3 Hour Xpu-Ha – 51′ Sea Ray Tulum, Playa del Carmen, Riviera Maya

A private Sea Ray, a stop in the water off Xpu-Ha, and lunch served aboard: this is a festive way to spend three hours on the Riviera Maya. You set the pace with your own group, while the crew handles the boat and the meal.

I like two things in particular: the included lunch and open bar make the group price easier to weigh, and the private boat gives your party room to choose the music and enjoy the decks together. One consideration: rough seas can change the plan, and the $20-per-person landing and facility fee is extra.

What to know before you book

• A three-hour private outing: The boat is reserved for your group, with space for up to 15 people.
• Xpu-Ha is the water stop: Expect to anchor, hear a safety briefing, and get time in the water.
• The upper deck has a high-dive: You can jump from above into the sea if conditions and your comfort allow.
• Lunch and drinks are part of the price: Fire-grilled chicken, sides, tortillas, chips, alcoholic drinks, and non-alcoholic drinks are included.
• Bring towels and budget for fees: Towels and private transport are not included, and the landing and facility fee is $20 per person.
• Weather can change the outing: If poor weather cancels the trip, you can choose another date or receive a full refund.

A private Sea Ray with room for your own group

This outing is built around a simple idea: take your own crowd out on a 51-foot Sea Ray, then spend part of the trip anchored near Xpu-Ha. It is not a sightseeing cruise with a long list of stops. The appeal is having the boat, crew, food, and music in one place for three hours.

The tour costs $1,049 per group, with up to 15 people allowed. That works out to about $70 per person if you fill every place, before the $20-per-person landing and facility fee. With a smaller party, the per-person cost rises quickly, so it makes the most sense for a full family group, a celebration, or friends who want a private day together.

The private format is also useful if your group wants to set its own tone. You can pick songs on the Bluetooth system, relax on one of the decks, sip a drink, or get ready to swim. You are not sharing the boat with strangers, though you will still be sharing the water and marina with other boats.

Boarding at Puerto Aventuras

The meeting point is H2OH Sun Cruises at Bahia Yanten in Puerto Aventuras, and the listed start time is 10:00 am. The activity ends back at the same meeting point. That location matters: although the experience is marketed around Playa del Carmen and the Riviera Maya, you should plan your route to Puerto Aventuras rather than assume the boat departs from central Playa del Carmen.

Private transportation is not included. The meeting point is described as near public transportation, but you will need to arrange your own way there. Allow enough time to arrive without rushing, especially if you are coming from another resort area.

Boarding begins with a cocktail, followed by a short preparation period while the crew gets ready to head out. The description suggests a relaxed start rather than a formal tour briefing on the dock. Once aboard, you can settle in, choose music, and take in the boat before leaving the marina.

The ride out and the onboard setup

The Sea Ray has several decks, giving your group options beyond sitting in one fixed row. You might want sun and open air, or a quieter place to sit with a drink. The boat also has a 6,000-watt sound system with Bluetooth and Spotify, so you can bring your own playlist rather than rely on a fixed soundtrack.

That setup will suit groups who like a social, party-boat atmosphere. It may be less appealing if you are after a quiet nature cruise. The volume and energy are largely in your group’s hands, which is one of the benefits of a private charter, but it is still worth agreeing on the mood before you board.

The ride itself is part of the outing, though this is a short trip rather than a long coastal passage. One account of the experience describes heading out to sea and then returning through a shallow marina where other party boats were gathered. Conditions can also affect how far the captain takes the boat. When the water was rough on one trip, the group stayed closer to shore and made use of the paddleboards and snorkeling instead. Think of the route as weather-dependent, not a guaranteed offshore run.

Anchoring at Xpu-Ha

At Xpu-Ha, the crew anchors the boat and gives a safety demonstration before inviting everyone into the water. This is the main activity stop, and it changes the pace from cruising to swimming and playing around the boat.

Paddleboards and life jackets are included. The boards offer a low-pressure way to get out on the water, while a life jacket can help you feel more comfortable if you are not a confident swimmer. The crew also has an upper-level high-dive for anyone eager to jump into the turquoise water below. You do not need to take the plunge to enjoy the stop; staying aboard or swimming at your own pace is fine.

Snorkeling has been part of at least one outing, but snorkeling equipment is not listed among the included items. If snorkeling is important to your group, ask the operator what gear is available before you go, or plan to bring your own. Water conditions matter too. The crew may adjust the route or activities when seas are rough, so do not book this as a guaranteed open-water swim in every kind of weather.

The three-hour duration includes boarding, cruising, the stop, and the return to the marina. That means your time at anchor is only part of the outing. If your group wants hours in the water, a longer charter may suit you better. If you want a compact mix of boat time, lunch, drinks, and a swim, this schedule has a useful balance.

Lunch, cocktails, and a crew that makes the day

The meal is more substantial than a token snack. Expect fire-grilled chicken seasoned for the grill, freshly made guacamole, Mexican-style salsa, beans, rice, tortillas, and chips. It is an easy menu for a group: familiar, shareable, and well suited to eating between swimming and relaxing.

An unlimited standard bar is included, with margaritas, beer, mixed cocktails, shots, and non-alcoholic drinks. That adds real value for a group that would otherwise be buying drinks separately, though the value depends on what your party wants to drink. If some people do not drink alcohol, the included non-alcoholic choices are useful too.

Service is a major part of the experience. Crew members named by groups on past outings include JJ, Uriel, Ricardo, Gonzo, Jesus, Tomás, and Charlie. Names can vary by departure, but the consistent practical advantage is having a crew aboard to prepare the food, serve drinks, and manage the boat while you spend time with your group. One group even had the crew catch fish, an unexpected bonus rather than something to count on.

Is $1,049 good value?

For a group of 15, the base price is about $70 per person. Add the required $20-per-person landing and facility fee, and the effective total is about $90 per person before transport. At that group size, the cost includes three hours on a private boat, lunch, an open bar, paddleboards, life jackets, and a sound system. That is a solid package for a celebration or a group that values privacy.

For a smaller group, do the math first. At ten people, for example, the base price is about $105 each, plus the $20 fee per person. The food and drinks still count toward the value, but you are paying for the full boat whether you use every place or not. This is less compelling for a couple or a small family than for a large party.

The fee is worth including in your budget rather than treating the advertised price as the whole cost. Towels and transportation are also not included. Bring towels, confirm how you will reach the marina, and account for those costs before deciding.

Who will enjoy this trip most

This is a strong fit for a family group, friends marking a birthday, or anyone who wants to keep a day on the water private. The private format can make it easier to mix ages and interests: some people can swim or use a paddleboard while others stay on deck with food and music. The experience is described as suitable for most participants, though each person should consider their comfort in the water and with boarding a boat.

It is also a good choice if you want an easy, social outing without planning lunch and drinks separately. The crew takes care of the meal and bar, and the activity stays within a manageable three-hour window. That leaves room for other plans the same day.

Skip it if you are looking for a long sailing excursion, a quiet wildlife-focused trip, or a guaranteed route far offshore. The outing centers on your group, the boat, and time at anchor, and the sea can dictate how the trip unfolds. If you need a fixed plan regardless of weather, this is not the safest choice.

Booking and practical details

The tour is offered in English, with a mobile ticket. Confirmation is expected within 48 hours of booking and is subject to availability. It is often booked about 29 days ahead, so a group planning a specific celebration date should not leave the decision to the last minute.

The stated cancellation terms are strict: the experience is non-refundable and cannot be changed for any reason. If poor weather causes the operator to cancel, you will be offered another date or a full refund. That distinction matters, so make sure your group understands the terms before paying.

Should you book the Xpu-Ha Sea Ray trip?

Book it if you have a sizable group, want a private boat, and like the idea of pairing a swim stop with lunch, cocktails, and your own music. The strongest value comes when you fill most of the 15 places and make use of the included food and drinks.

Before you commit, add the $20-per-person fee, towels, and transport to your budget. Then ask yourself whether your group will be happy with a weather-dependent three-hour outing rather than a guaranteed offshore cruise. If the answer is yes, this is an appealing, easy way to turn a few hours into a shared day on the water.

FAQ

How long is the tour?

The outing lasts approximately three hours, including the cruise, stop at Xpu-Ha, and return to the marina.

Where does the boat depart from?

It departs from H2OH Sun Cruises at Bahia Yanten in Puerto Aventuras, Quintana Roo.

What time does the tour start?

The listed start time is 10:00 am.

How many people can join the private tour?

The price covers a group of up to 15 people.

Is lunch included?

Yes. Lunch includes fire-grilled chicken, guacamole, salsa, beans, rice, tortillas, and chips.

Are drinks included?

Yes. An unlimited standard bar includes margaritas, beer, mixed cocktails, shots, and non-alcoholic drinks.

Are paddleboards and life jackets provided?

Yes. Paddleboards and life jackets are included.

Is transportation to the marina included?

No. Private transportation is not included.

Are there additional fees?

Yes. A landing and facility fee of $20 per person is not included in the group price.

What happens if poor weather cancels the trip?

You will be offered a different date or a full refund if the experience is canceled due to poor weather.