ATV with Speedboat, Waverunner, or Parasailing

Fast rides meet a calm beach day. This Maroma Adventures combo lets you choose two 45-minute activities, usually an ATV plus a WaveRunner or speedboat, with parasailing also available in the mix. I like the variety and the included beach-club food, though extra fees, costly photos, and uneven pickup communication can affect the value.

I also like the strong safety briefing and the chance to ride through jungle trails before reaching sandy dunes. Guides such as Jorge, David, Steve, Pedro, and Eduardo have earned praise for being friendly and attentive. My main caution is simple: confirm your pickup and return plan directly, and budget beyond the $150 price.

Key points to know before you book

• Two activities, 45 minutes each: Choose two from ATV, WaveRunner, speedboat, or parasailing, depending on availability.
• ATV route with changing terrain: The ride begins with an easier road section, then moves onto bumpy jungle trails and small sand dunes.
• Maroma Beach access and food included: Plan time for the beach club and buffet-style meal, with food and nonalcoholic drinks provided.
• Extra charges matter: Expect a $15 marina fee in cash, plus $10 for a locker and separate charges for souvenir photos.
• Pickup needs attention: Transportation is offered from many Cancun, Playa del Carmen, and Riviera Maya hotels, but pickup details have not always been communicated clearly.
• Age and weight rules apply: Children as young as 6 can participate, but solo drivers must be at least 16 and pass a handling test.

What the $150 Playa del Carmen combo includes

At $150 per person, this is not a cheap quick ride. It is priced as a half-day outing, even though the active program is listed at about two hours. Your package includes transportation from many centrally located hotels, two selected activities, safety equipment, English and Spanish guides, insurance, access to Maroma Beach, and food and drinks.

The main value comes from combining action with a place to relax. You are not paying only for an ATV circuit or a short boat run. You also get access to the beach club and a meal, which helps make the price easier to accept for families or couples who want several pieces of a beach day handled at once.

Still, I would not call this an all-inclusive price. The $15 marina fee is separate and must be paid in cash on arrival. A locker and key cost $10, according to the published details. Photos are extra, and the photo prices can be steep. A $65 package was offered to one person, while another pair was quoted $200 for photographs and videos.

Some accounts also mention a separate damage waiver or insurance charge for the ATV. The official inclusions list insurance, but the exact coverage and any optional protection should be clarified at check-in. Ask what insurance covers before you start the engines.

Starting at Maroma Beach

Maroma Beach is the setting for the whole experience, and that helps this outing feel more like a day at the coast than a visit to a motor-sports park. You have free access to the beach club, food, drinks, and a place to pause between activities.

The grounds and beach receive frequent praise. The beach is a good counterweight to the dusty ATV trails and noisy engines. If you are booking for a family, this matters: one person can enjoy the active portion while another can appreciate the food and shoreline atmosphere.

The timing is worth watching. The kitchen may close in the late afternoon, and one visitor who booked a 3 p.m. combo changed pickup to noon so there would be time for lunch. Another person had to hurry for food because the snack service was ending. I would ask for the meal hours when you check in, then plan your activities around them.

Food is served buffet-style in at least some settings, with barbecue, ice cream, and other casual dishes receiving especially warm praise. Drinks and nonalcoholic beverages are included. One account described an open bar, but the official information specifically says no alcoholic beverages, so do not book this expecting alcohol to be part of the package.

The ATV ride from road to sand dunes

The ATV section lasts about 45 minutes and follows a guided route through jungle trails before finishing at small sand dunes. It is not a long wilderness ride, but the changing surfaces give it more character than a flat loop.

The first portion is described as a road section, which is useful for beginners. You can get used to the controls before the route becomes bumpy. After that, the ride becomes rougher and faster, with turns, uneven ground, and sand. Some groups have been allowed to switch drivers between the easier and more difficult sections.

That setup makes the ride approachable for first-time drivers, but you still need to take the terrain seriously. One serious accident involved a 17-year-old driver whose ATV flipped on a steep curve in soft sand. The published age rule allows solo driving from age 16, subject to a handling test, but age permission does not remove the risk.

For that reason, I would be cautious about putting a nervous teenager on a single ATV. Parents should watch the safety briefing closely and decide honestly if the driver is comfortable with throttle control, turning, and soft sand. Anyone with back problems, limited mobility, a recent surgery, or a pregnancy should choose a lower-impact activity instead.

The guides are one of the strongest parts of this section. Jorge, David, Steve, and other ATV staff are praised for clear instruction, humor, and attention to safety. One guide helped turn a rainy ride into a fun experience, while another was credited with making a first ATV outing feel comfortable.

Rain can change the mood quickly. A wet trail may be muddy and harder to handle, and poor visibility can delay the program. The experience requires good weather, so a cancellation due to weather should result in another date or a full refund.

WaveRunner and speedboat time on the bay

The WaveRunner and speedboat options take you onto the Caribbean Sea along the bay near Maroma Adventures. You receive about 15 minutes of safety instruction before operating the equipment, and protective gear is included.

The WaveRunner is usually the more exciting choice if you want direct control. The route is guided, so you follow the lead boat or guide rather than roaming wherever you wish. Expect turns and zigzags, not a long-distance cruise. One account described good waves that made the ride lively, while another found the WaveRunner fun but less impressive in heavy rain.

The guided format is useful for first-time riders. Pedro and Eduardo received special praise for keeping an eye on an inexperienced rider in deeper water. That kind of supervision can make a big difference when you are excited, unsure, or riding with a teenager.

The speedboat option offers a different kind of fun. You share the boat and follow a guided route around the bay. It is less hands-on than a WaveRunner, but it may suit you if you want motion without managing a personal watercraft.

One mechanical problem was reported with a speedboat that repeatedly lost power late in the ride. The group tried to signal the guides but did not receive immediate assistance. This appears to be an isolated complaint rather than the normal experience, but it is a reminder to report any problem clearly and stay with the group.

You cannot count on using your phone or GoPro during the active portions. Several people were told to place phones and cameras in a locker for safety, and some were frustrated that they could not even take a quick photo before or after the ride. If you bring a GoPro, ask the staff first. The published advice suggests bringing one, but on-site rules may limit its use.

Parasailing as the calmer choice

Parasailing is one of the three possible activities in the combo, although you should confirm availability and exactly how it fits your booking before paying. The supplied details describe a choice of two activities, so you would normally select parasailing in place of the ATV, WaveRunner, or speedboat.

This is the best option if you want a view from above rather than another fast ride. It may also suit a mixed group in which one person does not want to drive. The activity still involves a boat and safety instructions, and weather can affect it.

The strongest direct praise for parasailing describes it as an amazing part of the day, with a fun crew. Just remember that a parasailing and ATV pairing creates a more varied day, while an ATV and WaveRunner pairing gives you two hands-on motor activities.

Pickup, check-in, and the return trip

Roundtrip transportation is offered from most centrally located hotels in Cancun, Playa del Carmen, and the Riviera Maya. Your exact pickup time depends on your hotel, so the booking time alone is not enough to plan your morning.

This is the weak link in an otherwise well-liked experience. Some people had smooth, private hotel transfers. Others did not receive a pickup email, found incorrect meeting directions, or spent a long time trying to locate the vehicle. In one case, a person was asked to pay an unexpected $20 per person for transport, then found a taxi for far less.

The trip home has also caused confusion. One group was not told when the return vehicle would leave, waited 90 minutes, and then rode in a shared van that stopped at another resort. The return took much longer than expected. Do not assume that a private ride to the beach club guarantees a private ride back.

My practical advice is to confirm all of this before the activity date:

• Exact pickup time and location
• Whether pickup is at your hotel entrance or a nearby meeting point
• Whether the return is private or shared
• Approximate departure time from Maroma Beach
• Whether you can arrange a later return

If no one gives you a clear answer, allow extra time and keep enough cash for a taxi. Ride-hailing service may not be available from the activity area.

Photos, lockers, and the extra-cost trap

The photo policy deserves special attention. Staff photographers may follow the group and capture ATV, WaveRunner, speedboat, or parasailing images, but those photos are not included in the tour price.

The issue is not simply that photos cost extra. The frustration comes from being unable to take your own pictures during the activities, then seeing high prices for the official package. Reported prices include $50 for one picture, $65 for a package, and $200 for photos and video for two people.

If pictures matter to you, ask for the full price list before you ride. Do not wait until the end, when you may feel pressured by the excitement of the day. Also ask if the package includes digital files, video, or drone footage. One person was pleased with a package that included all three, while others felt the cost was not worth it.

Lockers are another small but important detail. The listed charge is $10 for the locker and key. One account says the deposit was returned when the key came back, while the published information simply lists the locker fee. Ask whether you are paying a rental charge or a refundable deposit.

Bring a towel, sunglasses, swimwear, beachwear, comfortable shoes, a light jacket for the boat, and a change of clothes. Keep cash for the marina fee, possible locker arrangements, food or souvenir extras, and tips.

How long the day really feels

The active combo is about 90 minutes, with each selected activity lasting 45 minutes. Add the two safety briefings, check-in, equipment changes, meals, beach time, and transportation, and this becomes much more than a quick two-hour appointment.

That can be a benefit if you want a full outing. It can be a problem if you have a dinner reservation, airport transfer, or another booked activity. The advertised duration is approximate, and transportation delays can stretch the day.

The group limit is 15 people, which is small enough to keep instructions manageable, though the beach club may feel busier if several groups arrive together. One account described confusion at arrival when many people showed up at once, but the activity directions became easier to follow after check-in.

Who will enjoy this most

I would recommend this for couples, families with older children, and friends who want several types of fun in one package. The ATV and WaveRunner combination is especially good if you want active, hands-on rides followed by food and beach time.

It can also work for first-timers. The guides generally explain the controls and safety rules carefully, and the first road section on the ATV route offers a gentler start. The WaveRunner guides Pedro and Eduardo were singled out for helping beginners feel secure.

I would think twice if you are highly budget-conscious, need dependable transport at a fixed time, or care strongly about taking your own photographs. The base price is only part of the cost, and the photo policy may feel restrictive.

The minimum age is 6, but solo operation starts at 16 and requires a handling test. The maximum weight is listed as 240 pounds per person for a single modality and 220 pounds per person for a double modality. Check the exact rule for your chosen activity before booking.

Should you book the Maroma combo?

Book it if you want an easy package that combines two active rides, a beach club, and a meal. The guides, clean equipment, safety instruction, beach setting, barbecue, and ice cream make this more appealing than a bare-bones ATV circuit.

I would choose ATV plus WaveRunner for the most active pairing, ATV plus speedboat for a shared boat experience, and parasailing if you want a calmer change of pace. Confirm the activity combination, pickup, meal hours, fees, and photo prices before departure.

The tour has a 4.8 rating and is recommended by 96 percent of customers, but the lower ratings point to real concerns, not minor quibbles. Transportation communication, costly photos, extra charges, and one serious ATV accident deserve your attention. Cancel at least 24 hours before the start time for a full refund. Within 24 hours, changes and cancellations are not accepted.

FAQ

How many activities can I choose?

You can select two activities from ATV, WaveRunner, speedboat, or parasailing, subject to availability. Each activity lasts about 45 minutes.

Is hotel pickup included?

Roundtrip transportation is offered from most centrally located hotels in Cancun, Playa del Carmen, and the Riviera Maya. Your pickup time depends on your hotel, so confirm the exact details before the activity.

Is food included?

Yes. Food and nonalcoholic drinks are included, along with access to Maroma Beach. The meal may be buffet-style, and you should ask about kitchen closing times.

How much is the marina fee?

The marina fee is $15 per person and must be paid in cash upon arrival.

Can children drive their own ATV or WaveRunner?

The minimum age to participate is 6. To drive independently, you must be at least 16 and pass a handling test.

What happens if bad weather cancels the activity?

If poor weather causes a cancellation, you will be offered a different date or a full refund. For personal cancellations, you must cancel at least 24 hours before the start time to receive a full refund.