REVIEW · MEXICO
3 Hours Exclusive 45′ Lagoon Catamaran Experience
This private catamaran outing puts you on the water quickly, with the focus on a relaxed lagoon swim rather than a packed sightseeing schedule. You’ll have a floating mat, paddle boards, onboard restrooms, and a crew that can include names such as Sofia, Jesus, Luis, Felipe, Alex, and Jorge.
I like the all-inclusive feel, especially the food, drinks, bottled water, and gear already on board. I also like the small-group setup: at up to 15 people, you can spread out more easily than on a standard group boat. The main catch is the extra $15-per-person docking fee, and private transportation to the marina is not included.
Key points to know before you book

- Three hours on a private 45-foot catamaran: Your group has the boat to itself, with the trip beginning and ending at Marina Bay in Puerto Aventuras.
- Puerto Aventuras is the setting: The marina and nearby Caribbean water create a calmer day than a high-energy party boat.
- Swimming comes with useful gear: A floating mat and paddle boards are included, along with an onboard restroom.
- Food is more than a light nibble: Expect fruit, pico de gallo, guacamole, and cheese quesadillas.
- Premium drinks are included for adults: Alcohol is served only to people 21 and older. Younger passengers receive non-alcoholic drinks.
- Budget for the docking charge: The advertised group price is $1,600, but the $15-per-person Puerto Aventuras fee is extra.
A private catamaran day in Puerto Aventuras

The appeal here is simple: you get a boat, a few hours, food and drinks, and a pleasant place to swim without sharing the outing with a large public group. Puerto Aventuras is south of Playa del Carmen and close enough to Tulum to work as a day on the water during a Riviera Maya stay.
The boat is a 45-foot catamaran, giving your group room to sit, move around, and settle into its own pace. A private booking also changes the mood. You are not trying to fit into someone else’s schedule or make conversation with strangers. If your group wants a quiet ride, more time in the water, or a livelier afternoon with music and drinks, the private format gives you more control.
This is not a long coastal tour packed with historic stops. The listed plan centers on Puerto Aventuras and a three-hour outing. Think of it as a floating afternoon, with the pleasure coming from the water, the crew, the food, and time together.
More Private Catamaran Charters in Mexico
- 4H Private 38’Catamaran All-Inclusive in Tulum & Playa del Carmen
★ 5.0 · 308 reviews - 5H Private 40’Catamaran All-Inclusive in Tulum & Playa del Carmen
★ 5.0 · 128 reviews - 4 Hours Exclusive 45′ Lagoon Catamaran Experience
★ 5.0 · 101 reviews
Meeting at Marina Bay in Puerto Aventuras

You meet at Marina Bay, located at México 307 13, Plano 04, Puerto Aventuras, Quintana Roo. The activity returns to this same point, which makes the day easy to plan around a hotel stay or a separate visit to the marina.
The important practical detail is transportation. Private transfers are not included, so you must arrange your own ride to the marina. The meeting point is near public transportation, but the information provided does not specify a pickup service, vehicle type, or transfer time from Playa del Carmen or Tulum.
Leave room in your budget for the Puerto Aventuras docking fee, listed at $15 per person. This charge is separate from the $1,600 group price. For a full group of 15, the base price works out to about $106.67 per person before the docking fee. For a smaller group, the per-person cost rises, so this outing makes the most financial sense when several friends or family members share the boat.
What the three-hour schedule feels like
The plan has one main stop: Puerto Aventuras. That may sound minimal, but it suits a boat day built around relaxing rather than racing between attractions.
You’ll leave the marina and spend time on the catamaran before reaching a suitable place to swim. The outing includes a floating mat and paddle boards, so you can choose between lying back in the water, paddling, or staying on deck with a drink. A restroom on board is a useful detail, especially for families and anyone who would rather not cut the afternoon short.
Accounts of the outing include sightings of sea turtles and stingrays during snorkeling. Those encounters are appealing, but you should treat wildlife sightings as a possibility rather than a promise. The supplied details do not list snorkel equipment as an included item, so ask the operator about equipment if snorkeling is a priority for your group.
The three-hour duration is long enough to feel like a proper boat outing, but short enough to fit alongside another activity. You get time for the ride, a swim, food, and drinks without committing an entire day to the water. If you want a full-day sailing trip with several separate stops, this will probably feel brief.
The food and open bar

The food is practical, social boat fare. You’ll receive a fruit plate, pico de gallo, guacamole, and cheese quesadillas. This is not presented as a formal meal, but it is more substantial than a bowl of chips, especially when paired with the quesadillas.
The menu works well for a mixed group. Fruit gives you something fresh in the heat, while guacamole and pico de gallo add familiar Mexican flavors. Quesadillas are easy to eat on a moving boat and useful if you plan to have alcoholic drinks.
The premium open bar includes alcoholic beverages for adults 21 and older. Bottled water and soda are also included. The age rule matters for family groups: passengers under 21 receive non-alcoholic drinks, and the operator does not serve them alcohol.
Crew service receives particularly strong praise in the available feedback. Names connected with the operation include Sofia, Jesus, Luis, Felipe, Alex, Jorge, Angel, Socrates, Ares, Camila, and Mo. The exact crew for your departure can vary, but the service pattern is clear: expect attention to drinks, food, and first-time questions.
Drink-focused outings require a little common sense. The crew can help keep the day comfortable, but you should still pace yourself, drink water, and remember that a boat deck can feel unsteady after several drinks. The floating mat and paddle boards are for fun, not for proving how far you can swim.
More Private Catamaran Charters in Playa del Carmen:
- 4 Hour Catamaran Experience in a Private 42′ Lagoon
★ 5.0 · 93 reviews - 5H Private 44′ Catamaran All-Inclusive – Tulum & Playa del Carmen
★ 5.0 · 80 reviews - 3 Hour Catamaran Experience in a Private 42′ Lagoon
★ 5.0 · 39 reviews - Isla Mujeres: Full Day Private Catamaran with Snorkeling
★ 5.0 · 3 reviews
Why the crew matters on a private charter

A private boat is only as good as the people running it. Here, the crew includes certified guides who speak English and Spanish. That makes the outing easier for mixed-language groups and gives you a clear point of contact for questions about the boat, swimming area, and safety instructions.
First-time boat passengers receive explanations of how things work, which is helpful if you are unsure about boarding, using the paddle boards, or getting onto the floating mat. The crew also has experience looking after groups with children, according to the supplied feedback.
Names such as Captain Alex, Luis, Sofia, Jesus, and Felipe appear repeatedly in the service descriptions associated with this operation. You should not assume every person will be on your boat, but the specific names are useful if you want to request a crew member or mention someone who helped your group.
The service style seems attentive rather than formal. That is a good match for a private afternoon where you want drinks refreshed, food served without fuss, and help when someone is new to the water. It may be less appealing if you prefer complete independence and minimal interaction with staff.
Puerto Aventuras instead of a crowded beach day

Puerto Aventuras has a marina setting with yachts, calm water, restaurants, and a more organized resort feel. The boat outing gives you a different view of the area, away from the road and beach crowds.
The setting also works well for a celebration. A sunset dinner proposal has been arranged with added touches such as a photographer and saxophonist, although those extras are not part of the standard three-hour package described here. If you are planning a birthday, proposal, or family event, ask what upgrades are available instead of assuming they are included.
The marina is also convenient for groups staying near Playa del Carmen or Tulum, but you will need to arrange transport. Because the operator does not include private transportation, the total cost depends partly on how easily your group can reach Puerto Aventuras.
Who will get the most from this boat trip

I’d recommend this outing most strongly for a group that values privacy, easy service, and a relaxed swim stop. It fits families, couples traveling together, birthday groups, and friends who want a boat without a full-day commitment.
It is especially good for:
- Groups that want the boat to themselves
- Families needing an onboard restroom and simple food
- First-time boat passengers who appreciate crew guidance
- Adults who want a premium open bar
- Groups planning a celebration in a scenic setting
- People who prefer swimming and lounging over a packed schedule
You may want another tour if your main goal is a long snorkeling program, several coastal stops, or a very active sailing day. The published plan does not promise a detailed reef itinerary, specific snorkeling equipment, or a long list of destinations.
Children can participate, and under-21 passengers receive non-alcoholic drinks. The activity is described as suitable for most people, but anyone with mobility or medical concerns should confirm details with the operator before booking. The available information does not provide specific accessibility arrangements.
Is $1,600 a fair price?

The price is $1,600 per group of up to 15 people, before the $15-per-person docking fee. That is not a cheap individual ticket, but it can be reasonable when divided among a full group.
At 15 people, the base rate is about $106.67 per person. Add the docking fee and the effective cost is about $121.67 per person, before transportation. A group of 10 pays about $160 per person before the docking fee, so the value improves as your party gets closer to the maximum.
You are paying for privacy, a 45-foot catamaran, a crew, food, drinks, water equipment, and three hours on the Caribbean. You are not paying for a private vehicle, a full-day itinerary, or guaranteed marine wildlife. The value is strongest when you would otherwise buy several separate drinks, meals, and a standard boat ticket for a group.
Ask yourself one direct question: will your group actually use the private space? If you have 12 to 15 people, the answer is likely yes. If you have only two or three people, a shared cruise may offer better value unless privacy is your main goal.
Booking, weather, and cancellation details
You receive confirmation at booking, and the activity is offered in English. Spanish-speaking certified guides are also included. The ticket is mobile, so you do not need a printed voucher.
The experience depends on good weather. If poor conditions force a cancellation, you can choose another date or receive a full refund. You can cancel for a full refund up to 24 hours before the scheduled start time. Changes or cancellations made less than 24 hours ahead are not accepted for a refund, and the cut-off follows local time.
Since the tour returns to the starting marina, avoid scheduling a separate activity too tightly afterward. Your actual day may include the ride to Puerto Aventuras, the docking process, and time getting settled, even though the water activity itself lasts about three hours.
Should you book the Puerto Aventuras catamaran?
Book it if you have a group large enough to share the cost and want a private, easygoing afternoon with swimming, paddle boards, a floating mat, food, and drinks. The crew service is a major part of the appeal, and the onboard restroom makes the outing more comfortable for families and mixed-age groups.
Think twice if you are booking for only a few people, need private transportation included, or want a guaranteed snorkeling itinerary. Also remember the $15-per-person docking fee and the fact that wildlife sightings are never certain.
For the right group, this is a pleasant way to turn Puerto Aventuras into a water day without giving up comfort. Bring sun protection, arrange your ride in advance, and confirm any snorkeling or celebration extras before you pay.
FAQ
How long is the catamaran experience?
The activity lasts approximately three hours.
Where does the tour start?
It starts at Marina Bay, México 307 13, Plano 04, 77733 Puerto Aventuras, Quintana Roo, Mexico.
Where does the activity end?
The tour ends back at the same meeting point in Puerto Aventuras.
Is the boat private?
Yes. This is a private activity, and only your group participates. The listed capacity is up to 15 people.
What food and drinks are included?
The outing includes fruit, pico de gallo, guacamole, cheese quesadillas, bottled water, soda, and a premium open bar. Alcohol is served only to passengers 21 and older. Younger passengers receive non-alcoholic drinks.
Are water activities included?
A floating mat and paddle boards are included. Snorkeling equipment is not specifically listed among the included items, so ask the operator if you want to snorkel.
Is transportation included?
Private transportation is not included. You must make your own way to Marina Bay in Puerto Aventuras. A separate $15-per-person docking fee also applies.
What happens if the weather is poor?
If the operator cancels because of poor weather, you can choose a different date or receive a full refund. You can also cancel up to 24 hours before the start time for a full refund.
More Three-Hour Trips in Playa del Carmen
- Alicante: 3-Hour Coastal Catamaran Cruise
★ 4.6 · 953 reviews - 3-hour Catamaran Adventure on the waters of Sal Island
★ 4.7 · 349 reviews - Most Famous Catamaran in Tenerife Island (2 hours and 3 hours tours)
★ 4.5 · 313 reviews - Victoria BC: 3-Hour Whale Watching Expedition
★ 4.4 · 177 reviews
Just added around Playa del Carmen
- Tour to Cozumel by Catamaran with Snorkeling and Buffet Lunch★ 4.5 · 47 reviews
- 5-Hour 38’Luxury Catamaran All-Inclusive Tulum & Playa del Carmen★ 5.0 · 106 reviews
- 3 Hour Catamaran Experience in a Private 42′ Lagoon★ 5.0 · 39 reviews
- Isla Mujeres on luxury catamaran with snorkel, open bar and lunch★ 4.5 · 23 reviews
- Isla Mujeres Unlimited Awesome Catamaran with Transfer from Playa del Carmen★ 3.0 · 2 reviews
- Isla Mujeres Catamaran Unlimited! Transportation from Playa del Carmen★ 4.5 · 3 reviews
- Full-Day Catamaran Cozumel Tour with Sky Snorkeling★ 4.5 · 13 reviews
- Isla Mujeres Unlimited Catamaran! Drinks, Fun & Party From Playa Del Carmen★ 3.5 · 18 reviews
Mexico Catamaran Cruises, compared.

Catamaran with Open Bar, Snorkeling and Lunch
Read our review →
Luxury Catamaran Whale Watching Cabo San Lucas
Read our review →
Isla Mujeres Catamaran Tour with Snorkel, Open bar and Transport
Read our review →
Isla Mujeres Catamaran, Open Bar & Optional Buffet and pick up
Read our review →
4 Hour Cozumel Turtle Sanctuary Experience on a Luxury Catamarán
Read our review →
Lagoon 39ft Private Catamaran 5hr – El Cielo Full Experience
Read our review →
Private Catamaran from Cancun to Isla Mujeres for up to 13 People
Read our review →Browse the lists this tour appears in

