5H Private 44′ Catamaran All-Inclusive – Tulum & Playa del Carmen

Snorkeling from a private catamaran feels great. This 5-hour 44-foot charter from the Puerto Aventuras area (close to Tulum and Playa del Carmen) is all about great views from the water and two swim and snorkel stops where you actually get time to enjoy the Caribbean.

I also love how the day stays easy and social. You get an open bar plus lunch on board, and the snorkeling setup is handled for you with towels and gear ready to use, not just instructions. Crew names like Vicky, Neri, Omar, and Yair come up often, and the service style described is the same theme: steady attention, not a hands-off vibe.

One possible drawback is cost creep. The tour price is per group (up to 15), but you should budget for a $20 dock fee per person, and private transportation is extra if you need it.

Key highlights at a glance

• 44-foot private catamaran feel, with space for up to 30 people
• In-Ha reef stop for calm, clear snorkeling, with sea turtles and colorful fish
• La Bocana stop for a shallow, party-style swim and music
• All-inclusive vibe: open bar with tequila, rum, vodka, Mexican beer, and more
• Lunch served on board, including shrimp and fish ceviche plus snacks
• Trolling option with fishing gear included, plus chef-prepared catch

Launching from Puerto Aventuras for a Tulum and Playa day

If you’re basing yourself around Tulum or Playa del Carmen, Puerto Aventuras makes a lot of sense. You start at the Riviera Elite meeting point in Puerto Aventuras, and from there you head north toward the best water for snorkeling. It’s a clean way to trade traffic and crowds for open sea and quick access to calm reef areas.

This tour is also designed so you’re not stuck with a long schedule. It’s planned around two water stops plus time cruising back, and it stays focused on swimming, snorkeling, eating, and drinking. You also have a restroom on board, which is a small detail that makes the whole day feel smoother.

What the 44-foot catamaran experience feels like (and what you get)

This is a private charter, meaning only your group is on the boat. That matters because the atmosphere is controlled by your group size and your pace. You’re not sharing the day with strangers who treat the snorkeling like a checklist.

The boat is a 44-foot catamaran with a setup meant for comfort, and the listing notes space for up to 30 people. In practice, the booking is priced per group up to 15, so it’s usually best when your group fills the sweet spot between lively and relaxed.

Included onboard basics are practical:

• Towels
• Snorkel gear
• Fishing gear (if you want to troll-fish)
• Restroom
• Lunch with snacks
• Open bar with unlimited drinks

One more thing that’s quietly valuable: a mobile ticket. It keeps the start of the day simple.

Stop 1 at In-Ha: calm reef snorkeling and snack-and-sip time

The first stop is a semi-sheltered reef area called In-Ha. The big win here is the water conditions. Semi-sheltered means clearer, calmer water compared with many open stretches, which makes snorkeling feel more forgiving when you’re not an expert swimmer.

At In-Ha, you’ll have time to swim and snorkel, and the reef life described includes sea turtles and colorful tropical fish. You’re not just floating for a photo op. This is a proper swim stop, with enough time to get comfortable in the water before you move on.

While you’re in or out of the ocean, the crew keeps the day moving. Snacks and cocktails are served, and lunch includes shrimp and fish ceviche made onboard. That’s a nice setup because you can bounce between activities without feeling like you’re waiting around for the “real” food later.

If you’d rather not get in the water, you’re not forced into it. You can stay onboard, sunbathe, and keep an eye on the snorkeling from above, still with drinks and snacks.

Stop 2 at La Bocana: shallow water, ceviche, and music on the finale swim

The second stop is La Bocana, described as shallow and clear. That combination tends to make people braver in the water. It also works well if your group has mixed comfort levels, since you can wade and float without the ocean doing all the work.

This is the finale-style stop. Many people choose to enjoy ceviche here, alongside the open bar. The plan includes music too, and the tone shifts toward a more party-like vibe, with everyone enjoying the views from the sea.

A practical tip: if you’re with people who don’t snorkel, La Bocana is often where you keep the group together. The water is easy to access, and the whole stop feels like a shared hang, not separate activities.

Open bar lineup and how to plan your day around it

The open bar is a clear part of the value. You can expect tequila, rum, vodka, Mexican beer, bottled water, soft drinks, and juice. It’s unlimited, which is great for groups that want a true “all-inclusive” feel without doing drink-by-drink math.

For non-drinkers, the schedule still works because the bar includes plenty of non-alcohol options like bottled water, soft drinks, and juice. So you’re not stuck in a situation where the food and fun only really works for part of the group.

For everyone: the tour runs about 5 hours. With open bar and a swim-heavy itinerary, I’d treat the day like a light beach day plus sun exposure. Bring your sunscreen habit, and pace yourself so snorkeling stays fun, not rushed.

Lunch onboard: ceviche, snacks, and dietary options that you should request early

Lunch is served onboard with snacks, and the featured items include shrimp and fish ceviche. You’ll also have chips and other snacks during the day. The idea here is simple: you get fed during the actual sea time, not after you’re already tired.

Vegetarian and vegan options are available if you advise at booking. That’s important, because you don’t want to wait until you’re already on the boat to figure out what you can eat. If your group has dietary needs, message the operator at the time you reserve, so the crew can plan the menu.

From the way the day is described, lunch isn’t an afterthought. It’s built into the rhythm: snacks and drinks while you snorkel, ceviche during the middle and/or second stop, and cruising time afterward.

Trolling for fish: optional fun that can turn into a real meal

If you like the idea of trying something active beyond snorkeling, the tour includes troll fishing. Fishing gear is provided, and the tour description notes that anything you catch can be prepared onboard with the chef’s secret family sauce.

That’s a big deal for two reasons:

1. You’re not just fishing for the thrill, you might get to eat your catch.
2. The chef-prep angle makes it feel integrated into the experience rather than a random add-on.

If you want this option, keep your expectations flexible. It depends on what you catch, but the tour gives you the chance to try and then see what happens.

Price and value: what $2,479.34 per group really means

The price is $2,479.34 per group for up to 15 people, for an experience that runs about 5 hours. That sounds high until you look at what’s included.

Let’s do simple math, because it helps you decide:

• If you book the full group of 15, it’s about $165 per person for the charter portion.
• Then add the dock fee of $20 per person, which brings it closer to about $185 per person total (before any extra transportation costs).

If your group is smaller, the per-person charter cost rises, so this tour becomes best value when you can fill the boat with 10 to 15 people.

What makes it feel like value in the real world is the combination:

• Private boat experience
• Two snorkel swim stops
• Open bar with multiple alcohol choices plus soft options
• Lunch with ceviche and snacks
• Gear and towels included
• Restroom onboard

The main “watch-outs” for value are extra costs that aren’t included: dock fees and private transportation if you need it.

Who should book this (and who might not)

This tour is a strong match if you want:

• A private boat day instead of a crowded shared tour
• Real snorkeling time with a calm reef stop like In-Ha
• An all-inclusive food-and-drink schedule
• A group vibe for birthdays, bachelorette-style celebrations, and family trips

It’s also a good fit for people who don’t want to constantly negotiate logistics. The crew runs the day, gear is provided, and the meal happens during sea time.

It may be less ideal if:

• You’re traveling as a couple who can’t share the cost
• You’re hoping for a full day ashore in Tulum or Playa, since this is built around the water
• You’re traveling with anyone under 18 without an accompanying adult (the tour notes that minors must be accompanied by at least one adult)

Practical tips to make the 5 hours feel effortless

Here’s how to get the most out of the day without stress:

• Budget cash or card for the $20 dock fee per person.
• Plan swimwear that you can wear immediately. You’ll want to be ready when it’s time to get in.
• If you have dietary needs, request vegetarian or vegan options when you book.
• If your group includes both snorkelers and non-snorkelers, you’re in luck. In-Ha supports snorkeling, and La Bocana is shallow, clear, and easier for casual water time.
• Consider bringing sunglasses and something for sun protection. You’ll be out on the water for the full 5-hour window.

The overall service style described by people who’ve taken this charter centers on crew attentiveness. In plain terms: you can relax because someone is watching the details for you.

Should you book this private 44-foot catamaran day?

I’d book it if you want a true private charter day built around snorkeling, good food, and an easy social pace. The value is strongest when you can get closer to the full group size, and the all-inclusive mix (open bar plus lunch plus gear) makes the day feel more complete than most half-day excursions.

I’d think twice if you’re cost-sensitive with a small group, or if your ideal Tulum experience is mostly walking around town. This is a sea-first plan. It’s best when your priority is water time, reef snorkeling, and spending the afternoon with your group on a luxury catamaran.

If you match that vibe, this charter is the kind of “one day, done right” plan that you’ll remember long after the sand dries.

FAQ

How long is the 5H private catamaran tour?

It runs for about 5 hours.

Where does the tour depart from?

It departs from the Puerto Aventuras marina area, with the meeting point listed as Riviera Elite: Yachts in Tulum and Playa Del Carmen, Av. Bahia Yanten Manzana 33, Lot 9, Local 12, 77750 Puerto Aventuras, Q.R., Mexico.

Is the tour private or shared?

It is private. Only your group will participate.

How big is the catamaran group capacity?

The charter is booked per group up to 15, and the catamaran has space for up to 30 people.

What snorkeling stops are included?

The tour includes at least two stops to swim and snorkel: In-Ha and La Bocana.

What is included in the price?

Lunch with snacks, towels, snorkeling and fishing gear, open bar with unlimited drinks (alcoholic and non-alcoholic), a private tour, and a restroom on board.

What drinks are included in the open bar?

Tequila, rum, vodka, Mexican beer, bottled water, soft drinks, and juice.

Are vegetarian or vegan options available?

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

What extra fees should I plan for?

A dock fee of $20.00 per person is not included. Private transportation is also not included, and pricing varies depending on your location.

What is the cancellation policy?

Free cancellation is available up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund. If you cancel less than 24 hours before the start time, the amount paid is not refunded. If it is canceled due to poor weather, you are offered a different date or a full refund.