Review · YACHT CRUISES WITH AN OPEN BAR
5H private 50′ Yacht All-Inclusive from Tulum & Playa del Carmen
Catch the Riviera Maya from the water. This five-hour private yacht trip gives you a 50-foot Azimut, a dedicated crew, turtle snorkeling at In-Ha, and a relaxed stop at Playa La Bocana. I especially like the private setting and the freshly prepared shrimp and fish ceviche. The main consideration is space: groups of 11 to 15 may find the yacht less comfortable than smaller parties.
The crew can also prepare dietary requests in advance, and the open bar includes tequila, rum, vodka, Mexican beer, soft drinks, juice, and water. I like that snorkeling gear, towels, life jackets, lunch, and snacks are included. You will still need to arrange transportation to Puerto Aventuras and pay the $20-per-person dock fee.
Key points to know before you book

- Turtle snorkeling at In-Ha: Swim in calm, clear water among sea turtles, tropical fish, rays, and reef life.
- A real private yacht: Only your group takes part, with crew service aboard a 50-foot Azimut yacht.
- Two different water stops: In-Ha is best for snorkeling, while Playa La Bocana is shallow and suited to lunch, music, and easy swimming.
- Food made onboard: Expect shrimp and fish ceviche, chips, snacks, and the option to request other meals in advance.
- Open bar included: Tequila, rum, vodka, Mexican beer, juice, soft drinks, and bottled water are available throughout the trip.
- Best for smaller groups: The yacht can take larger parties, but a group of eight to ten may feel more comfortable than 13 to 15 people.
A private yacht day from Puerto Aventuras

This experience begins at Riviera Elite’s marina location in Puerto Aventuras, between Playa del Carmen and Tulum. The boat heads north along the Riviera Maya coast, giving you a different view of the region than you get from a hotel beach or a busy catamaran.
The appeal is simple: this is your group, your boat, and your schedule within the five-hour outing. You are not being moved from one attraction to another with a large crowd. The crew handles the food, drinks, snorkeling equipment, towels, and water activities, while you decide how active or lazy you want the day to be.
I see this as a particularly good fit for families, birthday groups, couples traveling with friends, and anyone marking a special occasion. The yacht setting feels more personal than a standard shared excursion, and the private format lets non-swimmers stay comfortable while stronger swimmers spend more time in the water.
The boat has a restroom onboard, which matters on a five-hour trip. Towels, snorkel gear, and life jackets are supplied, so you do not need to pack a full collection of beach equipment.
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The ride north and the first hour at In-Ha
The cruise from Puerto Aventuras to the first stop takes about an hour. That transfer is part of the experience, not just dead time. You can settle into the yacht, order a drink, take in the coast, and let the crew prepare the snacks and lunch items.
The first stop is In-Ha, a semi-sheltered reef area chosen for its calm, clear water. This is the strongest part of the itinerary for anyone who wants to see marine life. The water is suited to swimming and snorkeling, and the expected sights include sea turtles, colorful tropical fish, rays, and other reef creatures.
A crew member can swim out with you and point out what to watch for. That is useful once you are in the water, particularly if you want help spotting turtles or smaller reef life. One practical point for beginners: formal snorkeling instruction is not described as part of the trip, so if your group includes first-timers, you may need to help them get comfortable with the mask and snorkel.
The semi-sheltered location is a plus, but sea conditions can still affect the day. One family had choppy water because of weather, and one person felt unwell before recovering with help from the crew. If you are prone to motion sickness, bring whatever remedy you normally use and keep your first drink modest until you know how the water feels.
You do not have to snorkel. You can stay aboard, sunbathe, sip a cocktail, and eat snacks while the rest of your group swims. That flexibility makes the trip more workable for mixed groups, especially when children, older relatives, or non-swimmers are along.
Lunch, music, and shallow water at Playa La Bocana

After the snorkeling stop, the yacht continues to Playa La Bocana. This second stop has a different mood. The water is shallow and clear, making it an easy place to wade, sit in the sea, or enjoy lunch without the effort required for reef snorkeling.
Many groups use La Bocana as the social part of the day. The crew can serve the ceviche and drinks while you remain in the water, and music can be played during the stop. It has the feel of a floating picnic, with the coastline as your backdrop and no need to hurry through a restaurant meal.
Fresh shrimp and fish ceviche are central to the food service. Chips and other snacks are included, and the crew may prepare additional items such as guacamole, burgers, or other requested food. Dietary restrictions can be handled if you advise the company when booking. Vegetarian and vegan options are available, but you should not wait until boarding to ask.
The food is one of the most praised parts of the trip. The onboard meal is more than a packet of snacks, and it helps the day feel like a proper outing rather than a short boat transfer with a swim stop. If someone in your party does not eat seafood, arrange an alternative in advance.
Open bar and the pace of the afternoon

The open bar runs throughout the trip and includes tequila, rum, vodka, Mexican beer, bottled water, soft drinks, and juice. That range works well for a group with different tastes. You can order a cocktail, stick with beer, or keep it simple with water and juice.
The all-inclusive setup adds value because a private boat day can become expensive once meals, drinks, equipment, and crew service are added separately. Here, those basics are part of the package. The $20 dock fee per person and transportation costs remain outside the advertised inclusions, so add them to your budget before deciding.
The crew’s service style appears to be attentive without being intrusive. They prepare food, keep drinks available, help with the water activities, and give your group room to enjoy the boat. That balance matters on a private charter. You are paying for freedom and comfort, not constant entertainment from a guide.
The drinking age is 18. Anyone under 18 must be accompanied by at least one adult. Keep in mind that the open bar should not be the only reason to book this trip. The best day comes from combining the drinks with the reef, the food, the yacht, and time with your own group.
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What the yacht feels like for different group sizes

The yacht is described as a luxurious 50-foot Azimut, with a clean and comfortable interior and space to move between the seating areas and the water. It is a strong choice if you want a private setting without paying for a much larger vessel.
Group size will shape the experience. A family of five or a group of eight should have plenty of room to spread out and take breaks from the sun. A party of 11 can still enjoy the trip, but seating and movement may feel tighter. One group of 13 found that the yacht felt too full, even though the advertised capacity allows up to 15 people.
For that reason, I would consider eight to ten people the comfortable target if you have a choice. If your party is larger, the private format still has value, but set realistic expectations. You will have the boat to yourselves, not unlimited personal space.
The yacht also offers a fishing option. Trolling is available during the trip, and fish caught along the way can be prepared onboard with the chef’s family sauce. This is a nice extra for people who want more than snorkeling, though fishing should be treated as an optional feature rather than the main reason to book.
How this compares with a crowded shared boat

The clearest value of this trip is privacy. On a shared excursion, you may spend much of the day adjusting to strangers, following a fixed group schedule, and competing for space near the food or rail. Here, you can choose when to swim, when to eat, and when to sit quietly.
That flexibility is especially useful for families. One person can snorkel while another stays dry. Young swimmers can use life jackets, and adults can keep an eye on the group without losing sight of the yacht. The restroom onboard also removes one common problem with longer boat outings.
You are paying for the boat and crew, not simply for access to a reef. The value improves when you divide the cost among a larger private group, especially if you would otherwise buy several separate seats on a shared cruise. Since no tour price is provided here, I cannot judge the exact bargain. Use the total quote, then add transportation and the $20 dock fee per person.
The private arrangement is less compelling for a solo couple if the price is far above a shared cruise. For a birthday, family gathering, or group holiday, the ability to control the day can justify the extra cost.
Food, service, and the strongest part of the experience

The crew receives the most praise for friendly, capable service. Specific crew members named in the feedback include Luis, Arianna, Eddie, and Pollo, who were credited with taking good care of a family and preparing dishes such as aqua chile, guacamole, and burgers.
That detail gives you a useful picture of the service. This is not only a captain taking you to a reef and pointing toward the water. The crew is involved in setting up the food, making drinks, helping with snorkeling, and responding when someone feels uncomfortable.
The boat itself is also highly praised for being clean and comfortable. Those qualities matter more than flashy decoration on a five-hour outing. You want dry towels, a working restroom, room to sit, and a crew that keeps the day moving without making you feel managed.
The biggest weakness is not poor service. It is the possibility of crowding in a full group and the lack of a structured lesson for first-time snorkelers. Both are easy to manage if you book with the right group size and prepare beginners beforehand.
Practical planning from Playa del Carmen or Tulum

The meeting point is Riviera Elite at Av. Bahia Yanten, Manzana 33, Lot 9, Local 12, in Puerto Aventuras. The trip begins and ends there, so you need to plan your own route to the marina unless you arrange private transportation through the operator.
Transportation is not included, and the cost varies according to your exact location. Playa del Carmen is closer than Tulum, but the quoted transfer cost will depend on where you are staying. Ask for the total transportation price before booking so the final budget does not surprise you.
Confirmation is sent within 48 hours of booking, subject to availability. The tour requires good weather. If poor conditions force a cancellation, you can choose another date or receive a full refund.
You can cancel for a full refund up to 24 hours before the start time. Changes or cancellations inside that 24-hour window are not refunded, so keep the local time and weather policy in mind when arranging airport departures or other fixed plans.
Service animals are allowed, public transportation is nearby, and most people can participate. The experience is private, but the boat’s water activities still require ordinary judgment. Life jackets and snorkel equipment are provided, and you should tell the company about dietary restrictions at booking.
Who should book this yacht trip
I would choose this tour if your group values privacy, food, drinks, and a flexible day on the water. It works particularly well for:
- Families with mixed swimming abilities
- Groups celebrating birthdays or special occasions
- Friends who want a private boat instead of a shared cruise
- Snorkelers hoping to see turtles and reef fish
- People who want lunch and drinks handled onboard
- Groups of roughly five to ten people seeking a comfortable fit
I would think twice if your party has 13 to 15 people and everyone expects lots of personal space. I would also compare prices carefully if you are only two people and do not care about having a private boat.
FAQ
Where does the yacht tour begin?
It begins at Riviera Elite in Puerto Aventuras, at Av. Bahia Yanten Manzana 33, Lot 9, Local 12, 77750 Puerto Aventuras, Quintana Roo.
How long does the experience last?
The tour lasts approximately five hours and returns to the same meeting point.
Is transportation from Playa del Carmen or Tulum included?
No. Private transportation is not included, and the price varies depending on your exact location.
Is snorkeling equipment provided?
Yes. Snorkel gear, life jackets, and towels are provided.
What food and drinks are included?
Lunch and snacks include shrimp and fish ceviche, chips, and other snacks. The open bar includes tequila, rum, vodka, Mexican beer, bottled water, soft drinks, and juice.
Can dietary restrictions be accommodated?
Yes. Vegetarian, vegan, and other dietary options are available if you advise the company when booking.
What happens if bad weather cancels the tour?
You will be offered a different date or a full refund if the tour is canceled because of poor weather. For your own cancellation, you must cancel at least 24 hours before the start time for a full refund.
Should you book the Riviera Elite yacht?
Book it if you want a private, food-centered day with real time for snorkeling, swimming, and relaxing. The turtles at In-Ha, the shallow water at La Bocana, the onboard ceviche, and the attentive crew create a well-rounded outing rather than a simple boat ride.
I would aim for a group of eight to ten or fewer, confirm your meal requests early, budget for the dock fee and transport, and check the total price against a shared cruise. If those details suit your plans, this yacht offers a comfortable way to enjoy the Riviera Maya coast without being packed onto a crowded boat.
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