Review · PLAYA DEL CARMEN
ATV with Speedboat, Waverunner, or Parasailing
The best part of this Maroma Beach outing is the quick change of pace. You can rumble through jungle trails and sandy dunes on an ATV, then head onto the Caribbean by WaveRunner, speedboat, or parasail. I like the choice of two activities and the included beach-club meal, which turns a short thrill ride into a fuller afternoon. Hotel pickup and safety instruction also take much of the planning off your plate.
The weak spot is the extra-cost culture. The $150 price does not cover the $15 marina fee, locker costs, or souvenir photos, and transportation details have occasionally been unclear. You should also take the safety rules seriously, especially if a teenager plans to drive an ATV alone.
Key points to know before you book

- Choose two activities: Pick ATV riding plus a WaveRunner, speedboat, or parasailing, depending on the option offered when you book.
- Expect 45 minutes per activity: The actual ride time is fairly focused, not an all-day motor-sports session.
- ATV routes mix jungle and sand: The guided circuit begins with a gentler road section before reaching bumpier trails and small dunes.
- Maroma Beach adds value: You get beach access, food, and nonalcoholic drinks, so you can stay longer than the activity time alone suggests.
- Budget for extras: The marina fee is $15 in cash, lockers cost $10, and photos can be costly.
- Plan your pickup carefully: Pickup is offered from many Cancun, Playa del Carmen, and Riviera Maya hotels, but you need clear confirmation of the exact time and place.
Two engines, one beach day at Maroma

This is a compact combo tour built around Maroma Beach, with a maximum group size of 15 people. You select two activities, then spend the rest of your time using the beach-club facilities and eating at the included food service.
The choices are straightforward. ATV riding takes you inland through jungle paths and small sand dunes. On the water, you can select a WaveRunner or speedboat, and parasailing may be available as one of the package options. The supplied details describe the booking as a choice of two from three main activities, while the inclusion list also names parasailing, so check your exact combination before paying.
Each activity lasts about 45 minutes. That is enough time to get a taste of each machine without turning the outing into a long endurance test. You also receive about 15 minutes of safety instruction before operating the equipment. Protective gear and insurance are included in the tour price.
I see the format as a good fit for a mixed group. One person may want the rougher ATV circuit, while another prefers the open water. The tradeoff is that you will not spend half a day on each activity. If you are looking for long, serious off-road riding, the ATV portion may feel brief.
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The ATV route: road practice, jungle, and sand dunes

The ATV portion starts with a guided route through the property. The first part uses a road-like section, which gives beginners time to learn the controls and settle into the machine. You may then move onto bumpier ground and the small sand dunes, where the ride becomes more physical and lively.
That progression is useful. A first-time rider does not have to begin on rough terrain at full speed. One particularly practical feature is the chance to switch drivers between the easier first section and the bumpier portion, giving couples or families a fair shot at trying the machine.
The route is guided, and the staff place strong emphasis on safety instructions. Guides named Jorge, David, and Steve have been singled out for making the ATV section more enjoyable, with Steve noted for clear directions and a good sense of humor. Those personal touches matter here because the route can feel intimidating if you have never handled an ATV.
Still, this is not a risk-free amusement ride. Soft sand, slopes, loose coconuts, and uneven ground can all create problems. A serious accident involving a teenage rider resulted in a fractured tibia, and the family later faced medical costs they believed staff had promised to cover. That account does not mean an accident is likely, but it does mean you should treat the minimum age rules as a floor, not a recommendation.
You must be at least 16 to operate an ATV alone, and you may need to pass a handling test. Children as young as six can participate, but the information provided does not say that a six-year-old may drive. Ask how younger children will ride before booking.
WaveRunners and speedboats on Maroma Bay
The water portion follows a guided route along the bay near Maroma Adventures. WaveRunners offer the more direct thrill. You follow the guide, make turns and zigzags, and ride across the waves under supervision. In rougher conditions, the machine can bounce sharply, which adds excitement but also calls for a firm grip and good judgment.
Pedro and Eduardo are named as WaveRunner guides who paid close attention to first-time riders and helped them feel secure in deeper water. That kind of supervision is important because many people choosing this tour have never operated a personal watercraft.
The speedboats provide a different feel. You operate a small boat along the bay rather than sitting directly on a jet-powered machine. The experience can be fun for couples and families who want some speed without the same body jolt as a WaveRunner.
Mechanical reliability and communication are worth watching. One speedboat previously lost power several times during the latter part of a ride, and the people aboard had trouble getting the guide’s attention. This appears to have been an isolated equipment problem, but it is a reminder to signal clearly and speak up at once if your craft behaves oddly.
The water activities are guided rather than free-roaming. That makes the outing more controlled, but it also means you should not expect unlimited open-water riding or a private route. You follow the group and the guide’s instructions.
Parasailing as the gentler second choice

Parasailing is listed among the possible water options, though the main activity description emphasizes WaveRunners and speedboats. If parasailing is your preferred choice, confirm that it is available for your selected date and package.
It can be a sensible alternative for a group with mixed comfort levels. Someone who does not want to drive a watercraft can still get a view from above while another member of the group takes the ATV portion. The available information does not specify the flight time, launch method, or whether parasailing replaces the full 45-minute water session, so ask before booking if those details matter to you.
Same place, a different set of wheels:
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Food, beach time, and the value of staying longer

The included food is one of the stronger parts of the package. You can use the Maroma Beach club and have a selection of food and nonalcoholic drinks after the activities. The food service has been described as a buffet with generous portions, with barbecue and ice cream receiving especially strong praise.
That matters because a $150 activity can feel expensive if you only count the motorized rides. Add a beach setting, lunch, drinks, transportation, safety gear, and two guided activities, and the price becomes easier to justify. It is still not a bargain excursion, but it is more than a simple ATV rental.
The beach club also gives your group a place to slow down. If your activities finish before your pickup, you may have time to eat, enjoy the beach, and change clothes. Ask about kitchen closing times, though. One group had to hurry because the food service ended earlier than expected, and the information desk became slower later in the day.
The food and drinks are nonalcoholic according to the official inclusions. Some visitors have described an open-bar experience, but the clearer package details specify food and no alcoholic beverages. I would plan on soft drinks and other nonalcoholic choices unless the operator confirms otherwise.
Pickup is convenient, but confirm every detail

Roundtrip transportation is offered from most centrally located hotels in Cancun, Playa del Carmen, and the Riviera Maya. That is a real advantage, since Maroma Beach is not the sort of place where you should assume a rideshare will be easy to find. One account specifically noted that Uber was not available for the return from the activity area.
The pickup time depends on your hotel. Contact the operator before the day of the tour and get the time, meeting point, and return plan in writing. Do not rely only on a general town meeting point. A family once spent about an hour walking around Playa del Carmen because the pickup information was wrong and phone support was difficult to reach.
The return can also take longer than expected. A previous group waited about 90 minutes for transportation, then rode in a shared van that stopped at another resort. The added delay stretched the trip by roughly 45 minutes. This does not make the included transfer worthless, but it means you should avoid scheduling a flight, dinner reservation, or other fixed activity immediately afterward.
If the operator offers pickup directly at your hotel, choose that option. It is the clearest way to avoid confusion at the start and end of the day.
Extra costs that change the final price

At $150 per person, this tour sits in the mid-to-high range for a two-hour adventure. The food, beach access, transportation, insurance, guides, equipment, and two activities help explain the rate. Still, you should calculate the real cost before deciding.
Plan for these added charges:
- A $15 marina fee, paid in cash on arrival
- A $10 locker and key fee
- Souvenir photos and videos, sold separately
- Tips for guides and service staff, if you choose to give them
- Possible damage coverage for an ATV, which one account described as an extra $20 per vehicle
The locker charge is listed as $10, while one account described the amount as a refundable deposit. Ask whether your payment is a rental fee, a deposit, or both. Lockers may also feel small for a family’s belongings.
The photo policy deserves special attention. Phones and cameras may not be allowed during the activities for safety reasons, so an on-site photographer follows the action. Packages have been described as costing anywhere from about $50 for a single image to $200 for a larger package, with drone footage included in at least one package. Prices vary, so ask before the activity begins.
If you want your own pictures, bring a GoPro only if the staff confirms that it is permitted. Do not assume you can carry a phone on the ATV or WaveRunner. Several people found the photo sales frustrating because they had no personal pictures and felt the packages were too expensive.
Clothing, age limits, and physical demands

Wear swimwear or beach clothes, comfortable shoes, and a light jacket for the boat ride. Bring a towel, sunglasses, and a complete change of clothes. You are likely to deal with water, dust, mud, or rain, so dry clothing can make the ride home much more pleasant.
The minimum age to participate is six. The minimum age to operate a vehicle alone is 16, with a handling test required. The maximum weight is 240 pounds per person for a single modality and 220 pounds per person for a double modality.
The activity is not a good choice if you have limited mobility, back problems, a recent surgery, or are pregnant. The ATVs use uneven surfaces, and the water rides can be physically demanding. Rain can also affect visibility and comfort. The operator may reschedule or cancel for poor weather, offering another date or a full refund.
The English and Spanish guides provide instruction in both languages. Most people can take part, but you should raise any medical or mobility concern before you arrive rather than hoping the staff can adjust the activity on the spot.
Who will enjoy this Maroma combo most
I would recommend this outing to:
- Couples who want two different types of action in one booking
- Families with older children and teenagers who meet the driving rules
- First-time ATV or WaveRunner riders who value instruction and a guide
- Groups that want lunch and beach time included
- Visitors staying in Cancun, Playa del Carmen, or the Riviera Maya who want hotel transportation
I would think twice if you dislike sales pressure, want complete control of your schedule, or need guaranteed fast transportation afterward. The tour is also a poor match for anyone with back trouble, limited mobility, a recent operation, or pregnancy.
For teenagers, I would not automatically let a 16- or 17-year-old ride alone just because the rules permit it. Ask to see the ATV route conditions, listen to the instructor, and decide based on experience and confidence. A parent should be comfortable with the risks before signing up.
Is the $150 price worth it?
For the right group, yes, but only if you count the whole package. Two guided activities, food, drinks, beach access, safety equipment, insurance, and roundtrip transportation create reasonable value. The strongest part is the variety: you can go from jungle trails to open water in one compact outing.
The price feels less attractive when you add the marina fee, locker charge, tips, and photos. The short activity time may also disappoint anyone expecting a full day of riding. I would book it for convenience and variety, not for the lowest possible cost.
The experience has a strong overall rating of 4.8 from 498 ratings, with 96 percent recommending it. That fits the pattern I would expect: the guides, equipment, food, beach setting, and activities are usually the highlights, while transportation communication and photo pricing cause the biggest headaches.
Should you book this tour?
Book it if you want a well-packed beach outing and can accept the extra charges. I would choose ATV plus WaveRunner for the most active combination, or ATV plus speedboat for a group that wants a little less direct watercraft handling. Parasailing may suit someone who wants a calmer water option, but confirm availability first.
Before you go, confirm your hotel pickup, ask about the return time, carry cash for the marina fee, and decide in advance if you are willing to buy photos. Keep valuables in a locker, follow the ATV instructions closely, and do not let a young or inexperienced driver feel pressured to ride alone.
With those points handled, Maroma Adventures offers a lively two-hour package with a good meal and a pleasant beach setting. It is fun, practical, and easy to arrange, but it rewards a careful buyer more than a casual one.
FAQ
How long does the ATV and water activity tour last?
The listed duration is about two hours. Each of your two selected activities lasts approximately 45 minutes, with safety instruction provided before operating the equipment.
Which activities can I choose?
You can choose two activities from ATV riding, WaveRunner, speedboat, and possibly parasailing, depending on the specific package. Confirm the exact options when booking, since the activity details list the choices slightly differently.
Is hotel pickup included?
Yes. Roundtrip transportation is offered from most centrally located hotels in Cancun, Playa del Carmen, and the Riviera Maya. The exact pickup time depends on your hotel.
Is food included?
Yes. Food and nonalcoholic drinks are included, along with access to Maroma Beach. A buffet-style meal is available, with barbecue and ice cream among the food choices described.
Do I have to pay a marina fee?
Yes. The marina fee is listed as $15 per person and must be paid in cash upon arrival.
How much do lockers cost?
Lockers and keys are not included in the tour price. The listed cost is $10. Ask whether that amount is refundable as a deposit when you return the key.
Can children participate?
The minimum age to participate is six. The minimum age to operate a vehicle independently is 16, and a handling test is required.
What should I bring?
Bring swimwear or beachwear, comfortable shoes, a light jacket for the boat ride, a towel, sunglasses, a change of clothes, and extra cash for fees and souvenirs.
Can I cancel for a refund?
You can cancel at least 24 hours before the experience start time for a full refund. Cancellations or changes made within 24 hours are not refunded, while a cancellation caused by poor weather offers a different date or a full refund.
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