Catamaran Cruise in Riviera Maya With Snorkeling & Beach Club

The draw here is a short sail from Maroma Beach to two snorkeling spots along the reef, with a guide in the water to help you spot fish and coral. You get the pleasure of being out on the Caribbean without having to arrange a boat, equipment, and transport separately.

I like two practical parts of the package: hotel pickup and snorkel gear are included, and you can stay at Maroma Beach after the boat trip without paying an additional beach-access fee. One thing to plan around is the $15 cash marina fee per person, which is not included in the advertised $85 price.

There is also a timing wrinkle. The activity itself is described as about three hours, but transport, check-in, and time at the beach club can stretch your day. If you have a firm afternoon commitment, leave a generous buffer.

At a glance: the details that shape your day

• Two guided snorkeling stops: The boat visits two spots, giving you a chance to see fish and coral in the water rather than only from the deck.
• Maroma Beach departure: The trip starts from Maroma Beach, with free beach access after the activity.
• Transfers are offered: Round-trip transport covers most centrally located hotels in Cancun, Playa del Carmen, and Riviera Maya.
• Drinks come with the trip: Water, soft drinks, and beer are included. Beer is served after snorkeling.
• Budget for the marina fee: Bring $15 cash per person for the fee due at arrival.
• A compact boat outing, not necessarily a compact day: Three hours is the approximate activity duration, but transport and time at the beach club may add considerably more.

Maroma Beach is the starting point

This outing begins at Maroma Beach, north of Playa del Carmen. After hotel pickup, you check in, collect your snorkeling equipment, and board the catamaran. The transfer can make the experience easier to arrange than booking a boat on your own, especially if you are staying in one of the listed resort areas.

The setting is part of the appeal. Once the boat leaves shore, the Caribbean becomes the main event: open water, coastal views, and time on deck between the snorkeling stops. You can take photos, sit back, and enjoy the ride without needing to plan a route or organize equipment.

The check-in does have one unglamorous detail: a $15 marina fee per person, payable in cash. It is separate from the $85 tour price, so the basic cost is at least $100 per person before any food, photos, or other purchases. I would bring the fee in cash and treat it as part of the price from the start.

Two reef stops, with a guide in the water

The main reason to choose this trip is the chance to snorkel at two locations rather than simply cruise along the coast. A guide leads the snorkeling and can point out marine life and coral formations. The skipper also shares information about the region’s marine biodiversity, adding some context to what you see beneath the surface.

The first stop is described as a reef area, with one account of the snorkeling covering roughly a kilometer. That distance is not a promised route, and conditions can vary, but it gives you a sense that the outing may involve more than a quick look from the surface. The second stop is in shallower water, where you can swim and take in the surroundings.

The amount of actual snorkeling is a fair question to consider. One departure included about 30 minutes at the reef, while the rest of the time went to sailing, another water stop, and time around the beach club. The advertised plan includes two snorkeling stops, but it does not specify how long you will spend in the water at each. If your priority is a long, uninterrupted snorkeling session, this may feel brief. If you want a mix of reef time and a relaxed boat ride, the format makes more sense.

Snorkel equipment is included. One practical tip: if you dislike the traditional mask and mouthpiece, consider bringing your own familiar equipment. A participant found the supplied style uncomfortable and preferred a full-face mask. The tour information does not specify which models are available on a given day, so bringing gear you already know may help if you have a strong preference.

You should be comfortable in the water and able to take part in a boat-based activity. The tour advises people with limited mobility, back problems, recent surgery, or pregnancy to consider a less physically demanding outing. If you have an illness or special need, contact the operator before booking to ask whether the standard trip is suitable.

Catamaran time, crew, and drinks

Between stops, the catamaran gives you a place to dry off, rest, and enjoy the view. This is not just transportation from one snorkeling point to another. The sailing time is part of the experience, and it may be the part you appreciate most if you want a few easy hours outdoors rather than a tightly packed schedule.

Crew service is one of the strongest parts of the outing. The people working on different departures have included guides named Nato, Carlos, Juan Carlos, and Luciano. Names can change with the schedule, of course, but the guide’s role matters: a good in-water leader can help you notice marine life and feel more at ease during the snorkel.

Water, soft drinks, and beer are included. Beer is served only after the snorkeling activity, a sensible rule when you are heading into the water. One departure also had other drink options, but the stated inclusions are water, soft drinks, and beer, so do not count on a particular extra beverage.

The maximum group size is 100 people, though some departures have had much smaller groups, around 15 or even fewer. You cannot assume you will get a small-group outing, but the range can affect how personal the boat feels. If a quieter trip is important, an afternoon departure may be worth asking about, though no departure time guarantees a smaller group.

The beach club after the boat

When the boat portion ends, you have free access to Maroma Beach. This is useful if you want to stay by the water rather than head straight back to your hotel. It is not the same as an included meal or a guaranteed food credit. Food and drinks beyond the stated refreshments are not included.

That distinction matters because the beach-club portion may be less compelling than the snorkeling. Some people have found the club area underwhelming, and food purchases can add up. One account described a limited lunch choice and felt the meal was not worth about $20. That is not a fixed menu or price for every visit, but it is a good reason to check what is available before ordering.

There has also been confusion around a $10 beach-club credit. Do not assume that such a credit applies to this snorkeling package. The stated inclusions promise free access to the beach, not a food voucher or spending credit. If a credit is important to your decision, confirm it directly with the operator before you go.

What $85 buys, and what it does not

At $85 per person, the price covers a catamaran cruise, guided snorkeling, equipment, hotel transport from most centrally located hotels in the listed areas, drinks, and beach access after the activity. For someone who wants those pieces bundled together, that can be worthwhile. Arranging a boat and transfers separately would take more effort, and the included gear keeps you from needing to rent it elsewhere.

But the real starting total is about $100 per person once you add the $15 cash marina fee. Food, unlisted drinks, souvenir photos, and lockers are extra or not included. If you are staying at an all-inclusive resort, compare the trip’s full cost with the convenience of returning for lunch and drinks there. You may value the reef visit and boat ride more than the beach-club stop.

The value depends on what you want from the water time. For a short guided introduction to reef snorkeling with transport arranged, the package is straightforward. For long hours in the water, a meal, or a full day at the beach, the price may feel less attractive. The key is to judge it as a half-day-style boat excursion, while remembering that the complete outing with transfers can take longer.

Timing and transport need a little care

The stated activity lasts about three hours, but that does not necessarily mean you will be back at your hotel three hours after pickup. Hotel routes, check-in, the boat schedule, and time spent at Maroma Beach can stretch the day. One person described an outing that took about five and a half hours overall, while another found the ride home confusing.

Ask the operator for your pickup time, the expected return, and how transport works after the boat trip. If you choose to remain at the beach club, clarify which return transfer you can take. One account described hourly returns and a wait to leave after lunch, but schedules can vary. Do not book this on a day when you need a precise arrival time elsewhere.

Pickup is offered from most centrally located hotels in Cancun, Playa del Carmen, and Riviera Maya. The word most matters: confirm your exact hotel and pickup point rather than assuming every property is covered. The instructions also ask you to present a printed ticket at pickup and keep it for check-in, so have that ready.

The tour is offered in English, and live commentary is provided in English and Spanish. Confirmation is normally received at booking, though reservations made within one day of travel may take longer to confirm and depend on availability.

Who will enjoy this catamaran trip

This outing suits couples, families with older children, and solo visitors who want a guided taste of reef snorkeling without arranging the details themselves. Children must be at least six and accompanied by an adult. Children aged six to 11 pay the child rate, and the minimum drinking age is 18.

You are likely to enjoy it if you value a friendly crew, easy transport, a boat ride, and a guided chance to see marine life. It is also a good fit if you would rather have snorkeling gear supplied than pack your own. The most consistently praised elements are the crew’s helpful service and the snorkeling itself, especially when guides take time to point out sea life.

I would hesitate if you need a guaranteed three-hour door-to-door outing, want a substantial lunch included, or expect a long stretch of snorkeling. The beach-club stop is an added option, not the core attraction, and the transport arrangements deserve a little advance checking.

Should you book it?

Book this trip if you want a convenient catamaran outing with two snorkeling stops, equipment, refreshments, and hotel pickup. The crew and the chance to see reef life are the strongest reasons to go. Just budget for the $15 cash fee, confirm your pickup and return plan, and leave more time than the approximate three-hour activity duration suggests.

Skip it, or compare alternatives, if you are mainly after a full day of snorkeling or a meal-and-beach package. This outing can be a pleasant value when you use the boat and guided water time; it is less convincing if you expect the beach club, lunch, and transport to be effortless extras.

FAQ

How long does the catamaran activity last?

The activity is approximately three hours. Hotel pickup, check-in, and time at Maroma Beach can extend the total outing, so allow extra time beyond the boat activity.

How much does the tour cost?

The listed price is $85 per person. A separate $15 marina fee per person is payable in cash on arrival.

Where does the tour depart from?

The catamaran trip departs from Maroma Beach. Round-trip transport is offered from most centrally located hotels in Cancun, Playa del Carmen, and Riviera Maya.

Are snorkeling equipment and drinks included?

Yes. Snorkeling equipment, water, soft drinks, and beer are included. Beer is served after the snorkeling activity.

How many snorkeling stops are included?

The trip includes two snorkeling stops. The time spent at each stop is not specified.

Is food included?

No. Food and drinks not mentioned in the program are not included. Free access to Maroma Beach after the activity is included.

What is the minimum age?

The minimum age is six. Children must be accompanied by an adult, and children aged six to 11 pay the child rate.

What languages are offered?

Live tour commentary is provided in English and Spanish. The experience is offered in English.

Can I cancel for a refund?

You can cancel at least 24 hours before the experience’s start time for a full refund. Cancellations within 24 hours are not refundable. If poor weather cancels the experience, you will be offered another date or a full refund.