Reviewed · PLAYA DEL CARMEN BOAT TOURS
5H private 50′ Yacht All-Inclusive from Tulum & Playa del Carmen
The best part of this five-hour trip is having the Caribbean yacht, crew, and schedule to yourselves. From Puerto Aventuras, you head to In-Ha reef for a swim and snorkel, then cruise to shallow La Bocana for food, drinks, and a relaxed final stop.
I like the combination of private time on a 50-foot Azimut and a real reef stop, rather than spending the whole outing aboard a boat. I also like that ceviche, snacks, snorkel gear, towels, and an open bar are included, so you can travel light.
The main consideration is group size and cost: the yacht is private, but a group near the stated maximum of 15 may feel crowded. You’ll also pay a $20-per-person dock fee, and transportation to Puerto Aventuras is extra.
- In-Ha is the main swim stop: The reef area is semi-sheltered, with calm, clear water when conditions allow, and the chance to spot turtles and tropical fish.
- La Bocana is shallow: This second stop is suited to wading, swimming, and enjoying lunch or a drink in the water.
- Your group has the yacht to itself: There are no unrelated passengers, and the crew looks after food, drinks, and the water stops.
- Food goes beyond packaged snacks: Fresh shrimp and fish ceviche is part of the offering, with other dietary requests available if arranged ahead.
- Fishing is an optional extra activity: Trolling gear is provided, and fish you catch can be prepared onboard.
- Plan the group size with care: The boat is listed for up to 15, but feedback suggests it feels more comfortable with fewer people.
A Private Azimut Instead of a Shared Boat

The trip starts at Riviera Elite’s marina meeting point in Puerto Aventuras, between Playa del Carmen and Tulum. From there, your group boards a 50-foot Azimut yacht with a dedicated crew. The private format is the key difference: you are not sharing the boat with a large crowd or trying to keep pace with strangers.
That privacy is especially useful for families and groups of friends who want to set their own tone for the day. You can swim, sit in the sun, enjoy a drink, or stay aboard while others snorkel. The crew handles the practical work, including serving refreshments and helping with the stops.
The yacht has a restroom, towels, life jackets, and snorkel gear onboard. Those basics make a half-day at sea easier, particularly if you are traveling with children or do not want to carry a bag full of equipment.
Crew members named on past outings include Luis, Arianna, Eddie, and Pollo. Names and crew assignments may vary, but the personal service is an important part of what the tour offers. Some groups have described crew members swimming out with snorkelers to point out marine life; do not assume that this means formal instruction, though. If you are new to snorkeling, ask for help before entering the water.
In-Ha Reef Is the Main Event

The yacht heads north for about an hour to In-Ha, a semi-sheltered reef area. The time underway is part of the outing, not just a transfer: you can enjoy the coastline, settle in, and have a drink or snack while the crew gets ready for the first stop.
At In-Ha, you can swim and snorkel in clear water and look for sea turtles, colorful fish, and other reef life. Wildlife sightings are never guaranteed, and the sea can be choppy when weather changes, but this stop gives the tour its strongest connection to the natural side of the Riviera Maya.
You do not have to get in the water. If you would rather relax, stay onboard, sunbathe, or enjoy a cocktail and snacks while the rest of your group snorkels. That flexibility matters for mixed groups, where some people may be eager swimmers and others may prefer a shaded break.
The crew provides snorkel equipment and life jackets. If you are inexperienced, take a moment to get comfortable with the gear and ask the crew what support is available before heading out. A past group found the reef full of turtles, rays, and fish, but also noted that first-timers may need to learn the basics themselves.
More boat trips from 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
La Bocana Makes a Relaxed Second Stop

After snorkeling, the yacht continues to La Bocana. The water here is described as shallow and clear, making it a different kind of stop from the reef. Rather than focusing on spotting marine life, you can swim, wade, or enjoy lunch and drinks while standing in the water.
The crew can put on your group’s favorite music, giving this stop more of a casual, celebratory feel. It works well as a finale: you have already had time at the reef, and now there is room to slow down, eat, and enjoy the setting before the return cruise.
The shallow water is not a reason to skip common-sense care. Follow the crew’s directions, use a life jacket if you need one, and take care when getting on and off the yacht. If you prefer not to swim, you can remain onboard and enjoy the same stop from the deck.
Ceviche, Snacks, Drinks, and a Fishing Option
Fresh shrimp and fish ceviche is the signature food, served with chips and other snacks. Past groups have also enjoyed dishes such as guacamole, aqua chile, and burgers, but those items should not be treated as guaranteed menu choices. If you have a vegetarian or vegan diet, or another dietary restriction, tell the operator when booking so the crew can plan.
The open bar includes tequila, rum, vodka, Mexican beer, bottled water, soft drinks, and juice. The minimum drinking age is 18. Having drinks included can make the package feel convenient, but it is worth deciding in advance how much your group will actually use the bar when comparing the tour with other outings.
Trolling fishing gear is also available. If you catch something, the crew can prepare it onboard with a family sauce. Fishing is an option along the route, not the central purpose of the trip, so think of it as a bonus rather than a promised catch.
Food and service have been among the strongest points of this outing. The crew’s willingness to make guests comfortable, serve fresh food, and adapt to a group’s needs can make the day feel more personal than a standard boat excursion.
Group Size Changes the Value

The tour is private, so the price is shared only among your own group. That can make it attractive for a family or a group of friends, especially if you value privacy and want a boat outing without a packed passenger list. The exact price is not provided here, so compare the quote you receive against your group size rather than judging it as a single per-person figure.
The listed capacity is said to reach 15, but that does not mean 15 is the ideal number for every group. One party of 13 felt the yacht was too full, while groups of eight and 11 described enjoyable trips. Based on those experiences, I would lean toward a smaller party if comfort and personal space matter more than spreading the price across more people.
The private format also gives you room to tailor the day to your group’s pace. A family with mixed swimming abilities may value the ability to split time between the water and the boat. A celebration group may care more about music, drinks, and the La Bocana stop. Be honest about what your group wants, and about how comfortably everyone will share the yacht.
More private tours in Playa del Carmen:
- VIP Chichen Itza Private Tour
★ 5.0 · 1,782 reviews - Skip the Line Chichen Itza Private Tour, Sacred Cenote & Lunch
★ 5.0 · 1,089 reviews - Private Tulum Ruins, Turtles in Akumal and Cenote Adventure
★ 5.0 · 581 reviews - VIP Tulum Private Tour
★ 5.0 · 492 reviews
Getting to Puerto Aventuras and Budgeting the Extras

The meeting point is Riviera Elite: Yachts in Tulum and Playa del Carmen, at Av. Bahia Yanten Manzana 33, Lot 9, Local 12, in Puerto Aventuras. The tour returns to the same point after about five hours.
Private transportation is not included, and its price varies depending on where you are staying. Add that transfer to your budget, along with the $20 dock fee per person. For a group, the per-person fee adds up quickly, so include it when comparing the total cost with other activities.
Confirmation is provided within 48 hours of booking, subject to availability. The activity depends on good weather; if poor weather leads to cancellation, 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. Changes or cancellations made within 24 hours are not accepted for a refund.
Who Will Enjoy This Five-Hour Outing Most

This trip fits families, couples, and groups of friends who want a private boat day with both swimming and time to relax. It is especially appealing if your group values a dedicated crew, fresh food, an open bar, and the freedom to choose whether to get in the water.
It is less suited to someone seeking a low-cost shared excursion or a tightly guided snorkeling lesson. The tour includes gear, but it does not promise formal instruction. And if your group is large, the yacht’s capacity should not be mistaken for a guarantee of spacious comfort.
Keep sea conditions in mind, too. A family outing was affected by choppy water, and one passenger felt unwell. If you are prone to seasickness, the possibility of rougher conditions is worth considering before you book.
The tour is highly rated, with a 4.9 score from 134 reviews and a 99 percent recommendation figure. Those numbers support its reputation for friendly service, good food, and a memorable day, but weather, group size, and your own expectations still shape the experience.
Should You Book This Yacht?

Book it if you want a private half-day on the water, your group will make good use of the food and open bar, and you are comfortable paying for transportation and the dock fee on top of the tour price. The reef stop, shallow-water lunch break, and attentive crew give the five hours a satisfying mix of activity and downtime.
Think twice if you are traveling with a very large group, need a low-cost option, or expect structured snorkeling lessons. For a group of around eight to 10, the balance of space, privacy, and shared cost looks particularly promising. For 13 to 15, ask yourself whether everyone will be comfortable sharing the yacht before you commit.
FAQ

Where does the tour start and end?
It starts at Riviera Elite: Yachts in Tulum and Playa del Carmen in Puerto Aventuras, and returns to the same meeting point.
How long is the yacht tour?
The tour lasts about five hours.
What is included?
The private tour includes lunch and snacks, a restroom onboard, towels, snorkel gear, life jackets, fishing gear, and an open bar with alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks.
Is transportation to the marina included?
No. Private transportation is not included, and the price varies based on your location.
Is there an additional dock fee?
Yes. The dock fee is $20 per person.
Can the crew accommodate dietary restrictions?
Vegetarian and vegan options, along with other dietary requests, are available. Advise the operator when booking.
What happens if bad weather cancels the tour?
If poor weather causes cancellation, you will be offered another date or a full refund. You can also cancel for a full refund if you do so at least 24 hours before the start time.
Fresh reviews near Playa del Carmen
- Half-Day Yucatan’s Instagram Cenotes PRIVATE TOUR★ 4.5 · 12 reviews
- Private Half Day Tulum Ruins, Cave, Wood Sculpture with Lunch★ 4.5 · 6 reviews
- Private Transfer from Playa del Carmen to Tulum★ 3.5 · 3 reviews
- Private Yucatan Discovery Tour★ 5.0 · 15 reviews
- Private Tour Punta Laguna Monkey Sanctuary Zip Line★ 5.0 · 7 reviews
- Private Yucatan Highlights Tour★ 5.0 · 12 reviews
- Yucatan Cenotes Tour: Suytun + 3 Cenotes + Valladolid + Food + Transportation★ 4.5 · 11 reviews
- YAL-KU Park in Riviera Maya Admission Ticket★ 3.5 · 11 reviews
Playa del Carmen Boat Tours, 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 →
Mayan Ruins & Sian Kaan Tour with Boat Ride and Lunch
Read our review →
ATV or Speed Boat or Wave Runner with Beach Club In Riviera Maya
Read our review →
4H Private 38’Catamaran All-Inclusive in Tulum & Playa del Carmen
Read our review →Browse the lists this tour appears in


