REVIEW · YACHT CRUISES WITH AN OPEN BAR

5H Private Lux 40′ Yacht All Inclusive – Tulum & Playa del Carmen

★ 5.0 · 66 reviews 5 hours (approx.) $1,708 whole boat, up to 12 Operated by Riviera Elite · Bookable on Viator
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The best part of this outing is its easygoing mix of private-yacht time and reef swimming. You leave Puerto Aventuras, cruise north along the Riviera Maya coast, and settle into roughly two hours of swimming, snorkeling, and time on the water near InHa reef.

I like the fresh seafood prepared onboard and the freedom that comes with a private group. You can snorkel, hop back aboard, try troll fishing, or simply enjoy a drink while the crew prepares ceviche. Vicky and the Blue Ray crew also bring a friendly, attentive touch.

The main drawback is the extra cost. The advertised group price is $1,707.99 for up to 12 people, but you also pay a $20 dock fee per person and arrange transportation to Puerto Aventuras yourself. That makes this a strong value for a full group, but a costly choice for only two or three people.

Key points to know before booking

5H Private Lux 40' Yacht All Inclusive - Tulum & Playa del Carmen - Key points to know before booking

  • A true private outing: Only your group joins the yacht, with space for up to 12 people.
  • Two hours in the water: Swim and snorkel near InHa reef, with a chance to see tropical fish and sea turtles.
  • Fresh food made onboard: The crew prepares shrimp and fish ceviche while you enjoy the reef.
  • Fishing is part of the fun: Troll fishing is available, and a catch can be prepared right on the boat.
  • Drinks are included: Beer, wine, soft drinks, mixers, water, and bottled water are unlimited.
  • Budget for the extras: Transportation is not included, and the dock fee is $20 per person.

A private yacht day from Puerto Aventuras

This is the kind of sea outing that works best when your group wants control over the pace. You are not sharing the boat with strangers, and you do not have to follow a rigid schedule set for a large crowd. If half the group wants to snorkel while the rest prefers music, snacks, and shade, that split is much easier to manage on a private yacht.

The boat is a 40-foot yacht operated by Riviera Elite. The meeting point is Riviera Elite: Yachts in Tulum and Playa del Carmen, at Av. Bahia Yanten, Manzana 33, Lot 9, Local 12, in Puerto Aventuras. The trip ends back at the same location.

The advertised duration is about five hours. The main water portion is described as roughly two hours, with the rest of the time used for departure, cruising, returning, and the onboard meal service. Keep that in mind if you are comparing it with a full-day boat charter. This is a substantial half-day outing, not an all-day cruise.

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Cruising north toward InHa reef

5H Private Lux 40' Yacht All Inclusive - Tulum & Playa del Carmen - Cruising north toward InHa reef

After leaving Puerto Aventuras, the yacht heads north along the Riviera Maya coast toward the InHa reef area. The cruise gives you time to settle in, enjoy a drink, and take in the coast from the water rather than from a busy beach.

The exact feel of the ride depends on the sea and weather that day. The experience requires good weather, so poor conditions can lead to a rescheduled date or a full refund. That weather policy is sensible for a water activity, but the strict cancellation terms mean you should avoid booking until your plans are firm.

The private format matters most during this opening stretch. You can spend the ride chatting with your own group instead of trying to make room for people you do not know. Families, couples traveling together, and groups of friends can use the time in different ways without needing to agree on every minute.

Two hours of swimming and snorkeling

5H Private Lux 40' Yacht All Inclusive - Tulum & Playa del Carmen - Two hours of swimming and snorkeling

The main stop near the reef is the heart of the outing. Snorkeling equipment is provided, and you can enter the water to swim or look for marine life. The water is described as clear and calm, which should make this a comfortable stop for many people who are not strong swimmers.

You may see colorful tropical fish, sea turtles, and other sea life. The opportunity to swim with turtles is included among the experience highlights, but wildlife can never be promised. Think of turtle sightings as a welcome possibility, not a guarantee.

You have approximately two hours for water activities. That gives you enough time to make more than one attempt at snorkeling, take a break onboard, and get back in if conditions and energy allow. You can also hop on and off the boat during this period, which is useful when your group has mixed interests.

The snorkeling gear is included, so you do not need to bring your own mask and fins. Still, pack the practical basics for a boat day: swimwear, sun protection, and anything you need after getting out of the water. The supplied information does not specify towels, so confirm that detail before departure if it matters to you.

Troll fishing and a seafood lunch on the water

5H Private Lux 40' Yacht All Inclusive - Tulum & Playa del Carmen - Troll fishing and a seafood lunch on the water

This tour adds a nice local touch with troll fishing while the yacht is underway. If you are interested, you can take part. If you catch something, the crew can prepare it onboard, turning the fishing into part of the meal rather than a separate activity.

The main food offering is shrimp and fish ceviche prepared by the crew while you are swimming and snorkeling. That timing works well. You return from the water to find food being assembled instead of waiting for a restaurant stop.

Snacks are also included. Vegetarian, vegan, and other dietary options are available when requested at booking. You should give the operator those details in advance rather than assuming the crew can make a last-minute change.

The ceviche is a highlight for anyone who likes fresh seafood, but it may not suit every palate. If you have a seafood allergy or a strong dislike of raw or citrus-cured fish, make your needs clear before booking. The available information confirms alternate dietary options, but it does not spell out every menu choice.

Unlimited drinks, with a few limits to note

5H Private Lux 40' Yacht All Inclusive - Tulum & Playa del Carmen - Unlimited drinks, with a few limits to note

Unlimited beer, wine, soft drinks, mixers, water, and bottled water are included. That covers the basics for a warm afternoon on the sea and removes the need to keep track of individual drink charges while onboard.

The minimum drinking age is 18. Children and young adults age 18 and under must be accompanied by at least one adult. Since this is a private charter, the drink service can fit your group more easily than it would on a large shared boat, but responsible drinking still matters when swimming and moving around on deck.

Water is especially important during a sunny boat outing. Even if you plan to enjoy beer or wine, keep drinking water throughout the day. The operator includes both water and bottled water, so you can stay hydrated without buying additional drinks onboard.

What the private format is really worth

5H Private Lux 40' Yacht All Inclusive - Tulum & Playa del Carmen - What the private format is really worth

The price is $1,707.99 per group of up to 12 people. At full capacity, that works out to about $142 per person before the dock fee, assuming everyone shares the cost evenly. Add the $20 dock fee per person, and the total becomes roughly $162 per person, before transportation.

For a group of 12, that is a reasonable way to buy a private yacht, snorkeling, food, fishing access, and open drinks in one package. For six people, the advertised price alone is about $285 per person, before the dock fee. For two or three people, the same charter becomes a major splurge.

The private setup is the reason to pay this amount. You are buying privacy, flexibility, and a boat reserved for your own group. If your priority is the lowest possible price, a shared snorkeling excursion will likely make more sense. If your group values its own space and wants food and drinks handled onboard, the cost becomes easier to justify.

Transportation is not included. The price varies according to your exact location, so ask for that cost before booking. The departure point is in Puerto Aventuras, not directly at every hotel in Tulum or Playa del Carmen.

Who will enjoy this yacht most

5H Private Lux 40' Yacht All Inclusive - Tulum & Playa del Carmen - Who will enjoy this yacht most

I would recommend this outing to a group that wants a relaxed sea day rather than a packed schedule. It suits friends celebrating together, families with mixed interests, and beach lovers who want snorkeling without giving up comfort onboard.

It also works well for people who appreciate having choices. One person can try fishing, another can snorkel, and someone else can remain on the yacht with a drink and snacks. The crew handles the food and drinks, so you are not spending the day organizing supplies.

Strong swimmers and casual snorkelers should both find something useful here. The calm water and provided equipment make the activity approachable, while the time available lets more active swimmers stay engaged. Still, the information does not promise a formal beginner lesson, so anyone who is nervous in the water should ask questions before booking.

This is less suitable for someone who wants a packed sightseeing program. The focus is the coast, reef, food, and time on the water. You are not visiting a long list of beaches or historic sites.

The crew and onboard atmosphere

5H Private Lux 40' Yacht All Inclusive - Tulum & Playa del Carmen - The crew and onboard atmosphere

Vicky is named as a host, and the yacht is identified as the Blue Ray. The chef and snorkeling guide are also part of the crew, although their names are not provided.

The service style appears designed to be attentive and social. The food, music, and drinks are central to the mood, while the guide helps with snorkeling and water activities. One published account described the day as a favorite part of a Mexico trip, with particular praise for Vicky, the chef, and the snorkeling guide.

That gives you a useful sense of the experience: this is not only transportation to a reef. The crew is expected to take an active role in making the day comfortable, preparing the meal, serving drinks, and helping with the water portion.

Music is also part of the atmosphere. If your group wants a quiet nature outing, ask about the music setup. If you want a festive afternoon with seafood and drinks, it fits the purpose well.

Practical details that affect your decision

Confirmation is sent within 48 hours of booking, subject to availability. The experience is booked, on average, about seven days ahead, so do not leave a preferred date until the last minute if your schedule is fixed.

The activity is offered in English. Service animals are allowed, and the meeting point is near public transportation. Most people can participate, though you should consider your own comfort with swimming, snorkeling, boat movement, and time in the sun.

The tour is non-refundable and cannot be changed for any reason after booking. If the operator cancels because of poor weather, you are offered another date or a full refund. That makes travel insurance or a careful look at the forecast worthwhile, especially because the booking terms are strict.

The dock fee is $20 per person and is not included in the advertised group price. Transportation is also separate. Ask for both charges before you commit, then compare the full amount with other private charters.

Should you book this private yacht?

Book it if you have a group large enough to share the cost and want a flexible half-day on the sea. The strongest reasons are the private 40-foot yacht, about two hours of water time, fresh ceviche prepared onboard, optional fishing, and unlimited drinks.

I would be more cautious if you are traveling as a couple or a small group. The fixed group price can become steep, and you still pay the dock fee and transportation. In that case, compare the total cost with a shared boat or a smaller private trip.

For a group of friends or family, this is an appealing package. You get reef time without a crowded boat, a meal without leaving the water, and enough flexibility for different activity levels. If that combination fits your plans, the price can make sense.

FAQ

Where does the yacht tour begin?

It begins at Riviera Elite: Yachts in Tulum and Playa del Carmen, located at Av. Bahia Yanten, Manzana 33, Lot 9, Local 12, 77750 Puerto Aventuras, Quintana Roo, Mexico.

Where does the tour end?

The activity ends back at the same meeting point in Puerto Aventuras.

How long does the experience last?

The tour lasts approximately five hours. About two hours are set aside for swimming, snorkeling, and other water activities.

Is the yacht private?

Yes. Only your group participates, and the group size can be up to 12 people.

Are food and drinks included?

Yes. Snacks, shrimp and fish ceviche, unlimited beer, wine, soft drinks, mixers, water, and bottled water are included.

Is snorkeling equipment provided?

Yes. Snorkeling equipment is included for use during the reef stop.

What extra costs should I expect?

Transportation to Puerto Aventuras is not included, and its price depends on your location. There is also a $20 dock fee per person.

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