with microphones and lyrics on an HD TV, plus a huge song list (18,000+ songs). That means the activity isn’t limited to a small set of popular tracks.

If you’re organizing a bachelorette party, a few practical tips can make this run smoother:

  • Assign one person to manage the music and keep the playlist ready.
  • If the group is mixed, pick a couple of easy-to-sing crowd favorites early.
  • Keep the microphone handoffs coordinated so you don’t lose the momentum while people take turns.

Also, the crew matters here. Multiple positive comments emphasized a crew that stays upbeat and keeps drinks moving without killing the fun. One review specifically credited Juan and his crew for making sure drinks never sat empty. That kind of attention is the difference between a “party boat” and an actual party experience.

Price and Value: $975 for Up to 15 (Plus the $20 Fee)

3 Hour Xpu-Ha - 47' Azimut, Tulum, Playa del Carmen, Riviera Maya - Price and Value: $975 for Up to 15 (Plus the $20 Fee)
Let’s talk math without drama.

  • Price is $975 per group, up to 15 people.
  • You also have an extra $20 per person landing/facility fee (not included).
  • Towels and private transportation aren’t included.

If you fill the group, your per-person base drops a lot:

  • At 15 people: $975 ÷ 15 = $65 per person, plus $20 = about $85 per person total (before any optional upgrades like alcohol changes).
  • At 10 people: $975 ÷ 10 = $97.50 per person, plus $20 = about $117.50 per person.

So the value is strongest when you actually book the charter with enough friends to use the full capacity. This is not a “cheap solo splurge.” It’s a cost-effective way for a group to buy a complete, low-planning afternoon: food, drinks, water gear, music, and entertainment all wrapped into one bill.

That’s also why cancellation rules can matter. Since it’s a non-refundable booking and can’t be changed for any reason, you’ll want weather awareness and a committed group schedule.

Weather Reality on the Riviera Maya: Short Trip, Big Conditions

3 Hour Xpu-Ha - 47' Azimut, Tulum, Playa del Carmen, Riviera Maya - Weather Reality on the Riviera Maya: Short Trip, Big Conditions
Because this is only 3 hours, weather impacts you fast. You’re not stuck on the water for a whole day, but you also don’t have hours to wait out wind.

The key takeaway: if it’s windy, your crew may adjust where you spend time—like shifting to a cove. The good news is that this often keeps the experience enjoyable rather than ruined, especially if your group embraces the idea of “boat hang + water time” rather than chasing a single perfect spot.

If weather is a concern for your travel dates, consider booking with flexibility (and try to avoid days where you already feel rushed or stressed).

Who This Private Charter Is Best For

3 Hour Xpu-Ha - 47' Azimut, Tulum, Playa del Carmen, Riviera Maya - Who This Private Charter Is Best For
This charter is clearly built for groups, especially:

  • Bachelorette and bachelor parties
  • Friend groups who want a planned party experience without coordinating multiple stops
  • People who enjoy onboard activities (music, karaoke) more than sightseeing

It also works well if your group wants a low-effort “do fun things now” afternoon: unlimited drinks, lunch, paddle boards, and entertainment are all included.

It’s less ideal if your group wants a quiet, scenic, slow-paced cruise. This is social by design.

Safety note: it’s not recommended for pregnant women after five months of pregnancy, so if that applies, choose a different type of activity.

Practical Tips So Your Day Runs Smooth

A few small choices make a big difference on a tight 3-hour timeline:

  • Start on time: the activity begins at 10:00 am, and you’ll feel it if your group is late.
  • Bring a towel, since towels aren’t included.
  • If you care about alcohol quality, ask about standard bar specifics and upgrade options ahead of time.
  • If you want to use your own alcohol, ask about the fee to bring and open bottles rather than assuming it’s allowed without cost.
  • Keep footwear simple for deck movement, especially if you’ll paddle board.

Also, the tour uses a mobile ticket and is offered in English. That’s helpful for group coordination and quick check-in.

Should You Book This 3-Hour Xpu-Ha Yacht Charter?

Book it if you want a private, group-only afternoon where food, drinks, water time, and onboard entertainment are part of the same package. The value really kicks in when you get close to the 15-person capacity, and the karaoke + music setup is perfect if your group likes to be actively involved rather than passively watching.

Skip it (or at least think twice) if your group is picky about drink quality and doesn’t want to consider upgrades, or if you need a guaranteed calm-weather itinerary. Wind can shift where you hang out, and this is a short outing—so weather matters more here than on longer cruises.

If your group is ready to have fun, this is the kind of charter that turns a beach day into a whole event.

FAQ

How long is the Xpu-Ha yacht charter?

It’s about 3 hours.

What is the price for the private yacht?

The price is $975 per group, up to 15 people.

What’s included in the charter?

You get lunch, unlimited standard bar drinks (like margaritas, beer, mixed cocktails, shots, and non-alcoholic options), paddle boards and life jackets, a Bluetooth sound system with Spotify, and karaoke.

Where does the tour start?

It starts 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, and ends back at the meeting point.

Are towels included?

No, towels are not included.

Is there a per-person fee not included in the price?

Yes. Landing and facility fees are $20 per person (not included).

What happens if poor weather cancels the activity?

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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