5H Private 40’Catamaran All-Inclusive in Tulum & Playa del Carmen

Private catamarans make Riviera Maya snorkeling effortless, especially with crew-led sailing and an open bar on a 40-foot catamaran. I like how the first reef stop at In-Ha is semi-sheltered, which makes swimming and snorkeling feel more relaxed, and I love that you can end up eating fresh ceviche and fish the crew grills and cooks on board. The one real consideration is weather, because the trip needs good conditions to be at its best.

You’ll start and finish at Puerto Aventuras, with morning or afternoon departure so you can match it to your beach plans. In the feedback I’m seeing names like Ramon, Ali, Andre, Fernando, Alan, Avan, and Miguel, and the common thread is simple care, fast help in the water, and a steady pace that keeps things fun for groups, including kids.

Key highlights to know before you go

• Semi-sheltered In-Ha reef snorkeling with calm, clear water and frequent sightings like sea turtles and sting rays
• Fresh on-board food including shrimp and fish ceviche, plus other meal options and snacks during the sail
• Unlimited open bar with tequila, rum, vodka, Mexican beer, soft drinks, juice, and bottled water
• La Bocana shallow-water finale where you can enjoy music, drinks, and ceviche lunch in crystal-clear shallows
• Troll fishing with gear included and preparation onboard if you catch anything
• Crew energy that goes beyond the basics, including safety-first help and quick problem solving

Why this private catamaran day feels worth it

A private catamaran changes the rhythm of a Mexico beach day. Instead of fighting crowds at a public boat or sharing space with strangers, you get a crew and a sail plan built around your group, with a solid 5 hours on the water to enjoy the scenery and the water time.

This is also a rare mix: you get snorkeling that actually has a purpose, plus food and drinks that keep the day from feeling like a rinse-and-repeat excursion. The vibe is friendly and upbeat, and the crew runs it like a smooth party with a safety mindset.

The ship itself is a 40-foot sailing catamaran, which matters because it tends to feel stable and social, not like you’re cramped into a narrow boat. And you have basic comforts onboard like towels, life jackets, and a restroom, which makes the whole day easier once you’re out there.

Getting to Puerto Aventuras, then out on the water

You meet at Riviera Elite: Yachts in Tulum and Playa Del Carmen at Av. Bahia Yanten Manzana 33, Lot 9, Local 12, in Puerto Aventuras. The tour ends back at the same meeting point, so you’re not stuck figuring out a new pickup spot later.

You’ll choose either a morning or afternoon departure time. That small choice helps a lot because it lets you plan your snorkeling around the rest of your day, whether you want a full morning on the water or a late-afternoon sail with sunset-style views.

This is also offered in English and uses a mobile ticket. Confirmation happens within 48 hours of booking, as long as the date is available. That makes it simple if you’re coordinating with a hotel schedule or a group itinerary.

In-Ha reef stop: calm water, big wildlife energy

The first sailing leg heads north from Puerto Aventuras for about an hour, toward a semi-sheltered reef area called In-Ha. This stop is the snorkeling anchor of the trip.

I like that the spot is described as calm and clear. When water is more stable, you can actually enjoy looking around instead of spending the whole time fighting currents or trying to keep your footing. In the experience, you’re guided toward seeing reef life, with common highlights including sea turtles and colorful tropical fish, plus sting rays in the wider set of sightings.

Snorkeling here is not mandatory. If you’d rather stay onboard, you can relax on the catamaran, sunbathe, and snack while the rest of your group does the water time. That flexibility is a big deal if you’re traveling with a mix of strong swimmers and people who just want the view.

While people are in the water, the crew keeps the onboard side going. Expect snacks, cocktails, and refreshments during the In-Ha window, and you’ll also be set up for ceviche later as part of the overall meal rhythm of the tour.

One more detail I think matters: the reef stop is long enough to make it feel like real snorkeling time, not a quick look-see. The goal is to give you enough minutes to actually get your breathing, your goggles fit, and your sense of where the turtles and fish are moving.

La Bocana finale stop: shallow water, music, and ceviche lunch

After the In-Ha stop, the catamaran heads to the second highlight: La Bocana. This is a different kind of water moment, and the way it’s described is why people treat it like the finale.

La Bocana is shallow and clear, which changes how the day feels. Instead of thinking about gear and staying afloat in open water, you can enjoy that light, party-like sensation of floating in a spot that feels more forgiving. The experience even calls out music and a kind of celebration atmosphere, so expect the crew to turn the volume up and keep the vibe moving.

Ceviche lunch is part of this stop, and there’s an open bar flowing through the final stretch. If you want to eat while still close to the water, this is the moment to do it. If you prefer to stay onboard, you can still enjoy the shallow-water scenery, watch the group in the water, and keep drinks and snacks going without missing the social energy.

There’s also an extra practical value here. Because La Bocana is set up like a final stop, it’s where you can decide how you want to end the day. If snorkeling felt great in the first place, you can go again. If your body wants a break, you can still enjoy the drinks, the food, and the views.

Troll fishing, and why the onboard cooking is part of the fun

One of the more memorable add-ons on this tour is troll fishing. Troll fishing gear is included, and if you catch anything, the crew can prepare it onboard with their chef’s secret family sauce.

I like this because it turns the activity from something passive into something you can influence. Even if you do not catch fish, you’re still out there doing a very Mexico way of spending time on the water, with the crew paying attention and helping you work the fishing gear.

If you do catch something, the value jumps. You’re not just watching it happen, you’re getting it cooked into the meal experience as part of what the crew is already doing with ceviche and snacks. That’s one reason the food on this kind of sailing trip feels like a highlight, not just a checkbox.

In the feedback, I’m also seeing the crew described as professional and safe, and I’ve picked up a theme of hands-on attention, including quick, real-world problem solving. One story that stands out is how crew members jumped into the water to save a cell phone cover, and then later to save an actual phone. That kind of effort tells me the staff treat safety and your gear like it matters, not like it’s an afterthought.

Food, drinks, and the comfort items that keep the day smooth

This tour’s included food and drink setup is a big part of its appeal. You get chips and other snacks, plus famous shrimp and fish ceviche served during the sail. The experience also includes meals beyond just snacks, and some people highlight burgers along with the ceviche.

Dietary needs are handled. Vegetarian and vegan options are available, and the tour asks you to advise dietary restrictions at booking. That’s a practical detail because the tour revolves around food stops, so you want the plan confirmed early rather than hoping something will work out on the day.

For drinks, the open bar is part of the package and includes tequila, rum, vodka, Mexican beer, bottled water, soft drinks, and juice. The way the tour is timed across the day, with snacks and cocktails during the snorkeling segment and open bar during the second stop, means you don’t feel like you’re waiting for the drinking part to start.

Comfort items are also included. Towels and snorkel and fishing gear are provided, and life jackets are included for water time. There’s a restroom onboard, which sounds basic, but on a 5-hour outing it makes a noticeable difference, especially for families.

Also worth knowing: the minimum drinking age is 18. Children and young adults under 18 must be accompanied by at least one adult. That keeps the experience family-friendly in the sense that kids can come, while still keeping alcohol rules straightforward.

Price and value for groups up to 15

The price is $2,258.96 per group, up to 15 people, for about 5 hours. Private tours often price like this: a flat group cost, where value depends on how full your boat is.

If you fill it close to the maximum, that’s roughly $151 per person (based on $2,258.96 divided by 15). If you have a smaller group, the per-person cost climbs fast, but you still may find it worth it if you care about privacy, the crew doing everything for you, and having snorkeling gear and a restroom onboard.

This is one of those tours where you’re paying for more than a ride. You’re paying for two real water stops in different types of water, plus a long snack and meal flow, plus unlimited drinks, plus the convenience of private crew attention. When you compare that to paying separately for a public catamaran, entry, and food and then dealing with cramped conditions, the group structure can start to look pretty fair.

Booking about 25 days in advance is common on average. That’s a hint to lock in your preferred departure time early, especially if you’re traveling in peak seasons or with a group that needs a specific morning or afternoon slot.

What can affect your day: weather and water conditions

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

Even when the company runs the trip, water conditions can still vary. In the feedback I saw a case where the first stop had rougher water, while the second stop was amazing. That tells me the day is resilient, but it also means your comfort level at the first snorkeling window can shift depending on conditions that day.

Your best move is to pick a date when you expect stable weather, and to stay flexible with expectations. If your group keeps a positive mindset, you’re still out on a private catamaran with food, drinks, and a second stop that’s designed to be fun even if the first water moment is a little less smooth.

Who this catamaran trip suits best

This is a strong fit if you want a private sailing day with real snorkeling time, open bar, and onboard cooking that feels like more than snack duty. It’s especially good for group celebrations, because the flow of the day plus the music and finale vibe at La Bocana naturally supports birthdays and special events.

It’s also a fit for families who want structure. The tour includes life jackets, towels, gear, and a restroom onboard, and the crew is experienced with mixed ages, with at least one family described as traveling with five children and getting tailored attention.

If you’re traveling as a couple or small group, it can still work. You’ll just want to be honest about value, because the price is per group. If you’d rather spend less and share a boat, this may feel expensive.

Should you book this 40-foot private catamaran in Puerto Aventuras?

Book it if you want a private, crew-run sailing day with two distinct water stops, included snorkeling gear, and a food and drink setup that keeps the whole time feeling like a true vacation day. The combination of In-Ha snorkeling, open bar, and fresh ceviche plus the option for troll fishing is a rare mix for a 5-hour itinerary.

Skip it if your plans are strict around a single departure date and you hate weather uncertainty, because the tour does depend on good conditions. Also, if you are hunting for a quiet, low-key day with minimal food and drinks, this one is built for social energy.

If your priority is maximum time on the water with minimal hassle, this private catamaran is a solid choice.

FAQ

How long is the catamaran tour?

The experience lasts about 5 hours.

Is this a private tour?

Yes. It is a private tour/activity, and only your group participates.

What group size is the tour set up for?

The price is per group for up to 15 people.

Do I get to choose between morning and afternoon?

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

Where do we meet for the tour?

You meet 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 activity ends back at the meeting point.

What’s included in the price?

The tour includes a private experience, lunch and snacks, snorkel gear and life jackets, towels, a restroom on board, troll fishing gear, and 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.

Are vegetarian or vegan options available?

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

What happens if the tour is canceled due to weather?

The experience requires good weather. If it is canceled due to poor weather, you will be offered a different date or a full refund.

Is the booking refundable if I cancel?

No. This experience is non-refundable and cannot be changed for any reason. If you cancel or request an amendment, the amount you paid will not be refunded.