Five hours on the water goes fast. This all-inclusive luxury catamaran pairs snorkeling at two reef stops with unlimited drinks, plus a ceviche lunch served onboard.

I like that it feels like a true private charter for up to 15 people, so the day runs at your group’s pace instead of waiting around for other boats. I also like the practical touch that snorkeling equipment is included, so you can get in the water without last-minute gear hunting.

One consideration: the listed price doesn’t include the dock fee, so you’ll want to budget an extra $20 per person for the marina stop.

Key highlights

• Unlimited beer, liquor, soft drinks, mixers, and bottled water throughout the trip
• Ceviche lunch (or an alternative) served onboard between the swim stops
• Snorkeling equipment provided, so you only need your swimsuit and sunscreen
• In-Ha reef for calm, crystal-clear water and a real shot at seeing sea turtles
• La Bocana shallow stop with music, built for easy, relaxed floating and photos
• Troll fishing available, with anything you catch prepared onboard

Luxury on a private catamaran: how the 5 hours work

This is a short, sweet day on the water. You’re looking at about 5 hours total, with a cruise out to the first reef area, time to swim, a second stop to enjoy the water from the boat, and then you return to the same meeting point.

The biggest value is the way the inclusions stack together: unlimited drinks, snacks, and lunch are all built into the trip, so once you’re onboard you’re not constantly figuring out what costs extra. And because it’s a private charter for up to 15 people, your group doesn’t have to share space with strangers or feel rushed by a big schedule of multiple parties.

The crew matters here too. On past departures, I’ve seen names like Celeste, NerI, Angel, and Omar mentioned for keeping the day moving smoothly, especially when the water gets a little choppy.

Getting on board at Puerto Aventuras and where you return

The tour starts at Riviera Elite: Yachts in Tulum and Playa Del Carmen at Av. Bahia Yanten Manzana 33, Lot 9, Local 12, in Puerto Aventuras. It ends back at the same place, so you’re not dealing with a complicated pickup/drop-off at the end of your day.

Two practical notes for planning:

• Private transportation is not included, and the cost can vary based on where you’re staying.
• There’s also a dock fee ($20 per person) that isn’t included in the main price.

If you’re staying in the Tulum or Playa del Carmen area, using Puerto Aventuras as the marina base is often a good tradeoff: it keeps the boat day focused on the fun parts, not long transfers.

In-Ha reef snorkeling: calmer water and turtle odds

Your first stop is a semi-sheltered reef area called In-Ha. The pitch here is simple: it’s known for calm, crystal-clear water, which makes it easier to enjoy the swim even if you’re not an experienced snorkeler.

This stop is where you have the best chance of seeing sea turtles, along with colorful tropical fish and other reef life. And because the snorkeling environment is described as sheltered, you can spend more time looking around and less time battling waves.

While you’re out there, the onboard crew serves snacks and keeps the drinks flowing. After or between swim time, you’ll also have a ceviche moment—shrimp and fish are specifically mentioned—so you’re not stuck hungry after you get your water time.

La Bocana shallow stop with music and easy swimming

After the reef swim, you head to La Bocana. This is the more relaxed stop: it’s described as really shallow and clear, which is great if you want to float, stand partway, or just enjoy the view without deep-water snorkeling.

Music plays from the boat, and the vibe shifts from active snorkel time to a more hang-out style. If you’re traveling with mixed skill levels—some people who want to swim a lot and others who just want to enjoy the ocean—this stop helps make the day feel fair for everyone.

A small drawback: because this is shallow and built around easy water time, it’s not the same kind of reef experience as the first stop. Think of it as the reset button before you head back.

Ceviche lunch, snacks, and unlimited bar value

This is an all-inclusive catamaran day where food and drinks are not an afterthought. You can expect unlimited beer, liquor, soft drinks, mixers, water, and bottled water onboard, along with snacks and a lunch.

The lunch is described as a ceviche lunch (or an alternative). Shrimp and fish ceviche are mentioned as part of the onboard serving, which is a big reason people rate this trip so highly. In real-world terms, it means you’re getting a proper meal during your 5-hour window instead of just grazing.

One reason this stands out is consistency: the ceviche and guacamole are praised as the best onboard food people have had. Even if you don’t drink alcohol, the non-alcohol side still adds value—mixers and soft drinks are included, and bottled water is part of the deal.

Two things to keep in mind:

• The minimum drinking age is 18, so if you’re bringing teens, their access to alcohol is restricted.
• If you have dietary needs, there’s a path—see the next section.

Snorkeling gear, diet choices, and who can join

If you want the day to feel low-stress, this is where the trip earns points. All snorkeling equipment is provided, so you don’t need to pack masks or fins or hope they’re available at the last minute.

It also states that most travelers can participate, which suggests the trip is set up for a broad range of comfort levels. That said, you’ll still be dealing with ocean water and getting on/off a boat—so if you have mobility issues, you’ll want to consider whether you can comfortably handle that.

Dietary flexibility is clearly offered. Vegetarian/vegan options and other dietary restrictions are available if you advise at booking. That matters because ceviche-focused meals can be tricky on some tours, but here you’re told there’s an alternative route.

Finally, the trip notes a few group rules:

• Service animals are allowed.
• Children and young adults 18 and under must be accompanied by at least one adult.

Troll fishing option with onboard prep

There’s an extra add-on style activity available: troll fishing during the outing. If you catch something, you can have it prepared onboard with the chef’s secret family sauce.

This is a fun option if you like trying something hands-on rather than only sightseeing. The practical expectation: fishing isn’t guaranteed, so treat it as a bonus experience. Still, the fact that anything you catch can be cooked onboard is a nice touch for people who want the day to feel more personal.

Price math for a group of up to 15

The price is listed as $1,931.04 per group (up to 15 passengers). That means your per-person cost depends on how full the charter is.

• If you fill all 15 spots: about $129 per person for the core experience.
• If you only have, say, 8 people: it jumps closer to $241 per person.

So this charter is usually best when you’re traveling with a group that can actually share the cost. It’s also the kind of price that makes more sense when you’ll use the included perks—especially unlimited drinks and the included meal.

Don’t forget two excluded costs:

• Dock fee: $20 per person
• Private transportation, which varies by your exact pickup location

The smart way to judge value is to compare what you’d pay for a private boat plus snorkeling equipment plus lunch plus drinks if you were booking each part separately. Here, those pieces are bundled, and that’s what keeps the cost from feeling one-sided.

What to bring and how to handle choppy moments

Even on a luxury catamaran, ocean conditions can change. One of the nicest parts of the day is that the crew handles the experience smoothly even when the water gets a bit rough, and the service stays on track.

For you, the practical packing list is simple:

• Sunscreen (water-friendly), sunglasses, and a hat
• A cover-up or light layer for breeze
• A dry bag or waterproof phone pouch, if you want photos
• Swimsuit and reef-safe habits (since you’ll be around marine life)
• If you’re prone to motion sickness, bring what works for you ahead of time

Also, since the dock fee is per person, I’d treat it like part of your budget from the start. It’s not huge, but it’s the kind of detail that feels annoying if you only remember at check-in.

Should you book this all-inclusive catamaran day?

Book this if you want an easy, adult-friendly ocean day with real snorkeling time, a strong chance of seeing sea turtles, and a meal that feels like part of the outing, not a snack afterthought. It’s especially appealing for birthdays and small friend groups because the charter size stays intimate and the inclusions reduce decision fatigue.

Skip it or rethink if your group is small and won’t get near the 15-person limit, because the price is per charter. Also, the trip depends on good weather, so if your dates are inflexible, you might feel more comfortable having a backup plan.

If you’re aiming for a low-stress, high-comfort day from the Playa del Carmen/Tulum orbit, this is the kind of outing that fits the bill.

FAQ

How long is the catamaran tour?

The experience runs for about 5 hours.

How many people are included in the private charter?

It’s priced per private group for up to 15 passengers.

Where does the tour depart from?

It starts at the Riviera Elite meeting point in Puerto Aventuras, at Av. Bahia Yanten Manzana 33, Lot 9, Local 12, 77750.

What stops are included during the trip?

There are two stops: In-Ha and La Bocana, with time to enjoy the water at each.

Is snorkeling equipment included?

Yes. All snorkeling equipment is provided.

Is lunch included, and what does it include?

Lunch is included and is described as a ceviche lunch or an alternative.

Are vegetarian or vegan options available?

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

Is alcohol included on board?

Yes. Unlimited alcohol and soft drinks are available, but the minimum drinking age is 18.

Is there a dock fee?

Yes. A dock fee of $20 per person is not included in the base price.

What’s the cancellation policy if weather is bad?

The experience requires good weather. If it’s canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund. Free cancellation is available up to 24 hours before the start time for a full refund.