8-Hour Private 40′ Cat 2 Stop to Cozumel, Food, Drinks & Snorkel

If you’re dreaming of spending a laid-back day on the water, exploring the Caribbean’s beauty without the crowds, this private catamaran tour to Cozumel might catch your eye. Offering a blend of snorkeling, delicious food, unlimited drinks, and the chance to fish from your vessel, it promises an indulgent escape. We’ve looked into the details and reviews to give you a clear picture of what to expect—so you can decide if this experience fits your vacation vibe.

What we really like about this tour is the focus on privacy and personalized service. The fact that it’s a private experience means you won’t be packed into a large group, which can often feel rushed or crowded. Plus, the option to snorkel at secluded beaches with clear waters and the inclusion of troll fishing add extra fun and relaxation. That said, one potential consideration is the cost—at just over $3,000 for up to 15 people, it’s an investment, but for many, the exclusivity and amenities are worth it.

This tour is ideal for those who want a flexible, intimate day on the water—whether you’re celebrating a special occasion, traveling with friends, or just craving a quiet, luxurious escape. It’s probably less suitable if you’re seeking a quick, budget-friendly trip or traveling with very young children who might not enjoy snorkeling or fishing.

Key Points

• Private and Personalized: Perfect for groups wanting exclusive service and flexibility.
• All-Inclusive Comfort: Food, drinks, snorkeling gear, towels, and even fishing gear are provided.
• Breathtaking Views and Snorkeling: Secluded beaches and coral reefs offer excellent sea life encounters.
• Flexible Lunch Options: Choose to dine onboard or on deck under a palapa—your choice.
• Rich Reviews Highlight Service and Food: Guests rave about the attentive crew, delicious food, and stunning scenery.
• Cost Reflects Luxury: The price matches the high-end experience and private nature of the tour.

Exploring the Itinerary: What’s in Store

Departure from Puerto Aventuras and the Open Sea

The adventure begins in Puerto Aventuras, a popular spot for yachting and sailing. From here, you’ll cruise over the Caribbean, heading toward Cozumel. The vessel’s size—a comfortable 40-foot catamaran—strikes a good balance between space and intimacy, making it feel cozy yet spacious enough for everyone to relax. As you set out, the crew often gets the party started with some troll fishing—you can join in or just enjoy watching others reel in their catch, which might be prepared fresh onboard. Many reviews mention how friendly and attentive the crew is, making the journey even more enjoyable.

Playa Palancar: The Pristine Beach Stop

The first major stop is Playa Palancar, a quiet, untouched stretch of sand with clear, aquamarine water. It’s a standout feature of this trip—this beach’s serenity and beauty are frequently praised. The water here is perfect for snorkeling, with coral reefs nearby where you can swim among tropical fish and even sea turtles in some cases. Guests often describe this spot as “the most spectacular beach you’ve ever seen,” and it’s easy to see why. The shallow, calm waters make it suitable for all levels of swimmers, and the seclusion offers a break from bustling tourist spots.

Lunch Choices and Beach Relaxation

After working up an appetite, you get the choice of having lunch on the boat or on the beach—whichever suits your mood. The reviews consistently highlight the quality of the food, with many mentioning ceviche, guacamole, and burgers that taste as good as they look. The ambiance of dining with a view of the Caribbean, especially under a shaded palapa, is a highlight for many. Whether you prefer eating with your toes in the sand or onboard with the breeze, the crew makes it easy.

Snorkeling and Reef Encounters

The tour includes snorkeling gear and life jackets, making it straightforward to explore the underwater world. Guests often rave about the vibrant coral reefs and the chance to see sea turtles and tropical fish. The water’s clarity at these stops is frequently praised, giving snorkelers a vibrant, picture-perfect experience. The calm waters on some days are ideal, but if seas get choppy, the crew is attentive—several reviews mention how they navigated rough waters carefully, prioritizing passenger comfort and safety.

Additional Stops and Activities

Many travelers enjoy the flexibility of this tour—additional snorkeling spots, fishing, or just relaxing on the boat are all options. The crew is known for their friendliness and support, making sure everyone is comfortable whether they’re swimming, fishing, or just soaking in the sun.

What Guests Say: Authentic Perspectives

The reviews paint a consistent picture of a high-quality, attentive experience. Guests frequently praise the knowledgeable crew, with comments like “Celest, Phillipe, Eddie, and Omar did a phenomenal job,” and “Jesus and his team worked so hard to make our trip flawless.” Many mention how the crew’s attentive service made all the difference, making guests feel cared for without feeling pressured.

Food is another recurring highlight—“Ceviche, guacamole, and burgers were served, and the food was so good,” one reviewer shared. The drinks, too, get standout mentions, with many noting the open bar kept everyone happily refreshed throughout the day. The sea views combined with delicious food and drinks seem to be what folks remember most.

Some guests pointed out that the water can be choppy at times, especially on rougher days. “If it’s rough, I would suggest not going to Cozumel and staying closer to land,” advised one reviewer. The crew’s navigation and care in such conditions are appreciated, but it’s worth considering if you’re prone to seasickness.

Highlights from the Reviews

• “Ramon and his crew provided amazing service.”
• “Views were amazing, trip was amazing, top-notch service.”
• “The water was pretty choppy on the way to our stop, but they made sure we got to still waters.”
• “Food was great, drinks didn’t stop coming.”
• “Visited a secret jungle cenote—epic adventure!”

Downsides and Considerations

The most notable potential downside is the cost—over $3,000 per group—though many guests feel the experience is worth it for the privacy, quality, and personalized service. Also, because the tour is about eight hours long, it’s a commitment that might not suit everyone, especially those with tight schedules or seeking a quick trip. Lastly, the experience depends heavily on weather conditions; poor weather could result in cancellations or less enjoyable seas.

Details on the Cost and What’s Included

Is the Price Justified?

At roughly $3,167 for up to 15 guests, this tour caters to groups looking for a luxury, all-day experience. You’re paying for private access, expert crew, food, drinks, snorkeling gear, towels, and the flexibility to customize your day. It’s a premium price, but many reviews emphasize the value of the service and exclusivity. If you’re celebrating something special or traveling with a group of friends or family who enjoy comfort and a personal touch, this can be a worthwhile splurge.

What’s Included?

• Snorkel gear and life jackets—ready for the underwater adventure.
• Towels—for drying off after snorkeling.
• Unlimited drinks (alcoholic and non-alcoholic)—an open bar that keeps everyone refreshed.
• Lunch and snacks—delicious options like ceviche, guacamole, and burgers.
• Restroom facilities onboard—essential for a day out on the water.

What’s Not Included?

• The dock fee of $20 per person is on guests—it’s a small extra for the privilege of anchoring at the beach.
• Private transportation to the meeting point varies depending on your location, so plan accordingly.

Practical Details and Booking Info

Timing and Group Size

The tour lasts about 8 hours, giving plenty of time to relax, snorkel, fish, and enjoy the scenery. It’s designed for groups of up to 15 people, making it perfect for friends, family, or small celebrations. The experience is private, so only your group will participate.

Booking in Advance

Most travelers book about 154 days ahead, showing how popular this private experience is. Confirmations come within 48 hours of booking, and you can cancel free up to 24 hours before the tour for a full refund—good flexibility.

Meeting Point

Start at Riviera Elite Yachts in Puerto Aventuras, and the trip ends back there. If you’re staying nearby, transportation arrangements may vary.

Who Should Consider This Tour?

This experience appeals most to travelers wanting a luxury, private day on the water. It’s ideal for those who value comfort, personalized service, and the ability to customize their itinerary. If you love snorkeling, are interested in a bit of fishing, and appreciate good food and drinks, this tour ticks all those boxes.

It’s also suited for groups celebrating a special occasion or seeking a memorable, relaxed escape. However, if budget is a concern or if you prefer a quick, low-effort trip, this may be more than you need. Seasickness might be an issue in rough waters, so check the weather forecast beforehand.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long is the tour?
It’s approximately 8 hours, giving enough time for snorkeling, eating, relaxing, and enjoying the scenery without feeling rushed.

What is included in the price?
Snorkeling gear, towels, an open bar with unlimited drinks, lunch, snacks, and restroom facilities are included. You also get a private tour with a knowledgeable crew.

Can I participate in fishing?
Yes, trolling fishing from the boat is part of the experience, and you’re encouraged to help reel in your catch. It can be prepared fresh onboard.

Is this tour suitable for children?
Children and young adults under 18 must be accompanied by an adult. The tour is family-friendly in general, but consider the length and water activities.

What about dietary restrictions?
Vegetarian, vegan, and other dietary options are available—just advise at the time of booking.

Are there any extra fees?
Yes, a dock fee of $20 per person applies. Private transportation to the meeting point varies in cost depending on your location.

What if the weather is bad?
The tour requires good weather. If canceled due to poor conditions, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund.

How far in advance should I book?
Most travelers book about 5 months ahead, as it’s a popular experience for groups seeking privacy and luxury.

Final Thoughts

If you’re after a luxurious, private day on the water with plenty of opportunities for snorkeling, fishing, and relaxing, this tour offers a solid package. The crew’s reputation for attentive service, combined with the stunning scenery and high-quality food and drinks, makes for a memorable Caribbean escape.

It’s well-suited for groups celebrating special moments, or anyone wanting an exclusive taste of Cozumel and Playa del Carmen’s waters. Just keep in mind the price point and the weather dependency—those are the main considerations.

All in all, this tour packs a lot into a single day, balancing adventure with comfort, and offering a chance to experience the Caribbean in a way that feels both special and relaxed.