Tulum & Playa del Carmen: Catamaran Tour, Snorkel & Paamul Beach

Summary

Catamaran cruise to Paamul Bay with snorkeling and beach swim

You’ll set sail along Riviera Maya’s coast on a spacious catamaran with snacks, open bar and a friendly local crew. Dive into clear water at Paamul Bay for snorkeling or swim ashore to relax on soft sand before enjoying fresh ceviche onboard—maybe even from your own catch! There’s plenty of time to soak up sun or just listen to stories as you cruise back toward Tulum.

What’s the experience like?

I didn’t expect the water to be that clear—like someone had turned up the brightness just for us. We left Puerto Aventuras marina in the late morning, a few of us still rubbing sunscreen into our arms while the crew joked in Spanish about who’d catch the first fish. The catamaran felt huge but somehow cozy, maybe because everyone was barefoot and nobody seemed in a hurry. I tried trolling for fish (mostly tangled the line), but our guide Luis just grinned and fixed it without making me feel dumb.

The ride up the Riviera Maya coast was all wind and salt spray, with pelicans skimming so close you could almost touch them. When we finally anchored at Paamul Bay, Luis pointed out where sea turtles sometimes poke their heads up—he said if you’re lucky, they’ll swim right by while you snorkel. I’m not much of a swimmer but the water was calm and warm, so I slipped in anyway. The reef looked like a patchwork quilt—tiny blue fish darting everywhere, sunlight flickering over everything. I kept losing track of time until someone called me back for ceviche.

I’d never swum ashore from a boat before. It’s kind of silly how proud I felt walking up onto Paamul Beach dripping wet, sand sticking everywhere. Some kids were building lopsided castles nearby; their dad waved at us like we were all part of the same lazy afternoon. Lunch was fresh shrimp ceviche (plus whatever one guy caught earlier—he looked way too pleased with himself). Open bar meant cold beer or whatever you wanted, whenever you wanted it. Honestly, I could’ve stayed there all day just listening to waves and watching clouds drift over Tulum in the distance.

On the way back I lay out on one of those netted trampolines at the front of the catamaran—felt like floating between sea and sky. Luis poured another round for anyone who wanted it and told stories about growing up around Playa del Carmen. Not every tour feels this relaxed or this real. Sometimes I still think about that moment when everything was quiet except for wind in the sails—you know?

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Catamaran tour with snorkeling and beach

• Depart from Puerto Aventuras marina
• Sail north to Paamul Bay
• Participate in troll fishing onboard
• Swim or snorkel in clear water
• Swim ashore and enjoy the beach
• Relax and soak in the sun
• Enjoy snacks, lunch, and open bar
• Onboard crew prepares fresh ceviche

Top questions

How long is the catamaran tour from Tulum or Playa del Carmen?

The tour lasts approximately 4 hours from departure to return at Puerto Aventuras marina.

Is snorkeling gear included on this catamaran trip?

Yes, snorkel gear and life jackets are provided for everyone on board.

Can you swim ashore during this tour?

Yes, at Paamul Bay you can swim directly from the catamaran to the beach if you want.

Is food included on this Riviera Maya catamaran tour?

Yes, snacks and lunch are served onboard—including fresh shrimp or fish ceviche.

Are drinks included on this Tulum catamaran cruise?

There’s an open bar with unlimited alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks throughout the trip.

Can children join this private catamaran tour?

Yes, children are welcome as long as they’re accompanied by an adult.

Is fishing possible during this Playa del Carmen boat tour?

You can try troll fishing onboard; if you catch something, it can be prepared for lunch.

Is this Riviera Maya boat tour wheelchair accessible?

The boat is accessible by wheelchair but water activities depend on safety requirements being met.

What’s included

Your day includes departure from Puerto Aventuras marina with all snorkel gear and life jackets provided, snacks plus a fresh seafood lunch (or vegetarian options if needed), unlimited drinks from an open bar, towels for drying off after swimming or snorkeling at Paamul Bay—and there’s always someone from the crew ready to help or serve you whenever you need it before heading back along the coast.