Reviewed · PLAYA DEL CARMEN TOURS

3 Hours – 53′ Hatteras – Tulum, Playa Del Carmen, Riviera Maya

★ 5.0 · 132 reviews 3 hours (approx.) Operated by H2OH Sun Cruises · Bookable on Viator
Book on Viator →

A private Hatteras yacht, a stocked bar, lunch, music, and room for up to 15 people make this a celebration-first cruise rather than a quiet sightseeing trip. You meet the boat at Puerto Aventuras, spend about three hours on the Caribbean, and return to the same point.

I like the large open deck, which gives your group room to sit, stretch out, dance, or simply watch the water. I also like the crew’s personal touch. Names such as Juan, Richard, Bryan, Daniel, Roberto, and Carlos come up in connection with thoughtful service, birthday surprises, and quick help when small mishaps happen.

The main drawback is simple: three hours goes by fast, especially if you want time for swimming, paddle boarding, lunch, music, and relaxing. The weather policy is also worth noting, since the booking is non-refundable unless the operator cancels because of poor weather.

Key points to know before you book

3 Hours - 53' Hatteras - Tulum, Playa Del Carmen, Riviera Maya - Key points to know before you book

  • Private boat for up to 15 people: You get the yacht to yourselves, which works well for birthdays, anniversaries, family gatherings, and groups of friends.
  • Puerto Aventuras departure: The meeting address is in Puerto Aventuras, even though the experience is marketed toward the Tulum, Playa del Carmen, and Riviera Maya area.
  • Three-hour format: Snacks come early, while the full family-style meal is served during the final hour.
  • Food and drinks included: Water, juices, alcoholic drinks, lunch, and opening snacks are part of the package.
  • Paddle boards and karaoke onboard: You can choose between active water time and a more social party atmosphere.
  • Check the yacht size before booking: The title refers to a 53-foot Hatteras, while the description calls it a 58-foot Hatteras named Dos Piratas. Confirm the exact boat details if that matters to your group.

A private yacht made for celebrations

3 Hours - 53' Hatteras - Tulum, Playa Del Carmen, Riviera Maya - A private yacht made for celebrations

This H2OH Sun Cruises outing is best understood as a floating private party with Caribbean scenery. You are not joining a large shared boat and hoping to find a seat together. Your group has the yacht, the crew, the music system, and the schedule for the three-hour outing.

That setup matters. A birthday group can keep its own mood without worrying about strangers nearby. A family can spread out across the deck. An anniversary couple can find a quieter corner while the rest of the group enjoys the music. The private format gives you freedom that a standard shared cruise usually cannot.

The yacht is described as a classic Hatteras with remodeled interior space and customized exterior decks. The exact measurements are inconsistent in the supplied details, with 53 feet in the title and 58 feet in the description. I would ask H2OH Sun Cruises to confirm the boat name and size before paying, especially if you are comparing several private charters.

The boat named Dos Piratas is described as the company’s newest addition at the time of the supplied information. It has a large sound system, plenty of deck space, and an interior that has been remodeled. You should expect the outdoor areas to be the main attraction, since that is where you will spend much of the trip watching the water, eating, listening to music, and taking part in water activities.

Getting to the Puerto Aventuras marina

The meeting point is H2OH Sun Cruises at C Bahia Yanten Mz 33 Lt 9 Loc 7, Tulum Pto Aventuras Comp Turf, 77733 Puerto Aventuras, Quintana Roo, Mexico. The cruise begins at 10:00 am and ends back at the same meeting point.

The address deserves attention because the experience is described in connection with Tulum, Playa del Carmen, and the Riviera Maya, but the actual departure is in Puerto Aventuras. If you are staying in Playa del Carmen or Tulum, allow time to reach the marina and confirm your transport plan before the morning of the cruise.

Private transportation is not included. Public transportation is available nearby, but the tour information does not provide a transfer service or a pickup from your hotel. You will need to arrange your own way to the marina. Since the departure time is fixed, arriving early is a sensible choice.

The tour is offered in English, and confirmation is sent within 48 hours of booking, subject to availability. Since this is a private activity, only your group participates. That makes it easier to organize the morning around your own party, but it also means you should make sure every member knows exactly where to meet.

The first hour: boarding, snacks, and settling in

3 Hours - 53' Hatteras - Tulum, Playa Del Carmen, Riviera Maya - The first hour: boarding, snacks, and settling in

Once aboard, the early part of the cruise is designed to get the party moving. Snacks are served at the beginning, and non-alcoholic drinks such as water and juices are available. Alcoholic drinks are included as well.

The opening hour is a good time to find your preferred spot on the yacht. The wide deck areas should suit different moods. You can sit with the group, lie back and enjoy the sun, or stay close to the music and conversation. If your group includes people who want different things from the outing, this space helps prevent everyone from feeling stuck in one activity.

The yacht’s sound system is a major part of the experience. You can expect music to shape the outing, and karaoke is included for groups that want to take the microphone. One useful detail from the supplied information is that guests have been able to play their own music. I would still confirm how you should provide your playlist before departure, since the details do not specify the connection method.

This is not a formal sightseeing cruise with a long list of historic stops. The focus is on time together, open water, food, drinks, and a relaxed party setting. If you want constant commentary or a tightly scheduled route, this may feel too loose. If you want to control the tone of your own day, the format makes sense.

Water time with paddle boards and life jackets

3 Hours - 53' Hatteras - Tulum, Playa Del Carmen, Riviera Maya - Water time with paddle boards and life jackets

Paddle boards and life jackets are included. That gives you a way to break up the time spent on deck and get into the water, assuming conditions and the crew’s plan allow it.

The supplied information does not specify the exact swimming location, water depth, or amount of time reserved for paddle boarding. Do not book this expecting a guaranteed long water-sports session. The cruise has several competing elements, including lunch, music, karaoke, relaxing, and social time.

Life jackets are provided, which is useful for anyone who wants extra support in the water. Towels are not included, so bring your own. You should also plan for a wet return from the water rather than assuming the yacht will provide everything you need.

For many groups, the water stop will be the most memorable part of the outing. It gives children and active adults something to do while others can remain aboard. For a birthday or anniversary, it also creates a natural break in the day, with time for photos and a change of pace before the meal.

Same stretch of coast, a very different day:

The final hour: a family-style meal at sea

3 Hours - 53' Hatteras - Tulum, Playa Del Carmen, Riviera Maya - The final hour: a family-style meal at sea

A full meal is served during the final hour of the cruise. The food is described as family-style, which suggests a shared meal rather than individually plated restaurant service. Lunch is included in the price, along with the opening snacks and drinks.

Food can make or break a private charter because it keeps the group together. Instead of everyone wandering off to find something afterward, your meal is built into the outing. That is especially useful for a three-hour cruise, where stopping for lunch on land would take away a large part of the day.

The supplied details do not give a fixed menu, and they do not list vegetarian, vegan, allergy, or children’s meal options. If anyone in your party has dietary needs, ask H2OH Sun Cruises before booking. Do not assume that the family-style meal can be changed at short notice.

The personal service seems to extend to small food details. One particularly memorable example involves the crew making fresh salsa when the group ran out. That kind of quick response is exactly what you want on a private outing, where the crew can pay attention to your group instead of managing a crowded boat.

Crew service and the human side of the trip

3 Hours - 53' Hatteras - Tulum, Playa Del Carmen, Riviera Maya - Crew service and the human side of the trip

The crew is one of the strongest reasons to consider this charter. Names connected with the experience include Juan, Richard, Bryan, Daniel, Rodrigo, Roberto, Carlos, Manuel, Adrian, and Denny. Crew assignments can change, so treat these names as examples rather than a promise of who will be aboard on your date.

The pattern is clear: the crew is expected to stay attentive without taking over the day. That balance matters on a private boat. You want help with drinks, food, safety, and equipment, but you also want enough space to enjoy your own group.

Several details show why the service is remembered. Crew members have helped with birthday outings, anniversary celebrations, and a hat that blew into the water. In one case, the crew went after the hat and brought it back. Small acts like that can turn a pleasant charter into a personal memory.

You should also expect the crew to support the party side of the trip. Music, karaoke, drinks, and social interaction are part of the package. If you prefer a quiet cruise with minimal contact, tell the operator in advance so expectations are clear.

What the $1,100 price really covers

3 Hours - 53' Hatteras - Tulum, Playa Del Carmen, Riviera Maya - What the $1,100 price really covers

The listed price is $1,100 per group for up to 15 people. At the full group size, that works out to about $73 per person before any fees, taxes, or transport costs. For a smaller group, the per-person cost rises quickly.

At first glance, the price is easier to justify when you use the boat’s full capacity. A group of 10 pays about $110 per person, while a group of six pays about $183 per person. You are paying for privacy, crew service, drinks, lunch, snacks, water equipment, and the use of a large yacht for three hours.

The value depends heavily on how your group spends the time. If you want a private birthday setting with music and an open deck, the cost may compare well with booking several separate activities. If you mainly want a long swim or a full-day sailing trip, three hours may feel short for the price.

All fees and taxes are not included, and private transportation is not included. Towels are also excluded. Build those costs into your budget rather than treating the $1,100 figure as the final amount.

The boat can hold up to 15 people, but a full group will naturally feel different from a party of six or eight. More people help lower the per-person price, though they also mean more coordination around seating, food, music, and water time.

Who will enjoy this cruise most

3 Hours - 53' Hatteras - Tulum, Playa Del Carmen, Riviera Maya - Who will enjoy this cruise most

I would recommend this experience first to groups with a reason to celebrate. Birthdays, anniversaries, reunions, and friend getaways fit the format well. The private setting gives you room to bring your own energy, and the crew has experience helping special occasions feel personal.

Families may also like the mix of activities. Some people can enjoy the music and drinks, others can use the paddle boards, and anyone who wants a break can relax on deck. Since most people can participate, the outing does not demand a high level of fitness.

This is less suitable for someone seeking a quiet sailing lesson, a long coastal tour, or a detailed cultural excursion. The supplied information does not promise a particular sightseeing route, named snorkeling site, or extensive commentary. The main product is the yacht day itself.

It is also worth thinking about the weather. The cruise requires good conditions, and the operator may cancel if weather makes the trip unsuitable. You can then choose another date or receive a full refund, but personal cancellation is different: the experience is non-refundable and cannot be changed for personal reasons.

Practical details that can save you trouble

Bring towels, since they are not supplied. The package includes life jackets and paddle boards, but the details do not say that personal snorkeling gear, sunscreen, or other beach items are provided.

Confirm the meeting address carefully. The cruise departs from Puerto Aventuras, not directly from a hotel area in Tulum or Playa del Carmen. Since transport is not included, plan your route before the morning departure.

Ask about the exact yacht. The supplied material uses both 53-foot and 58-foot descriptions, and the boat is referred to as Dos Piratas. This may simply reflect different versions of the product information, but it is worth clearing up if deck space or boat size is important to you.

If you want to use your own music, confirm the technical details before you arrive. Karaoke is included, but the information does not specify the equipment or how personal playlists connect to the sound system.

Finally, share dietary information ahead of time. Lunch is included, but no menu or special-diet policy is provided. A short message before booking can prevent an awkward meal at sea.

Should you book the 3-hour Hatteras yacht?

Book it if you want a private Caribbean party with drinks, lunch, music, karaoke, and room for your own group. It is especially appealing when you can fill most of the 15-person capacity and spread the cost across family or friends.

Think twice if your main goal is a long water-sports session, a full-day charter, or a quiet cruise with detailed sightseeing. Three hours is enough for a lively outing, but it leaves little room for every activity to receive equal attention.

For the best value, arrive with your group organized, confirm the Puerto Aventuras meeting point, ask about the yacht’s exact size, and share food or music requests in advance. If those details suit your plans, this is a practical way to turn a birthday, anniversary, or ordinary vacation morning into a private day on the water.

FAQ

Where does the yacht cruise begin?

The cruise begins at H2OH Sun Cruises, C Bahia Yanten Mz 33 Lt 9 Loc 7, Tulum Pto Aventuras Comp Turf, 77733 Puerto Aventuras, Quintana Roo, Mexico.

What time does the activity start?

The stated start time is 10:00 am.

How long does the yacht experience last?

The experience lasts approximately three hours.

Is the yacht private?

Yes. This is a private activity, and only your group participates.

How many people can join?

The price covers a group of up to 15 people.

What drinks are included?

Non-alcoholic drinks such as juices and water are included, along with alcoholic beverages.

Is lunch included?

Yes. Lunch is included, and a full family-style meal is served during the final hour. Snacks are served at the beginning.

Are paddle boards and life jackets provided?

Yes. Paddle boards and life jackets are included.

What happens if bad weather cancels the cruise?

If the operator cancels because of poor weather, you can choose a different date or receive a full refund. Personal cancellations or requested changes are non-refundable.

More like this

Playa del Carmen Tours, compared.

The full Playa del Carmen Tours list →
From Playa del Carmen ATV Adventure with Ziplines, Cenote
★★★★★★★★★★5.0· 2,041 reviews· from $49

From Playa del Carmen ATV Adventure with Ziplines, Cenote

Read our review →
VIP Chichen Itza Private Tour
★★★★★★★★★★5.0· 1,782 reviews· from $285

VIP Chichen Itza Private Tour

Read our review →
Playa del Carmen Buggy Tour with Cenote Swim and Mayan Village Visit
★★★★★★★★★★5.0· 1,747 reviews· from $99

Playa del Carmen Buggy Tour with Cenote Swim and Mayan Village Visit

Read our review →
Playa del Carmen Walking Food Tour
★★★★★★★★★★5.0· 1,274 reviews· from $84

Playa del Carmen Walking Food Tour

Read our review →
Jungle Buggy Tour from Playa del Carmen Including Cenote Swim
★★★★★★★★★★5.0· 1,253 reviews· from $110

Jungle Buggy Tour from Playa del Carmen Including Cenote Swim

Read our review →
Hidden Cenote Swim: Snorkeling, Sea Turtles and Beachside Lunch
★★★★★★★★★★5.0· 1,222 reviews· from $169

Hidden Cenote Swim: Snorkeling, Sea Turtles and Beachside Lunch

Read our review →
Full Day Tulum Ruins Tour Cenote and Swimming with Sea Turtles
★★★★★★★★★★5.0· 1,171 reviews· from $131

Full Day Tulum Ruins Tour Cenote and Swimming with Sea Turtles

Read our review →

Browse the lists this tour appears in

Scroll to Top

Explore Mexico

Pick a coast, a ruin or a kitchen.