Reviewed · PLAYA DEL CARMEN BOAT TOURS

4H Luxury 44′ Catamaran All-Inclusive in Tulum & Playa del Carmen

★ 5.0 · 129 reviews 4 hours (approx.) Operated by Riviera Elite · Bookable on Viator
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The draw here is a private sail to In-Ha reef, where you can spend about two hours swimming and snorkeling in calm, clear water. I like that the 44-foot catamaran gives your group its own space, and that the crew serves fresh ceviche while you can also try trolling for fish to have prepared onboard.

The main consideration is the total cost: $2,148.77 for the group, plus a $20-per-person dock fee and any transportation you arrange. The boat has been described as clean and comfortable, but its condition has not been uniformly praised, so expect a working vessel rather than a polished new yacht.

  • A full catamaran for your group: The fixed price covers up to 15 people, which can make the cost more appealing when shared.
  • A reef stop with time to linger: Plan on about two hours at In-Ha for swimming and snorkeling, or relaxing aboard if you prefer to stay dry.
  • Seafood and snacks onboard: Lunch includes shrimp and/or fish ceviche, chips, and other snacks. Ask ahead about dietary needs.
  • Drinks are included: Unlimited alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks include beer, spirits, water, soft drinks, and juice.
  • Fishing is part of the outing: Trolling gear is provided, and the crew can prepare anything you catch.
  • Two extra costs to plan for: Transportation is not included, and the dock fee is $20 per person.

Sailing north from Puerto Aventuras

4H Luxury 44' Catamaran All-Inclusive in Tulum & Playa del Carmen - Sailing north from Puerto Aventuras

Your day starts at Riviera Elite’s meeting point in Puerto Aventuras, at Av. Bahia Yanten Manzana 33, Lot 9, Local 12. From the marina, the catamaran heads north for about an hour to In-Ha, a semi-sheltered reef area. The trip lasts about four hours in all and returns to the same meeting point.

That hour underway is part of the outing, not just a transfer. You can settle in, take in the Riviera Maya coastline, and get comfortable with the boat before the swim stop. On the return, the crew serves drinks as the catamaran makes its way back toward the marina.

This is a private outing, so only your group joins the boat. That makes a difference if your party wants to set its own pace: some people can snorkel while others stay aboard, and you do not have to keep up with a larger mixed group. The crew is there to serve you during the trip.

The boat measures 44 feet, or 13.5 meters. That is enough room for a sizeable group, but it is still a boat, not a resort deck. If your group includes people who want to sunbathe, snack, fish, and swim at different times, the private format gives you flexibility without promising unlimited space.

Two hours at In-Ha reef

4H Luxury 44' Catamaran All-Inclusive in Tulum & Playa del Carmen - Two hours at In-Ha reef

In-Ha is the main event. The catamaran anchors in a semi-sheltered area with clear water, and you have roughly two hours to swim and snorkel. Sea turtles, tropical fish, and coral are part of the reef’s appeal, though wildlife sightings are never something to count on as a guarantee.

Snorkel gear and life jackets are included, which saves you from bringing your own equipment. Towels are provided, too. If you want an underwater camera or water floats, ask about them in advance; they are available on request, rather than listed as standard inclusions.

You do not have to get in the water. The outing is private, and the crew can serve you onboard while the swimmers head out. That makes this a practical option for a mixed-age family or a group with different comfort levels in the sea. Children and young adults under 18 must be accompanied by at least one adult.

The reef stop is generous for a four-hour trip, but remember that the boat spends about an hour sailing each way. If your priority is a long, dedicated snorkel session, two hours is the key figure to weigh. If you want a combination of sailing, reef time, food, and lounging, the schedule is better balanced.

Ceviche, lunch, and the open bar

4H Luxury 44' Catamaran All-Inclusive in Tulum & Playa del Carmen - Ceviche, lunch, and the open bar

Food is a notable part of the outing, not an afterthought. The crew serves fresh shrimp and/or fish ceviche, alongside chips and other snacks, with a larger lunch included. One especially useful detail: if you catch a fish while trolling, the crew can prepare it onboard.

Vegetarian and vegan options, along with other dietary needs, are available, but you need to advise the operator when booking. Do not wait until you are at the marina to raise an allergy or food restriction. The menu is prepared for the trip, so advance notice gives the crew a chance to plan.

The open bar includes unlimited tequila, rum, vodka, Mexican beer, bottled water, soft drinks, and juice. That is a generous inclusion for a private charter, especially if your group would otherwise buy drinks separately. Alcohol is only for people aged 18 and over; water and non-alcoholic options are included as well.

A private boat with drinks and lunch can suit a celebration, but you do not need to turn it into a party to get value from it. You can spend the day quietly watching the coast, sharing a meal, and taking turns in the water. The crew’s service has been praised, with Fernando and his crew specifically singled out for being helpful and kind, though you should not assume a particular crew member will be assigned to your departure.

Fishing and the choice to stay aboard

Trolling fishing is offered along the route, and the fishing gear is included. This is a bonus rather than the main focus: the schedule centers on the reef stop, and the available information does not promise a catch. Think of fishing as something to try while underway, not a guaranteed meal.

If you do catch fish, having it prepared onboard connects the activity to lunch in a satisfying way. You are not just carrying gear for a short photo opportunity; the catch may become part of the meal. Still, anyone in your group who is set on fishing should ask the operator what to expect before departure, since no specific catch or fishing time is guaranteed.

Staying aboard is equally valid. You can enjoy the views, refreshments, and food while others swim. Towels and a restroom are available onboard, which makes the four-hour trip easier for people who prefer comfort over time in the water.

What the price buys your group

4H Luxury 44' Catamaran All-Inclusive in Tulum & Playa del Carmen - What the price buys your group

The listed price is $2,148.77 for the private group, up to 15 people. At the full 15-person capacity, that works out to about $143 per person before the dock fee. Add $20 per person for the dock fee, bringing the rough total to about $163 per person before transportation. With fewer people, the per-person cost rises because the base price is fixed.

That calculation helps explain who gets the best value. A large family or group of friends can share the boat, crew, food, gear, and drinks at a lower individual cost than a small party. For a couple or a group of four, this is a substantial private-charter expense, and you should decide whether privacy and a tailored pace matter enough to justify it.

Transportation is not included, and its price depends on where you are staying. The meeting point is in Puerto Aventuras, so work out the transfer cost before comparing this with a shared boat trip. The $20 dock fee is also separate from the quoted group price and applies per person.

There are signs that the food and crew service can be strong: the meal has been praised as delicious and plentiful, and the crew as kind and attentive. On the other hand, one account noted ants around the kitchen area and said the boat could use some updating, while another found it clean and organized. I would book for the private format, reef stop, and onboard service, not for the promise of a brand-new boat.

Making the four-hour schedule work

4H Luxury 44' Catamaran All-Inclusive in Tulum & Playa del Carmen - Making the four-hour schedule work

The four-hour duration is approximate, and the route uses a meaningful portion of that time for sailing. Expect about an hour north to the reef, around two hours anchored, then a return trip toward Puerto Aventuras. If your group wants a full day at sea, this is not it. If you want a half-day private outing with time both underway and in the water, it fits the brief.

The trip depends on good weather. If poor weather prevents it from running, you are offered another date or a full refund. That safeguard matters on the Riviera Maya, where a boat outing is tied to sea conditions, but it does not remove the need to keep some flexibility in your plans.

Booking confirmation is sent within 48 hours, subject to availability. The experience is often reserved about 37 days ahead, so it is sensible to plan early, especially for a large group or a particular date. Once booked, check the date and time on the confirmation carefully and keep the operator’s messages. A serious scheduling dispute has involved a booking placed on the wrong day through an external booking platform, followed by an attempted reschedule that could not go ahead because of weather. The operator says the platform handles reservations and refunds, so clear written confirmation is worth having.

You can cancel for a full refund up to 24 hours before the start time. Changes or cancellations inside that window are not accepted for a refund. Cutoff times use local time, so do not wait until the last minute to make changes.

Who will get the most from this catamaran

4H Luxury 44' Catamaran All-Inclusive in Tulum & Playa del Carmen - Who will get the most from this catamaran

This outing suits a group that values privacy and wants several kinds of activity in one short trip. Swimmers can snorkel, less confident participants can stay onboard, and the group can share lunch and drinks without having to coordinate with strangers. Families should find the flexible water time useful, provided an adult accompanies anyone under 18.

It also makes sense for a birthday or a reunion, especially when 10 to 15 people can share the fixed fee. The included food, drinks, towels, snorkel gear, life jackets, fishing gear, and restroom reduce the number of details you need to arrange separately. Just remember that transportation and the dock fee remain extra.

I would be more cautious if you are traveling as a small party on a tight budget, or if you care most about a pristine, recently updated boat. The food and crew service are strong reasons to consider it, but the mixed comments about upkeep make it sensible to keep expectations grounded. If boat condition is central to your decision, ask the operator about the vessel before you commit.

Should you book it?

4H Luxury 44' Catamaran All-Inclusive in Tulum & Playa del Carmen - Should you book it?

Book this catamaran if you can fill much of the 15-person capacity, want a private reef outing, and like the idea of ceviche and drinks being handled onboard. Its best value comes from combining a relaxed sail, about two hours at In-Ha, fishing as an option, and the freedom for some of your group to stay dry.

Look elsewhere if you need transport included, want a very low per-person price for a small group, or expect a luxury yacht in immaculate condition. For a full group that prizes flexibility over a tightly scheduled snorkel-only trip, this is a practical way to spend a half-day on the Riviera Maya coast.

FAQ

4H Luxury 44' Catamaran All-Inclusive in Tulum & Playa del Carmen - FAQ

How long is the catamaran trip?

The outing lasts about four hours. The sail to In-Ha takes roughly an hour, with about two hours for swimming and snorkeling before the return to Puerto Aventuras.

Where does the tour start and end?

It starts and ends at Riviera Elite: Yachts in Tulum and Playa del Carmen, Av. Bahia Yanten Manzana 33, Lot 9, Local 12, Puerto Aventuras.

How many people can join?

The private group price covers up to 15 people. Only your group participates.

Is snorkeling equipment included?

Yes. Snorkel gear and life jackets are included. Towels are provided, and an underwater camera and water floats are available on request.

What food and drinks are included?

The outing includes ceviche, chips and other snacks, lunch, and unlimited alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks. The bar includes tequila, rum, vodka, Mexican beer, bottled water, soft drinks, and juice.

Is fishing included?

Fishing gear is included, and trolling fishing is offered. Any fish you catch can be prepared onboard.

Are transportation and the dock fee included?

No. Private transportation is not included, and its cost depends on your location. A dock fee of $20 per person is payable upon arrival.

What happens if the weather is poor?

The experience requires good weather. If it is canceled because of poor weather, you will be offered another date or a full refund.

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Out on the Riviera Maya

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