Snorkeling in Playa del Carmen: Sailing Catamaran with Lunch

Tropical fish, stingrays and sea turtles meet you at the reef.

A four-hour snorkeling cruise from Playa del Carmen aboard a sailing catamaran takes you to one of the region's most spectacular reefs in the Riviera Maya. You snorkel in shallow, living marine environments, paddleboard or float on water mats between dives, and return to the boat for a full lunch and open bar as the crew sails you back along the coast. Round-trip hotel pickup is included. The guide speaks English and Spanish.

The experience

The catamaran leaves from the Riviera Maya coast and sails under wind power toward the reef. Once you arrive, you enter the water with snorkel gear to explore shallow reefs where tropical fish, stingrays and sea turtles move through the coral. The water stays warm and clear enough to see the bottom, and the crew stays nearby. Between snorkeling sessions, you can paddleboard or float on water mats if you want a break from the mask and fins.

Back on deck, the open bar runs throughout the sail, and a light lunch is served as you head back toward shore. The catamaran's design means you get sun exposure and ocean breeze without the engine noise of a motorboat, and the crew handles all the logistics. You just show up at your hotel for pickup and return the same way. Life jackets are provided and worn during water activities.

The trip works for families with children from age 4 onboard (though water activities start at age 8), and for adults traveling without kids. Swimmers need to be comfortable in the water and reasonably fit. The crew does not recommend this activity for anyone pregnant, with respiratory issues, back or neck problems, or heart conditions. Souvenir photos are available to purchase if you want images from the day.

What’s included

• The cruise includes professional bilingual staff (English and Spanish).
• snorkel gear and life jackets.
• water activities like paddleboarding and floating mats.
• a light lunch served onboard.
• a fully stocked open bar throughout the sail.
• and round-trip hotel pickup from most Riviera Maya locations.

Options for this experience

2 options

Family FriendlyGuide in English or Spanish · 08:30 and 13:00Capacity of up to 34 people. Lasts 4 hours, with an open bar and lunch served on board. Van pickup is included.

Adults OnlyGuide in English or Spanish · 13:00Minimum age of 18 years. Capacity of up to 70 people. Lasts 4 hours, with an open bar and lunch served on board. Van pickup is included.

You'll see the exact price of each option when you check availability.See dates and prices

Information

Lasts 4h, runs every day at 08:30 and 13:00, from US$ 89 per person, with a live guide in English and Spanish and with free cancellation up to 24 h before.

Days and timesEvery dayDepartures at 08:30 and 13:00Another time? ›

GroupUp to 34

Live guideEnglish and SpanishOther languages ›

Meeting point and pickupHotel pickup included.

Book up to1d before

AgesAdult (12 to 79 years) · Child (4 to 11 years) · Under 4: can't be booked

Cancellation and refundsFree cancellation up to 24 h before the start. After that, no refund.It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund.

Prices and times updated 3 days ago

Good to know

Moderate physical effortNot recommended with heart problemsNot recommended with back problems

Operated by Cancun Adventures

Is this one for you?Book the Family Friendly option if you're traveling with children ages 4 and up who want to experience the reef and the boat together. Choose Adults Only if you prefer a cruise without children aboard. Either way, the four-hour format fits a single day without eating into a full itinerary, and the included pickup and lunch mean you're not coordinating transport or a separate meal stop.

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Top questions

What languages is the tour guided in?

Live guide in English and Spanish.

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Child (4 to 11 years). Children under 4 can't be included in the booking.

What happens if it rains?

It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund. Free cancellation up to 24 h before the start.

What reef will I snorkel at on this Riviera Maya cruise?

The catamaran sails to one of the region's most spectacular reefs along the Riviera Maya coastline. The exact reef depends on weather and sea conditions, but the site is chosen for the abundance of tropical fish, stingrays and sea turtles that inhabit it.

How long is the snorkeling in the water versus time on the boat?

The full cruise runs four hours from pickup to return. You spend multiple sessions in the water snorkeling at the reef, with time between dives to rest on deck, paddleboard or float on water mats, and the return sail includes lunch and drinks.

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

Top-notch snorkel gear is included in the cruise, provided by the crew. Life jackets are also provided and required during water activities.

Does this cruise pick me up from my hotel?

Yes, round-trip transportation from most hotels in Riviera Maya is included. The pickup time depends on your hotel's location, so confirm your exact pickup window when you book.

What is included in the lunch and open bar?

A light lunch is served onboard during the return sail, and the open bar runs throughout the four-hour cruise. Gratuities and a 15 USD docking fee are not included in the ticket price.