Tulum: Private Yacht Cruise, Gourmet Lunch & Snorkeling

Summary

Yacht day from Puerto Aventuras with chef’s menu, reef swim and open bar

You’ll cruise from Puerto Aventuras on a private yacht toward Tulum’s reefs, tasting chef-made dishes and sipping cold drinks as you go. Snorkel in clear Caribbean water or try paddle boarding if you’re up for it—the crew takes care of everything. Expect laughter, sun-warmed skin, and quiet moments that stick with you long after you’re back on land.

What’s the experience like?

“You’ll want to try the ceviche—my abuela’s recipe,” our captain grinned as we stepped barefoot onto the deck in Puerto Aventuras. I didn’t expect to be thinking about someone’s grandmother within five minutes of boarding a 43-foot yacht, but here we were. The morning sun was already sharp, bouncing off the water and making me squint. There was this salty tang in the air—hard to describe unless you’ve stood there with your toes curled into soft deck mats, waiting for the engines to hum.

We set out toward the reef, drinks already sweating in our hands (the bartender kept topping up my glass before I noticed). Our guide, Li, pointed out a pelican gliding low over the surface—she said they always show up when tourists are about to snorkel. Maybe it’s luck? The water changed color every few minutes—turquoise, then deep blue—and I remember thinking how strange it is that you can feel both totally relaxed and weirdly alert at sea. The chef brought out little plates of something spicy and fresh—I tried asking what it was in Spanish and just got a friendly laugh back.

I wasn’t sure about snorkeling at first (the mask always feels too tight), but floating above those reefs near Tulum made me forget about it. Fish darted everywhere—tiny flashes of silver and yellow—and I could hear my own breathing echoing inside my mask. Afterward, we dried off in the sun while Li handed out paddle boards for anyone feeling brave. Some people napped instead. It felt like time stretched out differently on that boat; maybe it was just the gentle rocking or the way nobody seemed in a hurry for anything else.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — 4-hour private yacht cruise in Tulum

• Depart from Puerto Aventuras
• Cruise Caribbean waters
• Enjoy gourmet dishes and drinks
• Discover Mexican Caribbean reef
• Relax with family or friends

Top questions

How long is the Tulum private yacht cruise?

The tour lasts about 4 hours from Puerto Aventuras.

Is food included on this yacht tour?

Yes, a gourmet menu prepared by a chef is included.

Are drinks provided during the cruise?

Yes, there’s a premium open bar throughout the trip.

Where does the yacht depart from?

The departure point is Puerto Aventuras marina.

What activities are available during the trip?

You can snorkel with provided equipment or use paddle boards.

Is pickup included for this Tulum yacht experience?

No hotel pickup is mentioned; guests meet at Puerto Aventuras.

Are there any health restrictions for this tour?

The tour isn’t recommended for pregnant travelers or those with spinal/cardiovascular issues.

What’s included

Your day includes use of snorkeling equipment, access to paddle boards, all drinks from a premium open bar, plus a gourmet menu prepared by an onboard chef—all while cruising along Tulum’s coast before returning to Puerto Aventuras marina.