A private catamaran day beats the usual tour shuffle. You’ll sail with a full crew and get an open bar, then hit two water stops for snorkeling and fish-ready fun. One thing to plan around: it’s weather dependent, and rougher water can change how much snorkeling feels great.

This is a true private outing for up to 15 people, running about 5 hours with either a morning or afternoon start. You also get snorkeling gear, towels, and life jackets, which means you can keep your packing simple and focus on the day.

Stop 1 is In-Ha, a semi-sheltered reef area known for clear, calm water and reef life. Stop 2 is La Bocana, a shallow, clear-water stop that turns into a ceviche-and-cocktail finale where you can swim if you want, or just relax onboard.

6 key reasons this catamaran is an easy win

• Two reef stops with real swim time at In-Ha and a shallow-water second stop at La Bocana
• Open bar all day with tequila, rum, vodka, beer, plus soft drinks, juice, and bottled water
• Crew-cooked food: ceviche on board, plus fish they grill from what you catch
• Private group format (up to 15) so you’re not stuck waiting on strangers
• Snorkel gear and towels provided so you travel light for the water portion
• Diet-friendly options including vegetarian/vegan choices if you plan ahead

The private 40′ catamaran day: why this format feels better

Sailing on a private catamaran sounds fancy, but the real value is simple: your day runs at your group’s pace. For about 5 hours, you leave from Puerto Aventuras and stay focused on the route and stops the crew has planned, instead of bouncing between big groups.

You’ll also get a lot of comfort for what you’re paying. The boat includes a restroom on board, towels are provided, and life jackets plus snorkeling gear are part of the package. That combo matters because it reduces the friction of getting on and in the water.

The other big win is the crew experience. Names like Ramon, Fernando, Ali, Avan, Andre, Miguel, and Luis show up in the feedback, and the pattern is consistent: professional, attentive service with a fun tone. In one case, the crew even jumped into the water multiple times to retrieve items like a phone cover and a phone, which says a lot about follow-through.

Riviera Maya boarding: where you meet and what to expect

Your meeting point is in 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 tour ends back at the same meeting point.

A few practical notes you’ll care about: you’re sent a mobile ticket, the tour is offered in English, and you should receive confirmation within 48 hours of booking (subject to availability). There’s also a restroom on board, so you’re not scrambling after you get underway.

This is a private tour/activity, so only your group participates. The pricing is listed per group (up to 15), which is the key way to think about value—your cost doesn’t just scale with more seats, it stays tied to the group experience.

Stop 1 at In-Ha: calm reef snorkeling and the kind of wildlife you actually hope for

After departing Puerto Aventuras marina, you head north for about an hour to In-Ha, a semi-sheltered reef area. The “semi-sheltered” part is the point. It’s designed to feel calmer and more comfortable than open-water snorkeling areas, especially on day-to-day conditions.

In-Ha is where snorkeling is the star. You’ll swim in crystal-clear water and have a good shot at seeing sea turtles and colorful reef fish. Even if the day isn’t perfect, this stop is built to give you meaningful time in the water.

If you’re not in a snorkeling mood, you’re covered. The plan includes time for swimming, but you can also stay onboard and relax with sunbathing and snacks while the crew looks after food and drinks. That flexibility is underrated. It keeps the trip from turning into a pushy, all-water-or-nothing experience.

Food timing at Stop 1 also feels well thought-out. The crew serves snacks and cocktails while you’re at the reef, plus freshly prepared shrimp and fish ceviche. If you have dietary needs, you can request other lunch options in advance based on restrictions.

La Bocana second stop: shallow-water ceviche, open bar, and a music-friendly finish

Once everyone’s back onboard, you cruise to La Bocana. This is the “finale” stop, and the vibe shifts from reef-focused to celebration mode.

La Bocana is shallow and clear, which makes it feel friendly even if you don’t want to strap on gear again. The tour plan includes a ceviche lunch and open bar here, and you can enjoy it from the boat or in the water, depending on what feels comfortable that day.

The crew also gets music going, which changes the feeling of the stop. You’re no longer moving through the day like an itinerary. You’re settling into a slow, fun moment—sun on your face, drinks within reach, and that easy sense that you have time.

There’s also a practical upside: because the water is shallow, you’re not stuck with only one option. If snorkeling doesn’t feel great at that point, you can still hang out in the clear shallows and enjoy the food and drinks.

Open bar and onboard meals: what’s actually included

This tour is built around “included” food and drink, and it’s not a token offering. The open bar includes tequila, rum, vodka, Mexican beer, bottled water, soft drinks, and juice. That means you’re not stuck choosing between just one alcohol option and basic beverages.

You also get snacks along the way, plus chips and other snack items. On top of that, the core meal is the shrimp and fish ceviche, served fresh during the tour. The overall rhythm is: reef time while the crew feeds you, then a second stop where the food and drinks land more like a party.

If you’re traveling with different dietary needs, that matters too. Vegetarian and vegan options are available if you advise during booking. Other dietary accommodations for lunch can be requested in advance as well.

From the feedback, ceviche tends to be a highlight, described as some of the best people have had. Even without chasing perfection, you can expect the meal to be central to the experience, not an afterthought.

Troll fishing gear and grilled fish: the extra option that adds a story

There’s an added twist here: troll fishing is offered. Troll fishing gear is included, and if you catch something, the chef can prepare it onboard with a family-sauce style approach.

The value of adding this isn’t just the food. It changes the day into something with a “did we catch anything?” moment built in. Even if you’re not a serious fisherman, it gives you a different activity layer besides snorkeling.

Also, it’s optional. You’re still getting the snorkeling and the full food-and-drink plan no matter what. The fishing gear just gives you another way to personalize the trip.

Crew, safety, and how weather can shift your day

This tour requires good weather. That’s not a “maybe.” It’s a condition that affects whether the outing goes as planned.

In the real world, conditions can be mixed. One day might bring choppier water at the first stop, and the snorkeling experience may feel less smooth. Another day might have water that’s perfect at In-Ha and then calmer at the second stop. The crew’s job is to keep the day safe and make it enjoyable within the conditions you get.

From the feedback, the crew is repeatedly described as professional and safety-minded, with communication that keeps the group comfortable. There’s also a note that weather sometimes prevents ideal snorkeling, but the crew still delivers a great experience by leaning into the boat time, snacks, drinks, and the second stop.

If the tour is canceled due to poor weather, you’re offered either a different date or a full refund. That’s important because it reduces the stress of booking a water day during an iffy forecast window.

Price and value: what you’re really paying for

The price is $2,258.96 per group, up to 15 people, for an approximately 5-hour private catamaran experience. On the surface, that’s a lot of money. The smarter way to look at it is: you’re paying for a private boat plus crew service plus food, snacks, and an unlimited open bar package.

Compare this to a typical group tour where you pay per person and still end up with limited meal quality, limited drink selection, and long waits. Here, the open bar includes multiple alcohol types and non-alcoholic drinks, and the food is built into the sailing schedule.

The value gets better when your group fills out more of the capacity. Not because the boat gets bigger, but because the “private” part stays private. If you have a tight friend group, couples, or a small family group, this can feel like one of the most straightforward ways to buy a stress-free day.

That said, this is also non-refundable and can’t be changed for any reason. If your dates are firm, pick them carefully. If your schedule is flexible, you’ll handle the risk better.

Who this is perfect for, and who should skip it

This tour fits best if you want a mix of comfort, food, and water time without the chaos of a large group. It’s especially good for:

• Couples and friend groups who want private sailing and a real open bar
• Families who want a full-service boat day (snorkel gear, towels, restroom onboard)
• People who care about food quality and dietary options (vegetarian/vegan available)

It’s less ideal if you want a highly structured snorkeling-only day with zero flexibility. The experience includes downtime onboard, and the weather can affect the snorkeling conditions. If you’re the kind of traveler who hates any uncertainty, then a private water day might feel risky.

Should you book 5H Private 40′ Catamaran in Tulum and Playa del Carmen?

Book it if you want a “good day” that’s built around comfort. You’re getting a private 40′ catamaran experience with crew service, open bar, real reef snorkeling at In-Ha, and a second stop designed for a relaxed ceviche-and-music finish at La Bocana.

Skip it only if your dates are too fragile. Because it’s non-refundable and weather dependent, this is best when you can commit to the plan. If you can do that, you’ll likely love the mix of clear-water snorkeling, included meals, and a crew that actually takes care of details while keeping the day fun.

FAQ

How long is the 5H private catamaran tour?

The tour lasts about 5 hours.

Is this tour private, and what group size does it support?

Yes. It’s a private tour/activity, and it’s priced for up to 15 people per group.

What’s included in the price besides the catamaran ride?

You get a crew, open bar with unlimited drinks (alcoholic and non-alcoholic), snacks and lunch (including shrimp and fish ceviche), snorkel gear and life jackets, towels, and a restroom on board.

Do I get to choose between a morning and afternoon departure?

Yes. You can choose from morning or afternoon departure time.

Is there a vegetarian or vegan option?

Yes. Vegetarian/vegan options are available if you advise at the time of booking, along with other dietary restrictions.

Can we go fishing during the tour?

Troll fishing is offered, and troll fishing gear is provided. Anything you catch can be prepared onboard by the chef.

What drinks are available on the open bar?

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

What happens if weather is bad?

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