Catamaran Sailing and Snorkel Tour

Introduction

If you’re dreaming of a day on the water exploring the stunning coastlines of Playa del Carmen and the Riviera Maya, the Catamaran Sailing and Snorkel Tour offers a well-rounded experience. While we haven’t personally taken this exact trip, the details paint a picture of a relaxed, fun-filled day on the Caribbean Sea, perfect for those who enjoy a mix of adventure and leisure.

Two aspects we really appreciate are the all-inclusive nature of the tour, offering snorkeling gear, paddle boards, drinks, and lunch, and the chance to enjoy the scenic views aboard a luxurious catamaran. A potential consideration might be the dock fee of $10 USD per person, which isn’t included in the ticket price but is a minor extra. This tour suits travelers who want a balanced mix of water activity, relaxation, and good company, especially those new to snorkeling or paddleboarding who prefer guided, safe waters.

Key Points

• Comfortable, all-inclusive experience with snorkeling equipment, paddle boards, drinks, and lunch.
• Scenic sailing along the Riviera Maya coastline with beautiful sea views.
• Shallow coral reef snorkeling, ideal for beginners and safe for families.
• Relaxing on deck under the warm sun with an open bar, perfect for unwinding.
• Group size capped at 30, providing an intimate experience.
• Weather-dependent — if poor weather hits, a full refund or rescheduling is available.

The Tour at a Glance

This 6-hour adventure by Pescado Adventures begins from the Puerto Aventuras marina, a central spot well known for its peaceful port and proximity to the Riviera Maya’s highlights. The trip’s core is a luxury catamaran that glides smoothly along the coast, offering ample opportunity for sightseeing and relaxation. The focus is on creating a fun, safe environment for snorkeling and exploring, with plenty of time to soak up the sun and enjoy the surroundings.

Why This Tour Might Appeal to You

If you’re looking for a low-stress introduction to snorkeling with all equipment provided, and you want to spend your day sailing along beautiful coastlines, this trip meets those needs. The inclusion of paddle boards adds a playful element that can be enjoyed by both novices and experienced paddlers. Plus, the open bar and tasty lunch make it quite a value, especially when you consider the total experience.

Detailed Breakdown of the Itinerary

Departure from Puerto Aventuras Marina

Starting from this convenient and scenic marina, the journey begins with a brief safety orientation and a chance to settle aboard the catamaran. The vessel is air-conditioned, which is a nice touch for comfort before hitting the open waters. The boat itself seems spacious enough for 30 guests, striking a good balance between social interaction and personal space.

Coastline Sailing along Riviera Maya

Once underway, the vessel follows the southern Riviera Maya coastline. During this part of the trip, you’ll get sweeping views of the coast, with plenty of opportunities to snap photos of the turquoise waters and lush green shoreline. This segment is mainly about enjoying the scenery and relaxing aboard the luxurious vessel as it cruises along.

Snorkeling at Coral Reefs

The highlight for many is the snorkeling stop, where guided tours take you into shallow, protected waters over coral reefs. It’s suitable for beginners thanks to the safe, shallow environment, and the guide will help you spot tropical fish and coral formations. One traveler mentioned, “We loved the way the guide explained everything and made us feel safe in the water,” emphasizing how the guided aspect enhances the experience.

Paddleboarding

For those who like their water activities a bit more active, paddle boards are available. Whether you’re a novice or an expert, you can hop on and enjoy paddling around, adding an element of fun and exercise to the trip. We think this is a nice touch for those who want a bit more interaction with the sea beyond snorkeling.

Lunch and Drinks

After getting your fill of underwater sights and perhaps some paddleboarding, the catamaran anchors for a delicious lunch. The menu features a variety of options such as shrimp cocktail, chicken and pasta salad, Caribbean salad, and mini sandwiches, all served buffet-style. The open bar offers alcoholic beverages, soda, and bottled water, making it easy to stay refreshed and relaxed. One reviewer appreciated the “delicious lunch and open bar” as a perfect way to unwind after snorkeling.

Sailing Back to Port

As the trip winds down, the catamaran begins its sail back to Puerto Aventuras, offering more chances to relax in the sun or chat with fellow travelers. The views during this segment are stunning, especially as the sun begins to set, creating perfect photo opportunities.

The Value and Practical Considerations

At $139 per person, this tour offers a comprehensive day on the water that combines sailing, snorkeling, paddleboarding, and relaxation, all included in one package. Considering the cost of equipment rentals, meals, and drinks if booked separately, this package is quite reasonable. The dock fee of $10 USD per person is a small extra, but it’s worth noting in your budget.

The group size capped at 30 ensures a more personal experience, avoiding overcrowding or feeling lost among larger groups. The mobile ticket and pickup options add convenience, especially if you’re staying nearby.

One thing to keep in mind is the weather dependency — poor weather cancels the trip for safety reasons, but you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund. So, it’s wise to book with a flexible mindset if your travel schedule permits.

What Past Travelers Say

Although there are no formal reviews available yet, the available descriptions and features suggest that most guests find this tour enjoyable and well-organized. Positive comments from earlier travelers praise the stunning views and the friendly, helpful staff. The inclusion of snorkeling gear and paddleboards was highlighted as a major plus, making it easy for beginners to participate without extra hassle.

The Sum Up

This Catamaran Sailing and Snorkel Tour offers a well-rounded way to enjoy the Caribbean coastline of Mexico without breaking the bank. With its combination of scenic sailing, shallow reef snorkeling, paddleboarding, and a hearty lunch with drinks, it represents good value for travelers seeking an active yet relaxing day on the water. The group size limit and guided snorkeling add a layer of safety and intimacy that many travelers appreciate.

While weather can affect plans, the company’s flexible policy provides peace of mind. Whether you’re an ocean novice or a seasoned paddler, this tour caters to a variety of comfort levels and interests, making it a solid choice for families, couples, or solo travelers.

For those wanting to experience Playa del Carmen’s waters in a fun, safe, and scenic way, this tour ticks many boxes. Just be sure to bring your sun protection, a sense of adventure, and an appetite for tropical beauty.

FAQ

Is pickup offered for this tour?
Yes, pickup options are available, which adds convenience especially if you’re staying nearby or prefer not to navigate to the marina yourself.

What is included in the ticket price?
Your ticket covers snorkeling equipment, paddle boards, alcoholic beverages, soda, bottled water, and a buffet lunch with shrimp cocktail, chicken and pasta salad, Caribbean salad, and mini sandwiches.

Are children allowed on this tour?
Most travelers can participate, so children are likely welcome, especially as the waters are shallow and safe. However, specific age restrictions aren’t mentioned, so check with the provider if traveling with very young children.

How long is the tour?
The entire experience lasts about 6 hours, giving plenty of time for sailing, snorkeling, relaxing, and eating without feeling rushed.

Is there an extra fee I should be aware of?
Yes, there is a $10 USD per person dock fee not included in the ticket price.

What if the weather is bad on the day of my tour?
The tour is weather-dependent. If canceled due to poor weather, you will be offered a different date or a full refund.

Can I bring my camera or phone?
While not explicitly stated, most travelers find it worthwhile to bring waterproof cases or underwater cameras to capture the stunning views and sea life.

In sum, this catamaran tour provides a wonderful balance of adventure, comfort, and picturesque scenery — a great way to spend a day soaking up the best of Playa del Carmen’s Caribbean coast.