2 Hour Sunset-53′ Hatteras Tulum, Playa Del Carmen, Riviera Maya

A Balanced Look at the 2-Hour Sunset Hatteras Yacht Tour in Playa del Carmen

If you’re seeking a relaxing yet lively way to enjoy the Riviera Maya’s spectacular coastline, this 2-hour sunset cruise might just be your perfect fit. Priced at $700 per group for up to 10 people, this private experience offers a blend of snorkeling, delicious Mexican food, and the chance to watch the sky turn into a canvas of reds and purples. Departing from Playa del Carmen, you’ll board a stunning 53-foot Hatteras yacht, making it a luxurious yet affordable option for small groups or families looking for a memorable evening.

What we particularly like about this tour are two things: first, the opportunity to snorkel in pristine Caribbean waters and swim alongside gentle sea turtles (which is a rare, awe-inspiring experience for many), and second, the complimentary full Mexican meal and non-stop open bar that keeps the mood festive and relaxed throughout. That said, a potential consideration is the additional marina and environmental fee of $20 USD per person, which adds to the overall cost but is fairly common for such excursions.

This tour is ideal for travelers who value authentic aquatic experiences combined with laid-back luxury. It’s especially suited for small groups who want a private, personalized adventure with friendly crew members, as many reviews highlight the excellent service and engaging hosts. If you’re after a fun, scenic, and well-rounded way to spend an evening in Riviera Maya, this cruise could be just the ticket.

Key Points

• Stunning Sunset Views: You’ll witness the sky turn a spectrum of reds, pinks, purples, and blues, making for perfect photo opportunities.
• Snorkeling & Marine Life: Swim in crystal-clear waters, often with sea turtles and reef fish, providing unforgettable moments with marine creatures.
• Full Mexican Cuisine & Open Bar: Enjoy a tasty meal and continuous drinks, enhancing the relaxed, festive vibe.
• Personalized Experience: Small group setting (up to 10 guests) ensures attentive service and an intimate atmosphere.
• Highly Praised Crew: Many reviews mention the crew’s friendliness, attentiveness, and ability to match the group’s energy.
• Good Value: For a private boat with all amenities included, many find the experience worth the cost, especially with excellent service and stunning scenery.

The Experience in Detail

Departure and Setting Out to Sea

The tour starts at H2OH Sun Cruises in Puerto Aventuras, with a 6:00 pm departure. The boat, a luxurious 53-foot Hatteras, sets a comfortable scene with ample space to relax, dance, or chat as you leave the coast behind. Many reviews mention the friendly crew greeting guests with a refreshing cocktail, setting the tone for a friendly, warm experience.

Being a private tour, it offers the flexibility to tailor the experience a bit — whether that’s relaxing on deck, listening to your own music through a quality sound system, or preparing for the sunset viewing.

Snorkeling in the Caribbean

One of the big highlights of this tour is the snorkeling stop, often around coral reefs teeming with reef fish. According to reviews, the waters are crystal-clear, giving you excellent visibility. Most snorkelers get the chance to swim alongside gentle sea turtles—a rare and treasured experience, with some reviewers noting a 90% chance of encountering these prehistoric creatures.

The reef environment is described as vibrant, with colorful fish and coral formations. The inclusion of paddleboards and life jackets means you can also take a more relaxed approach, floating on the surface or exploring at your own pace.

Sunset and Scenic Views

The main event is the twilight spectacle—a display of reds, pinks, purples, and blues that paint the horizon. Many reviewers emphasize how breathtaking the sunset is, often describing it as a magical, almost cinematic moment. Given the tour’s timing—departing at 6 pm—you’ll have the chance to see the sun dip into the sea while sipping drinks or simply soaking it all in from the deck.

It’s worth noting that weather can influence the sunset’s intensity; occasionally, clouds may obscure the view, but the overall experience is generally praised as beautiful and peaceful.

Onboard Dining and Drinks

No cruise is complete without good food and drinks. The tour includes a full meal of fresh Mexican cuisine, with reviews praising the impeccable quality of the food, especially the guacamole and other tapas-style dishes. The non-stop open bar means you can enjoy drinks throughout the cruise, with options for upgrades available. Many reviews mention the crew’s friendly service and the lively, fun atmosphere created by the hosts.

Crew and Atmosphere

Reviews consistently highlight the crew’s attentiveness and friendliness. Guests mention staff members like Jose the chef, Lester the host, and Captain Fusto or Christian—all of whom go out of their way to make sure everyone feels comfortable and engaged. Many describe the vibe as like being hosted by friends, thanks to the crew’s engaging attitudes and personalized service.

Additional Considerations

While the tour offers many positives, it’s important to account for the marina and environmental fee of $20 USD per person—a standard practice in many such tours but an extra expense to budget for. Also, towels are not included, so if you prefer to dry off after snorkeling or swimming, you’ll need to bring your own.

The timing (departure at 6 pm) means it’s mostly about sunset and night-time sights, not full daytime adventures, so plan your other activities accordingly.

Authentic Feedback from Travelers

Many reviewers rave about the value for money, saying the experience exceeded expectations. Words like “amazing,” “perfect,” and “best trip ever” appear frequently. One reviewer sums up their experience by stating, “The crew was great. The food was amazing. The boat is beautiful. Great vibe.” Another highlights the excellent service with comments like, “They made sure we were good every hour and kept us supplied with drinks and food.”

The balance of snorkeling, scenery, and hospitality seems to make this tour stand out. Guests also appreciate that it’s private, allowing for a more relaxed, tailored experience, unlike crowded group excursions.

Who Will Love This Tour?

If you’re looking for a romantic sunset cruise, a fun adventure with friends, or a family outing that blends water activities with good food, this experience should be on your list. It’s especially appealing if you value personalized service and beautiful ocean vistas. The snorkeling with sea turtles and the chance to enjoy Mexican cuisine onboard makes it a well-rounded choice.

Final Thoughts: Is This Tour for You?

This 2-hour sunset cruise offers a luxurious yet intimate way to experience the Riviera Maya’s coast. The combination of snorkeling, scenic views, and great food makes it a flexible choice for many travelers. It provides excellent value, especially given the private group setting and the positive reviews of crew and food quality.

However, if you’re strict about budget or prefer full daytime excursions, you might want to consider other options. Also, if you’re not a huge fan of boating or snorkeling, this tour may not be ideal. It’s best suited for those wanting a relaxed, scenic, and social experience with a touch of adventure.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long is the tour?
The cruise lasts approximately 2 hours, departing at 6:00 pm.

What is included in the price?
A full Mexican meal, non-stop open bar, paddleboards, and life jackets are included. The tour is private for your group.

Are there additional costs?
Yes, a marina and environmental fee of $20 USD per person applies. Towels are not included, so bring your own if you prefer.

Can I snorkel and swim?
Absolutely. Snorkeling in the Caribbean waters is a key part of the experience, with frequent opportunities to see reef fish and sea turtles.

What about the sunset?
You’ll have a front-row seat to the stunning sunset, with many reviews describing it as breathtaking.

Is this suitable for kids?
Most travelers report that most people can participate, including families, especially since paddleboards and snorkeling are included.

What is the group size?
Up to 10 people per booking, making it intimate and ideal for small groups.

Is transportation provided?
Private transportation is not included, so you’ll need to arrange your own to the departure point.

What should I bring?
Towels, sunscreen, and anything you want for personal comfort. The boat has sound system for music, but you can also bring your own.

What is the cancellation policy?
This experience is non-refundable. It requires good weather; if canceled due to weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund.

To sum it up, this sunset cruise from Playa del Carmen combines spectacular views, marine life encounters, delicious Mexican food, and friendly service into an experience that many find well worth the cost. It’s a perfect choice for those who want an intimate, fun-filled evening on the water—a memorable way to celebrate a special occasion or simply unwind after a day of exploring.