Cancún Guide: Luxury Yacht Charter in Cancún

Cancún’s reputation as a resort destination barely hints at what lies offshore. Step aboard a yacht and the hotel zone’s glass towers fade within minutes, replaced by a turquoise horizon that runs unbroken to Isla Mujeres, the distant silhouette of Isla Contoy, and the shadowy outline of the world’s second-largest barrier reef running parallel to the coast like a submerged mountain range. The Mesoamerican Barrier Reef stretches more than 700 miles from the northern tip of the Yucatán to Honduras, and the section directly offshore from Cancún and the Riviera Maya supports over 500 fish species, 100 coral types, and seasonal wildlife encounters – whale sharks, sea turtles, eagle rays – that rival anything in the Indian Ocean.

The cruising ground is compact and sheltered. Isla Mujeres is just 8 nautical miles from Cancún – a 20-minute run. Cozumel sits roughly 43 nautical miles to the south, two hours of flat Caribbean water. In between, the Riviera Maya’s coastline unspools past Puerto Morelos, Playa del Carmen, Puerto Aventuras and the clifftop ruins of Tulum, with anchorages, reef snorkelling and cenote swims scattered along the route. The water temperature rarely drops below 25°C, even in January, and visibility over the reef routinely exceeds 25 metres. For a charter guest, this is one of the Caribbean’s most rewarding corridors: short passages, diverse stops, world-class marine life and a cultural depth – Mayan ruins, cenotes, UNESCO-listed cuisine – that lifts the experience well beyond the average beach holiday.

Whether you’re swimming alongside whale sharks in July, snorkelling the coral canyons of Cozumel’s Palancar Reef, or watching your chef prepare cochinita pibil on the aft deck with the ruins of Tulum glowing in the afternoon sun, Cancún delivers an experience that is equal parts natural wonder and cultural immersion. Enquire with Boatcrowd for availability and pricing on our Riviera Maya fleet.

Why Charter a Yacht in Cancún

The Mesoamerican Barrier Reef at Your Doorstep

The second-largest reef system on the planet runs parallel to the coast just a few hundred metres offshore, creating a natural breakwater that keeps the inshore waters calm and crystal-clear. The reef supports an extraordinary diversity of life: over 500 recorded fish species, 100 coral types, nurse sharks dozing beneath table corals, hawksbill turtles cruising the sandy channels, spotted eagle rays gliding in formation, and massive barrel sponges the size of bathtubs. Your crew knows the best snorkel sites for every wind direction and visibility condition, from the shallow coral gardens of Puerto Morelos (3–5 metres, ideal for families) to the dramatic wall dives and coral canyons of Cozumel’s Palancar and Columbia reefs (5–30 metres, for more experienced snorkellers and divers).

Whale Sharks: The World’s Largest Aggregation

From mid-May to mid-September, hundreds of whale sharks – the world’s largest fish, averaging 6–8 metres with individuals exceeding 12 metres – gather in the plankton-rich waters north of Isla Mujeres. This is the largest known seasonal aggregation of whale sharks on the planet, and at peak in July and August, sighting success approaches 98%. Your captain positions the yacht within reach of the congregation area, and a licensed guide takes small groups by tender for a swim alongside these gentle filter-feeders. Two swimmers enter the water at a time, drifting alongside a fish the size of a bus in water so clear you can see its spotted skin from 10 metres away. It is one of the most extraordinary wildlife encounters available anywhere in the world.

Mayan Ruins Visible from the Sea

Tulum is the only major Mayan archaeological site built directly on the Caribbean coast, and from the water it looks like something from a film set: a 13th-century walled citadel perched on a 12-metre limestone cliff above a crescent of white sand and turquoise water. Your yacht anchors just offshore while you take the tender to the beach below El Castillo. The ruins were a thriving trading port from the 13th to the 15th century, with lighthouse towers, frescoed temples and fortified walls that protected against seaborne invaders. After exploring the site, swim back to the tender with the ancient stonework framed against the sky above you. No other Caribbean charter destination offers this kind of cultural depth within arm’s reach of the ocean.

Cenotes: Sacred Underworld Swimming

The Yucatán peninsula is built on porous limestone riddled with an underground river system that surfaces in thousands of cenotes – natural sinkholes filled with crystal-clear freshwater that the ancient Maya considered sacred portals to Xibalba, the underworld. Several cenotes are accessible from the coast by tender and short transfer: Casa Cenote (Cenote Manatí), located directly on the coastline near Tulum, is a brackish-water lagoon where fresh spring water meets the Caribbean, surrounded by mangroves and alive with tropical fish. Gran Cenote, four kilometres from Tulum, offers cave passages, stalactites and water so transparent it barely looks real. A cenote swim is one of the most memorable contrasts on any Riviera Maya charter – from the warm salt Caribbean to the cool, glass-clear freshwater underworld in a matter of minutes.

Isla Mujeres and Isla Contoy

Isla Mujeres – just 8 nautical miles from Cancún, a 20-minute cruise – offers Playa Norte’s powdery white sand, the Underwater Museum of Art (MUSA, with over 500 life-size sculptures on the seabed), a colourful downtown with fish restaurants and craft shops, and, in season, the whale-shark departure point. Further north, Isla Contoy is a protected national park limiting daily visitors to 200: a bird sanctuary home to over 150 species (magnificent frigate birds, roseate spoonbills, brown boobies) with a fringing reef at Ixlaché that offers some of the least-visited snorkelling in the region. Both islands are perfect day-charter stops or overnight anchorages.

Key Destinations Near Cancún

Isla Mujeres – 8 nautical miles from Cancún (20 minutes by yacht). Playa Norte’s white sand, the MUSA underwater sculpture museum, whale-shark excursion base (mid-May–mid-September), and a downtown strip of colourful seafood restaurants and Mexican craft shops. A favourite first-day anchorage.
Isla Contoy – A protected national park roughly 13 nautical miles north of Isla Mujeres, with a 200-visitor daily limit. Over 150 bird species nest here among mangroves and white-sand beaches. The Ixlaché reef just south offers pristine snorkelling in 3–5 metres. Permits arranged by your crew in advance.
Puerto Morelos – A quiet fishing village directly on the barrier reef, roughly 20 nautical miles south of Cancún. The marine park’s shallow coral gardens deliver some of the Riviera Maya’s best snorkelling, with sea fans, brain corals and the occasional nurse shark in 3–8 metres of water. Berth at El Cid Marina or anchor offshore.
Playa del Carmen – The Riviera Maya’s liveliest town, roughly 35 nautical miles south of Cancún. The pedestrianised Quinta Avenida is packed with restaurants, boutiques and nightlife. Alux Restaurant serves contemporary Mexican cuisine inside an underground cave surrounded by stalactites and stalagmites – one of the most atmospheric dining experiences in Mexico.
Cozumel – Mexico’s largest Caribbean island, roughly 43 nautical miles from Cancún (or 12 miles off Playa del Carmen). The Palancar and Columbia reef systems descend in terraced walls from 5 to 30 metres, with eagle rays, sea turtles and enormous barrel sponges. Consistently ranked among the world’s top five dive and snorkel destinations.
Tulum – The iconic 13th-century Mayan walled city perched on a clifftop above the Caribbean, roughly 65 nautical miles south of Cancún. Anchor offshore and tender in to the beach below El Castillo. Nearby, Casa Cenote offers a surreal freshwater swim where a cenote meets the sea.

Best Time to Charter in Cancún

Peak Season: December Through March

Dry, warm and breezy – the finest conditions on the Riviera Maya. Air temperatures of 26–28°C (79–82°F), water at 25–27°C, trade winds of 15–25 knots, and virtually no rain. Visibility over the reef is at its best, and the calm seas make island-hopping comfortable. This is also peak pricing and availability books up quickly; enquire well in advance.

Shoulder Season: November, April and May

November opens the dry season with warm days (27–29°C), soft pricing and empty anchorages. April and May are the warmest months before summer humidity sets in, with Caribbean water reaching 28–29°C. Whale-shark season begins on 15 May, making late May an exceptional time for a Cancún charter. Rates are typically 15–20% below peak.

Summer: June Through October

Hot and humid (30–32°C air, 29–31°C water) with periodic afternoon showers. Hurricane season runs June–November (peak August–October), requiring careful weather monitoring. The trade-off is extraordinary marine life: whale-shark encounters peak in July–August, and sea-turtle hatching runs July–September. Charter rates are at their lowest and the reef is at its most alive. Boatcrowd captains monitor tropical weather daily and adjust routes accordingly.

Signature Experiences

Whale-Shark Swim off Isla Mujeres – Glide alongside the world’s largest fish in crystal-clear Caribbean water north of Isla Mujeres. Licensed guides limit groups to two swimmers at a time for a respectful, intimate encounter. Peak season July–August with near-guaranteed sightings.
Snorkel Palancar Reef, Cozumel – Terraced coral walls descending from 5 to 30 metres, with eagle rays gliding through cathedral-like coral arches and sea turtles resting on sandy ledges. Your crew selects the best sections based on current and visibility.
Cenote Swim near Tulum – A short tender ride and transfer from the coast to Casa Cenote or Gran Cenote plunges you into the Yucatán’s crystal-clear underground river system – cool freshwater, stalactites overhead, tropical fish below. A surreal contrast to the warm Caribbean.
Tulum Ruins from the Water – Anchor offshore and tender in to the beach below the 13th-century walled city. After exploring the ruins, swim back to the tender with El Castillo framed against the sky above you – a perspective no land-based tourist ever sees.
Isla Contoy Bird Sanctuary – A protected island limited to 200 visitors per day: magnificent frigate birds, roseate spoonbills, brown boobies and pristine reef snorkelling at Ixlaché. Your crew secures the permit; you simply arrive and marvel.
Private Beach Dinner on Playa Norte – Your crew sets up a candlelit table on Isla Mujeres’ finest beach. Grilled Caribbean lobster, ceviche, handmade tortillas and chilled Mexican wine, with the lights of Cancún shimmering across the strait.

Yacht Types Available

Motor Yachts (78’–99’) – Agile and quick, perfect for covering the Riviera Maya’s reef-protected corridor. Cancún to Isla Mujeres in under 30 minutes, Cozumel in two hours. All-inclusive crewed charters with water toys, chef and full service. Weekly rates from around $33,000–$55,000.
Superyachts (100’+) – For larger groups seeking the ultimate in space and privacy along the Riviera Maya. Full megayacht services available at Cancún and Cozumel. Crews of 6–15+, expansive deck areas, jacuzzis and comprehensive water-toy arsenals. Weekly rates from roughly $90,000–$175,000 on MYBA terms plus APA and 16% IVA.
Luxury Catamarans (55’+) – Stable, spacious and ideal for the Riviera Maya’s sheltered reef-protected waters. Shallow draft allows access to the sandbar anchorages and reef lagoons that deeper-keeled yachts cannot reach. Perfect for families. Weekly rates from approximately $35,000–$50,000 all-inclusive.

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does a yacht charter in Cancún cost?

Crewed motor yachts (78’–99’) start from around $33,000–$55,000 per week all-inclusive during peak season (December–March). Superyachts (100’+) typically range from $90,000–$250,000+ per week on MYBA terms (plus APA of 30–35% and 16% IVA). Luxury catamarans (55’–80’) start from roughly $35,000–$50,000 per week. Shoulder-season rates (November, April–May) are typically 15–20% lower. Enquire with Boatcrowd for a quote tailored to your dates and group size.

Can I swim with whale sharks from Cancún?

Yes – Cancún and Isla Mujeres are the primary departure points for whale-shark encounters, and the waters just north of Isla Mujeres host the largest known seasonal aggregation of whale sharks on earth. The season runs from mid-May to mid-September, with peak sighting success (95–98%) in July and August. Your crew arranges a licensed guide and tender trip to the aggregation zone. Two swimmers enter the water at a time alongside a whale shark that can reach 12 metres in length. It is one of the most extraordinary wildlife experiences available anywhere.

Is Cancún suitable for a family yacht charter?

Very much so. The Riviera Maya’s reef-protected waters are calm, warm and shallow in many places – ideal for children learning to snorkel. Isla Mujeres’ Playa Norte has wading-depth turquoise water extending 50 metres from shore. Crews are experienced with families of all ages, with kid-friendly menus, age-appropriate water activities and treasure hunts on quiet beaches. Catamarans are especially popular for families – the stability and easy swim-platform access make life aboard relaxed for every generation.

Can I visit Tulum and the cenotes on a yacht charter?

Absolutely. The clifftop ruins of Tulum are visible from the water and accessible by tender to the beach below. Casa Cenote, located directly on the coast near Tulum, is reachable by tender for a unique freshwater swim. Deeper cenotes like Gran Cenote (4 km inland) require a short vehicle transfer arranged by your crew. A combined Tulum-and-cenote day is one of the most popular excursions on a Riviera Maya charter.

What is the best time of year to charter in Cancún?

December through March offers the driest, calmest conditions and the best reef visibility. May through September brings whale-shark season and warmer water, but also the possibility of tropical weather. November and April–May are excellent shoulder months with softer pricing. Your Boatcrowd charter specialist can help match the timing to your priorities – whether that’s whale sharks, calm seas, the driest weather or the best value.

Can I combine Cancún with Cozumel in one charter?

Yes, and it’s highly recommended. Cozumel is roughly 43 nautical miles from Cancún (about two hours by motor yacht), or 12 miles off Playa del Carmen. A popular 3–4 day route starts in Cancún, stops at Isla Mujeres, cruises south along the Riviera Maya to Playa del Carmen and Tulum, then crosses to Cozumel for the world-class reef snorkelling before returning north. Your Boatcrowd charter specialist will design the route to maximise variety without wasting time on long passages.