La Bocana, Mexico, in the Riviera Maya is a calm, shallow cove of clear turquoise water just up the coast from Puerto Aventuras, and the easiest way to enjoy it is from your own boat. You anchor, jump in, float, snorkel and sip a cocktail in water that's often only waist to chest deep. Private trips that stop at La Bocana start at $1,050 for the whole yacht for 3 hours, open bar included.
This guide explains which La Bocana this is, what it's like, the two private tours that visit it, what they cost in 2026 and how to choose the right boat for your group.
Which La Bocana? "La Bocana" means river or bay mouth in Spanish, so Mexico has several. There's a well-loved beach near Huatulco in Oaxaca, a small fishing town on the Pacific side of Baja California Sur, and others along both coasts. This guide is about La Bocana in the Riviera Maya, on the Caribbean coast between Playa del Carmen and Tulum.
What is La Bocana in the Riviera Maya like?
La Bocana is a semi-sheltered reef area with rocky edges that keep the water inside flat and calm. The bottom is shallow and sandy, and the water is the bright, clear turquoise you see in every Riviera Maya photo. It's the kind of place where people stand in the water with a drink in hand and lose track of time.
The crews call it their "let loose and enjoy" stop. The yacht anchors, the music goes on, floating mats and inflatables go in the water, and everyone does their own thing:
- Swim and float in calm, warm water you can hop in and out of whenever you like.
- Snorkel the shallows. Snorkel gear and towels are on board.
- Relax on deck with the sun, the views and a cocktail if you'd rather stay dry.
- Eat and drink in the water. On the 5 hour tour, many groups have their ceviche lunch and drinks right in the shallows.
How to visit La Bocana by private boat
Two private tours from Puerto Aventuras Marina stop at La Bocana. Both are 100% private, so it's just your group and your crew.
Riviera Maya Cruise, 3 hours
Cruise up the coastline, then head back toward the marina and anchor at La Bocana for a long swim and relax stop. From $1,050.
Inha Snorkel + La Bocana, 5 hours
Head north to Inha reef to snorkel with sea turtles and stingrays, then finish at La Bocana with ceviche, grilled cheeseburgers and the open bar. From $1,550.
Make it a celebration
Add party decorations or a custom cake from $65, premium bar upgrades from $35, or an onboard chef. Great for birthdays and bachelorettes.
See the full details on the Riviera Maya Cruise and Inha Snorkel and La Bocana tour pages.
The 3 hour Riviera Maya Cruise
The shortest and most relaxed way to see La Bocana. You board at the marina, cruise along the coast taking in the beaches and resorts from the water, then spend a good amount of time anchored in the cove. It's a great half day for friends, couples and families who want sun and swimming without a long day out.
Included: welcome drinks, full open bar, freshly made guacamole and chips, snorkel gear, towels and a high-end Bluetooth sound system.
The 5 hour Inha Snorkel and La Bocana tour
The "you get it all" option. From the marina you head north for about an hour to Inha reef, part of the Mesoamerican Reef, the second largest barrier reef in the world. The snorkeling there is excellent, with sea turtles, stingrays and colorful tropical fish. Then you cruise to La Bocana for lunch and the finale. There's troll fishing along the way too, and anything you catch can be prepared on board.
Included: welcome drink, full open bar, fresh fruit, guacamole and chips, shrimp and fish ceviche, grilled cheeseburgers, snorkel equipment, towels, fishing gear and a high-end Bluetooth sound system.
La Bocana tour prices for 2026
Prices are for the whole boat, not per person, in US dollars:
| Boat | Guests | 3 hr Cruise | 5 hr Inha + La Bocana |
|---|---|---|---|
| 40' Sea Ray yacht | Up to 12 | $1,050 | $1,550 |
| 42' Azimut yacht | Up to 15 | $1,150 | $1,650 |
| 50' Azimut yacht | Up to 20 | $1,250* | $1,750* |
| 38' Lagoon catamaran | Up to 15 | $1,250 | $1,750 |
| 40' Leopard catamaran | Up to 20 | $1,350* | $2,050* |
| 44' Leopard catamaran | Up to 35 | $1,550* | $2,250* |
| 65' custom catamaran | Up to 100 | $4,200** | $5,200** |
*Price covers up to 15 guests, with an extra charge for each guest beyond that. **Price covers up to 50 guests, with an extra charge for each guest beyond that. There's also a $20 per guest dock fee.
Split between a full boat, it adds up fast in your favor. Twelve friends on the 40' Sea Ray for the 3 hour cruise works out to under $110 each, open bar included. Compare every tour and boat on the private yacht tours page.
Who La Bocana suits best
- Families with kids. Calm, shallow, clear water is about as easy as the Caribbean gets for little swimmers. Life jackets are on board.
- Bachelorette and birthday groups. Music, drinks and photos in turquoise water. It's a natural party stop.
- Non-swimmers and relaxers. You can enjoy the whole thing from the deck.
- Snorkel fans. Pick the 5 hour tour to add Inha reef with turtles and stingrays.
Planning a celebration? Read our guides to a Tulum boat party and a Playa del Carmen party boat.
Check availability
Choose a trip and a date and we will come back with availability and a quote.
Yacht or catamaran for La Bocana?
Motor yachts
The 40' Sea Ray and 42' and 50' Azimut yachts are sleek and quick along the coast, with comfortable lounges. Great for couples and groups of up to 20.
Catamarans
The 38' Lagoon and 40' and 44' Leopard cats have wide decks, trampolines up front and a very stable ride. Ideal for families and bigger groups.
Big celebrations
The 65' custom catamaran takes up to 100 guests, perfect for weddings, reunions and company days.
See photos and specs for every boat on the yachts and catamarans page.
Getting to Puerto Aventuras Marina
All La Bocana tours start at Puerto Aventuras Marina, right off Highway 307 between Playa del Carmen and Tulum, roughly 25 to 35 minutes from either. Private roundtrip transport in an air-conditioned van, or VIP transport in a luxury SUV, can be added when you book. See additional services for options.
Want a longer day further out? Our guide to a private catamaran to Cozumel covers the full 8 hour island trip.
Tips for your La Bocana day
- Use reef-safe sunscreen and bring a hat and sunglasses. There's a lot of sun on the water.
- Pack a waterproof phone case or camera. The turquoise water photographs beautifully.
- Bring your playlist. The sound system connects by Bluetooth.
- Mention food restrictions when booking. The crew has other options if someone doesn't eat seafood.
- Add a celebration. Decorations and custom cakes are available through party upgrades, and premium bar upgrades or an onboard chef through additional services.
- Bring cash for the dock fee and a tip for the crew.
Your own boat to La Bocana
Private yacht and catamaran tours from Puerto Aventuras. Calm turquoise water, open bar, music and snorkel gear included.
Check AvailabilityFrequently asked questions
Where is La Bocana in the Riviera Maya?
It's a semi-sheltered cove on the Caribbean coast close to Puerto Aventuras Marina, between Playa del Carmen and Tulum. Private yacht tours from the marina anchor there for swimming and snorkeling.
Is this the same La Bocana as in Huatulco or Baja?
No. Mexico has several places called La Bocana. This one is in the Riviera Maya on the Caribbean coast. Huatulco's La Bocana is in Oaxaca on the Pacific, and there's another in Baja California Sur.
How much is a private boat tour to La Bocana?
The 3 hour Riviera Maya Cruise starts at $1,050 and the 5 hour Inha Snorkel and La Bocana tour starts at $1,550, for the whole boat. There's a $20 per guest dock fee.
Is the water at La Bocana good for kids?
Yes. It's calm, shallow and clear, which makes it one of the easiest swim stops on the coast for children. Life jackets are on board.
Can you snorkel at La Bocana?
Yes, snorkel gear is included. For turtles and stingrays, choose the 5 hour tour, which stops at Inha reef before La Bocana.
Is food and drink included?
Every tour includes a full open bar, guacamole and chips. The 5 hour tour adds shrimp and fish ceviche, grilled cheeseburgers and fresh fruit.
How many people fit on a La Bocana tour?
Boats range from the 40' Sea Ray for up to 12 guests to the 44' Leopard catamaran for up to 35. The 65' custom catamaran takes up to 100.