Playa del Carmen: 4-Hour Private Yacht & In-Ha Reef Snorkeling

Four hours on a 50-foot yacht, snorkeling above sea turtles and reef fish

You board a private 50-foot yacht at Puerto Aventuras, cruise to In-Ha reef, and spend hours snorkeling with sea turtles and reef fish while the crew prepares fresh ceviche and keeps the open bar flowing. All snorkel gear, towels, and fishing equipment are provided. The $15 dock fee per person is paid at arrival.

Step-by-step itinerary

Private yacht tour and snorkeling

• Greet guests with drinks and fruits
• Board yacht at Puerto Aventuras marina
• Cruise to In-Ha reef
• Snorkel with sea turtles and fish
• Enjoy fresh ceviche and guacamole onboard
• Relax with snacks and open bar drinks
• Use provided towels, snorkel, and fishing gear
• Pay $15 dock fee upon arrival

The experience

You board at Puerto Aventuras marina with a welcome drink and fresh fruit in hand. The yacht pulls away from the dock and heads toward In-Ha reef, a sheltered snorkeling site about 20 minutes offshore where the water stays calm and clear even when the Caribbean gets choppy elsewhere. Once the anchor drops, you're in the water with a mask and fins (the crew has already set everything up), and within minutes you're swimming above stingrays, schools of colorful fish, and if you're patient, sea turtles moving through the shallows. Some people stay in the water for an hour straight. Others float on the surface for a few minutes, then climb back aboard to dry off and order a margarita.

While you're snorkeling, the crew is working in the galley below deck, making fresh ceviche from shrimp and fish caught that morning, plus guacamole and snacks. The open bar runs the whole time (tequila, vodka, rum, whiskey, beer, soft drinks, water), and the margaritas are strong enough that you'll want to eat something. If you brought fishing rods in your mind, the yacht offers trolling gear too. Anything you hook, the chef will cook onboard with a family sauce recipe. Not everyone fishes, but the option is there. You can also just lie on the deck with a towel, sunbathe, and let the crew bring you drinks and food without moving.

The private yacht tour in Playa del Carmen means no crowded group boats, no schedule pressure, and no strangers deciding when you leave the reef. You set the pace. If the snorkeling is good and you want another 30 minutes in the water, the crew waits. If you'd rather spend the afternoon on deck with a book and a cold drink, that works too. The boat has a restroom, shade, and enough space that four people or fourteen people don't feel cramped. Towels, snorkel gear, life jackets, and fishing equipment are all included, so you show up with a swimsuit and sunscreen.

There's a $15 USD dock fee per person due when you arrive at the marina. That's separate from the tour price and covers the mooring. Pickup from your hotel in Playa del Carmen or Tulum can be arranged, which saves you the drive to Puerto Aventuras. The whole experience runs four hours, which means you're back on land by early afternoon if you start in the morning, or you can book an afternoon departure and end your day watching the light change over the water.

What’s included

Your tour includes a private yacht, welcome drinks and fresh fruit, snorkeling at In-Ha reef, fresh ceviche and guacamole lunch, snacks, an open bar with unlimited alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks, towels, snorkel gear, life jackets, fishing equipment, and onboard restroom access. A $15 USD dock fee per person is due at the marina.

Information

Lasts 4h, runs every day at 09:00 and 14:30, from US$ 1,652.90 per group, with a live guide in English, Spanish and Danish, as a private tour and with free cancellation up to 24 h before.

Days and timesEvery dayDepartures at 09:00 and 14:30

GroupPrivate

Live guideEnglish, Spanish and DanishOther languages ›

Meeting point and pickupNo hotel pickup: you go to the meeting point. Ends back at the starting point.

Book up to18h before

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.

ConfirmationConfirmation within 48 h

Prices and times updated today

Good to know

Low physical effortWheelchair accessibleStroller-friendlyPets welcomePublic transport nearbyInfants must sit on laps

Operated by Riviera Elite

Is this one for you?Book this if you want a full snorkeling and lunch experience without the noise of a group boat. The private yacht means you control the pace and the crew adjusts to what you want to do, whether that's hours in the water or an afternoon on deck with drinks.

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Top questions

What languages is the tour guided in?

Live guide in English, Spanish and Danish.

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's included in the open bar?

Tequila, vodka, rum, whiskey, beer, juice, soft drinks, and bottled water. The crew also makes margaritas.

Can children go on this yacht tour?

Yes. Children and young adults under 18 must be accompanied by at least one adult. Infants can sit on an adult's lap or ride in a stroller.

Do I need to know how to snorkel?

No. The crew provides all gear and the reef is in shallow, calm water. You can also stay on deck if you prefer not to go in the water.

What if I catch a fish while trolling?

The chef will prepare it onboard with a family sauce recipe. Fishing gear is provided, but trolling is optional.

Is there a restroom on the boat?

Yes, there is a restroom onboard.

How long is the tour?

Four hours total, including travel to and from the reef.

Is there a dock fee?

Yes, $15 USD per person, paid at the marina when you arrive.

Can I book hotel pickup?

Yes, pickup from Playa del Carmen or Tulum hotels can be arranged.