Catamaran Sailing and Snorkel Tour

If you’re thinking about taking a day out on the water in Playa del Carmen, a Catamaran Sailing and Snorkel Tour might just be a great choice. We haven’t done this exact tour ourselves, but based on what’s offered, it looks like a solid way to enjoy the Caribbean’s beauty without feeling overwhelmed. It’s designed for those who love the idea of sailing, snorkeling, and relaxing in the sun—all in one go.

What we particularly like about this experience is its combination of active and relaxing elements. Snorkeling in protected waters for colorful fish and coral, plus the chance to paddleboard if you’re feeling adventurous, keeps things lively. On the flip side, the luxury catamaran sounds like a comfortable way to travel, with the open bar and tasty lunch adding a nice touch of indulgence.

That said, a thing to keep in mind is the dock fee of $10 USD per person, which isn’t included in the upfront price. Some travelers might find that a bit of an unexpected extra. Also, if you’re really into professional photos of your trip, you’ll need to budget for those separately since they’re not included. Overall, it’s well-suited for those looking for a day of fun on the water with beautiful views and some snorkeling.

This tour appeals most to travelers who enjoy a mix of active water sports, scenic sailing, and good food. It’s also perfect if you want a straightforward, well-organized trip that includes transportation, so you don’t have to worry about logistics. If you’re traveling with friends or a small group, it could be a relaxing, memorable outing.

Key Points

• Comfortable sailing experience on a luxury catamaran around Playa del Carmen’s coast.
• Includes snorkeling in calm, protected waters with coral reefs and tropical fish.
• Paddleboarding available for all skill levels, adding an element of adventure.
• All-day fun with lunch, drinks, and an open bar on deck.
• Additional costs like the $10 dock fee and photos are not included, so budget accordingly.
• Small group size (max 30 travelers), which helps keep the experience intimate.

What to Expect from the Tour

This 6-hour cruise departs from Puerto Aventuras marina, a popular spot close to Playa del Carmen. The boat itself is described as a luxury catamaran, which likely means comfortable, shaded areas and plenty of space to relax or socialize during the sail. The itinerary is fairly straightforward: sailing along the southern Riviera Maya coastline, stopping to snorkel over coral reefs teeming with tropical fish.

Once anchored, the guided snorkeling tour is designed to be accessible and safe in shallow, protected waters. If snorkeling isn’t your thing, paddleboards are available for everyone—beginners to seasoned paddlers—providing a different way to enjoy the sea and get some exercise. We think the snorkeling and paddleboarding options are great ways to get close-up views of underwater life without needing specialized skills.

After exploring underwater, you’ll have plenty of time on deck to soak up the sun. The crew provides snacks like shrimp cocktail, chicken and pasta salad, Caribbean salad, and mini sandwiches—perfect for a light, refreshing meal. The open bar offers alcoholic beverages, soda, and bottled water, so you can toast to a beautiful day while taking in the scenic views.

The Itinerary Breakdown

Departure from Puerto Aventuras Marina

The tour begins at the marina, a convenient spot if you’re staying near Playa del Carmen. The boat departs during the day, giving you ample time to enjoy the sun and sea.

Riviera Maya Coastline

As the catamaran sails south along the coast, the views are part of what make this trip appealing. We imagine the scenery is a mix of turquoise waters, lush shoreline, and possibly some distant Mayan ruins or beach resorts, depending on the angle.

Snorkeling at the Coral Reefs

The highlight here is snorkel time in calm, protected waters. The description emphasizes that the reefs are safe and shallow, making it accessible for most travelers. Expect to see tropical fish, colorful coral formations, and the chance to observe marine life up close. The guided aspect means you’ll have someone explaining what you’re seeing, which enriches the experience.

Paddleboarding

For those seeking more active fun, paddleboards are included, allowing you to glide over the water and enjoy the scenery from a different perspective. It’s suitable for beginners and experts alike, so no need to worry if you’ve never done it before.

Return Journey and Relaxation

After the snorkeling and paddleboarding, the catamaran sets sail back to port. This is when you can relax on deck, sip drinks, and take in the panoramic views of the Caribbean. The open bar and food are available throughout, making this a very laid-back experience.

What Travelers Say and Why It Matters

While there are no formal reviews yet, the description and structure suggest a well-organized and fun day. The fact that most travelers book about 35 days in advance indicates a decent level of popularity and trust in the provider.

The mention of small group size (max 30 travelers) is promising—less crowding, more personalized attention. The inclusion of snorkel gear and paddleboards suggests good value, especially with the convenience of transportation included.

One potential downside mentioned indirectly is the $10 dock fee, which can feel like an unexpected expense. If you’re planning the budget, keep this in mind. Also, if you’re looking for professionally taken photos, you’ll need to arrange that separately, which can add to the cost.

Pricing and Value

At $139 per person, this tour seems to offer a pretty balanced mix of activities. The price covers transportation, equipment, snacks, drinks, and the sailing experience itself. Considering the length (around 6 hours) and inclusions, it’s a reasonable option compared to standalone snorkeling or boat rental costs.

However, the extra $10 dock fee is something to keep in mind, along with the fact that photos are not included. If capturing memories or professional photos is a priority, consider budgeting for that separately.

Who Will Love This Tour?

This experience is perfect for travelers who enjoy a combination of water activities and relaxing scenery. It’s suited for those who want to spend a day on the water without the hassle of organizing different activities themselves. Families with older children might enjoy it, especially if they’re comfortable snorkeling and paddling.

If your main goal is to see the Caribbean from the water, enjoy snorkeling, and have a tasty lunch with drinks in hand, this tour ticks those boxes. It’s less about high adrenaline or adventure tourism and more about leisurely enjoyment and beautiful views.

The Sum Up

All in all, the Catamaran Sailing and Snorkel Tour offers a relaxing way to spend a day in Playa del Carmen with plenty of scenic splendor. The combination of sailing, snorkeling, paddleboarding, and lounging makes it a well-rounded outing suitable for most travelers looking for a mix of activity and downtime.

The inclusions like snacks, drinks, and equipment make it feel like good value, especially with the comfort of a luxury boat. On the downside, the extra dock fee and the absence of included photos are minor points to consider, but they shouldn’t detract much from the overall experience.

If you’re eager to enjoy the Caribbean’s waters, see vibrant coral reefs, and savor a tropical day in the sun, this tour is worth considering. It’s especially ideal if you appreciate organized, guided outings that handle most of the logistics for you, freeing you to focus on the stunning views and fun in the water.

FAQ

How long is the tour?
The tour lasts approximately 6 hours, giving you plenty of time to enjoy snorkeling, paddling, and relaxing on deck.

Where does the tour depart from?
It departs from Puerto Aventuras marina, a nearby hub to Playa del Carmen.

Is transportation included?
Yes, the tour provides air-conditioned transportation to and from the marina, which makes it convenient.

What’s included in the price?
Use of snorkeling equipment and paddleboards, snacks, an open bar with alcoholic drinks, soda, bottled water, and lunch.

Are there any additional costs?
Yes, there is a $10 USD dock fee per person not included in the price. Photos are also not included and must be purchased separately if desired.

Is this suitable for children?
While not explicitly stated, the activities like snorkeling and paddleboarding are generally suitable for older children comfortable in the water.

What happens in case of bad weather?
If canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund.

Can I cancel this tour?
Yes, there’s a flexible cancellation policy—free cancellation up to 24 hours before the tour.

How many people typically book this tour?
Most travelers book about 35 days in advance, and the tour size is limited to 30 people, ensuring a more intimate experience.

If you enjoy water-based adventures with a good mix of activity and leisure, this cruise could be a memorable highlight of your trip. Just keep in mind your budget for extras and whether a day on the water sounds like your kind of fun.