Reviewed · RIVIERA MAYA CATAMARAN & YACHT TRIPS
5H 42′ Azimut Yacht All-Inclusive from Tulum & Playa del Carmen.
The best part of this private yacht trip is its easy rhythm: cruise the Riviera Maya coast, stop for reef snorkeling at In-Ha, then linger in shallow water at La Bocana with ceviche, music, and a drink in hand. You get a full boat for your group, not a crowded shared excursion.
I like the combination of a polished yacht and simple sea time. Snorkel gear, towels, lunch, snacks, and unlimited drinks are included, while the ceviche can be adjusted for vegetarian, vegan, and other dietary needs. The main catch is cost: $1,818.19 is a strong value for 15 people, but much less so for a small group.
I also like that the crew does not pressure you to snorkel. You can swim, fish, sunbathe, or stay aboard with a cocktail. The only serious concern is the strict non-refundable policy, plus the $20 dock fee per person and separate transportation from Tulum or Playa del Carmen.
In This Review
- Key points to know before you book
- Setting sail from Puerto Aventuras
- What the open bar really includes
- The first hour and the In-Ha reef stop
- La Bocana, ceviche, and the shallow-water finale
- Optional troll fishing and the return cruise
- How the $1,818.19 price adds up
- Service, group comfort, and the Manuel factor
- Who will enjoy this yacht charter most
- Practical details that can affect your day
- Should you book the Azimut yacht?
- FAQ
- Where does the yacht tour start?
- Where does the tour end?
- How long is the yacht experience?
- Is transportation from Tulum or Playa del Carmen included?
- What food and drinks are included?
- Can dietary restrictions be accommodated?
- Are snorkeling equipment and towels provided?
- Is the tour refundable if I cancel?
Key points to know before you book

- Puerto Aventuras is the real starting point: The yacht leaves from Riviera Elite at Av. Bahia Yanten in Puerto Aventuras, not directly from your hotel.
- In-Ha is the main water stop: Expect calm, clear water suited to snorkeling, with sea turtles, tropical fish, and other reef life possible.
- La Bocana is the social stop: The water is shallow and clear, making it a relaxed place for ceviche, music, drinks, and swimming.
- The price works best for a full group: With 15 people, the base cost is about $121 per person before the dock fee and transportation.
- Food is flexible with advance notice: Shrimp and fish ceviche are standard, but dietary requests should be made when booking.
- Manuel may be your host: A particularly warm hosting style is associated with Manuel, who has been singled out for attentive service.
Setting sail from Puerto Aventuras
This is a private yacht charter for your group, with a maximum of 15 people. That changes the feel of the day. You are not waiting for strangers to finish swimming, sharing a buffet with several boatloads, or trying to find a quiet corner on a large catamaran.
The meeting point is Riviera Elite: Yachts in Tulum and Playa del Carmen, at Av. Bahia Yanten Manzana 33, Lot 9, Local 12, Puerto Aventuras, Quintana Roo. The tour ends back at the same marina.
If you are staying in Playa del Carmen or Tulum, plan your own way to Puerto Aventuras unless you arrange private transportation separately. Transportation is not included, and the price varies by pickup location. That extra cost matters, especially for a smaller group.
The boat is an Azimut yacht, so this is aimed at comfort and privacy rather than a basic fishing trip. You have an onboard restroom, towels, snorkel equipment, life jackets, and a crew handling the food and drinks. The yacht itself is part of the appeal, but the real value comes from having the whole outing organized around your group.
The advertised sailing time is about five hours. The first cruise north to In-Ha takes roughly an hour, so you should expect a good portion of the day to be spent moving along the Riviera Maya coast. That is not wasted time. It gives you open-water views and a chance to settle into the yacht before the first swim.
More Boat Tours in Playa del Carmen
- 4 hours – Private 48ft Yacht all inclusive in Tulum and Playa del Carmen
★ 5.0 · 443 reviews - Catamaran Cruise in Riviera Maya With Snorkeling & Beach Club
★ 5.0 · 440 reviews - Riviera Maya Luxury Sunset Sailing plus Light Dinner and Open Bar
★ 4.5 · 424 reviews
What the open bar really includes

The open bar is unusually broad for a private half-day boat trip. It includes tequila, rum, vodka, Mexican beer, bottled water, soft drinks, and juice. Cocktails are also served, along with chips and other snacks.
You should still think of this as a sea excursion with drinks, not a floating nightclub. The schedule is built around swimming, snorkeling, eating, and cruising. Alcohol is available throughout, but you will get more from the day if you pace yourself before getting into the water.
The minimum drinking age is 18. Children and young adults under 18 must be accompanied by at least one adult. The private format can suit a mixed-age family group, but adults should remember that the boat’s open-bar atmosphere may not be the central attraction for younger children.
Food is centered on freshly prepared shrimp and fish ceviche. The crew can also prepare other lunch requests if you notify them in advance. Vegetarian and vegan options, along with other dietary restrictions, are available when arranged ahead of time.
That advance notice is important. Do not assume the crew can replace the seafood lunch at the last minute. If someone in your group cannot eat shellfish, fish, or acidic foods, state the need at booking.
The first hour and the In-Ha reef stop

After leaving Puerto Aventuras, the yacht heads north for about an hour to In-Ha, described as a semi-sheltered reef area. Its calmer water is the reason this stop works well for a mixed group.
If you want to snorkel, this is the main chance to see Riviera Maya sea life. Sea turtles, colorful tropical fish, and other reef creatures may be visible in the clear water. Snorkel gear and life jackets are supplied, so you do not need to pack your own equipment.
The calm setting is useful for people who are comfortable in the water but not strong swimmers. A life jacket can make the stop more relaxing, and you can choose how much time to spend in the water. The crew can serve snacks, cocktails, and refreshments while people swim.
I like the fact that the outing does not treat snorkeling as mandatory. You can remain aboard, sunbathe, eat a snack, and watch the water. That makes the charter easier to enjoy for a group with different interests.
Still, you should keep expectations sensible. This is a reef snorkel stop, not a certified scuba outing or a guided marine-biology lesson. Sea conditions and wildlife sightings can change. The tour description identifies turtles and tropical fish as possible sights, but no one can promise a particular animal on a particular day.
In-Ha is likely to be the most active part of your afternoon. Bring a willingness to get wet, but do not feel that you are missing the entire experience if you prefer the yacht. The boat, refreshments, and views remain available while others swim.
La Bocana, ceviche, and the shallow-water finale

Once everyone is back aboard, the yacht continues to La Bocana. This second stop is different from In-Ha. The water is very shallow and clear, and many people choose to eat their ceviche there.
La Bocana functions as the relaxed social part of the trip. You can enjoy lunch in the water, listen to your preferred music, have a drink, and take in the setting from sea level. For a birthday, reunion, or family gathering, this may be the most memorable portion because the group can gather in one easy spot.
The shallow water also makes La Bocana more approachable for anyone who found the reef stop too demanding. You can wade, float, or stay aboard. Towels are supplied, but bringing a dry change of clothes is still a practical idea for the ride home.
The food service is casual rather than formal. Expect ceviche, chips, snacks, and drinks served as the yacht moves between stops or sits in the water. If you want a particular lunch arrangement, communicate it in advance rather than expecting a full restaurant-style menu.
The music element is worth noting. The crew can get your favorite music going, which gives the second stop a party feel. That may be perfect for a group celebrating together. If your ideal boat trip is quiet and contemplative, you will want to tell the crew what kind of mood you prefer.
More Catamaran & Yacht Trips in Playa del Carmen
- 4H Private 38’Catamaran All-Inclusive in Tulum & Playa del Carmen
★ 5.0 · 308 reviews - Half-Day Luxury Sailing Experience in Tulum with Open Bar
★ 4.0 · 250 reviews - 4 hours snorkel & beach tour – Private Yacht 47 ft
★ 5.0 · 249 reviews - Cozumel Luxury Sailing & Snorkeling with Lunch and Open Bar Onboard
★ 4.5 · 244 reviews
Optional troll fishing and the return cruise

The yacht also offers troll fishing along the way. This is an optional extra activity within the outing, and anything you catch can be prepared onboard with the chef’s secret family sauce.
That feature adds a little unpredictability to the cruise. You may spend part of the ride watching the line and waiting for a catch, rather than treating the return trip as simple transportation. It is particularly suited to groups that want something to do between the swimming stops.
You should not book this primarily as a fishing charter. The central plan is the yacht cruise, snorkeling, swimming, ceviche, and open bar. Fishing is an added possibility, not the main focus.
After La Bocana, the yacht slowly returns to Puerto Aventuras. The open bar remains available, so the ride back is designed as part of the experience rather than a quick trip to the dock. You can continue with a drink, enjoy the coastline, and let the crew manage the final stretch.
How the $1,818.19 price adds up

The base price is $1,818.19 per group of up to 15 people. At a full group of 15, that works out to about $121.21 per person. Add the $20 dock fee per person, and the practical total becomes about $141.21 each before any transportation to Puerto Aventuras.
At that rate, the package can make good sense. You are paying for a private Azimut yacht, crew service, five hours on the water, lunch, snacks, snorkel equipment, towels, life jackets, restroom access, and unlimited alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks.
The calculation changes quickly with fewer people. A group of 10 pays about $181.82 per person before the dock fee. A group of six pays about $303 per person before transportation and dock fees. For a small party, you are paying heavily for privacy and the yacht itself.
This is not the cheapest way to snorkel in the Riviera Maya. It can be a good value if your group wants control over the music, food requests, swimming pace, and overall schedule. It is less compelling if you mainly want a short reef swim at the lowest possible price.
Also budget for getting to the marina. The starting point is in Puerto Aventuras, and private transportation is not part of the package. Confirm the exact transfer cost from your hotel before comparing this with a shared boat excursion.
Service, group comfort, and the Manuel factor

The strongest service detail attached to this outing is the sense of attentive hosting. Manuel has been specifically praised as an exceptional host, and the crew is described as professional and courteous. That matters on a private charter because the crew shapes the day more than any fixed sightseeing stop.
A good host can help a mixed group settle into its own pace. Some people may want to snorkel, others may want to fish, and others may want to stay on deck with ceviche and a drink. The supplied equipment and flexible meal arrangements support that kind of group.
The experience has a perfect 5 rating from 105 ratings, with 100 percent recommending it. That is a strong service signal, especially for a private activity where food, drinks, and crew attention are central to the value.
You should not assume Manuel will personally lead every departure. The information identifies him as a host praised for his service, but it does not promise a specific crew member for your date. If having him host is important, ask Riviera Elite when you book.
Who will enjoy this yacht charter most

This outing suits groups that want a private day with several ways to enjoy the water. It is a natural fit for birthdays, bachelor or bachelorette groups, family reunions, and friends sharing a villa in the Riviera Maya.
It also works for groups with mixed comfort levels. Strong swimmers can snorkel at In-Ha, casual swimmers can enjoy La Bocana, and non-swimmers can remain on deck. The crew supplies life jackets, and the boat has a restroom, which makes five hours on the water easier.
Food restrictions are another reason this can work well for a private group. The ceviche lunch can be adjusted for vegetarian, vegan, and other dietary needs if you provide notice.
I would be more cautious if your group is very small, highly budget-conscious, or mainly interested in a long snorkeling session. The price favors a near-capacity group, and the cruise includes a fair amount of time on the yacht between stops.
This is also not ideal for anyone expecting a guaranteed wildlife encounter. Turtles and reef fish may appear, but weather, water conditions, and nature set the terms.
Practical details that can affect your day
Confirmation is sent within 48 hours of booking, subject to availability. The tour is offered in English, and mobile tickets are accepted.
The activity requires good weather. If poor weather forces cancellation, you are offered another date or a full refund. If you cancel for your own reasons or ask to change the booking, the experience is non-refundable and cannot be amended.
Service animals are allowed, and the meeting point is near public transportation. Most people can participate, but you should consider your own comfort with boarding a yacht, swimming, and spending about five hours on the water.
The $20 dock fee is not hidden inside the headline price, so include it in your calculations from the start. Also confirm your transport to Puerto Aventuras and give the crew all dietary requests before the day of departure.
Should you book the Azimut yacht?
Book it if you have a large group and want privacy, easy food service, a flexible swimming plan, and an open bar wrapped into one polished outing. The strongest value appears at close to 15 people, when the fixed yacht cost is shared widely.
Skip it if you are a couple or a small party looking for an inexpensive snorkel trip. You would still receive the private boat, lunch, and drinks, but the per-person cost rises sharply.
For the right group, the winning combination is clear: In-Ha provides the reef stop, La Bocana provides the shallow-water party, and the return cruise gives you time to enjoy the yacht itself. Just budget for the dock fee and transportation, make food requests early, and remember that the strict cancellation policy makes good-weather planning important.
FAQ
Where does the yacht tour start?
The tour starts at Riviera Elite: Yachts in Tulum and Playa del Carmen, located at Av. Bahia Yanten Manzana 33, Lot 9, Local 12, Puerto Aventuras, Quintana Roo, Mexico.
Where does the tour end?
The activity ends back at the Puerto Aventuras meeting point.
How long is the yacht experience?
The tour lasts approximately five hours. The cruise from Puerto Aventuras to the first stop at In-Ha takes about one hour.
Is transportation from Tulum or Playa del Carmen included?
No. Private transportation is not included, and the price varies based on your exact pickup location.
What food and drinks are included?
Lunch and snacks are included, including shrimp and fish ceviche, chips, and other snacks. The open bar includes tequila, rum, vodka, Mexican beer, bottled water, soft drinks, and juice.
Can dietary restrictions be accommodated?
Yes. Vegetarian, vegan, and other dietary options are available, but you must advise the provider when booking.
Are snorkeling equipment and towels provided?
Yes. Snorkel gear, life jackets, and towels are included. Fishing gear is also provided.
Is the tour refundable if I cancel?
No. The experience is non-refundable and cannot be changed for any reason. If poor weather causes the provider to cancel, you will be offered a different date or a full refund.
More Catamaran and Yacht Days
- 4H Lux 40′ Catamaran All-Inclusive in Tulum and Playa del Carmen.
★ 5.0 · 218 reviews - 4 Hour 50′ Azimut Yacht All-Inclusive in Tulum & Playa del Carmen
★ 5.0 · 213 reviews - 4H 42′ Azimut Yacht All-Inclusive from Tulum & Playa del Carmen.
★ 5.0 · 213 reviews - 4H private 40′ Yacht All-Inclusive in Tulum & Playa del Carmen
★ 5.0 · 193 reviews
More Private Yacht Charters
- 3 Hour Xpu-Ha – 51′ Sea Ray Tulum, Playa del Carmen, Riviera Maya
★ 5.0 · 489 reviews - 4 Hour – 47′ Azimut, Tulum, Playa del Carmen, Riviera Maya
★ 5.0 · 467 reviews - 3 Hour Xpu-Ha – 47′ Azimut, Tulum, Playa del Carmen, Riviera Maya
★ 5.0 · 440 reviews - 4 Hour – 51′ Sea Ray, Tulum, Playa del Carmen, Riviera Maya
★ 5.0 · 409 reviews
Just added around Playa del Carmen
- Bacalar Lagoon! Kayaks & Cenote Azul From Playa Del Carmen★ 3.0 · 3 reviews
- Isla Mujeres Catamaran Unlimited! Transportation from Playa del Carmen★ 4.5 · 3 reviews
- Full-Day Adventure: Tulum, Cobá, Mayan Village & 5th Avenue★ 3.0 · 3 reviews
- Tour To Bacalar And The Lagoon Of The 7 Colors From Playa Del Carmen And Riviera★ 4.5 · 3 reviews
- Riviera Maya: Parasailing Tour with Beach Club Access★ 3.3 · 3 reviews
- Snorkeling Experience with Turtles in Cenote in Riviera Maya★ 4.5 · 3 reviews
- Private Transfer to Xcaret Park, Roundtrip from Playa del Carmen★ 3.5 · 3 reviews
- Discover the essence of playa del carmen: tequilera, jewelry and 5th avenue.★ 3.1 · 3 reviews
Riviera Maya Catamaran & Yacht Trips, compared.

4 hours – Private 48ft Yacht all inclusive in Tulum and Playa del Carmen
Read our review →
Catamaran Cruise in Riviera Maya With Snorkeling & Beach Club
Read our review →
Riviera Maya Luxury Sunset Sailing plus Light Dinner and Open Bar
Read our review →
4H Private 38’Catamaran All-Inclusive in Tulum & Playa del Carmen
Read our review →



