REVIEW · PLAYA DEL CARMEN
5H 42′ Azimut Yacht All-Inclusive from Tulum & Playa del Carmen.
Book on Viator →Operated by Riviera Elite · Bookable on Viator
Sunshine, snorkeling, and ceviche.
This private Azimut yacht cruise around the Riviera Maya is built for easy luxury: you sail from Puerto Aventuras, hit two great water stops, and spend the return trip enjoying an unlimited open bar with snacks and freshly prepared food.
What I like most is the way the day balances activity and downtime. You get snorkel gear and life jackets so you can enjoy In-Ha reef without stress, and you also have plenty of time to relax onboard if the water’s not your thing. The other standout is how the crew keeps the vibe “royal” without making it stuffy. One host named Manuel comes up in the experience as a standout, and that kind of attentive, professional service is exactly what turns a boat trip into a memory.
One consideration: you’ll want decent weather. This experience is weather-dependent, and if it can’t run due to poor conditions, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund.
In This Review
- Key Points You’ll Care About Before You Go
- Why This 5-Hour Private Yacht Cruise From Puerto Aventuras Feels Like VIP Time
- The All-Inclusive Setup: What’s Included on the Azimut Yacht
- Getting to the Yacht: Puerto Aventuras Meeting Point and Timing Tips
- Stop One at In-Ha Reef: Calm Snorkeling, Sea Turtles, and Easy Access
- Ceviche + Open Bar at La Bocana: A Shallow Finale Party Stop
- Optional Extras: Troll Fishing and the Chef’s Family Sauce Twist
- Food and Drinks: Unlimited Tequila, Rum, Mexican Beer, and Dietary Flexibility
- Private Yacht for Up to 15: What the Group Size Changes
- Price and Value: What $1,818.19 Per Group Really Buys
- Weather, Water Conditions, and Packing for a Smooth Sail
- Should You Book This Private Yacht Snorkeling Tour or Skip It?
- FAQ
- How long is the yacht cruise?
- Where does the tour start and end?
- Is this a private tour?
- How many snorkeling stops are included?
- What snorkeling gear is provided?
- What’s included for food and drinks?
- Can the ceviche lunch be adjusted for dietary needs?
- How does the dock fee work?
- Is there an age limit for alcohol?
- What happens if the weather is poor?
Key Points You’ll Care About Before You Go

- Two top snorkeling stops: In-Ha for calmer reef time, then La Bocana for a shallow, party-like finale
- All-inclusive drinks with unlimited tequila, rum, vodka, Mexican beer, plus non-alcoholic drinks
- Ceviche lunch that can be adjusted for vegetarian/vegan and other dietary restrictions when you book
- Private yacht for up to 15, so the day feels more like your group than a crowd
- Optional troll fishing, with anything you catch prepared onboard with the chef’s family-style sauce
Why This 5-Hour Private Yacht Cruise From Puerto Aventuras Feels Like VIP Time

If your idea of a good day on the water is equal parts sea time and being cared for, this is a strong match. You don’t just get a boat and a schedule. You get a private luxury yacht experience with a crew that keeps things moving at a relaxed pace.
The trip is built around two very different water moments. First, you head to a semi-sheltered reef area where snorkeling is calm and clear, with a good chance of seeing reef life including sea turtles. Then you shift to a more shallow, scenic “in the moment” stop where you can enjoy your ceviche and drinks right near the surface. That pacing matters. It keeps the day from feeling like one long scramble.
Also, the tone is the real win. People highlight feeling treated like royalty, and that tracks with what the day is designed to do: easy access to the water, nonstop refreshments, and a crew that’s present without hovering.
You can also read our reviews of more boat tours in Playa del Carmen
The All-Inclusive Setup: What’s Included on the Azimut Yacht

This isn’t a “pay-as-you-go” cruise. The value is in how much the trip covers so you can focus on the fun.
Here’s what’s included:
- Lunch and snacks onboard
- Restroom on board
- Snorkel gear and life jackets
- Towels
- Open bar with unlimited drinks (alcoholic and non-alcoholic)
- A private tour where only your group participates
The open bar list is refreshingly specific: tequila, rum, vodka, Mexican beer, bottled water, soft drinks, and juice. You also get chips and other snacks, plus freshly made shrimp and fish ceviche.
One practical detail I appreciate: you’ll have the gear and towels handled for you. In places like this, that alone can save time and hassle. It also helps the trip stay flexible if you switch from snorkeling to lounging halfway through the day.
Getting to the Yacht: Puerto Aventuras Meeting Point and Timing Tips
Your meeting point is at Riviera Elite: Yachts in Tulum and Playa Del Carmen in Puerto Aventuras. The address is: Av. Bahia Yanten Manzana 33, Lot 9, Local 12, 77750 Puerto Aventuras, Q.R., Mexico.
A few timing notes that will help:
- Expect the full experience to run about 5 hours.
- This is offered in English and uses a mobile ticket.
- Confirmation is received within 48 hours of booking, depending on availability.
Also, there’s an important extra cost to plan for: there’s a dock fee of $20.00 per person. It’s not listed as included, so budget for it.
Private transportation is another variable. If you need a ride to the marina, the tour notes that private transportation costs vary depending on your location. If you’re already in Puerto Aventuras or close by, you may be able to keep costs down.
Stop One at In-Ha Reef: Calm Snorkeling, Sea Turtles, and Easy Access

The first stop is at In-Ha, a semi-sheltered reef area. The boat heads north from Puerto Aventuras for about an hour, then you arrive at water that’s known for being clear and calm.
This is the part of the trip that snorkeling fans tend to remember most. You can swim in the calm, crystal-clear water and look for reef life such as sea turtles and colorful tropical fish. Even if you’re not an expert, the setup helps: life jackets and snorkel gear are provided, and the reef area is described as a top Riviera Maya snorkeling spot.
Here’s the balance that makes it work:
- If you want to snorkel, you’ll have time to do it and actually enjoy it rather than rushing.
- If you don’t, that’s fine too. You can stay onboard and sunbathe while the crew serves snacks and drinks.
While you’re out in the water, the onboard team serves refreshments and snacks, and you’ll also get that early ceviche moment on the way to later lunch. It’s a good “warm-up” stop because it’s scenic and relaxed at the same time.
Practical tip: bring your sunscreen and keep an eye on how long you’re in the water. The day is longer than you think once you factor in drinks, snacks, and swapping between onboard and snorkeling time.
Ceviche + Open Bar at La Bocana: A Shallow Finale Party Stop

Your second stop is La Bocana, and it plays like a finale. You can enjoy ceviche lunch there, and the open bar continues.
This is also where you’ll likely feel the energy shift. La Bocana is described as shallow and clear, so it’s easy to hang out in the water rather than committing to long swims. It’s a little more social, too, because the environment makes it natural to float, talk, and watch what’s around you.
The boat also supports the vibe by playing your favorite music. That’s one of those details that can sound small, but it changes the mood. A lot of yacht days feel similar; music and a shallow, scenic stop is what makes this one feel like a “finish strong” moment.
One note: the ceviche lunch happens at different points in the day depending on how you like to schedule your time in the water. Either way, you’ll have that food and drink window without needing to leave the boat.
You can also read our reviews of more sailing experiences in Playa del Carmen
Optional Extras: Troll Fishing and the Chef’s Family Sauce Twist

If you want something beyond snorkeling and relaxing, this tour offers troll fishing. The idea is simple: you fish along the way, and anything you catch can be prepared onboard by the chef using a family-style sauce.
Even if you don’t fish, this option is still part of what makes the tour feel like more than a standard “two stops and done” schedule. It adds a different kind of anticipation during the cruise time between the two reef areas.
One practical reality: you’ll want to keep your expectations realistic. Fishing outcomes can vary, and the tour doesn’t promise a catch count. But as an add-on experience, it’s a fun way to create variety on the water.
Food and Drinks: Unlimited Tequila, Rum, Mexican Beer, and Dietary Flexibility

This is where the trip feels most “all-inclusive.” You’ll be offered unlimited drinks throughout the day, and the list covers a mix of spirits and non-alcoholic options. That matters because you can keep a relaxed pace without worrying about ordering, paying, or rationing.
The beverage lineup includes:
- Alcoholic: tequila, rum, vodka, Mexican beer
- Non-alcoholic: bottled water, soft drinks, juice
- Plus snacks and chips alongside the food
The ceviche is a core part of lunch and snack culture here. You get shrimp and fish ceviche, described as freshly made onboard. The tour also notes that your ceviche lunch can be adjusted based on dietary restrictions, including vegetarian/vegan options if you request them in advance.
This part is genuinely valuable if you’re traveling with a mixed group. Many tours handle dietary needs poorly or label everything as flexible without actually making it happen. Here, the process is built into booking. If you have restrictions, make sure you flag them when you arrange the tour so they can plan.
Also, a small but important note: the minimum drinking age is 18. If you’re traveling with younger guests, plan on a non-alcoholic focus for them.
Private Yacht for Up to 15: What the Group Size Changes

This is a private tour, meaning only your group participates. The group size mentioned is up to 15 people per group, which is big enough to feel lively but small enough to keep the experience from becoming a crowded boat day.
That sweet spot affects everything:
- You can move through snorkeling time without feeling rushed.
- The crew can tailor attention to your group.
- The vibe tends to feel smoother, especially at La Bocana when music and hanging out in shallow water make the time feel like a mini celebration.
From a comfort standpoint, it also makes the onboard experience more manageable. You’re not sharing space with strangers who might treat the trip like a checklist.
Price and Value: What $1,818.19 Per Group Really Buys
The listed price is $1,818.19 per group (up to 15) for about 5 hours. On paper, that sounds pricey. But you’re not paying per person for a seat. You’re booking the yacht experience—crew service, snorkeling gear, towels, meals/snacks, and an unlimited open bar—for your group.
Then there’s the small extra budget line: the $20.00 dock fee per person, which you should factor in. Also, if you need private transportation to Puerto Aventuras, that price varies.
So how do you decide if it’s worth it? Here’s the practical way to think about it:
- If you’re traveling as a group of 8 to 15 and you’ll drink and eat onboard, this can be a strong value because the included perks replace what you’d otherwise pay during the day.
- If you’re a pair or a small group, the total may feel less appealing because you’re still paying for the whole private yacht setup.
Best fit: families or friend groups who want a “pay once, relax the whole time” experience with snorkeling included.
Weather, Water Conditions, and Packing for a Smooth Sail
This tour requires good weather. If conditions aren’t right, the experience can be canceled and you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund.
To make the day easier, pack like you’re going to spend hours on and in the water:
- Sunscreen and a hat
- Swimsuit and something easy to change into
- Quick-dry footwear if you plan to hang out in the shallow stop at La Bocana
- A light layer for the boat ride back if you get chilly on the water
Also, if you’re prone to sea discomfort, plan to go slow at the start. The itinerary begins with a cruise to the first stop, then shifts to snorkeling time. Ease into the day rather than trying to do everything at once.
Should You Book This Private Yacht Snorkeling Tour or Skip It?
Book it if you want:
- A private yacht experience in the Riviera Maya
- Two snorkeling stops with a calm first stop (In-Ha) and an easier, shallow second stop (La Bocana)
- Unlimited drinks and a ceviche lunch built into the schedule
- A trip designed so you can snorkel or lounge without feeling off-plan
Skip it if:
- Your dates are flexible only in theory. Since it’s weather-dependent and not refundable or changeable once booked, you’ll want some confidence in your schedule.
- You’re traveling solo or as a tiny group and won’t use the all-inclusive perks. The value is strongest when your group can split the total cost and fully enjoy the drinks, meals, and private boat time.
If you fit the “group + want an easy, polished day” category, this is the kind of tour where the details add up: proper gear, real food onboard, and crew service that makes you feel looked after.
FAQ
How long is the yacht cruise?
It runs for about 5 hours.
Where does the tour start and end?
It starts and ends at the meeting point at Riviera Elite: Yachts in Tulum and Playa Del Carmen in Puerto Aventuras.
Is this a private tour?
Yes. It’s a private tour, so only your group participates.
How many snorkeling stops are included?
The itinerary includes two stops for swimming/snorkeling: In-Ha and La Bocana.
What snorkeling gear is provided?
The tour includes snorkel gear and life jackets, plus towels.
What’s included for food and drinks?
You get lunch and snacks plus an open bar with unlimited drinks. Alcoholic options include tequila, rum, vodka, and Mexican beer. Non-alcoholic options include bottled water, soft drinks, and juice.
Can the ceviche lunch be adjusted for dietary needs?
Yes. Vegetarian/Vegan options and other dietary restrictions are available, and you should advise them at booking.
How does the dock fee work?
A dock fee of $20.00 per person is not included in the main price.
Is there an age limit for alcohol?
Yes. The minimum drinking age is 18.
What happens if the weather is poor?
The experience requires good weather. If it’s canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund.
































