A private catamaran day hits different in Mexico. You’ll sail from Puerto Aventuras to the In-Ha snorkeling area, then head to La Bocana for shallow-water fun, with a crew that keeps food and drinks moving and cooks what you catch. Two things I really love: the all-in, eat-and-drink setup (with shrimp and fish ceviche) and the way the crew turns the day into a smooth sequence, from calm reef water to a party-style final stop.

One possible drawback: weather matters. If conditions don’t cooperate for snorkeling, the crew can still make it a great day, but you should expect the plan to be weather-dependent on the water.

Key highlights at a glance

• Two reef stops that fit different comfort levels (deep snorkeling for some, relaxed onboard for others)
• Open bar plus real food service, not just snacks
• Crew-cooked catch plus optional troll fishing while you cruise
• Private tour for your group (up to 15 people), with a dedicated crew
• Dietary options available, including vegetarian and vegan if you ask ahead

Private 40′ catamaran in Tulum and Playa del Carmen: what you’re paying for

This is the kind of tour you book when you want more control than a big boat cruise. Instead of lining up with strangers, you get a true private setup for up to 15 people, with the crew running the show and your group’s schedule in mind. The boat is 40 feet, which is big enough for comfort and stability, yet still small enough to feel personal.

The price is listed per group (up to 15), not per seat. That matters because the value changes fast depending on how many people you bring. If you fill the group, the cost per person drops a lot; if it’s just a couple of friends, you’ll feel the higher per-person rate.

What makes this feel like good value is the package: snorkel gear, towels, lunch and snacks, and an open bar with unlimited drinks. Add in the fact that the crew grills/cooks fish you catch during the tour, and it shifts from a basic sightseeing trip into a full day on the water.

The 5-hour flow from Puerto Aventuras: cruise, snorkel, snack, repeat

The timing is straightforward: the trip runs about five hours, with either a morning or afternoon departure. The meeting point is in Puerto Aventuras, at Riviera Elite: Yachts in Tulum and Playa Del Carmen, Av. Bahia Yanten Manzana 33, Lot 9, Local 12 (you’ll head there to start the day).

Right after departure, the boat cruises north for about an hour toward the snorkeling stop at a semi-sheltered reef area called In-Ha. That travel time is part of the experience: it’s not just a transfer. You’re already on vacation mode, with drinks and snacks moving while you settle in.

After you snorkel and swim, you go to the second stop, La Bocana. This one is designed more like a finale—shallow, clear water where you can enjoy ceviche (and your drinks) and even hang out in the water while music plays. Then you cruise back slowly to Puerto Aventuras, keeping the open bar going and letting the Riviera Maya coastline work its magic as the day winds down.

In-Ha reef snorkeling: calm water, turtles, and a plan for non-swimmers

In-Ha is the snorkeling anchor of the day. The reef area is described as semi-sheltered, which is the best friend of anyone who gets seasick or just doesn’t want a wild ride while putting their face in the water. The water there is calm and clear, and it’s known for reef life—especially the chance to see sea turtles plus colorful tropical fish and other marine creatures.

Here’s the practical part: you’ll spend a good chunk of time snorkeling and swimming. If you don’t want to go in the water, you’re not stuck watching everyone else. The setup is flexible enough that you can relax onboard—sunbathing, holding a cocktail, and snacking while the swimmers enjoy the reef.

If snorkeling gets affected by conditions, take the hint from how the day is built. One review notes that rougher weather spoiled snorkeling at the first stop, but the crew still turned it into a great experience. So your best bet is to show up expecting that “on-water” details can shift, while the food, drinks, and overall vibe stay on track.

La Bocana: the shallow-water finale and ceviche lunch with music

La Bocana is where the tour shifts energy. It’s described as shallow and clear—more of a hangout stop than a full-on reef expedition. Many people use this time to enjoy ceviche lunch and the open bar, and you can do it from the boat or enjoy the water if you want.

This is also where the day feels social. The crew gets music going (including your favorite music, if you share it in advance), and it becomes more like a celebration at sea than a strict schedule. If you’ve got a mixed group—some swimmers, some not—this stop tends to work well because the “right” way to enjoy it is flexible.

One smart strategy for La Bocana: plan to be a little more present and less in camera mode. The water is shallow, so you can watch what’s happening around you without needing to commit to snorkeling gear for every minute. It’s the kind of stop where you get that easy, Mexico-on-the-water feeling.

Open bar and meals: what’s actually included (and what it feels like)

This is an all-inclusive setup in the real sense. You get an open bar with tequila, rum, vodka, Mexican beer, plus bottled water, soft drinks, and juice. Unlimited drinks usually sound like a marketing line, but the bigger point here is how the day is structured so you’re never waiting around for service.

Food is included too. Expect shrimp and fish ceviche served onboard, along with snacks like chips. The tour also references freshly made ceviche during the snorkeling stop, and ceviche lunch at La Bocana. A review adds that burgers can be part of the meal spread, so you can plan for more than one type of comfort food.

If you’re traveling with dietary needs, that’s a major plus. Vegetarian/vegan options are available if you request them at booking. One review specifically calls out vegan accommodations, which tells me they don’t just toss in a token option—they make an effort to match what people need.

Bottom line: this isn’t a “you eat whenever” situation. It’s a coordinated day where snacks, cocktails, and meals are woven into the cruise and the stops.

Catch your fish? Troll fishing and crew cooking on board

If you like the idea of doing something active without it turning into a full fishing expedition, this tour has a fun angle. You can try troll fishing while you cruise, and gear is provided.

If you catch fish, the tour includes onboard prep—described as being cooked/grilled by the crew (and paired with a chef’s secret family sauce). That matters because it turns your effort into something you actually taste, right there on the water.

Even if you don’t catch anything (it happens), you still get the structured meal plan and the snorkeling experience. So troll fishing is a bonus activity, not your entire payoff.

Practical note: fishing adds a bit of “hands-on time” for those who want it. If your group prefers to keep things chill, you can usually stay onboard and watch the process without pressure to participate.

The crew matters: professionalism, names you might hear, and safety vibes

The difference between a good boat day and a great one often comes down to the crew. Here, service shows up repeatedly: fast setup, clear guidance in the water, and a focus on keeping everyone comfortable.

You’ll also hear real names connected to the experience: Ramon gets thanked in one standout review, and there are mentions of crew such as Captain Ali, Fernando, Alan, Avan, Andre, Miguel, and the Luis team. I can’t promise you’ll get the exact same crew members, but the names do point to consistent attention and a team that remembers how to keep a day running.

Safety is handled in a practical way. Reviews reference professional and safe behavior, and there’s also a story about the crew jumping into the water to retrieve a cell phone cover and later a phone. That’s not something you need to plan for, but it’s a good sign of how responsible and hands-on the team can be.

Weather and water conditions: the one variable you should plan around

This tour requires good weather. That’s not a vague warning—it’s built into how the experience functions. Snorkeling depends on visibility and water conditions, and the semi-sheltered reef helps, but it can’t override everything.

So I treat this tour like this: if the day looks decent, it’s a slam dunk. If conditions look rough, keep expectations flexible. One review describes the water being rough at the first stop, but improving at the second, which is exactly why the itinerary has two different water moments.

If you want a smooth planning mindset, choose the departure time that fits your comfort. Morning can mean calmer seas in many regions, while afternoon can feel more relaxed for those who like a slower start. The tour offers both, so you get that small control.

Price and logistics: value per person, and how to make it easy

Let’s talk value without the math theater. The listed price is $2,258.96 per group (up to 15) for about 5 hours. If you’re traveling with a full group, it can work out very competitively versus paying separately for transport, lunch, drinks, and gear. If you’re traveling as a couple, it’s more of a splurge, but you’re buying a private boat experience plus the included package.

A few logistics notes that matter in real life:

• It’s offered in English
• You’ll get a mobile ticket
• Confirmation comes within 48 hours based on availability
• The tour includes a restroom on board, plus towels, snorkel gear, and life jackets
• The meeting point is at Puerto Aventuras, which is easy enough to organize around once you’re already in the Riviera Maya zone

There’s also a clear age rule: the minimum drinking age is 18, and kids under 18 must be accompanied by an adult. That makes it sensible for families, and reviews back that up with mention of kids having a great time.

Who should book this private catamaran day?

This tour fits best if you want a few things at once:

• You’re celebrating something and want it to feel special without stress
• Your group has mixed comfort levels (snorkelers and non-snorkelers)
• You care about included food and an open bar that doesn’t feel like an afterthought
• You want a private boat vibe in the Riviera Maya, without spending all day chasing activities

It’s also a strong pick for groups of friends and small families. Multiple reviews mention kids enjoying the trip, and the crew is described as helpful with accommodations for dietary needs and group members.

If you’re the type who wants a quiet, sober, minimalist day, this one may feel like too much party energy at La Bocana. But if you want fun on the water with a solid food-and-drinks plan, it’s built for that.

Should you book 5H Private 40′ Catamaran all-inclusive?

I think this is a strong yes if you’re aiming for an easy “vacation day” in Riviera Maya. The main reasons: the private group setup, the included snorkeling gear and towels, and the fact that meals and drinks are part of the itinerary instead of being tacked on. The snorkel spot at In-Ha plus the shallow-water final stop at La Bocana is a smart combination for a mixed group.

You might hesitate only if you know your group gets very uncomfortable with changing sea conditions. Because the trip depends on weather and snorkeling can be affected, you’ll want to be flexible. That said, the tour is still designed to be enjoyable even when the water isn’t perfect.

If you can line up good weather and bring a group that’ll share the cost up to 15, this one tends to land as a memorable, high-value day.

FAQ

How long is the private catamaran tour?

It runs for about 5 hours.

How many people can be on the private tour?

The tour is private for your group and is up to 15 people.

What’s included in the price?

Snorkel gear and life jackets, towels, lunch and snacks, an open bar with unlimited drinks (alcoholic and non-alcoholic), and onboard restroom access are included, along with troll fishing gear.

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.

Can kids join the tour?

Yes. Children and young adults under 18 must be accompanied by at least one adult.

Is snorkeling gear provided?

Yes. Snorkel and fishing gear (and life jackets) are provided.

What happens if weather is bad?

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