Riviera Maya: Catamaran Snorkeling Cruise with Lunch & Open Bar

Summary

Sailing turquoise waters snorkeling reefs sun on your face lunch drifting by

You’ll sail along Riviera Maya’s coastline on a luxury catamaran with a small group, stopping to snorkel colorful reefs alongside turtles and tropical fish. Enjoy a relaxed lunch and open bar as you soak up sun and sea breeze. With hotel pickup included and local guides making everything easy, you’ll get time to let go—and maybe find your own favorite moment out on the water.

What’s the experience like?

Ever wondered what the Caribbean smells like up close? I didn’t, until we left the dock in Riviera Maya and the air turned from sunscreen and bus seats to this salty-fresh thing that made me grin. Our guide, Martín, was already barefoot before we even set sail—he said it’s “the only way to feel the boat.” The catamaran felt bigger than I expected; there was space to flop down or just lean on the rail and watch Playa del Carmen slide by. Someone behind me dropped their sunglasses and everyone laughed when they nearly slid right off the deck. It was that kind of trip—easygoing, a little messy.

The reef stop was about 40 minutes out (I lost track because I got distracted by pelicans dive-bombing for fish). Snorkeling in Riviera Maya is something people hype up, but honestly? It’s quieter underwater than I thought. The mask fogged up at first, but then—turtles. Not movie-perfect ones, just these slow-moving shapes near the coral. Martín pointed out parrotfish munching away, bits of coral floating past. I tried to say “pez loro” in Spanish and he grinned—I probably butchered it. The water was cool against my skin after baking on deck; I still remember how sharp the salt tasted when I accidentally breathed in too hard.

Lunch wasn’t fancy but hit the spot—fresh bread, some kind of chicken salad, fruit that tasted like it actually grew nearby (I think it did). The open bar started flowing early; someone tried mixing tequila with pineapple juice and called it “vacation medicine.” Lying back on those soft mats with a drink in hand while the boat drifted… I kept thinking about how good it felt not to have anywhere else to be. There was music playing somewhere near the captain’s seat—something local—but mostly you just heard wind and people talking quietly. Maybe that’s what makes this day trip from Playa del Carmen or Tulum feel different from other tours: nobody rushed us back to shore.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Luxury sailing and snorkeling cruise

• Board luxury sailing catamaran
• Sail along Caribbean shoreline
• Snorkel at magnificent reef
• Observe tropical fish and turtles
• Relax on deck in the sun
• Enjoy open bar and lunch
• Sail back with ocean breeze

Top questions

How long is the Riviera Maya snorkeling cruise?

The cruise lasts several hours, including time for sailing, snorkeling at a reef stop, lunch onboard, and relaxing before returning.

Is lunch included on this catamaran tour?

Yes, a light lunch is served onboard during the cruise.

Are drinks provided during the cruise?

Yes, there is an open bar with drinks available throughout your sailing trip.

Does this snorkeling cruise include hotel pickup?

Yes, round-trip transportation from most hotels in Riviera Maya is included.

What age can children join this tour?

The minimum age to board is 4 years old; for water activities like snorkeling it's 8 years old.

Do I need to bring my own snorkel gear?

No, all snorkel equipment is provided as part of your day trip experience.

Is this tour suitable for people who can't swim?

No, guests must be able to swim for safety reasons during water activities.

Are there any health restrictions for joining?

This tour isn’t recommended for guests with spinal injuries, heart conditions, or limited mobility.

What’s included

Your day includes round-trip hotel pickup in Riviera Maya, all snorkeling gear (if weather allows), paddleboards and water mats for extra fun in the sea, a fresh light lunch served onboard with an open bar throughout the cruise—all guided by friendly bilingual staff who make sure you’re comfortable from start to finish.