Set Sail: The 6 Basics for Renting a Yacht in the Riviera Maya
Written by Alex Ruelase
So, you’re thinking about renting a yacht. Good call. There are few ways of experiencing the Caribbean more rewarding than a day cruising, swimming, and eating on a great-looking boat. However, for first-timers renting a yacht can seem like a daunting experience. There is so much to choose from, so many sizes and places to go.
To help you have an epic time on the water, we have put together a guide to renting a yacht that covers the basics. From boat size to the customizable bits and bobs of life at sea, this article will help you make up your mind. Hopefully, with a bit of help, you will go home with some fabulous memories of your days in the ocean.
Boat type and size
Yachts come in many different shapes and sizes, each fitted for distinct purposes. There are, basically, two types: motor yachts and sailing yachts, each with its own properties and design. But if you are not buying and are not overly concerned with specific features like hull shape and maneuverability, your main worry will be the size.
For reference, a relatively small 40-foot motor yacht will have enough room for 13 guests. A similar length sailboat may welcome up to 15 people on board. And while much bigger boats do not dramatically increase the number of people –some beautiful 100-foot yachts will host up to 20 guests– you will enjoy the comfort of ample space, luxurious cabins, and top-class amenities. In a nutshell, bigger equals more comfort, more amenities, and more expense.
Itineraries
It may seem obvious, but here are two main things to consider when setting off on a boat trip: where from and where to. The Riviera Maya has two main ports, Cancún and Puerto Aventuras. Depending on where you sail from, you will have different possibilities.
Cancún
Departing from Cancún, your trip will start in Puerto Cancún or one of the multiple private piers in the Hotel Zone. The classic yacht route will take you to Isla Mujeres, and although it is the most frequented one, it is well worth the journey. The color of the water between the mainland and the isle is beyond belief. Further, it is not rare to see turtles, rays, and other spectacular marine animals.
You can either stop for a swim in the electric blue ocean or continue to a coral reef for snorkeling among the fish. It is also possible to stop at MUSA, Underwater Art Museum, to visit its surreal sculptures. The trip goes on to Isla proper, where most ships will stop at Playa Norte. This spot of shallow waters has long been a local’s favorite to drop anchor and enjoy some drinks and food in a pool-like bay.
Now, if you don’t want to go all the way to Isla Mujeres but still want to get off the boat and relax in waist-deep waters, the beach by the Presidente Intercontinental hotel is one of the best spots in Cancún to do so.
Puerto Aventuras
Puerto Aventuras is right in the middle of the Riviera Maya and thus offers a wide range of options. You can take a sailing yacht to Tulum, where you will swim with privileged views of the ruins, have some food, and then go to La Bocana, a tranquil bay with chest-deep water to chill and have some cocktails.
Other itineraries take travelers to Cozumel. Although it is a relatively long journey, the destination is well worth it. Yachts usually head to Playa Palancar, a stunning spot of clear waters and colorful fish. Further, this trip is suited for adventurous travelers and includes helping fish your own dinner on the boat.
One can also sail to InHa, a quiet spot north of Puerto Aventuras, where seafarers hop off the boat to snorkel in a coral reef. Sea turtles here are a commons sight. Finally, the trip heads to La Bocana to round up the day.
Services on board
Yacht trips are highly customizable. To make their guests feel at home, yacht rental companies will offer a wide range of services that you can add to your trip to make it feel your own.
Unsurprisingly, the most popular deals with food. Having a chef on board allows you to radically expand food possibilities during your trip, which typically include a classic ceviche and snacks. Another popular options for added services are a DJ and a photographer to guarantee a good time and that someone sober captures Instagram-worthy material.
As for services that come with most yacht rentals, a good host and crew are essential. These are the people who will make sure you are taken care of, comfortable, and safe at all times. Not to mention, someone has to steer the boat, right?
Price
Talking about money is always the worst part. However, while no one expects renting a yacht to be cheap, it does not have to be unattainable either. A sailing yacht trip up the coast of the Riviera Maya starts at 800 USD. For a thousand more, your group can go all the way to Cozumel. And for 1,020 USD, a party of 13 people can spend six hours on a 40-footer with two bathrooms, two cabins, and beer included!
Now, with yacht rentals, as with pretty much anything else, the sky is the limit. Renting a 100-footer for a couple of days will be considerably more expensive than a lap to Isla Mujeres. It would be such a memorable trip, though.
Amenities
We can divide amenities into two categories: boat features and perks. Boat features include stuff like the number of cabins and bathrooms, the number and size of decks, kitchen and cooking equipment, sound system, living and dining room capacity, and so on. These logically vary mainly according to the length of the boat but also to the type.
For instance, a 40-foot catamaran might be roomier than a motor yacht of a similar size and have a more spacious dining room and lounge. Meanwhile, top-drawer boats can have multiple decks, jacuzzies, bars, and grills.
Perks are anything you can use on board. Most yachts will include basic ones, such as towels, life vests, and snorkeling gear. Then, depending on the vessel, you can add any number of things, from water toys and party props to wakeboards, jet skis, and subwings. Remember to check with the rental company what is available for each boat you consider renting, as this may vary widely.
Bespoke experiences
Finally, if you are looking to commemorate a special occasion, hiring a bespoke experience might be for you. Some rental outfits will put together celebrations and other events for their customers, such as bachelorette parties, birthdays, and nighttime sailing itineraries, with fancy dinners and flutes overflowing with bubbly.
