5H Private 44′ Catamaran All-Inclusive – Tulum & Playa del Carmen

The best part of this private catamaran trip is its mix of reef time and easygoing boat time: you can snorkel at In-Ha, then eat, sip a drink, or stay aboard while the crew handles the details. I especially like the two distinct swim stops and the freshly made fish and shrimp ceviche, with dietary requests possible if arranged ahead.

There is room for both an active outing and a lazy one. The crew can guide you through the reef, or you can sunbathe with a snack and a cocktail. One practical catch: the $2,479.34 group price covers up to 15 people, but the $20-per-person dock fee and transportation are extra. Add those to your budget before comparing the cost with other outings.

At a glance

• Two Caribbean stops: Snorkel in the semi-sheltered reef area at In-Ha, then swim or enjoy lunch in shallow, clear water at La Bocana.
• A private five-hour charter: Your group has the boat to itself, with a restroom onboard.
• Food and drinks are included: Expect shrimp and fish ceviche, snacks, and unlimited alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks.
• Gear and towels are supplied: Snorkeling and fishing equipment are included, so you need not bring your own.
• Trolling fishing is an option: If you catch something, the onboard chef can prepare it with a family sauce.
• Extra charges matter: Transportation is not included, and the dock fee is $20 per person.

A five-hour outing from Puerto Aventuras

The trip begins at Riviera Elite’s marina meeting point in Puerto Aventuras, south of Playa del Carmen. From there, the catamaran heads north along the Riviera Maya coast, with the first stop about an hour away. The listed duration is approximately five hours, so plan for a half-day on the water rather than a quick cruise.

Because this is a private tour, only your group participates. That makes a real difference for families and celebrations: you can set a relaxed pace onboard and spend the day with your own party instead of sharing space with strangers. The advertised group price is for up to 15 people. The boat is described as having space for up to 30, but that does not change the stated group limit for this booking.

The experience is offered in English. Children and young adults under 18 must be with at least one adult, and the minimum age for drinking alcohol is 18. Most people can participate, but the day does involve boarding a boat and choosing whether to swim or snorkel. If anyone in your group has a particular need or concern, check with the operator before booking rather than assuming the activity will suit them.

In-Ha: reef time with the option to stay aboard

The first stop is In-Ha, a semi-sheltered reef area reached after roughly an hour of sailing. Its calmer, clear water is the main draw: this is the outing’s dedicated snorkeling stop, with the possibility of seeing sea turtles, colorful tropical fish, and other reef life. Wildlife is never guaranteed, but this is the part of the day to bring your attention to the water.

Snorkeling gear is provided, and crew members may guide you around the reef. That help can make the stop less daunting if you are not used to snorkeling, while the supplied gear saves you the trouble of packing a mask and equipment. Towels are also included. If you would rather not get in, you can stay aboard, sunbathe, and enjoy snacks or a drink while others swim.

The stop is not only about snorkeling. The crew serves refreshments and cocktails, along with shrimp and fish ceviche. That blend of reef time and food service is useful for a mixed group: keen swimmers can get their water time while anyone who prefers a slower day can relax on deck. Ask in advance about vegetarian, vegan, or other dietary needs, since alternatives can be arranged when requested at booking.

Keep your expectations sensible. The itinerary calls for a good amount of time at the reef, but it does not specify an exact number of minutes, and sea conditions can shape how comfortable snorkeling feels. If seeing turtles is your main reason for booking, treat that as a possibility, not a promise.

La Bocana: a shallow-water lunch stop

After the reef, the catamaran continues to La Bocana. This stop is described as shallow and clear, with a more social feel than the first. Many groups choose to have their ceviche lunch here, and you can enjoy it in the water if you like. The crew can put on your favorite music, turning the pause into a relaxed finale before the return trip.

The change of pace is part of the appeal. In-Ha is the stop for snorkeling and reef life; La Bocana is a place to linger, eat, and enjoy the sea without needing to turn every minute into an activity. The shallow water may suit people who want to wade or cool off rather than snorkel, though the exact conditions will vary.

The boat has a restroom, which is a welcome practical feature on a five-hour trip. You also have the option of staying aboard rather than swimming. If your group includes both water lovers and people who would rather keep their feet dry, this flexibility helps everyone get something from the outing.

Lunch, open bar, and the food worth planning around

The included food centers on the operator’s shrimp and fish ceviche, served with chips and other snacks. The crew can also accommodate dietary restrictions if you advise them in advance. Some past outings have included guacamole and burgers, but those should not be treated as guaranteed menu items; the regular inclusions listed for this experience are ceviche, snacks, and lunch.

The open bar includes tequila, rum, vodka, Mexican beer, bottled water, soft drinks, and juice. That range makes it easy for a group with mixed preferences to settle in, but remember the legal drinking age is 18. You are on the water for hours, so it is sensible to alternate alcoholic drinks with water and take the sun seriously.

Food and attentive service are among the most consistently praised parts of this trip. Past crews have included Ramón, Vicky, Neri, Omar, Yair, Aldo, and chef Pablo, with individual outings also mentioning Dale and photographer Trinity. These names give you a sense of the friendly, hands-on style associated with the company, but crew assignments can change. The useful takeaway is to expect a service-focused day, not to assume a particular person will be aboard.

Fishing, music, and the return sail

Trolling fishing is offered during the trip, and the fishing gear is included. If you catch something, the chef can prepare it onboard with a family sauce. That is a nice extra for anyone who wants an activity between swim stops, though the trip’s main focus remains the reef, the food, and time on the water.

After La Bocana, the catamaran heads back toward Puerto Aventuras at an easy pace. You can continue to enjoy the open bar and views of the Riviera Maya coast. This return leg gives the outing a gentle finish rather than ending abruptly after the last swim. If your group has been celebrating, it also gives everyone time to sit back and enjoy the ride.

A photographer is mentioned in one past account, but photography is not listed as an included feature. Do not count on a photographer being available unless the operator confirms it directly.

What the price buys, and what it does not

The listed price is $2,479.34 per group of up to 15, before the $20-per-person dock fee and any private transportation. For a full group of 15, the base amount works out to about $165 per person, before those extras. For fewer people, the per-person cost rises quickly, so this makes the most sense for a larger family, a group of friends, or a special occasion where privacy matters.

That price buys more than a ride. You get a private boat, five hours on the water, two swim stops, snorkeling and fishing gear, towels, lunch and snacks, an open bar, and a restroom onboard. The crew’s attention is another important part of the value: this is a hosted outing, with food and drinks served while you are aboard, not simply a boat rental where you arrange everything yourself.

The trade-off is that the total cost is not just the headline price. The dock fee is charged per person, and transportation from your accommodation is not included; its price depends on your location. Confirm the transport cost and the dock-fee total for your group before you decide. Also ask what lunch alternatives will be available if your dietary needs go beyond the listed options.

Who will get the most from this catamaran

I would consider this trip for a group that wants a private, social day with enough structure to make planning easy. Families can split between snorkeling and relaxing onboard, while friends celebrating a birthday, wedding, or other occasion get a boat to themselves, food and drinks, and a couple of chances to swim. Past outings have included a family group of 18, though this particular booking’s listed price is for up to 15; confirm capacity and pricing with the operator if your party is larger.

It is less compelling if you are traveling alone or as a couple and mainly want the cheapest way to snorkel. The group price makes privacy the main value, so you are paying for space and service as much as for the reef stop. It may also disappoint if you expect a long, technical snorkeling excursion: the outing balances snorkeling with lunch, drinks, and relaxed sailing.

The experience depends on good weather. If poor weather cancels the trip, you are offered a different date or a full refund. You can cancel for a full refund up to 24 hours before the start time; cancellations inside that window are not refundable. Confirmation is provided within 48 hours of booking, subject to availability.

Should you book it?

Book this private catamaran if you have a group large enough to share the cost and want a half-day that combines reef snorkeling with a proper meal, open bar, and attentive crew service. The two-stop format gives the day variety, and you can join the water activities or simply enjoy the boat.

Before paying, total the dock fee and transportation, confirm dietary requests, and check the group limit if you have more than 15 people. If those details fit your plans, this is a strong choice for a celebration or family outing where the pleasure is having the boat, crew, and schedule centered on your own group.

FAQ

How long is the catamaran tour?

The tour lasts approximately five hours.

Where does the tour start and end?

It starts at Riviera Elite’s meeting point in Puerto Aventuras and returns to the same meeting point.

Is the tour private?

Yes. Only your group participates.

How many people does the listed group price cover?

The $2,479.34 price is for a group of up to 15. The boat is described as having space for up to 30, but the listed booking price covers up to 15.

What stops are included?

The itinerary includes In-Ha, a semi-sheltered reef area for swimming and snorkeling, and La Bocana, a shallow-water stop where many groups have lunch.

What food and drinks are included?

Lunch, snacks, shrimp and fish ceviche, and an open bar with tequila, rum, vodka, Mexican beer, bottled water, soft drinks, and juice are included.

Are snorkeling gear and towels provided?

Yes. Towels and snorkeling gear are provided. Fishing gear is also included.

Is transportation included?

No. Private transportation is not included, and its price depends on your location.

Is there an extra dock fee?

Yes. The dock fee is $20 per person and is not included in the group price.