5-Hour Private 40′ Yacht 2-Stop Tour to In-Ha reef with Food, Drinks & Snorkel

Clear water, fresh ceviche, and your own boat. This private 40-foot yacht trip takes your group from Puerto Aventuras to the In-Ha reef and La Bocana for snorkeling, swimming, fishing, music, and a full spread of food and drinks. I especially like the private setup, which lets you choose the pace, and the strong food and drink program, which goes well beyond the usual boat snacks.

The main catch is the price. At $1,631.58 for up to six people, the tour makes better financial sense for a full group than for two or three people. You will also need to arrange your own transportation to the marina and pay a $20-per-person dock fee.

Quick take: the details that matter most

• A genuine private charter: Only your group takes part, with room to choose between snorkeling, sunbathing, fishing, eating, and music.
• In-Ha is the main water stop: Expect calm, clear water, reef life, tropical fish, and the chance to see sea turtles.
• La Bocana is the relaxed party stop: The water is shallow and clear, making it a good place to eat, drink, listen to music, and swim.
• Food is a real part of the trip: The planned menu includes guacamole, fish and shrimp ceviche, and grilled cheeseburgers.
• The crew gets high marks: Aldo is often singled out for his snorkeling guidance, while names connected with the crew include Captain David, Renata, Pinelo, Axel, Yair, David, and Luis.
• Budget for the extras: Private transportation is not included, and the dock fee is $20 per person.

Leaving Puerto Aventuras for a private day at sea

Although the experience is promoted for Playa del Carmen, the meeting point is at Riviera Elite: Yachts in Tulum and Playa Del Carmen, at Avenida Bahia Yanten, Manzana 33, Lot 9, Local 12, in Puerto Aventuras. That detail matters. You are not walking onto the boat from central Playa del Carmen, so you need to plan your own ride to the marina.

Once aboard, the appeal is simple: you have a 40-foot yacht and five hours for your own group. There is no larger party to keep up with and no fixed social mix to manage. You can spend more time in the water, stay on deck with a drink, or ask the crew to put on your music.

The boat has a restroom, towels, life jackets, and snorkeling equipment. Those basics make a difference on a half-day outing. You do not need to pack fins or search for a place to change, though you should still bring whatever personal sun protection you normally use.

The trip heads north for roughly an hour toward In-Ha. That ride is part of the experience, not just a transfer. You get open-water views and a different look at the Riviera Maya from the sea, with the yacht giving you more space and comfort than a small excursion boat.

In-Ha reef: the best reason to book

In-Ha is the serious snorkeling stop. The area is described as semi-sheltered, with calm, crystal-clear water that suits swimming and reef viewing. The expected sights include sea turtles, colorful tropical fish, and other reef life.

I like the flexibility here. If you want an active water stop, you can use the included snorkel gear and spend a good portion of the visit in the sea. If snorkeling is not your thing, you can stay aboard, sunbathe, have a cocktail, and watch your group from the deck.

That choice is especially useful for mixed groups. One person may want to search for fish while another prefers to remain dry with a cold drink. Since this is a private tour, nobody has to feel guilty about choosing a slower pace.

The crew prepares food and drinks while you are in the water. The planned menu includes fresh guacamole, fish and shrimp ceviche with tomatoes, onions, cilantro, and a special sauce. You can also request other lunch choices in advance for dietary needs, including vegetarian and vegan options.

Aldo is the crew member most closely associated with the snorkeling experience. If he is working your departure, you can ask him to help you make the most of the reef stop. The available comments about his guiding and the crew’s care suggest that the service is a major part of the day, not an afterthought.

Still, keep your expectations grounded. Reef conditions can vary, and the trip requires good weather. The possibility of turtles and colorful fish is a strong draw, but marine life is never a guaranteed performance. The semi-sheltered setting should make the water more comfortable, but conditions can still affect visibility and swimming time.

La Bocana gives the afternoon a different mood

After In-Ha, the boat continues to La Bocana, the final stop. This section is less about focused snorkeling and more about settling into the day.

The water is shallow and clear, so you can spend time in the sea with a drink or return to the boat for lunch. Music is part of the plan, and your group can request its favorite selections. That makes La Bocana a natural place for a birthday, bachelorette outing, or simply a lively afternoon with friends.

Fishing is also offered on the route, with trolling equipment included. If you catch something, the crew can prepare it aboard. That is a fun extra for anyone who wants more than swimming, though fishing should be treated as an option rather than the main purpose of the tour.

The difference between the two stops is useful. In-Ha gives you the best chance to focus on reef life and snorkeling. La Bocana lets you loosen up with food, drinks, music, and shallow-water swimming. The two-stop design keeps the day from feeling like five hours of doing the same thing.

Food, open bar, and the practical meaning of lunch onboard

The food program is one of this charter’s strongest points. The sample menu starts with guacamole, followed by fish and shrimp ceviche, and ends with grilled cheeseburgers prepared directly from the grill.

That is a generous plan for a five-hour outing. You are not expected to bring your own lunch or settle for a small bag of chips. The ceviche fits the setting particularly well, since it is fresh, light, and easy to eat between swims. The burgers provide a familiar option for anyone who prefers a heartier meal.

Snacks are included, and the open bar covers unlimited alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks. The minimum drinking age is 18. You can enjoy cocktails while staying on the yacht or, at La Bocana, take your drink into the shallow water if you choose.

The crew receives repeated praise for both cooking and hospitality. Aldo and the Scallywags crew are associated with a high-energy style, while Renata, Pinelo, Axel, and Yair are also named for attentive service and a good meal. Captain David, David, and Luis are among the other crew members connected with especially warm feedback.

That energetic style will suit a celebration or a group that wants music and social time. It may be less appealing if you want a quiet, formal sailing experience. You control the mood to a point, but this is clearly designed to be fun and lively rather than silent and refined.

A private yacht works best for the right group size

The tour costs $1,631.58 per group of up to six people. At the maximum size, that works out to about $272 per person before the dock fee and transportation. Add the $20-per-person dock fee, and the approximate total becomes $292 per person for a full group, not counting your ride to Puerto Aventuras.

For six people, that price buys a private boat, crew, food, open bar, snorkeling equipment, towels, a restroom, and access to two water stops. I consider that a fairer value for a full group than for a couple. With only two people, the same group price becomes a major splurge.

The private format is the key value. You are paying not just for the boat and lunch, but for control over the day. Your group can decide how much time to spend swimming, eating, fishing, relaxing, and listening to music. For a birthday, bachelor or bachelorette event, family outing, or close group of friends, that privacy can justify the cost.

The tour is booked around 28 days ahead on average, so I would not leave it until the last minute if your dates are fixed. Confirmation arrives within 48 hours of booking, subject to availability.

What to arrange before you go

Private transportation is not included, and the cost varies with your pickup location. If you are staying in Playa del Carmen, Tulum, or elsewhere in the Riviera Maya, ask about the ride to Puerto Aventuras before you finalize your budget.

You should also tell the operator about dietary restrictions when booking. Vegetarian and vegan meals are available, along with other requests, but they need advance notice. Do not wait until you are standing on the dock to mention a serious food restriction.

Good weather is required. If poor weather causes cancellation, you will be offered another date or a full refund. If you cancel for your own reasons, you need to do so at least 24 hours before the start time to receive a full refund. Cancellations within 24 hours are not refunded, and last-minute changes are not accepted.

Children and young adults under 18 must be accompanied by at least one adult. Service animals are allowed, and the activity is near public transportation. Most people can participate, though the snorkeling and swimming portions naturally require comfort in the water.

Who will enjoy this yacht day most

I would recommend this trip to a group of friends who want a private party atmosphere with real swimming and snorkeling built in. It also suits families with different interests, since some people can stay aboard while others use the water.

It is a particularly good fit for celebrations. The music, open bar, grilled food, and shallow-water stop at La Bocana give the day a festive feel without forcing your group into a large shared excursion.

Snorkelers should book for In-Ha, especially if calm water and the chance to see turtles appeal to you. Food-focused groups will also be happy here, since guacamole, ceviche, burgers, snacks, and drinks are central to the experience.

I would think twice if your budget is tight, your group is small, or you want a quiet sailing trip with little music and no party mood. The price is hard to justify for two people, and the crew’s upbeat style may not match every idea of luxury.

Nine questions to answer before booking

FAQ

Where does the yacht tour begin?

The tour begins at Riviera Elite: Yachts in Tulum and Playa Del Carmen, located at Avenida Bahia Yanten, Manzana 33, Lot 9, Local 12, in Puerto Aventuras, Quintana Roo.

How long does the experience last?

The tour lasts approximately five hours.

Is the tour private?

Yes. Only your group takes part in the activity, with space for up to six people.

What snorkeling locations are included?

The tour visits In-Ha and La Bocana. In-Ha is the main reef and snorkeling stop, while La Bocana is the final swimming, food, drink, and music stop.

Is snorkeling equipment provided?

Yes. Snorkel gear and life jackets are included.

What food is included?

The sample menu includes fresh guacamole, fish and shrimp ceviche, and grilled cheeseburgers. Snacks and lunch are included.

Are drinks included?

Yes. An open bar with unlimited alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks is included. The minimum drinking age is 18.

Are dietary requests possible?

Yes. Vegetarian, vegan, and other dietary options are available if you advise the operator when booking.

What is not included in the price?

Private transportation is not included, and a $20-per-person dock fee is charged separately.

Should you book this private yacht tour?

Book it if you have a group of four to six people and want a full Caribbean day built around your own schedule. The best parts are clear: In-Ha offers the strongest snorkeling, La Bocana brings the music and shallow-water fun, and the crew puts real effort into food, drinks, and personal service.

I would be especially comfortable recommending it for a celebration or a group of friends. Ask in advance about the crew, request dietary accommodations early, and budget for transportation and the dock fee. If you can fill the boat, the private format makes the price easier to defend. If you cannot, a shared boat may offer better value.