5H Private 40’Catamaran All-Inclusive in Tulum & Playa del Carmen

A private 40-foot catamaran day in the Riviera Maya is a simple way to swap beach crowds for real sea time. You get a crew-included sailing experience, with snorkeling in calm water and an all-inclusive food and drink setup that keeps the day moving.

Two things I really like about this kind of trip are the snorkeling at In-Ha and the onboard food plan built around fresh shrimp and fish ceviche. One possible drawback to plan around is weather, since the experience requires good conditions and snorkeling can be affected if the sea is rough.

Key things to know before you go

• In-Ha reef snorkeling in semi-sheltered, crystal-clear water, with a strong chance to spot sea turtles and colorful reef fish
• La Bocana shallow-water stop that feels like a finale, with ceviche and the open bar in clear, easy-to-wade water
• Troll fishing gear included, with the option to have what you catch prepared onboard
• Unlimited open bar plus snacks, towels, and life jackets, so you spend less time budgeting and more time enjoying
• Vegetarian and vegan options available if you request them at booking
• A private group setup for up to 15 people, so the day feels more like your own trip than a shared bus ride

A private 40-foot catamaran in Puerto Aventuras, and what that means for your day

This trip is priced per group (up to 15 people), which is key to the value story. At $2,258.96 per group, you can think of it as roughly $150 per person if your group fills most of the boat, and less if you bring more people. The big advantage is that you are not paying private-boat money plus separate snorkeling rentals plus separate meal and drink costs.

The essentials are all covered. You get a private sailing outing with a crew, life jackets, towels, snorkel gear, and troll fishing gear. You also get food and snacks plus an open bar with unlimited drinks. And because it is a catamaran, it tends to feel spacious for lounging and moving around between swim moments.

If you are the type who likes a schedule that still feels relaxed, this format works well. You cruise between two different water stops, you eat and drink onboard, and you do not have to wrangle logistics once you are at the marina.

The 5-hour flow: morning or afternoon, then two swim stops and a slow return

The experience runs about 5 hours, and you can choose either a morning or an afternoon departure. You meet at the Riviera Elite dock area in Puerto Aventuras, then you head north for about an hour toward the first snorkeling location.

That first leg matters because it gives you time to settle in, get your gear set, and get comfortable on the boat. After the snorkeling and swim time, the day shifts into food and drinks onboard, then you head to the second stop, La Bocana. The trip finishes with a slow cruise back to the Puerto Aventuras marina, with more views of the Riviera Maya coastline while the open bar stays in play.

The pacing is built for people with different comfort levels in the water. If snorkeling is your thing, you get a serious block of time. If it is not, you can still enjoy sunbathing, cocktails, and the scenery while others swim.

Stop 1: In-Ha reef snorkeling for sea turtles and reef fish

In-Ha is a semi-sheltered reef area, which is exactly what you want for a better snorkeling day. The water is described as calm and crystal clear, and that combination usually makes it easier to see fish without feeling like you are fighting waves.

This is where the trip earns its keep. Snorkeling is fantastic here, and you have a chance to see sea turtles plus colorful tropical fish and other reef life. Even if you are not a hardcore snorkeler, clear water makes the whole experience feel smoother.

I like that you are not forced into the water. Your crew gives you a choice: you can swim and snorkel, or you can stay onboard and relax with snacks and drinks while the boat stays in the action. That flexibility is helpful if someone in your group is more cautious, or if you simply want to take a break from the mask and fins.

A practical tip for this part: think about timing your swim. If you get in a little earlier, you often feel less rushed, and you can give your eyes a moment to adjust so reef life pops.

Onboard snacks, cocktails, and ceviche while the snorkeling happens

Between swim sessions, the boat keeps things rolling. During the In-Ha stop, the crew serves snacks, cocktails, and refreshments. Food is also part of the plan right away, with delicious shrimp and fish ceviche served freshly onboard.

This is where the all-inclusive setup really helps. You do not have to choose between snorkeling time and food time. You can focus on the water, then eat when the boat is in the right moment of the day.

If you have dietary restrictions, this trip has an actual process for it. Vegetarian and vegan options are available if you advise the team at booking. That matters because ceviche and seafood-based meals are often the default on this type of excursion, and you want confidence that your meal will be handled, not improvised at the dock.

Also, you have a restroom onboard, which seems small until you are out on the water for hours. It reduces the stress of planning your timing around bathroom breaks.

Stop 2: La Bocana shallow-water finale with music and ceviche lunch

La Bocana is the second stop, and it is a very different vibe from In-Ha. It is shallow and clear, so it feels more accessible if you want a lighter swim. You can enjoy yourself in the water if you want, and it is also a great place to just float, watch, and enjoy being out there.

This stop is set up like a finale. Many people use the time to enjoy ceviche lunch and the open bar, with your favorite music playing while you take in the view from the sea. That combination makes La Bocana feel like the part of the day where everything loosens up and you can go full vacation mode.

One drawback to consider here is that shallow water can still mean you are more exposed to sun and breeze, depending on the day. So if you are prone to sunburn, plan for it. The good news is you have towels provided, and you can always rotate between sun and shade on the catamaran.

Troll fishing: the optional extra that can end up on your plate

If you want more than snorkeling, this tour includes troll fishing. Troll fishing gear is provided, and the plan is that anything you catch can be prepared onboard. The description even notes that it can be cooked with the chef’s secret family sauce.

This is a fun addition because it turns the day into something more interactive. You are not just watching the sea, you are trying your luck in it. If you hook something, you get the satisfaction of knowing your effort could become part of the meal.

If you do not want to fish, you are not stuck doing it. You can still snorkel, swim, and relax with drinks and snacks. The trip is built around two water stops either way, and fishing is an optional layer you can choose to engage with.

The open bar setup: unlimited tequila, rum, vodka, Mexican beer, and more

The open bar is a big part of why this trip feels like it is worth it, especially for groups. You get unlimited drinks, including tequila, rum, vodka, and Mexican beer. It also includes bottled water, soft drinks, and juice.

That matters in two ways. First, it reduces the chance of spending your trip tallying costs. Second, it makes the day work for mixed groups, including people who want non-alcoholic drinks too.

Minimum drinking age is 18, and kids and young adults under 18 must be accompanied by at least one adult. So if you are traveling with family, you can still do this trip, but adults should be ready to supervise and manage the drinking portion.

Food is also included alongside drinks: chips and other snacks plus the famous shrimp and fish ceviche. That is a helpful combination for staying comfortable, because you are in and out of the sun and water and you want energy that does not feel heavy.

The crew makes it: safety, energy, and named helpers on the day

A private boat lives or dies on crew behavior. Here, the crew is repeatedly described as professional and safe, with a fun approach that keeps the day relaxed. Names that come up include Ali and Ramon, plus Fernando, Alan, Avan, Andre, Miguel, and Luis.

What I like about that is it signals more than friendliness. It suggests you can count on guidance when you need it, especially with snorkeling setup and keeping your group comfortable. If you are celebrating something, the crew can help make it feel special without turning it into a rigid event. You can also feel the practical side of care when they handle little problems quickly, like helping with personal items that go missing in the water.

For groups with kids, this kind of crew matters. When the staff stays attentive and the boat has a proper restroom plus snacks, families tend to spend less time worrying about logistics and more time focusing on the day.

Weather and sea conditions: your realistic risk, and how they handle it

This is an experience that requires good weather. If conditions are poor and the company cancels due to weather, you will be offered a different date or a full refund. Also, the tour is not something you can smoothly change once booked, because it is non-refundable and cannot be changed for any reason.

In real life, weather can still affect how the water feels at the first stop. On some days, the water can be a bit rough early, then become much better by the second location. That is exactly why you should keep your expectations flexible and treat the day as a living plan, not a guaranteed script.

What you can control is your mental setup. If you know you may feel some rocking, pick swim gear you are comfortable in and be ready to take breaks. If you get motion-sensitive, having snacks onboard helps.

Who should book this private catamaran outing

This is a strong fit if you want a mix of snorkeling, swimming, and food without dealing with a crowded public tour. It is also ideal for groups up to 15 who want a shared boat but not a shared itinerary with strangers.

You should especially consider it if you:

• want private time on the water with a crew handling everything
• care about snorkeling that is known for calm, clear conditions at In-Ha
• want an all-inclusive setup, with open bar and meals included
• have dietary needs, since vegetarian and vegan options are available when requested
• are traveling with kids who still want a real day on the sea, since the trip is set up for families with onboard comfort

If your top priority is a guaranteed snorkeling experience no matter what, weather is the wildcard. But if you are traveling at a time when you can afford a little flexibility, this tour model works well.

Should you book a 40-foot private catamaran in Tulum and Playa del Carmen?

I think you should book it if you want a value-heavy day that feels like a true charter without the hassle of planning meals, snorkeling gear, and drink stops. The combination of In-Ha reef snorkeling, a second shallow-water stop at La Bocana, and an onboard setup that includes ceviche, snacks, towels, life jackets, and open bar drinks makes this a practical choice.

I would hold back only if you know you cannot handle weather-related changes. Since the experience requires good conditions and the booking is non-refundable and non-changeable, you want your schedule to be solid. If you do have flexibility and you are excited about clear-water snorkeling, ceviche lunch, and the option to troll fish, this is the kind of day that can anchor your Riviera Maya trip.

FAQ

How much is the 40-foot private catamaran tour, and how many people can it include?

The price is $2,258.96 per group, and the private tour accommodates up to 15 people.

How long is the experience?

The tour lasts about 5 hours.

Do I get to choose a morning or afternoon departure?

Yes. The experience offers a choice of morning or afternoon departure time.

Where do we meet for the tour?

The meeting point is at Riviera Elite: Yachts in Tulum and Playa Del Carmen, Av. Bahia Yanten Manzana 33, Lot 9, Local 12, 77750 Puerto Aventuras, Q.R., Mexico. The tour ends back at the same meeting point.

What snorkeling and safety gear is included?

Snorkel and fishing gear, plus life jackets and towels, are provided.

What food and drinks are included during the trip?

The tour includes lunch and snacks, shrimp and fish ceviche, chips and other snacks, and an open bar with tequila, rum, vodka, Mexican beer, bottled water, soft drinks, and juice.

Are vegetarian or vegan meals available?

Yes. Vegetarian and vegan options are available if you advise the provider at the time of booking.

Is troll fishing included, and can the catch be cooked?

Yes. Troll fishing gear is included, and anything you catch can be prepared onboard.

What happens if the tour is canceled due to poor weather or if I cancel my booking?

If the experience is canceled due to poor weather, you will be offered a different date or a full refund. If you cancel or ask for an amendment, the amount you paid will not be refunded, and the experience is non-refundable and cannot be changed for any reason.