A private day on the water in Riviera Maya. You sail out of Puerto Aventuras on a 40-foot catamaran with a crew, then snorkel at In-Ha and do a second swim stop at La Bocana, with food and drinks flowing throughout. I especially like that the experience feels effortless, from provided snorkel gear and towels to a built-in meal plan. I also like that you get the option to add troll fishing and have your catch prepared onboard.

The main thing to consider is weather. This trip requires good conditions, and if conditions are poor you could be offered a different date or a full refund.

Key points to know before you go

• Two real swim stops: In-Ha for calm snorkeling, then La Bocana for a shallow, clear-water finale
• Open bar is built in: tequila, rum, vodka, Mexican beer, plus non-alcoholic drinks and juice
• Food is part of the plan: shrimp and fish ceviche plus snacks, and dietary requests can be arranged
• Troll fishing can turn into dinner: if you fish, your catch can be cooked with a family-style sauce
• You’re not sharing the boat: it’s private for your group up to 15 people

A Private Catamaran Day That Feels Like You Planned It

This is one of those trips where the structure matters as much as the views. The boat is private for your group, so you do not spend the day herding people or waiting in lines. You get a crew onboard whose job is to run the sailing day and keep everyone fed and happy.

I also like how the day is paced. You get dedicated time to swim and snorkel, then time to relax on the water with drinks and music at the second stop. The rhythm makes it easy for mixed groups, including people who love being in the water and people who just want sunshine.

One small catch, and it is a real one: a catamaran day depends on sea conditions. Even if the itinerary is set, your snorkeling comfort will depend on weather that day. The good news is that the crew can still shape the day, especially since one stop is designed for easier swimming.

Your 40-Foot Catamaran Setup, and What That Means for Comfort

You are booking a private 40-foot catamaran experience, roughly 5 hours, with crew included. That combination is a big deal. A private boat changes how the day feels, because the crew can tailor attention to your pace rather than managing a schedule full of strangers.

This setup also means you have the basics already covered. Snorkel gear and life jackets are provided, along with towels and a restroom onboard. That matters in the Riviera Maya heat, because you can travel lighter and still feel ready when you hit the water.

If you are thinking about swim time, the boat gives you flexibility. You can snorkel and swim, or you can choose to stay onboard, sunbathe, and sip a drink while others explore. In-Ha is described as semi-sheltered and calm, which helps the snorkeling feel more relaxed.

From Puerto Aventuras to the In-Ha Snorkel Stop

The day starts at the Puerto Aventuras marina area. You meet at Riviera Elite: Yachts in Tulum and Playa Del Carmen, Av. Bahia Yanten Yanten Manzana 33, Lot 9, Local 12, 77750 Puerto Aventuras, Q.R., Mexico. From there, the boat heads north for about an hour to In-Ha, a semi-sheltered reef area.

In-Ha is the centerpiece for snorkeling. The water is described as calm and crystal clear, and it is set up so you can actually enjoy the reef rather than just survive the current. Expect a good mix of reef life, and you may see sea turtles and colorful tropical fish, based on what the crew guides people to.

What I like about this stop is how it supports different comfort levels. You will spend a good amount of time snorkeling and swimming, but if you prefer not to go in the water, you can stay onboard. The crew keeps the day going with snacks and cocktails while the group cycles through the swim.

Food while you relax is part of the point here. During the In-Ha portion, you are served snacks, refreshments, and ceviche like shrimp and fish ceviche. That turns the ride into a real meal period, not just a transfer.

La Bocana: Shallow Water, Ceviche Lunch, and Music Time

After the first swim, you head to the second stop, La Bocana. This is where many people treat the trip like a finale party stop. The water is shallow and clear, and it is described as a fun option to enjoy lunch and drinks, including a chance to do so in the water.

This stop also gives you variety. In-Ha is about snorkeling and reef viewing. La Bocana is more about hanging out, floating, and enjoying the moment from the sea. If you want photos, this is often the part where people are most relaxed, because you do not feel like you have to be perfectly positioned for a reef drop-off.

There is also a social feel here. The crew sets music, and the open bar continues while you enjoy ceviche lunch. If your group includes people who do not want to snorkel twice, La Bocana is the easier second hit.

As the day winds down, you cruise back slowly toward Puerto Aventuras. You can keep enjoying drinks and coastline views on the return.

Troll Fishing and Having Your Catch Cooked

If you want a more hands-on twist, the trip includes troll fishing gear. You can fish along the route, and anything you catch can be prepared onboard with the chef’s secret family sauce.

This is the kind of option that turns a scenic boat day into a story you remember. If fishing is not your thing, you can skip it and focus on swimming, snacks, and relaxing.

A practical note for your mindset: you will not be guaranteed a catch, since it depends on conditions and what the group does. But the fact that there is a plan for cooking a catch onboard means the crew takes the activity seriously, not as a gimmick.

Drinks and Food That Are Actually Part of the Experience

For a half-day sailing day, this one commits to food and drinks. The open bar includes tequila, rum, vodka, Mexican beer, bottled water, soft drinks, and juice. There are also chips and other snacks, plus shrimp and fish ceviche served fresh onboard.

One of the best value signals is that dietary needs are not treated as an afterthought. Vegetarian and vegan options are available, and other dietary restrictions can be handled if you advise in advance during booking. That makes a big difference on tours where food is basically one default plate.

I also like how this trip avoids the awkward moments where everyone is hungry but the boat is still moving. You get food tied to each major phase of the day: snacks and ceviche around the snorkeling stop, then another food-and-drink push at La Bocana.

And for groups with kids or mixed appetites, the meal variety tends to help. Some groups have mentioned enjoying ceviche and burgers as part of the onboard food spread, which fits the idea that the crew is feeding people, not just serving drinks.

The Crew Makes or Breaks a Boat Day

On a private catamaran, you feel the crew more than you would on a big-group tour. If the crew is calm and proactive, the day runs smoothly even if weather shifts.

The names that come up in praise include Ramon, Captain Ali, Fernando, Alan, Avan, Andre, and Miguel, plus the Luis crew members. That does not mean you will get the same people, but it tells you the service culture is consistent. The common themes are professionalism, safety, and fast attention to what people need.

A standout detail is that the crew does the small work that keeps your day from turning into logistics. People mention the team guiding them to wildlife like sea turtles and sting rays, and helping with water activities safely. There are also stories of crew members jumping in to help retrieve items that fell overboard, so you get the sense they stay alert and problem-solve quickly.

Price and Value for a Private Group Up to 15

The price is $2,258.96 per group for up to 15 people. That is a wide range, and value depends on how you fill the boat.

If you book with a full group near 15, the cost per person comes down a lot, and it starts to feel like a smart step up from shared catamaran tours. If you have fewer people, it becomes more of a splurge, but you still get the private-factor value: you get your own crew attention, your own pace, and no one else’s schedule hijacking your day.

This is also a good value match if you care about included extras. Many boat days in the region sell the base sailing and then charge for snorkeling gear, food, and drinks. Here, those are packaged: snorkel gear, towels, restroom, and an all-day open bar, plus meals and snacks.

Another value point: timing. The average booking window is about 25 days in advance, which suggests this is a popular slot. If you are traveling during peak weeks, booking earlier helps you lock in your preferred morning or afternoon departure time.

Morning or Afternoon: Pick Based on Your Group Mood

You can choose a morning or afternoon departure. That choice changes the vibe more than you might expect.

A morning start is often best if your group likes snorkeling early, when the day is fresh and you want more daylight for relaxing onboard. An afternoon start can feel more laid-back, especially if you want a calmer pace and time for a bigger lunch mood on the second stop.

Since the itinerary includes a second swim stop with music and a relaxing cruise back, either timing works. The better choice is the one that matches how your group wants to spend the rest of the day on land.

What to Bring (So You Do Not Chase Comfort All Day)

Because snorkel gear, life jackets, and towels are provided, you can keep your packing simple. Still, I recommend you bring the basics that make boating more comfortable in the sun.

Bring:

• Sunscreen and a hat
• Sunglasses with a secure strap if you hate losing things
• A waterproof phone pouch or something you trust for water time
• A lightweight cover-up for the ride between stops

If you plan to fish, the crew handles the troll fishing gear, but you may want shoes you can stand in comfortably onboard.

Also plan for the weather. This experience requires good weather, so bring a layer you can tolerate if it feels breezy on the water.

Who This Catamaran Trip Fits Best

This is a strong pick for groups that want a true private day without sacrificing snorkeling quality and without turning meals into an afterthought. It works well for:

• Friend groups celebrating a birthday or bridal moment
• Couples who want privacy but still want snorkeling and a proper meal
• Families with kids, since the crew runs a structured day and keeps everyone fed (and kids must be accompanied by an adult)
• Anyone who wants wildlife time, like turtles and sting rays, but also wants the option to relax onboard

If your group is entirely new to snorkeling, the semi-sheltered In-Ha stop is a good match for learning the rhythm. And if half your group hates being in the water, you still get a full experience, because La Bocana is built for hanging out in clear, shallow water.

Should You Book This Private Catamaran Tour in Tulum and Playa del Carmen?

I would book this if your priority is a private catamaran day with real snorkeling time, included snorkeling gear, and a full food-and-drink setup. The price makes the most sense when you can fill a good portion of the group limit, but even with a smaller group, the included open bar and onboard meals reduce the usual add-on costs.

I would think twice only if your schedule is tight and you are traveling in a period where weather may be unpredictable, because the trip needs good conditions and is not refundable once booked. If you are flexible on dates and you want a do-it-once, feel-like-you-explored-the-coast-from-a-luxury-boat kind of day, this one is a practical bet.

FAQ

How long is the 40-foot catamaran tour?

The tour runs for about 5 hours.

Where does the tour meet and where does it end?

It departs from the Puerto Aventuras marina area. The meeting point listed is 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 same meeting point.

Is the tour private or shared?

It is a private tour. Only your group participates.

What is included in the price?

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

What drinks are included in the open bar?

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

Can I choose a departure time?

Yes, you can choose between a morning or afternoon departure time.

Can vegetarians or vegans eat onboard?

Yes. Vegetarian and vegan options are available, and other dietary restrictions can be accommodated if you advise at the time of booking.

Is there a minimum drinking age?

Yes. The minimum drinking age is 18.

Can children join the tour?

Children and young adults under 18 must be accompanied by at least one adult.

What happens if weather is poor?

This experience requires good weather. If it is canceled due to poor weather, you will be offered a different date or a full refund. If you cancel for any other reason, it is non-refundable and cannot be changed.