Riviera Maya Snorkeling: 45' Catamaran & Inah Bay Reef

The catamaran carries you out and back—the snorkeling happens in the middle, with two hours to explore the reef at your own pace.

A half-day catamaran snorkeling trip on the Riviera Maya departs from the marina, sails north for an hour to Inah Bay's reef, and anchors for two hours of snorkeling before returning. The boat carries a certified guide in English or Spanish, snorkeling gear, paddleboards, lunch prepared onboard, and a full open bar. The whole experience runs four hours.

Step-by-step itinerary

Lagoon catamaran sailing and snorkeling

• Depart from marina
• Sail 1 hour to Inah Bay
• Snorkel and swim for 2 hours
• Use paddleboards in the bay
• Enjoy lunch onboard
• Sail 1 hour back to marina

The Experience

The boat leaves the marina and heads north along the Riviera Maya coast for an hour, giving you time to settle in and watch the water change color as you move offshore. Once anchored at Inah Bay, you have roughly two hours to snorkel the reef, swim, or paddle out on the boards—the choice is yours. The reef holds colorful fish and the water stays shallow enough that you can surface whenever you want; a certified guide in English or Spanish stays on board and in the water if you need one.

Lunch comes from the galley onboard: fruit, ceviche, quesadillas, cheese and salami baguettes, pico de gallo and guacamole. The open bar runs the whole time—soda and water for travelers under 21, beer and spirits for those 21 and older. Towels and a floating mat are there if you want to rest between swims.

The sail back takes another hour and gives you space to dry off and decompress. Snorkeling gear, paddleboards, and all the food and drink are included; docking fees and gratuities are not. The boat has a restroom onboard and can accommodate wheelchairs and strollers with crew assistance during boarding, though the vessel itself is not directly wheelchair-accessible.

What’s included

• Snorkeling equipment.
• paddleboards.
• lunch with fruit, ceviche, quesadillas, cheese and salami baguettes, pico de gallo and guacamole.
• open bar with soda, water, beer and spirits (alcohol for 21+).
• bottled water.
• towels.
• floating mat.
• certified guide in English or Spanish.
• restroom onboard.

Good to know

Easy physical levelStroller friendlyPublic transport nearbyNot for heart conditions

Operated by Puerto Aventuras Yachting

Is this one for you?Book this if you want snorkeling with a full day still ahead—the four-hour round trip leaves your schedule flexible, and the catamaran departs from the marina so you're not coordinating separate logistics.

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Top questions

What is the reef at Inah Bay like for snorkeling?

Inah Bay holds a vibrant reef with colorful marine life in shallow, sheltered water. The site is semi-sheltered and sits in the tranquil part of the bay, making it suitable for swimmers of different levels.

How much time do I actually spend snorkeling?

You have approximately two hours anchored at Inah Bay to snorkel, swim, or use the paddleboards. The rest of the four-hour trip is sailing to and from the reef.

Is snorkeling gear included, or do I need to bring my own?

Snorkeling equipment is included with the trip. The boat provides everything you need; you just bring a swimsuit and towel.

Can I do something other than snorkel while the boat is anchored?

Yes. You can swim in the bay, paddle out on the included paddleboards, or stay onboard and relax. The guide is available in the water if you want one, but snorkeling is not mandatory.

What food and drinks are on the boat?

Lunch includes fruit, ceviche, quesadillas, cheese and salami baguettes, pico de gallo and guacamole. The open bar offers soda and bottled water throughout, plus beer and spirits for travelers 21 and older.

Do I need to arrange my own transportation to the marina?

Transportation to the marina is not included. Public transportation options are available nearby, and you can arrange your own ride or book a separate transfer.