Riviera Maya: Catamaran Cruise, Snorkeling & Maroma Beach Club

Summary

Catamaran sailing in Riviera Maya with reef snorkeling and Maroma Beach stop

You’ll feel the Caribbean breeze as you sail by catamaran from Maroma Beach, snorkel two vibrant reefs with a local guide, then unwind at Maroma Beach Club with drinks included. Hotel pickup makes things easy so you can focus on that feeling of saltwater skin and sun-warmed smiles.

What’s the experience like?

I didn’t really know what to expect when we got picked up from our hotel in Playa del Carmen — I just knew I wanted to see the water up close, not just from the beach. The van was quiet except for a couple from Guadalajara chatting softly behind us. When we reached Maroma Beach, the sand was almost white and there was this salty-sweet smell in the air, sunscreen mixing with seaweed. Our guide, Diego, handed out snorkel gear and grinned like he’d done this a thousand times but still liked it.

Boarding the catamaran felt a bit awkward (I’m not exactly graceful), but once we were out on the Caribbean Sea, everything slowed down. There’s something about that blue — it’s not just one color. We stopped at the first reef and Diego pointed out some parrotfish; I kept fogging up my mask because I was smiling underwater. The coral wasn’t as bright as I’d imagined but there were flashes of purple and yellow if you looked closely. After forty-five minutes or so, back on deck, someone passed me a cold soda — my hands were still wrinkled from swimming.

The second snorkeling spot had fewer people around and more fish darting between rocks. I heard someone laughing through their snorkel (maybe at a pufferfish?), which made me laugh too — saltwater always gets up my nose no matter what. On the way back, Diego asked if anyone wanted to try the spinnaker sail thing; I chickened out but cheered for a woman who did it and came down with her hair everywhere, grinning like she’d won something big.

Sitting on the deck with sun-warmed skin and a beer (they only serve them after snorkeling), I watched pelicans skimming low over the water. The ride back was quieter — everyone seemed relaxed in that heavy-limbed way you get after swimming all afternoon. Sometimes I still think about how calm it felt out there, floating somewhere between sky and sea.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Catamaran cruise and snorkeling tour

• Get picked up from hotel
• Board catamaran at Maroma Beach
• Sail into Caribbean Sea
• Snorkel at first reef
• Snorkel at second reef
• Relax on deck and enjoy beverages
• Return to dock and hotel

Top questions

Is hotel pickup included for this Riviera Maya catamaran cruise?

Yes, roundtrip transportation is included from most centrally located hotels in Cancun, Playa del Carmen & Riviera Maya.

How long do we spend snorkeling during this tour?

You’ll spend about 45 minutes at each of two different reefs for snorkeling.

Are drinks provided during the cruise?

Yes, water, soft drinks, and beers are served onboard (beer is after snorkeling).

Is lunch included at Maroma Beach Club?

No lunch is mentioned; drinks are included but food is not specified in the inclusions.

What languages does the guide speak?

The live tour commentary is provided in English and Spanish.

Can children join this catamaran cruise?

Yes, children aged 6 years and older can join; minors aged 6-11 pay child rate and must be accompanied by an adult.

Are there any health restrictions for this tour?

This tour isn’t recommended for pregnant travelers or those with spinal injuries or poor cardiovascular health.

Is snorkeling equipment provided?

Yes, use of snorkeling equipment is included in your tour.

What’s included

Your day includes roundtrip hotel pickup from most central areas in Cancun, Playa del Carmen & Riviera Maya, all snorkeling equipment for both reef stops, guided commentary in English or Spanish throughout your catamaran cruise and underwater adventure, free access to Maroma Beach after your activity ends, plus water, soft drinks and beers served onboard (beer after snorkeling).