Tulum & Playa del Carmen: Private Yacht Tour with Snorkeling & Open Bar

4.96

(198 reviews)

What’s the experience like?

I didn’t expect to laugh so much before noon. We’d barely stepped onto the Azimut yacht in Puerto Aventuras when the crew handed us cold drinks and sliced mango that tasted like sunshine. The water looked fake—so clear it felt like we were floating above glass. Our guide, Carlos, grinned as he showed us how to use the snorkel gear (I always forget which way the mask straps go) and then pointed out where sea turtles usually hang around In-Ha reef. He said sometimes you see three or four at once, just gliding by like they own the place.

When I slid into the water, it was cooler than I thought but not shocking—just enough to wake me up. There was this moment where everything went quiet except for my own breath through the tube and a flash of silver fish darting past my hand. Someone shouted “tortuga!” from behind me and sure enough, there she was—bigger than I imagined, totally unbothered by us. Back on board, the smell of lime hit first—Carlos’ sister had started chopping for ceviche. We tried fishing too (I was terrible at it), but one guy caught something small and they actually cooked it right there with some kind of spicy family sauce.

Lunch was messy in that good way—shrimp ceviche with avocado and chips scattered everywhere because nobody wanted to sit still. The margaritas were strong enough that I stopped caring about my hair going wild in the wind. Sunburn snuck up on me but honestly? Worth it. The crew kept checking if we needed more drinks or towels; they even found sunscreen for my friend who forgot hers (again). There’s something about eating guacamole with salty fingers while staring out at nothing but blue that makes you feel lighter somehow.

I still think about how quiet it got after everyone finished eating—just waves slapping against the hull and someone humming softly near the bow. It’s funny what sticks with you after a day like that.