Luxury on the water beats the usual beach day. On this private 5-hour catamaran from Puerto Aventuras, I like the unlimited drinks and the freshly made ceviche lunch served onboard, but plan for the one annoying extra: a $20 dock fee per person. You’re set up for an easy, all-in-one outing with calm water swims and real time to relax.

Two reef stops pace the day: first a semi-sheltered snorkeling spot where the water stays clear and swim time feels comfortable, then a shallow cove that’s great for hanging out on the surface. You’ll have snorkeling equipment included, plus a crew that keeps snacks and refreshments coming as you move between swims.

Recent sailings have included a friendly team such as Celeste, Neri, Angel, and Omar, and the experience runs in English. If you’re traveling as a group of up to 15, this is a straightforward private charter format with a mobile ticket and start/end right back at Puerto Aventuras.

Quick Highlights

• In-Ha reef snorkeling with calm, clear water and a strong chance to spot sea turtles
• La Bocana shallow swimming plus music playing while you enjoy the view
• Unlimited beer, liquor, and soft drinks (plus mixers and bottled water)
• Ceviche lunch onboard with snacks and drinks service throughout the trip
• Private charter for up to 15 people, so your day stays in your group
• Troll fishing option, with anything you catch prepared onboard

Why This Private Catamaran Feels Like a Real Vacation

This isn’t a “drive, park, rush, done” day. You’re paying for time on a luxury catamaran with an all-inclusive onboard setup, and you get to spend most of the 5-hour window in the water or just relaxing on board. Since it’s private for up to 15, you’re not squeezed into a big mix of strangers, and you can set the pace for your group.

The value here is simple: snorkeling gear, lunch, snacks, and drinks are built in, so you’re not constantly digging out your wallet. When you’re in a place like Playa del Carmen/Riviera Maya, that matters. A day that runs smoothly lets you focus on the water—clear ocean, reef life, and the easygoing feel of a charter.

One more practical note: this experience runs for about 5 hours, but you’ll also factor in travel time to the reef areas from Puerto Aventuras. That’s normal. What’s not normal is how much is handled for you once you’re on the boat.

What All-Inclusive Means on Board (and What It Doesn’t)

On board, the “all-inclusive” part is real. You get unlimited beer, liquor, soft drinks, mixers, and bottled water, plus snacks and lunch. That’s the kind of setup that makes a big difference if your group includes people who don’t want to plan every drink stop.

Food is also part of the deal: you’ll get a ceviche lunch, with the option for a different meal if ceviche isn’t your thing. If you have dietary needs, vegetarian/vegan options are available—just advise at booking.

Snorkeling support is included too. You’ll have access to snorkeling equipment, so you don’t need to pack or rent gear. That’s a small thing until you’re on vacation with a suitcase full of clothes and no desire to deal with masks at the last minute.

What’s not included is the dock fee. It’s $20 per person, paid separately. Private transportation also isn’t included, and that price can vary depending on where you’re staying. For most people, that means you’ll either plan to reach Puerto Aventuras on your own or budget for a pickup.

Riviera Maya Day Trip Flow: From Puerto Aventuras to Two Water Stops

The day starts at the Riviera Elite meeting point in Puerto Aventuras, then you head north for about an hour toward the first reef area. That timing is useful: it gets you to calmer snorkeling conditions without turning the day into a long transit slog.

Once you’re underway, the crew starts serving snacks, cocktails, and refreshments. This matters because it turns the “getting there” phase into part of the experience, not just waiting. Then the schedule shifts into two different water vibes—one reef-focused, one more relaxed and shallow.

You’ll end back at the same meeting point in Puerto Aventuras, which keeps logistics simple at the end of the day.

Stop 1: In-Ha Reef for Calm-Water Snorkeling and Sea Turtles

Your first stop is called In-Ha, a semi-sheltered reef area known for calm, crystal-clear water. The practical win here is comfort. In sheltered spots, the sea tends to behave better, which makes snorkeling feel easier—especially if your group includes a mix of confident swimmers and first-timers.

This is where you’re looking for sea turtles. The reef life here is part of the point too: you can expect colorful tropical fish and other reef creatures as you snorkel. Since the water is described as calm and clear, it’s a setup that encourages longer, slower swims rather than quick peeks.

What I’d watch for: the water conditions can still change, because this whole trip depends on good weather. The boat can handle choppy water better than a smaller craft, but it’s still smart to pack for comfort if conditions aren’t totally flat.

Also, because the day is all-inclusive, you’ll be close to food and drinks between swims. That’s great for recovery, especially if snorkeling is new for someone in your group.

Stop 2: La Bocana Shallow Swimming With Music On the Water

After In-Ha, you head to La Bocana. This stop is described as shallow and clear, which changes the feel from reef snorkeling to a more relaxed “hang out and swim” moment. If someone in your group doesn’t want to snorkel the whole time, this is a good place to spend time just floating, wading, and enjoying the view.

There’s also music on this part of the trip. That might sound like a small detail, but when you’re out on the water, it turns the stop into something closer to a party-calm mood—fun, not hectic.

A gentle consideration: shallow water often means you can see more near the surface, but reef depth and variety can vary. You’re still likely to see plenty, but this stop is more about the experience of being in the water than hunting for the biggest underwater show.

The Trolling Fishing Option and How Food Happens Onboard

If you want an added twist, troll fishing is offered. The idea is simple: you try fishing while you’re out, and if you catch anything, the onboard chef can prepare it with a family-style sauce.

This is a nice option for people who want a little action beyond snorkeling. It also adds a “story” to the meal, since it’s tied to what happened on the water that day.

One caution: fishing is never guaranteed in the way a booked meal is. Think of it as an extra activity that’s available if the moment works out.

Drinks, Lunch, Snacks, and the Crew Vibe

The onboard service is part of why people rate this so highly. Unlimited drinks keep the vibe easy, and snacks and refreshments make it feel like a continuous flow rather than a “sit, wait, eat later” setup.

Food-wise, the ceviche is the star. It’s described as freshly made, and it’s specifically shrimp and fish ceviche on the menu. If you’re the kind of traveler who judges a trip by the food, this one is worth paying attention to. On past sailings, guests have highlighted the ceviche—and even the guacamole—as standout parts of the day.

The crew name checks from recent trips matter for a reason: service doesn’t feel anonymous. When a team is doing the run-in and run-out with energy, it changes your whole day. You’re less likely to feel like you’re on a schedule and more likely to feel like your group is being hosted.

Boat Time, Group Size, and How the Day Stays Comfortable

This is priced as a private charter for up to 15 passengers. That limit is a sweet spot: large enough for groups and birthdays, small enough that service doesn’t feel lost in the crowd.

The total duration is about 5 hours, which is long enough for two meaningful water stops and a full lunch, but not so long that you feel fried by the end. Most people like this length because it fits well into a vacation day without swallowing the whole schedule.

If your group includes kids or teens, note the rule: children and young adults ages 18 and under must be accompanied by at least one adult. Also, keep in mind the minimum drinking age is 18 for alcohol.

Price and Value: When $1,931.04 Makes Sense

The listed price is $1,931.04 per group (up to 15). That sounds steep at first, until you spread it across your group and compare what’s included. With drinks, lunch, snacks, and snorkeling equipment all wrapped into the charter fee, you’re paying for a full package rather than individual add-ons.

A quick way to think about value:

• If you fill most of the 15-person capacity, the per-person cost drops a lot.
• If you’re only a couple or a small group, the base price stays high, and the dock fee ($20 per person) can feel more noticeable.

Either way, you should plan for the dock fee and any transport you might need to reach Puerto Aventuras. The tour doesn’t include private transportation, and the cost varies by pickup location.

Bottom line: this is best value for groups of friends, families, or celebrations where you want a private “all day handled for us” format.

Who This Trip Is Best For (and Who Should Think Twice)

This catamaran charter is a strong match if you:

• Want snorkeling time in clear, calmer water
• Care about good food and drinks without extra costs
• Prefer private group time over crowded shared excursions
• Are celebrating something (birthdays and milestones tend to fit this vibe)

It’s also a decent option for mixed experience levels because one stop is reef-focused and the other is shallow and easygoing.

You might think twice if:

• Your group doesn’t want to pay extra dock fees
• You’re not comfortable with adults-only alcohol rules (minimum drinking age is 18)
• You’re traveling during a period when weather might be rough, since the experience requires good conditions

Practical Tips for Your Day on the Water

If you want the day to feel smooth, here’s how I’d prep:

• Bring sunscreen and consider a hat or cover-up for the deck time between swims.
• If you’ll snorkel, keep your focus on comfort over speed. Calm water rewards slow movement.
• If your group has dietary needs, tell the provider during booking so you’re not scrambling later.
• Budget for the $20 dock fee per person so there are no surprises.

Also, since this runs in English and uses a mobile ticket, make sure you can access your ticket easily on your phone when you arrive.

Should You Book This Tulum and Playa del Carmen Catamaran Charter?

I think you should book this if you want a private, all-in-one day at sea where snorkeling gear, lunch, and unlimited drinks are part of the charter price. The two-stop format works well: you get reef snorkeling at In-Ha, then a more relaxed shallow swim at La Bocana with music.

If your group is small, calculate the dock fee and remember the base price is per group. For couples and solo travelers, a shared boat might be cheaper. For groups up to 15, this is the kind of experience that feels like the vacation starts the moment you step aboard.

FAQ

How long is the catamaran tour?

It runs about 5 hours.

What is included in the price for this all-inclusive experience?

You get unlimited beer, liquor, soft drinks, mixers, water and bottled water, plus snacks and a ceviche lunch. Snorkeling equipment is also included.

Do I need to bring snorkeling equipment?

No. Snorkeling equipment is provided for you onboard.

Are vegetarian or vegan meals available?

Yes. Vegetarian/vegan options and other dietary restrictions are available if you advise the provider at booking.

Is there an extra dock fee?

Yes. A dock fee of $20 per person is not included.

Where do we meet for the tour?

The tour starts at Riviera Elite in Puerto Aventuras at Av. Bahia Yanten Manzana 33, Lot 9, Local 12, 77750 Puerto Aventuras, Q.R., Mexico.

Is this a private tour?

Yes. It’s a private charter, and only your group participates. Up to 15 passengers are included.

What is the minimum age for alcohol?

The minimum drinking age is 18.

What is the cancellation policy?

You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund. The experience requires good weather, and if it’s canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund.