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.
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.
Traveler reviews
Compare the 13 similar options
Private catamaran snorkeling tour Playa del Carmen: Paamul Bay★ 5.00 (345)4hEN · ESUS$ 1,653per group
Chichen Itza Private Tour & Cenote Swim with Early AccessArrive early at Chichen Itza, wander with a private guide, swim in an open cenote, and enjoy lunch in Valladolid. Includes pickup and all entry fees.★ 4.98 (1,850)10hEN · ESUS$ 295View ›
Chichen Itza, Cenote Suytun & Valladolid: Private Day Trip with LunchFeel the ancient stones of Chichen Itza, swim in Suytun Cenote’s blue light, and wander Valladolid’s colorful streets. Includes lunch, all entry fees, and guide.★ 5.00 (243)7h–8hEN · FR +1US$ 320View ›
Akumal: Swim with Turtles & GoPro Photos Private TourSwim with turtles in Akumal Bay, guided by a local expert. Includes GoPro photo session, snorkeling gear, and access to showers and lockers. Private experience.★ 4.95 (300)1hEN · FR +1US$ 54View ›
Playa del Carmen: Sunrise Paddleboard Tour & PhotosStart your morning gliding on the Caribbean Sea in Playa del Carmen with a sunrise paddleboard tour, guided session, photos included, and beach club perks.★ 4.97 (231)2hEN · NL +1US$ 55View ›
Akumal Snorkeling with Sea Turtles & GoPro PhotosSnorkel with green sea turtles in Akumal's protected habitat. Includes 1.5-hour guided snorkeling, equipment, GoPro photos, small groups. Beach access bracelet extra.★ 4.86 (216)1h 10mEN · ESUS$ 36View ›
Sunset paddleboarding in Playa del Carmen: guided group sessionJoin a guided paddleboard group on the Caribbean at sunset in Playa del Carmen with board, paddle and instruction included★ 4.97 (86)2hEN · NL +1US$ 55View ›
Snorkeling in Riviera Maya: Catamaran & Two ReefsSnorkel two Caribbean reefs from a catamaran departing Maroma Beach, with hotel pickup from Playa del Carmen and Riviera Maya, drinks included, and three hours on the water.★ 4.82 (546)3hEN · ESUS$ 85View ›
Snorkeling Isla Mujeres: El Meco reef with food and open barIsla Mujeres boat tour from Playa del Carmen with snorkeling at El Meco reef, open bar, lunch, and free time on the island. Hotel pickup included.★ 4.41 (188)5h–6hEN · ESUS$ 115View ›
Playa del Carmen: Cenote Swim & Akumal Sea Turtle SnorkelingCenote swim and snorkeling in Akumal with sea turtles, tropical fish, and beachside lunch. Includes transport from Cancun hotels, guide, gear, and snacks. Full day excursion.★ 4.82 (1,393)4h 30mEN · ESUS$ 119View ›
Playa Maroma: ATV Jungle Ride & Speedboat or Waverunner ComboFeel the rush on Playa Maroma with an ATV jungle ride and your choice of speedboat or waverunner, including lunch, beach club access, and roundtrip pickup.★ 4.84 (502)2hEN · ESUS$ 150View ›
Snorkeling in Playa del Carmen: Sailing Catamaran with LunchSail a luxury catamaran to Riviera Maya's top reef with snorkeling, paddleboarding and lunch included. Four hours of water activities with hotel pickup.★ 4.65 (663)4hEN · ESUS$ 89View ›
Akumal & Cenote Snorkeling Tour: Sea Turtles & RiversSnorkel with sea turtles in Akumal, then swim in a cenote surrounded by stalagmites and stalactites—bilingual guide, gear, transport and lunch included★ 4.84 (2,635)5hEN · DE +6US$ 99View › Top questions
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.
Private catamaran snorkeling tour Playa del Carmen: Paamul Bay
4h · EN · ES
from US$ 1,653 per group
★★★★★★★★★★5.00345 reviews













