3 Hour Xpu-Ha – 51′ Sea Ray Tulum, Playa del Carmen, Riviera Maya

A Luxurious 3-Hour Private Yacht Cruise in Riviera Maya

Imagine slipping onto a beautiful 51-foot Sea Ray yacht with your friends or family, the sun warming your skin, and the gentle sound of waves lapping against the hull. This private cruise experience in Playa del Carmen offers an elegant way to explore the Riviera Maya’s coastlines, with all the comforts and amenities you could want for a memorable day on the water. For $1,049 per group — which accommodates up to 15 people — you get around three hours of cruising, delicious food, unlimited drinks, and plenty of opportunities for fun.

What we love about this tour is how it combines luxury with authentic relaxation. You’ll enjoy several decks for lounging, a state-of-the-art sound system to set your playlist, and paddleboards to get a little active. The crew’s hospitality is consistently praised, making it a standout for those seeking both comfort and a touch of adventure. The inclusion of a generous lunch spread and open bar makes this a real value, especially compared to other water-based excursions that charge extra for food and drinks.

A possible consideration is that the tour is booked about 30 days in advance on average, so if your dates are flexible, it’s wise to plan ahead. Also, the activity is weather-dependent — if seas are rough, the schedule might shift slightly, although the company offers options for rescheduling or refunds in bad weather. This cruise suits travelers who value personalized, private experiences and want to celebrate, relax, or simply see Riviera Maya from a different perspective.

If you’re after a luxury experience with a friendly, attentive crew, this cruise is an excellent pick. It’s especially suited for groups celebrating special occasions, families, or anyone eager to enjoy the coast without sacrificing comfort or style.

Key Points

• Private & Luxurious: Exclusive access for your group with attentive service
• Flexible & Fun: Paddleboards, music, snorkeling if waters permit
• Includes Gourmet Food & Drinks: Fire-grilled chicken, guacamole, salsa, and open bar
• Beautiful Coastal Views: Cruise remote coastlines and enjoy stunning scenery
• Family & Party Friendly: Suitable for celebrations, families, and groups
• Weather Dependent: Comfort depends on sea conditions, with options for rescheduling or refunds

An In-Depth Look at the Riviera Maya Yacht Experience

Exploring Riviera Maya from the water is an experience many travelers overlook in favor of land-based excursions. But this private yacht cruise offers a luxurious way to see the coast, relax, and indulge in some fun. It’s an activity that’s not just about sightseeing but about creating a memorable day with your loved ones or friends.

The Setting and Starting Point

Your adventure begins in Puerto Aventuras at H2OH Sun Cruises, where the crew greets you with a cocktail, setting a festive tone. From here, you step onto the spacious 51-foot Sea Ray yacht, which is well-equipped to handle up to 15 guests comfortably. With a mobile ticket, planning is straightforward, and you’ll want to arrive on time at the start point for the 10:00 am departure.

The dockside atmosphere is casual but organized — the crew expertly prepares the boat, ensuring everything is ready for your outing. We appreciated how smooth the check-in process was, with friendly staff guiding us through safety demonstrations before setting off.

Cruising Along Riviera Maya’s Coastline

Once underway, the yacht becomes your floating retreat. The sound system, capable of playing your Spotify playlist through a 6,000-watt speaker, instantly personalizes the vibe — whether you prefer relaxing tunes, party beats, or a mix. We loved the way the boat’s upper decks offered panoramic views, perfect for snapping photos or just soaking in the scenery.

The cruise itself is about three hours, which strikes a good balance between enough time to unwind without feeling rushed. The highlight is the stop at Xpu-Ha Beach, renowned for its tranquil, turquoise waters. Here, the crew drops anchor, offers a safety briefing, and invites you into the water for swimming, snorkeling, or just floating around.

A feature that impressed us is the high-dive from the upper level — a thrill for anyone feeling daring. As one reviewer put it, “The waters were rough so we couldn’t go out to sea, but we used the paddle boards and snorkeled and had a blast.” This flexibility is key to making the most of the conditions on the day.

Food, Drinks, and Onboard Fun

The lunch spread is a real highlight — fire-grilled chicken seasoned to perfection, fresh guacamole, Mexican-style salsa, beans, rice, tortillas, and chips. It’s enough to satisfy even hearty appetites and adds a genuine touch of local flavor.

The open bar is a nice touch, with unlimited margaritas, beer, cocktails, shots, and non-alcoholic drinks included. This makes the experience not only more enjoyable but also more relaxed, as you don’t need to worry about extra costs piling up.

For those who want a little activity, paddleboards are provided, and we saw many guests taking advantage of them to paddle along the calm waters near the boat. Life jackets are supplied to keep everyone safe, which adds peace of mind.

The Crew and Overall Atmosphere

According to multiple reviews, the crew — with names like Uriel, Ricardo, Gonzo, Jesus, and Tomás — consistently receive high praise. They’re described as friendly, attentive, and eager to cater to every need. Many mention how the crew even caught fish, adding an authentic, local touch to the experience.

The vibe onboard is laid-back but lively, with music and good humor flowing freely. We found the balance of privacy and camaraderie perfect for both families and groups of friends celebrating special moments.

Who Should Consider This Tour?

This yacht cruise is ideal for travelers seeking luxury, privacy, and personalized service. It’s particularly suited to those celebrating birthdays, anniversaries, or just a special getaway. The inclusive lunch and drinks make it a convenient and cost-effective option compared to paying for food and beverages separately.

However, if you’re sensitive to sea conditions or prefer more active land-based adventures, this might not be the best choice on a rough day. Still, the flexibility and focus on comfort often make up for that.

Pricing and Value Analysis

At just over a thousand dollars for a group of up to 15, this experience offers excellent value for a private, all-inclusive day on the water. The cost includes luxury boat access, gourmet lunch, drinks, paddleboards, and the opportunity to relax or be active as you choose. Considering the private nature and the luxury amenities, it stacks up well against other tour options in Riviera Maya.

Plus, the reviews consistently highlight the generous hospitality and the quality of the food and drinks — making it clear that this isn’t just a boat ride, but a well-rounded, enjoyable experience. When you factor in the personalized service, beautiful scenery, and fun extras like the high-dive and paddleboards, the price begins to look more like a premium value.

Practical Tips for Travelers

• Book well in advance to secure your preferred date, especially during peak season.
• Arrive on time at the meeting point; late arrivals could miss out or cause inconvenience.
• Bring your own towels if you plan to swim or snorkel, as they aren’t included.
• Confirm weather conditions closer to the date; the activity is weather-dependent, and safety comes first.
• Wear comfortable clothing, sunscreen, and hats to stay protected during the cruise.
• Consider bringing your own music if you have specific playlists to enhance the onboard atmosphere.

The Sum Up

A private yacht cruise along Riviera Maya’s coast offers a wonderful blend of luxury, adventure, and relaxation. With beautiful views, delicious food, and attentive service, this experience stands out as a memorable way to enjoy the region’s stunning waters. Perfect for groups seeking exclusivity and comfort, it’s also flexible enough for families or celebration parties.

While it requires a bit of planning to book ahead and is weather dependent, the overall experience — as reflected in consistent glowing reviews — is well worth it. If you’re after a special day on the water that combines natural beauty with upscale amenities, this cruise offers good value and a truly memorable adventure.

FAQ

How long is the cruise?
The cruise lasts approximately 3 hours, giving you plenty of time to relax, swim, and enjoy the scenery without feeling rushed.

What is included in the price?
The price covers the private yacht, a gourmet lunch (fire-grilled chicken, guacamole, salsa, beans, rice, tortillas, chips), unlimited drinks (margaritas, beer, cocktails, non-alcoholic options), paddleboards, and life jackets.

Can I bring my own music?
Yes, the yacht has a Bluetooth sound system, and you can plug in your own music to set the perfect vibe.

Is this activity suitable for children?
Yes, families are welcome, and reviews mention children enjoying paddleboarding and water activities. However, supervision is required, especially around the high-dive.

What if the weather is bad?
The activity is weather-dependent. If seas are rough or conditions unsafe, the tour can be canceled or rescheduled, and refunds are available.

Are there any additional costs?
There are landing and facility fees of $20 per person, which are not included in the initial price.

How many people can join?
Up to 15 people can participate in this private cruise, making it ideal for small groups and celebrations.

Is transportation included?
Private transportation is not included, so plan your arrival accordingly. The meeting point is easily accessible near public transportation.

Whether celebrating a special occasion or simply seeking a luxurious way to see Riviera Maya, this private yacht cruise offers a well-rounded, enjoyable experience. You’ll come away with gorgeous photos, full bellies, and perhaps a few new friends from the crew’s friendly hospitality.