From Puerto Aventuras: Share Catamaran Tour

★ 4.5 · 40 reviews From $125 Operated by Catamaya Sailing Cruises · Bookable on GetYourGuide

Sun, salt water, and a real BBQ on the water.

This Puerto Aventuras catamaran trip is interesting because you get snorkeling time at the INAH reef plus a full onboard lunch, not just a quick stop. I also like that the tour builds in a leisurely sail along the Riviera Maya after snorkeling, so you are not rushing from one thing to the next.

My favorite part is the combo: snorkel support on site and then a chef-managed meal while you relax back on board. The crew vibe matters too, and the feedback I saw kept praising attentive, well-organized staff. One possible drawback to plan for: the word luxury and the small-group feel may not match reality if you end up in a larger group than expected, and sea conditions can affect how long you actually get in the water.

Quick take: what really matters on this catamaran tour

Snorkel at the INAH reef, with crew supervision and provided snorkeling gear
65-foot catamaran cruising, plus a return sail with Riviera Maya views
BBQ lunch with 4 choices (NY steak, fish filet, chicken fajitas, hamburger) and an open bar
About 1 hour cruising to the reef, then time in and out of the water before lunch
Plan for variability in snorkeling time if waves are high or conditions are choppy
Budget extra money: the marina dock fee is not included ($15 cash per person)

A 65-foot catamaran day that stays focused on the water

If you want your Riviera Maya day trip to feel like a boat day first, not a land tour glued to a beach stop, this format works. You start at the marina in Puerto Aventuras, step on a 65-foot catamaran, and the rhythm is simple: sail out, snorkel, eat, then sail back.

The tour is listed as 4 hours, usually in the morning. That is a good length if you want Caribbean color without losing a full day to transfers, waiting, and check-in lines.

You do not need to be a seasoned swimmer to join. The tour includes snorkel equipment, and the staff is there to help if it is your first time snorkeling. Families can join too, so long as everyone can handle being on the water and in the sun.

One important note up front: this is not suitable for pregnant women or people with heart problems. If either applies, skip it for safety and comfort reasons.

Sailing to the INAH reef: the main reason people book

The headline experience is snorkeling at the INAH reef, described as the second largest barrier reef in the world. That matters because it hints at the kind of coral structure and sea life you are likely to see, and it also explains why the crew builds in real time at the water.

From Puerto Aventuras, you set sail for roughly 1 hour heading to the reef area. During that cruise, you are mostly in “boat mode,” watching coastline views and getting your bearings for the rest of the trip.

Once you arrive, the tour has a clear structure for snorkeling. You snorkel under crew supervision and with support from guides. Even if you have never used a snorkel mask before, you should feel comfortable taking your time getting set up and asking questions.

What to watch for with snorkeling conditions

Here is the practical part: snorkeling time can change with conditions. In one case, waves were high enough that snorkeling was not possible. Another concern that shows up in feedback is that snorkeling time can feel short.

So if snorkeling is your top priority, pick a day when you will be flexible. If you are the type who gets seasick easily, consider that choppy water can also affect how much you enjoy the drinks and lunch after.

Also, snorkeling can feel different depending on where boats are anchored that day. Some feedback described a tight snorkeling setup near other catamarans. You cannot control that, but you can mentally prep that it may not feel like a private reef.

Onboard BBQ lunch and open bar: a real meal, with choices

While you are out snorkeling, a chef is busy preparing lunch. That is a smart flow because it keeps the trip moving, and it also means you are not eating something cold and rushed.

The lunch is a full BBQ grill with 4 menu options:

NY Steak
Fish Filet
Chicken Fajitas
Hamburger

You also get drinks from the full open bar, including exotic drink options. Translation: you can treat this like a proper food day at sea, not just “snacks and a soda.”

How to set your expectations for food

Food quality can be personal, and it seems inconsistent day to day. Some people described the food as good, while others felt the quality was not what they expected, especially the fish, and one noted the taste profile was too salty.

Here is how I would handle that as a traveler: focus on the fact that you have hot, grilled choices built into the schedule. If you are a strict foodie, you might still want to keep one eye on what you usually like and what you know you tolerate well at sea.

Also, do not count on a menu that includes anything beyond the four listed BBQ options. If you saw other items in other marketing materials, confirm what is actually offered on your departure.

The return sail along Riviera Maya: where the calm time happens

After lunch, you get a leisurely sail back along the Riviera Maya. This is the part where a lot of people stop thinking about the schedule and start enjoying the view.

If you are booking for scenery, this segment helps. You are on deck with sea air, and you get a slow transition away from the more focused snorkeling block.

If you are considering a private charter for sunset, there is also a mention that you can enjoy magnifique views that way. The shared tour itself is usually morning-focused, so if sunsets are your goal, ask about the exact time and style of charter you are booking.

Price and value: what $125 really buys (and what to budget)

The listed price is $125 per person for a 4-hour catamaran cruise with snorkeling gear, food, and drinks. That sounds steep until you price out the combo: reef snorkeling access, a full meal, and open bar on a boat.

Then the costs that are not included come into focus. You will pay a marina dock fee of $15 in cash per person. Hotel pickup and drop-off are also not included.

So your realistic budget is the ticket price plus about $15 cash per person, plus any transport you add. If you need round-trip transportation, you can contact the operator for service at an extra cost that depends on where you are staying.

Why the price can still be worth it

If your goal is one clean half-day that covers:

getting to a reef area by catamaran
snorkeling gear and supervision
a hot BBQ lunch with real meal choices
drinks from an open bar

…then $125 plus the dock fee can feel fair. If you are just looking for a quick sail with a drink, you might find cheaper ways to do it. But this trip is built to be more than a sightseeing cruise.

Group size and logistics: the part you should double-check

A theme in feedback is mismatch between the promise of small-group luxury and what some people experienced at check-in. One person described that what was advertised as limited to 10 ended up with 50+ people on board.

That does not mean every trip runs that way, but it does mean you should decide what “small” means to you before you book. If you want a calm, uncrowded snorkel experience with lots of individual attention, be cautious about expecting a tiny group.

Another logistics warning to keep in mind: in at least one case, people were turned away at the marina due to a private party, even though they had a reservation. That is not common in every operation, but it is a good reminder to have your confirmation ready and to arrive on time with patience.

If you are sensitive to timing issues, build in buffer time to get to the marina and check in smoothly.

What to bring, and how to keep it comfortable

The tour gives you snorkeling gear and feeds you well enough to make it a real meal. Your job is comfort and sun protection.

Bring:

Swimwear
Change of clothes
Towel
Sandals
Biodegradable sunscreen
Sunglasses and an underwater camera if you want photos
Cash for the $15 dock fee and souvenirs

A small but practical tip: plan for sun and salt. Even if you do not feel hot at the start, deck time builds. If you will snorkel more than once or you tend to burn easily, put sunscreen on before you leave shore.

Who should book this catamaran tour

This is a strong fit if:

you want a half-day at sea in the Riviera Maya region
snorkeling is part of the plan and you like having supervision and gear included
you want a hot BBQ lunch and drinks instead of a snack-only outing
you are okay with some variability in snorkeling time depending on sea conditions

It is also a good pick for first-time snorkelers, since the staff helps get you set up.

But it may not be the best fit if:

you are chasing a small, intimate group feel every time
you get seasick easily or expect calm water as guaranteed
you are very picky about food quality

Should you book from Puerto Aventuras on this share catamaran tour?

If you want a straightforward, water-centered day with snorkeling gear included and a real onboard BBQ lunch at a set 4-hour window, I think this can be a good value. The parts that seem to get the most praise are the crew and the overall setup, plus the snorkeling experience when conditions are cooperative.

I would only book with your eyes open on two points: group size might not always stay “small,” and snorkeling time can shrink if waves are high. If you can handle that, you will likely enjoy a classic Caribbean boat day from Puerto Aventuras.

FAQ

What is the duration of the catamaran tour?

The tour duration is listed as 4 hours, usually available in the morning.

How much does it cost?

The price is $125 per person.

What is included in the tour price?

Snorkel equipment and food and drinks are included.

Is the marina dock fee included?

No. There is a marina dock fee of $15 per person, paid in cash.

Does the tour include hotel pickup and drop-off?

No. Hotel pickup and drop-off are not included.

Can I arrange round-trip transportation?

Yes. You can contact the operator to add round-trip transportation service for an extra cost per person depending on your location.

What snorkeling and food can I expect?

You snorkel at the INAH reef with provided equipment and crew guidance. Lunch is a BBQ with 4 choices: NY steak, fish filet, chicken fajitas, or hamburger, plus drinks from the open bar.

What should I bring with me?

Bring swimwear, a change of clothes, a towel, sandals, and biodegradable sunscreen. You should also bring cash (including for the dock fee) and consider sunglasses and an underwater camera.