Private catamaran snorkeling tour Playa del Carmen: Paamul Bay

Sail to a sheltered bay, snorkel the reefs, and eat ceviche the crew makes while you're in the water.

A private catamaran tour from Puerto Aventuras marina in Playa del Carmen that sails south along the Riviera Maya coast to Paamul Bay, where you snorkel around tropical fish and reefs, swim ashore on the beach, and stay anchored for about two and a half hours. The tour runs four hours total and includes snorkel gear, an open bar with beer, spirits and signature margaritas, snacks, and a freshly made shrimp and fish ceviche with guacamole that the crew prepares while you're on board. A live guide speaks English or Spanish, and the boat has a restroom and is wheelchair accessible.

Step-by-step itinerary

Catamaran cruise and snorkeling

• Cruise from Puerto Aventuras marina
• Sail along Riviera Maya coastline
• Arrive at Paamul Bay
• Snorkel around tropical fish and reefs
• Enjoy snacks and open bar on board
• Try signature margaritas
• Relax and sunbathe on catamaran
• Eat freshly made shrimp and fish ceviche
• Return to marina

The experience

The catamaran leaves Puerto Aventuras marina and heads south along the coast for about 45 minutes to an hour, sailing the Riviera Maya shoreline before dropping anchor in Paamul Bay. The water there is calm and clear: the kind of sheltered spot where you can actually swim off the boat and wade to the beach instead of staying tethered to the deck. The crew sets up snorkel gear and life jackets, and the reef around the bay holds tropical fish, sea turtles, and the rest of the marine life the Riviera Maya is known for.

While you're in the water or sunbathing on the catamaran, the bartender and crew work the open bar: tequila, vodka, rum, whiskey, bottled water, and cold signature margaritas on rotation. They also prep a shrimp and fish ceviche with fresh guacamole, made from scratch while the tour is underway. You stay anchored in the bay for roughly two and a half hours before heading back to the marina. The boat has a restroom on board and can accommodate wheelchairs, though water activities depend on meeting the crew's safety requirements. Children under 18 must be accompanied by an adult, and the minimum drinking age is 18.

If you're into fishing, you can troll from the boat during the sail, and anything you catch gets prepared for you right there. The tour works for groups of friends, families, and anyone who wants a day on the water without the logistics of renting a boat or booking a crowded group tour. Vegetarian, vegan, and other dietary restrictions can be arranged if you mention them at booking.

What’s included

• Private use of the 38-foot catamaran.
• snorkel gear and life jackets.
• an open bar with unlimited beer, spirits and margaritas.
• snacks and a freshly made shrimp and fish ceviche with guacamole prepared on board.
• onboard restroom.
• and a live guide in English or Spanish.

Before you book

Days and timesEvery dayDepartures at 09:00 and 15:00

Book up to18h before

GroupPrivate

Live guideEnglish and Spanish

Meeting point and pickupNo hotel pickup: you go to the meeting point. Ends back at the starting point.

Cancellation and refundsNo refund if you cancel.It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund.

ConfirmationConfirmation within 48 h

Paid on siteUS$ 20

Prices and times updated 10 days ago

Good to know

Low physical effortWheelchair accessibleStroller-friendlyPets welcomePublic transport nearbyInfants must sit on laps

Operated by Riviera Elite

Is this one for you?Book this if you want to snorkel and beach time on the same day: the catamaran stops at Paamul Bay where you can actually swim ashore and spend time on the beach, plus the crew handles food and drinks onboard. Add troll fishing if you'd like your catch prepared fresh during the sail.

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Top questions

What languages is the tour guided in?

Live guide in English and Spanish.

What happens if it rains?

It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund. No refund if you cancel.

What's the water like at Paamul Bay where we'll be snorkeling?

Paamul Bay is sheltered with calm, clear water and a sandy bottom. The reef holds colorful tropical fish and is a known spot to see sea turtles and other marine life along the Riviera Maya coast.

Can we actually get off the boat and swim to the beach?

Yes, one of the things that sets this tour apart is that you can swim ashore and spend time on the beach itself, not just snorkel from the deck. The bay is shallow and protected enough to make that possible.

How long do we spend in the water at Paamul Bay?

The catamaran stays anchored in the bay for about two and a half hours, so you have time to snorkel, swim to the beach, and relax on the boat between water time.

What food and drinks are included?

The tour includes an open bar with beer, spirits (tequila, vodka, rum, whiskey), bottled water, and signature margaritas; snacks; and a freshly made shrimp and fish ceviche with guacamole that the crew prepares during the tour. Vegetarian and vegan options are available if you request them at booking.

How long is the sailing part before we reach Paamul Bay?

The catamaran sails south from Puerto Aventuras marina along the Riviera Maya coast for about 45 minutes to an hour before reaching Paamul Bay.

Is this tour private or will there be other groups on board?

This is a private tour, so your group has the catamaran to yourselves. A live guide speaks English or Spanish throughout the day.