Reviewed · RIVIERA MAYA CATAMARAN & YACHT TRIPS
5H Private Lux 40′ Yacht All Inclusive – Tulum & Playa del Carmen
A private 40-foot yacht, a reef stop, fresh ceviche prepared onboard, and a bar that stays open for the full cruise: that is the heart of this five-hour outing from Puerto Aventuras. You head north along the Riviera Maya coast toward InHa reef, where you can swim, snorkel, fish, or simply stay aboard and enjoy the sea.
I like the private format, since your group controls the mood and pace instead of sharing a boat with strangers. I also like the fresh-food setup: the crew prepares shrimp and fish ceviche onboard, and anything caught while troll fishing can be prepared for you right there.
The main drawback is cost. At $1,707.99 for up to 12 people, the price is reasonable for a full group, about $142 per person before the $20-per-person dock fee, but it becomes a pricey outing for only two or three people. Transportation to Puerto Aventuras also costs extra.
In This Review
- Key points to know before you book
- Setting out from Puerto Aventuras
- The InHa reef stop and its water time
- Fishing while the crew prepares lunch
- Drinks, music, and the mood onboard
- The crew: Vicky, the chef, and the snorkeling guide
- What the $1,707.99 group price really means
- Who will enjoy this yacht day most
- Timing, weather, and the fine print
- Should you book the Puerto Aventuras yacht?
- FAQ
- Where does the yacht tour begin?
- Where does the activity end?
- How long does the tour last?
- Is this a private tour?
- What drinks are included?
- Is snorkeling equipment provided?
- Is the dock fee included in the price?
- What happens if bad weather cancels the tour?
Key points to know before you book

- Private 40-foot yacht: Your group has the boat to itself, with a more personal feel than a standard shared cruise.
- About two hours of water time: Swim, snorkel, look for turtles, fish, and step on and off the boat during the reef stop.
- Vicky and the Blue Ray crew: Vicky is named as a host, with a chef and snorkeling guide handling food and water activities.
- Ceviche made onboard: Shrimp and fish are prepared during the stop, and a catch from troll fishing may be cooked for you.
- Unlimited drinks included: Beer, wine, soft drinks, mixers, water, and bottled water are covered.
- Budget for extras: The $20 dock fee per person and private transportation are not included in the advertised group price.
Setting out from Puerto Aventuras

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 cruise returns to this same spot, so you do not need to arrange a second pickup location at the end.
Puerto Aventuras works well as a launch point for this part of the Riviera Maya coast. The boat heads north, giving you a water-level view of the shoreline before reaching the InHa reef area. The exact transfer time depends on where you are staying, and private transportation is not included, so check your route and add that expense before you compare this with other yacht trips.
The boat is described as a 40-foot yacht, a useful size for a private group of up to 12. That gives you room to spread out, talk with your own party, and choose how active or relaxed the day feels. A group of 10 to 12 gets the strongest value from the flat price. A smaller group gets more space, but not a lower rate.
The listed duration is about five hours. That is long enough for a proper half-day on the water without taking over your entire vacation day. The reef portion includes about two hours of water activity, so you should not expect five straight hours of swimming and snorkeling. Some of the time goes to cruising, eating, fishing, and relaxing aboard.
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The InHa reef stop and its water time

The main stop is near InHa reef, where the water is described as clear and calm. You can use the included snorkeling equipment and look for tropical fish, sea turtles, and other sea life. The tour specifically includes swimming with turtles, though wildlife sightings can never be guaranteed.
The best part of the setup is your freedom to choose your level of activity. You can get in the water, snorkel for a while, climb back aboard, and return later. If you prefer not to snorkel, you can remain on the yacht, enjoy a drink, and watch the group from above.
That flexibility matters on a private trip. Strong swimmers can spend more time in the water, while children, less confident swimmers, or anyone who simply wants a quiet afternoon can take breaks. Most people can participate, but the activity is still based around swimming and snorkeling, so consider your group’s comfort in the water.
The calm conditions described for the reef are helpful, especially for first-time snorkelers. You may find it easier to spot fish in clear water than in a rough open-sea setting. Bring realistic expectations, though. This is a short reef visit, not a full-day marine expedition, and the tour provides general snorkeling gear rather than a highly specialized photography or research setup.
Fishing while the crew prepares lunch
Troll fishing gives you another option during the cruise. If you want to try it, you can participate from the boat as it travels. The unusual touch is that anything you catch may be prepared onboard, adding a personal link between the fishing and the meal.
This feature will appeal most to a group that enjoys taking part rather than simply being served. It also adds variety to the outing. One person can fish, another can snorkel, and someone else can stay with the food and drinks. Since the tour is private, your group can settle into its own rhythm.
The food focus is shrimp and fish ceviche, prepared by the crew during the reef stop. Snacks are also included. Vegetarian and vegan options, along with other dietary needs, are available if you advise the operator when booking.
The ceviche is a practical match for a hot day at sea: light, fresh, and easy to share. Still, do not book this as a large formal lunch. The information provided centers on ceviche and snacks, so anyone who needs a substantial meal should ask about portions before committing.
Drinks, music, and the mood onboard

Unlimited beer, wine, soft drinks, mixers, water, and bottled water are included. That makes budgeting easier once you are on the yacht, since your group does not need to keep adding drink charges throughout the cruise.
The drinking age is 18 in Mexico for this activity. Children and young people age 18 and under must be accompanied by at least one adult. Families can take part, but the unlimited alcohol service means the tone may suit a mixed group of adults and children better than a child-focused excursion.
Music is part of the experience. The strongest praise centers on the combination of flowing drinks, food, and music, with one group calling it the favorite day of its week. That tells you this is not meant to be a quiet nature trip. You should expect a social, celebratory atmosphere, shaped by your own group since the yacht is private.
The private format is useful here. If your group wants music and conversation, you can enjoy that without worrying about a boatload of strangers. If you want a calmer ride, tell the crew what kind of day you prefer. The tour is described as fully personalized, though the exact music and onboard schedule are not specified.
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The crew: Vicky, the chef, and the snorkeling guide

Vicky is named as a host, and the yacht referenced by the operator is the Blue Ray. The chef and snorkeling guide are not identified by name, but they have separate roles that keep the day moving: one prepares the ceviche and the other helps with the reef activity.
That division is valuable on a private yacht. The person guiding the snorkeling does not also have to prepare every dish, serve each drink, and manage the boat at the same moment. You can expect attentive service, based on the strong praise for Vicky, the chef, and the snorkeling guide.
A private crew can also adjust the experience to your group’s interests. Ask about troll fishing if it appeals to you, and let the crew know about vegetarian or vegan food needs before departure. For the smoothest day, share those preferences at booking rather than waiting until you are already onboard.
The available feedback gives special weight to the crew’s warmth and generosity. One group singled out Vicky and the other staff as the highlight of its Mexico trip. That is important because a yacht day depends as much on service and timing as it does on scenery.
What the $1,707.99 group price really means

The price is $1,707.99 per group of up to 12 people. At full capacity, that works out to roughly $142.33 per person. Add the $20 dock fee per person, and the effective cost becomes about $162.33 per person before transportation.
For 12 people, that is a fair way to buy a private half-day yacht with snorkeling equipment, food, snacks, and unlimited drinks. You are paying for exclusive use of the boat, not just a seat on a standard coastal cruise. The value improves if your group wants privacy and plans to make use of both the water activities and the onboard service.
For six people, the base cost is about $284.67 each, before the dock fee and transportation. For a couple, the flat group price is difficult to justify unless having a yacht to yourselves is the main reason for booking.
I would compare the price against your group size first, then against your priorities. If you want a private celebration, a flexible swim stop, and drinks included, this package covers many costs in one payment. If you mainly want a short snorkel session, a less expensive shared boat may make better sense.
The $20 dock fee is easy to overlook, so include it in your budget. Private transportation also varies by pickup location and is not covered. The meeting point is in Puerto Aventuras, not directly at every hotel in Tulum or Playa del Carmen.
Who will enjoy this yacht day most

This tour suits families, groups of friends, couples traveling with another group, and anyone marking a special day. The private boat gives you control over the atmosphere, and the mix of snorkeling, fishing, food, drinks, and music means different people can enjoy different parts of the same outing.
It is especially good for a group of eight to 12. At that size, the fixed price spreads well, and the private setting feels like a real advantage. You can also make use of the flexible water time without having to match the schedule of a large shared excursion.
You should think twice if your group dislikes alcohol-centered outings, wants a silent nature experience, or is looking for a long snorkeling expedition. The tour leans toward relaxed social time with reef activities, not an intensive marine program.
Most people can participate, and service animals are allowed. The activity is near public transportation, but the supplied details do not specify a public transit route or hotel pickup. Confirm your transport plan before booking.
Timing, weather, and the fine print

Confirmation is sent within 48 hours of booking, subject to availability. The activity requires good weather, and if poor weather causes cancellation, you are offered another date or a full refund.
The normal cancellation policy is strict: the experience is non-refundable and cannot be changed for any reason after booking. That makes weather protection helpful, but it does not cover a simple change of plans. Check your dates, group size, dietary requests, transportation needs, and dock-fee budget before paying.
The activity is offered in English and uses a mobile ticket. It begins and ends at the Riviera Elite meeting point in Puerto Aventuras. Since the tour returns to the starting location, you can plan the rest of your evening more easily, though you should allow time for the return trip to your accommodation.
Should you book the Puerto Aventuras yacht?
Book it if you have a large enough group to share the cost and want a private day that combines reef swimming, fishing, and onboard food with unlimited drinks and music. The strong points are the flexible water time, the fresh shrimp and fish ceviche, and the crew-led service associated with Vicky and the Blue Ray.
Skip it if you are traveling as a small party, need a fully refundable reservation, or want snorkeling to be the sole focus. The dock fee and transportation raise the final price, and the advertised five hours include cruising and meals, not five hours in the water.
For the right group, this is a comfortable, easygoing yacht day rather than a checklist of attractions. Plan carefully, bring the right people, and you get a private slice of the Riviera Maya coast with plenty of room for swimming, eating, and simply enjoying the ride.
FAQ
Where does the yacht tour begin?
It begins at Riviera Elite: Yachts in Tulum and Playa del Carmen, Av. Bahia Yanten Manzana 33, Lot 9, Local 12, 77750 Puerto Aventuras, Quintana Roo, Mexico.
Where does the activity end?
The tour ends back at the same meeting point in Puerto Aventuras.
How long does the tour last?
The experience lasts approximately five hours. About two hours are set aside for water activities at the reef.
Is this a private tour?
Yes. Only your group participates, with a maximum group size of 12 people.
What drinks are included?
Unlimited beer, wine, soft drinks, mixers, water, and bottled water are included.
Is snorkeling equipment provided?
Yes. Snorkeling equipment is included for use during the reef stop.
Is the dock fee included in the price?
No. A $20 dock fee per person is charged separately. Private transportation is also not included.
What happens if bad weather cancels the tour?
If poor weather causes cancellation, you can choose a different date or receive a full refund. The standard policy does not allow refunds or changes for other cancellation reasons.
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