From Puerto Aventuras: Share Catamaran Tour

Travelers heading to the Riviera Maya often look for experiences that combine scenic beauty, fun activities, and delicious food — and this Share Catamaran Tour from Puerto Aventuras hits those marks quite well. With a solid 4.5-star rating from 40 reviews, this 4-hour cruise offers a well-rounded taste of the Caribbean, blending snorkeling, a gourmet BBQ, and spectacular ocean views.

What makes this trip appealing? First, you’re aboard a luxury 65-foot catamaran, which promises comfort and stability on the water. Second, the snorkeling experience at the INAH reef offers access to vibrant marine life and coral formations, perfect for those who love exploring underwater worlds. Lastly, the mouthwatering BBQ with four different options and an open bar adds a touch of indulgence to the day.

However, it’s worth noting that the group size and promotional language can sometimes feel misleading, with some reviews citing larger crowds than expected. Plus, the additional costs like the marina fee ($15 cash) and optional transportation should be factored into your budget.

This tour really suits travelers who appreciate a balance of activity and relaxation, are eager to see marine life, and enjoy good food in a social setting. It’s especially appealing for those wanting a fun and scenic day on the water without overextending their budget.

Good To Know

• Comfortable Luxury: The 65-foot catamaran offers a spacious, stable platform with excellent views.
• Snorkeling Highlight: You’ll explore the second largest reef in the world, packed with sea life and coral.
• Gourmet BBQ: The menu includes four hearty options, served on deck with exotic drinks from the open bar.
• Scenic Voyage: Enjoy a leisurely cruise along the Riviera Maya coastline, with photo-worthy vistas.
• Family Friendly: Suitable for families with kids, with guidance provided for snorkeling beginners.
• Extra Fees: Expect to pay a $15 marina dock fee; transportation isn’t included but can be arranged.

You can check if your dates are available here:

The Experience Breakdown

Meeting and Boarding

Your adventure begins at the Puerto Aventuras marina, where the professional crew welcomes you aboard. We appreciate that they provide a safety briefing and an overview of the amenities, especially for first-timers. The catamaran itself is described as luxurious, with enough space to spread out and enjoy the sail. Some reviewers noted that the boat isn’t overly crowded, which enhances comfort, but others felt the promotional “small group” description was misleading — some groups reported seeing over 50 people onboard.

The Cruise to the Reef

The journey to the reef takes approximately one hour, offering time to settle in, enjoy a drink from the open bar, and take in the views of the Riviera Maya. The coastline scenery is stunning, with clear waters and lush landscapes, perfect for snapping photos. During the sail, you might spot marine birds or perhaps a dolphin or two if you’re lucky.

Snorkeling at the INAH Reef

Once at the reef, guides and dive masters assist you in snorkeling — a real highlight. Reviewers mention that the staff are attentive and helpful, especially if it’s your first time snorkeling. The reef supports colorful coral formations and a fascinating diversity of sea life, making it an ideal spot for underwater exploration.

However, some reviews suggest that the snorkeling time is relatively short, which might leave avid snorkelers wanting more. Still, being in the water with such vibrant marine ecosystems is a rewarding experience.

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Lunch and Onboard Dining

Back on board, it’s time for a mouthwatering BBQ. The chef prepares four main options: NY Steak, Fish Filet, Chicken Fajitas, or Hamburgers, all cooked fresh on the grill. The reviews highlight the quality of the food as surprisingly good for a boat meal, with many describing it as a “first-class” dining experience at sea.

The full open bar is a big plus, with exotic drinks keeping everyone refreshed. Reviewers have praised the relaxed, festive atmosphere, making it easy to socialize and enjoy the scenery with a drink in hand.

Return Voyage and Optional Sunset

As the tour winds down, you’ll sail leisurely back along the coast, soaking in the stunning views of the Riviera Maya. For those who opt for a private charter with sunset views, this is an excellent way to end the day — watching the sun dip behind the horizon with a cocktail in hand.

Practical Details and Considerations

Pricing and Value

At $125 per person, this tour offers a balanced mix of activities, good food, and scenery. The price seems fair considering the inclusion of snorkeling gear, a full BBQ meal, and an open bar. Still, travelers should remember the additional $15 marina fee and optional transportation costs, which can increase overall expenses.

Group Size and Atmosphere

While the tour promotes itself as a “small group,” reviews suggest some groups may be larger, which could impact the intimacy or comfort level. The presence of a professional, knowledgeable crew makes a difference, but if a quieter, more exclusive experience is what you’re after, you might want to clarify or consider private options.

Duration and Timing

The 4-hour schedule typically allows for a relaxed morning activity. It’s perfect if you’re looking for a half-day adventure without taking up your entire day. If you want to catch the sunset, check if sunset tours are available as an add-on — many reviewers find this a beautiful way to conclude the day.

Accessibility and Family Friendly

The tour is wheelchair accessible and suitable for families with children. Guides are attentive to beginners, making it a safe choice for first-time snorkelers or younger travelers.

What to Bring

Pack your swimwear, towel, sandals, biodegradable sunscreen, sunglasses, and underwater camera. Remember, cash for the marina fee and souvenirs, plus optional transport, if needed.

Authentic Reviewer Insights

One traveler noted, “The staff will help and guide you if it is your first time snorkeling,” which is reassuring for newbies. Conversely, some expressed disappointment, saying that the “food has a ‘McDonald’s character'” and that snorkeling was on a stone wall rather than open water, which suggests experiences can vary.

Another reviewer shared, “Great tour! Top crew. Good food and a very nice snorkeling area under the guidance of a guide,” highlighting the importance of helpful staff and scenic underwater spots. Meanwhile, some flagged higher costs, pointing out the additional $25 transportation fee and the dock fee, emphasizing the importance of considering these extra charges when budgeting.

Who Will Love This Tour?

This experience is ideal for travelers wanting a relaxed, scenic day on the water with opportunities for snorkeling and enjoying good food. It’s well-suited for small groups or families looking for a social, enjoyable outing without over-crowding. The friendly guides and attentive staff make it accessible even for first-timers.

However, those expecting a luxury, boutique experience may find the promotional language a bit overstated. If you’re after a more intimate or exclusive adventure, you might want to explore private charters or smaller tours.

Final Thoughts

This Share Catamaran Tour from Puerto Aventuras offers a well-rounded day of Caribbean fun. From the spacious vessel and engaging reef snorkeling to the delicious BBQ and scenic sail, it balances adventure with relaxation. While some reviews note larger crowds or minor shortcomings, most travelers agree that the friendly crew, beautiful views, and tasty food make it a worthwhile outing.

If you value a lively, social atmosphere with plenty of picture-perfect moments and marine exploration, this tour delivers. It’s especially suitable for families, first-time snorkelers, or anyone craving a laid-back, scenic cruise in the Riviera Maya.

FAQs

Is transportation included? No, the tour does not include hotel pickup or drop-off, but you can arrange round-trip transportation at an extra cost.

What is the marina dock fee? It’s $15 per person in cash, payable at the marina, and not included in the ticket price.

Can I bring my own snorkel equipment? Yes, you’re welcome to bring your own if you prefer, although snorkel gear is provided.

What should I wear? Swimwear is recommended, along with a towel, sandals, and biodegradable sunscreen to protect the reef.

Is the tour suitable for children? Yes, families with kids are welcome, and guides provide assistance for snorkeling beginners.

How long is the snorkeling? The exact duration isn’t specified, but reviews suggest it’s enough to see coral and marine life, with some travelers wishing for more time.

What is the best time of day to do this tour? Morning tours are most common and fit well with the 4-hour schedule, but sunset options might be available as an upgrade.

Is this tour wheelchair accessible? Yes, the experience provider states that it is wheelchair friendly.

Can I expect a semi-private experience? While advertised as small group, some reviews suggest larger crowds, so if privacy is a priority, inquire about private charter options.

This detailed review aims to give you all the info you need to decide if this Caribbean catamaran trip suits your vacation style. With a good mix of fun, flavor, and fantastic scenery, it promises a memorable day out on the water.

You can check if your dates are available here: