5H Private Lux 40′ Yacht All Inclusive – Tulum & Playa del Carmen

The sea day starts with your own yacht. This private five-hour cruise from Puerto Aventuras combines two things I especially like, flexible time in the water and fresh shrimp and fish ceviche prepared onboard. I also like that your group of up to 12 people gets the boat to itself, rather than sharing space with a large crowd.

The main drawback is cost. At $1,707.99 per group, plus a $20 dock fee per person and possible transportation costs, this makes the most sense for a full group. The booking is also non-refundable, so you need to be confident about your date and keep the weather policy in mind.

Key details before you book

• Private 40-foot yacht: Your group has the boat to itself, with a crew focused on your pace and preferences.
• Puerto Aventuras departure: The meeting point is Riviera Elite at Av. Bahia Yanten, Manzana 33, Lot 9, Local 12.
• About two hours in the water: You can swim, snorkel, and get on and off the yacht during the main reef stop.
• Ceviche made onboard: The crew prepares shrimp and fish ceviche while you enjoy the water.
• Open drinks included: Beer, wine, soft drinks, mixers, water, and bottled water are available.
• Fishing can become lunch: Troll fishing is offered, and anything you catch may be prepared onboard.

Setting out from Puerto Aventuras

The day begins at Riviera Elite in Puerto Aventuras, a useful starting point for a coastal trip from the Playa del Carmen and Tulum area. The yacht heads north along the Riviera Maya coast toward the InHa reef.

You should plan your own way to the marina. Private transportation is not included, and the price depends on your exact location. That is an important detail if you are staying in Tulum, where the transfer can affect the total cost.

The yacht is a private 40-foot boat, and the maximum group size is 12. That gives you much more control than a shared cruise. You can spend more time swimming, return to the deck when you want, and enjoy music, drinks, and food with people you already know.

The advertised duration is about five hours. The main reef portion is described as roughly four hours, with around two hours set aside for water activities. Exact timing can depend on conditions and the crew’s plan for the day, so I would treat the schedule as a guide rather than a minute-by-minute program.

The InHa reef stop and its calm water

The central stop is the InHa reef, where the water is described as clear and calm. This is the part of the cruise that gives the trip its strongest sense of place. You are not simply looking at the coast from the deck. You have time to get in the water and see the marine life below the surface.

Snorkeling equipment is included, so you do not need to bring your own mask and fins. You may see colorful tropical fish, sea turtles, and other sea life. The experience also includes a chance to swim with turtles, although sightings in nature can never be promised.

You get about two hours of water time, which is generous for a half-day boat outing. You can snorkel, swim, or stay onboard. The ability to hop on and off the boat matters here. One person in your group may want to snorkel while another would rather sit with a drink and watch the coast.

I like this flexible setup for families and mixed-age groups. You do not all have to enjoy the same activity at the same moment. Children and young people under 18 must be accompanied by at least one adult, and most people can take part.

The reef stop does have a practical limitation. The supplied details do not promise a specific snorkeling route, water depth, or exact turtle location. If the marine life is your main reason for booking, keep your expectations sensible. You are visiting a natural reef, not an aquarium.

Fishing, snorkeling, and lunch on the yacht

Troll fishing is available while the boat is underway. If you catch something, the crew can prepare it onboard. That small feature gives the cruise a more personal feel than a standard sightseeing trip, especially if someone in your group enjoys fishing.

The catch-based meal is not the only food option. The crew prepares shrimp and fish ceviche during the reef stop, while you are free to swim or snorkel. This is a smart use of the time: the meal is being handled while you enjoy the water.

Snacks are included as well. Drinks include unlimited beer, wine, soft drinks, mixers, water, and bottled water. Since the food and drinks are part of the package, you do not need to arrange a separate beach stop or worry about buying refreshments during the cruise.

The onboard meal is one of the strongest parts of the experience. Fresh ceviche, made during the outing, fits the setting far better than a boxed lunch. Vegetarian, vegan, and other dietary options are available if you tell the provider when booking.

If seafood is not your thing, communicate that in advance. The information confirms that dietary restrictions can be handled, but it does not specify a full alternate menu. Early notice is the sensible move.

What the private format changes

The private format is the real reason to consider this cruise. A group of 12 friends or relatives can split the cost and enjoy a boat day built around their own habits. You can spend your time in the water, settle into the music, or simply enjoy the open drinks and coastal views.

A shared boat usually asks you to follow the group schedule. Here, your party is the only group taking part. That does not mean every detail is unlimited, since the crew still has to manage the route, weather, and available water time. It does mean the atmosphere is likely to feel more relaxed and social.

The private setting also works well for a special occasion. The supplied feedback gives the crew strong praise for food, drinks, music, and friendly service. One group described the day as its favorite of the week, while another singled out Vicky, the chef, and the snorkeling guide for being attentive, generous, and fun.

Vicky is named as one of the hosts on the Blue Ray. That is useful to know when you arrive, although crew assignments can change. The personal service seems to be a major part of the appeal, not just a small extra.

Music is also part of the experience. It is not described as a formal entertainment program, but the positive comments point to a lively onboard atmosphere. If you want a quiet sailing trip with no party element, ask about the music style before booking. If you want a social day with drinks and a soundtrack, this format should suit you.

Is $1,707.99 a fair price?

The listed cost is $1,707.99 per group, for up to 12 people. At the full limit, that works out to about $142 per person before the dock fee and transportation. A group of six would pay about $285 per person before those extras, so the value changes sharply with group size.

For 10 to 12 people, the price can be reasonable for a private yacht, crew service, food, drinks, snorkeling equipment, and several hours on the coast. You are paying for privacy and convenience as much as for the boat ride itself.

The $20 dock fee per person is separate. For 12 people, that adds $240 to the group bill. Transportation is also not included, and its price depends on where you are staying. Add both costs before comparing this cruise with a shared boat trip.

I would book this for a full family group, a group of friends, or a celebration where privacy matters. I would hesitate if only two or three people are going, unless having a private yacht is worth the higher per-person price.

Another value point is the open drink service. Beer, wine, soft drinks, mixers, water, and bottled water are included, which can make the package easier to budget. The minimum drinking age is 18, so younger members of your group can take part in the water activities and food, but not the alcohol service.

Timing, meeting point, and what to plan

The meeting point is Riviera Elite: Yachts in Tulum and Playa del Carmen, at Av. Bahia Yanten Manzana 33, Lot 9, Local 12, 77750 Puerto Aventuras, Quintana Roo. The cruise ends back at the same location.

Confirmation is sent within 48 hours of booking, subject to availability. Since the experience is often booked about seven days ahead, I would not leave this until the last minute, especially if your dates are fixed.

You need to arrange transport to Puerto Aventuras unless you have your own way there. The tour is offered in English, and mobile tickets are accepted.

The weather clause deserves attention. The cruise requires good weather. If poor conditions force a cancellation, you are offered another date or a full refund. If you cancel for another reason or ask to change the booking, the payment is not refunded.

That policy makes travel insurance or careful planning worth considering, especially for a large group. Do not book this as a casual option that you can easily swap later.

Who will enjoy this yacht day most?

I think this is best for people who want a social day on the water without giving up privacy. It suits:

• Families with adults and children who want different levels of activity
• Groups of friends who enjoy music, drinks, and a relaxed boat setting
• Seafood fans who like ceviche made during the outing
• Snorkelers who want included gear and time to swim
• Fishing fans who would enjoy troll fishing and a possible fresh catch
• Groups celebrating a birthday, reunion, or special day

It may be less suitable if you want a tightly scheduled sightseeing tour with several shore visits. The listed plan focuses on one main reef area, water time, food, and the return cruise. It is a leisure day, not a packed tour of multiple Riviera Maya attractions.

It may also be a poor match for anyone who dislikes boats, snorkeling, seafood, or open-air social time. Since the price is fixed by group rather than by individual, a small party should think carefully about the total.

Small details that make a big difference

Tell the provider about vegetarian, vegan, or other dietary needs when you book. The menu centers on shrimp, fish, ceviche, and snacks, so advance notice will help the crew prepare suitable food.

Bring the practical basics for a water day, such as a swimsuit and sun protection. The tour provides snorkeling equipment, but the supplied details do not list towels, personal medication, or other personal items. Pack what you normally need for several hours outdoors.

If you hope to see turtles, treat that as a welcome possibility rather than a guarantee. The trip includes turtle swimming, but sea conditions and wildlife behavior can change.

For the best price per person, fill the boat with your own group. The experience allows up to 12 people, and the economics improve substantially as you get closer to that number.

Finally, remember that a private tour does not mean you can ignore the weather. The operator can move the date or refund the booking when poor weather cancels the trip, but ordinary cancellations are non-refundable.

Should you book this private Riviera Maya cruise?

I would book it if you have a sizable group and want one easy, festive day that combines snorkeling, ceviche, open drinks, music, and a private boat. The strongest reasons are the two hours of water time, the ability to set your own pace, and the attentive crew led by people such as Vicky, the chef, and the snorkeling guide.

I would skip it if your group is small, your budget is tight, or you want a low-cost shared excursion. Before paying, add the $20 dock fee per person and your transportation cost, then compare the total with other private yacht options.

For the right group, this is less about checking off many sights and more about enjoying a well-fed afternoon at sea. That is its appeal: fewer stops, more time together, and a crew handling the food, drinks, equipment, and boat work.

FAQ

Where does the yacht tour begin?

It begins at Riviera Elite: Yachts in Tulum and Playa del Carmen, at Av. Bahia Yanten Manzana 33, Lot 9, Local 12, 77750 Puerto Aventuras, Quintana Roo, Mexico.

Where does the tour end?

The cruise ends back at the same meeting point in Puerto Aventuras.

How long does the experience last?

The experience lasts approximately five hours. The main reef portion is described as about four hours, including roughly two hours for water activities.

How many people can join the private yacht?

The private tour is available for a group of up to 12 people.

Is snorkeling equipment included?

Yes. Snorkeling equipment is included, and you can snorkel or swim during the reef stop.

Are food and drinks included?

Yes. The package includes snacks, shrimp and fish ceviche prepared onboard, and unlimited beer, wine, soft drinks, mixers, water, and bottled water.

Is transportation to Puerto Aventuras included?

No. Private transportation is not included. The price varies according to your exact location.

Is there an additional dock fee?

Yes. The dock fee is $20 per person.

What happens if bad weather cancels the tour?

If poor weather causes a cancellation, you are offered a different date or a full refund. Ordinary cancellations and booking changes are non-refundable.