Playa del Carmen Boat Rentals — Private Yachts & Catamarans (Puerto Aventuras)

If you’re searching for Playa del Carmen boat rentals with real local insight, you’re in the right place. I’ve hosted—and personally taken—charters here, and I can tell you first-hand: it was the highlight of our trip. Whether you’re a family, a bachelorette/bachelor crew, a birthday group, or planning something bigger like a micro-wedding or corporate outing, a private boat day is the move. Below you’ll find clear options, honest expectations, and the little “insider” details that make a day on the water feel effortless.

Also, note that all of your boats are sanitized and disinfected, keeping to the guidelines of the Mexican secretary of health and more, to provide you with a safe. boat trip.

Our Most-Booked Itineraries (Turtles at In-Ha, Xpu-Ha Beach, Cozumel’s El Cielo*)

Below are routes guests love. The crew are local and certified, and they’ll read the conditions to time each stop right. On my last charter, we followed a similar flow and it was seamless.

In-Ha Reef: Turtle & Ray Snorkel (3–4 hours)

A classic short charter. Depart Puerto Aventuras, cruise to the reef, and slide into clear water for an easy snorkel where turtles and rays are often spotted. Back on board, sip a cold drink, snack, and enjoy an unhurried cruise home.
Why it works: minimal transit time, maximum water time, perfect for first-timers and families.

Xpu-Ha Secluded Beach Swim (4–5 hours)

Pair reef time with a swim-in beach stop at a stretch of sand with no buildings in sight. The water is shallow, so boats anchor off and you swim in. We always pack out what we pack in—we bring trash bags to keep it pristine.
Tip: ask for a floating mat and a speaker playlist—your music, your vibe.

Cozumel: El Cielo & Reefs (Full-Day 8–10 hours)*

This is the bucket-list run: reef snorkel(s), then El Cielo, famous for starfish in clear, shallow water. It’s a protected area—only certain boats have the permits to operate there. On our full-day, the crew arranged breakfast, coffee, and later a full lunch; we even fished on the way back and made fresh ceviche from a tuna and a dorado we caught. Magic.

*Ask us to verify permits for any Cozumel/El Cielo plan before you pay—it protects your day from fines or route changes.

Sunset Cruise (3 hours)

Zero rush, golden light, and a low-key toast as the coastline glows. Great day-of-arrival plan or add-on at the end of a trip.

What’s Included (Crew, Open Bar, Food Options, Gear & Add-Ons)

A private charter should feel effortless. Here’s what’s typically included—and how I recommend upgrading it.

Open Bar & Menu Options

Expect open bar (beer, mixers, house spirits) and water/soft drinks from the moment you board.

• 4-hour: usually includes a light meal (think tacos/ceviche) or a single set menu.

• 8–10-hour: upgrade to a chef on board for a full day: breakfast (yes, coffee + croissants), lunch, and snacks. Totally worth it on long runs.

Music, Gear & Comfort

Bring your phone—pair your playlist to the boat’s sound system. Snorkel gear and life jackets are provided for everyone, and towels on most boats. Seas can be playful; if you’re motion-sensitive, ask for ginger chews or wristbands.

Add-Ons (Curate Your Day)

• Chef & premium open bar (top-shelf spirits, champagne)

• Photographer or drone video

• Fishing (and yes, onboard ceviche of your catch when conditions allow)

• Decor for birthdays/bachelorette/bachelor themes

• Paddleboards, floating mats, sea scooters (varies by boat)

Choose Your Boat: Yachts, Catamarans & Fishing (Clear Prices by 3/4/5/8/10-Hour)

Pick a hull that fits your vibe and headcount. We organize the fleet by size and purpose, with transparent pricing by charter length (3/4/5/8/10-hour) and what’s included. Fuel is included on our day charters. Live availability and final pricing are confirmed at booking.

30–40 ft Yachts — Easygoing Comfort (up to ~8–10 guests)

Perfect for smaller groups who want a smooth ride, snorkel stops, and a laid-back open bar. Expect shaded seating, a cabin to stash bags, and a sound system you can pair your phone with. I love these for 3–4-hour cruises to the reef: “Drinks flowed, our playlist was on, and the crew handled everything.”

Best for: couples, families with kids, low-key birthdays.
Typical inclusions: crew, fuel, basic open bar, water/soft drinks, snorkel gear, towels.
Nice add-ons: photographer, light menu upgrade, premium spirits.

45–55 ft Yachts — Space to Spread Out (up to ~12–15 guests)

More deck, more shade, often a flybridge—ideal when you want snorkeling plus time to drop anchor near a secluded beach. With a chef add-on, this size is a sweet spot for birthdays or bachelorettes: “The crew were super friendly and professional, and knew the best spots.”

Best for: mixed-age groups, celebrations with décor, comfort + photo ops.
Inclusions: crew, fuel, open bar, light food options.
Add-ons: chef on board (tacos, ceviche, canapés), premium bar, decorator.

38–45 ft Sailing Catamarans — Social & Stable (up to ~15–20 guests)

Cats are incredibly stable with tons of deck space—great for groups who want a party vibe without feeling crowded. Think snorkel + beach swim and a big table for long lunches.

Best for: bachelor/ette groups, office outings, laid-back weddings at sea.
Inclusions: crew, fuel, open bar, snorkel gear, music hookup.
Add-ons: chef + full menu, DJ, paddleboards, photographer.

60–80 ft Luxury Yachts & Superyachts — VIP Everything

If you’re thinking VIP packages with a private chef, curated menus, and a premium open bar, this is it. For full-day (10-hour) adventures to Cozumel & El Cielo, ask for permit-ready boats only. “We upgraded to a 10-hour day to reach El Cielo—permits matter there.”

Best for: milestone birthdays, luxe weddings, executive groups.
Inclusions: pro crew, fuel, premium bar, chef-driven menus, water toys (varies).
Add-ons: champagne upgrades, live sax/DJ, drone video.

Note on pricing: rates vary by boat, season, and date. Around New Year’s Eve/Day, a few flagship boats can surge ~30–60% due to demand; others keep standard rates. Booking early helps you snag boats that don’t surge.

Why Depart from Puerto Aventuras Marina

Most Playa del Carmen private charters depart from Puerto Aventuras for good reasons: protected marina access, shorter runs to reefs like In-Ha, and easy provisioning (ice, fresh food, last-minute sunscreen). It’s also a controlled environment—safer boarding, cleaner restrooms before/after, and a quicker turnaround if weather shifts. If you’re staying in central Playa, transfers are straightforward; ask for round-trip transport with your booking.

How Booking Works (Availability, Upgrades, Permits, Payment)

I’m a big fan of clarity up front. Here’s the flow we use:

1) Check Live Availability

Tell us your date, group size, desired duration (3/4/5/8/10 hours), and any must-haves (chef, premium bar, DJ, specific boat style). We’ll propose the best 2–3 fits with final prices and what’s included. WhatsApp is the fastest way to lock a slot.

2) Hold & Confirm

We place a temporary hold while you confirm. A deposit secures the charter; the balance is typically due before boarding. You’ll receive a route plan, inclusions list, and meeting point pin.

3) Upgrades & Extensions

Prefer a short cruise? There’s even a 3-hour no-snorkel option for a quick spin. Want the big day? 10-hour full-day to Cozumel/El Cielo is our premium run—ask for permit-ready boats only (we’ll verify for you).

4) Permits & Compliance (Cozumel/El Cielo)

Protected areas require compliance. We only dispatch permit-ready boats for those routes. If a boat you like isn’t eligible, we’ll suggest an equivalent that is—so your day stays on track.

5) Peak Dates & Pricing Behavior

From experience, Dec 31–Jan 1 sees dynamic pricing on a handful of flagship boats (+/- ~30–60%). Others keep normal rates. If your dates are flexible, we’ll steer you to standard-rate boats or alternate times to avoid surges. Book early for holiday periods.

6) Weather, Safety & Eco

Safety briefings happen at boarding. If marine conditions force changes, we’ll pivot to the calmest route or reschedule—your call. We follow leave-no-trace guidelines (we literally bring trash bags to the beach) and no touching wildlife—especially starfish and turtles.

Groups We Host (Families, Bachelorette/Bachelor, Birthdays, Weddings, Corporate)

Families: shaded seating, easy ladders, kid-size life jackets, shorter swims, and gentle music.
Bachelorette/Bachelor: décor, premium bar, dance-friendly playlists, floating mats—keep it classy but fun.
Birthdays: custom cake/cupcakes, chef menus, and sunset timing for photos. “It was an amazing way to celebrate—start to finish.”
Weddings/Elopements: intimate ceremonies at anchor with a celebrant, bubbles, and pro photos.
Corporate/Teams: brand-safe menus, low-key music, and optional team-building (snorkel clinics, photo challenges).

FAQs: Prices, Departures, Permits, Weather, What to Bring

How much does a private charter cost?
Pricing depends on boat, duration (3/4/5/8/10-hour), date, and add-ons. We’ll quote final prices with inclusions before you pay. Fuel is included on day charters.

Where do we depart from?
Most trips leave from Puerto Aventuras Marina—it’s protected, close to reefs, and easy for boarding. We’ll share a maps pin and arrival tips.

Can we bring our own music/drinks?
Yes—pair your phone playlist to the boat’s speakers. Outside drinks depend on the boat; open bar is already included, so most guests don’t need to bring extras.

Do we need permits for Cozumel/El Cielo?
Yes, specific permits are required for protected areas. We’ll verify boat eligibility before confirming a Cozumel/El Cielo route.

What about snorkeling gear and safety?
Snorkel gear and life jackets are provided. Crew are certified and local-savvy; they’ll brief you on safety and set the pace for all abilities.

Can we fish and make ceviche onboard?
On certain boats and conditions, yes. We’ve even turned fresh tuna/dorado into ceviche on the way back—ask to include light fishing time.

What’s the best duration?

• 3–4 hours: reef + quick cruise (great with kids).

• 5–8 hours: reef + beach + lazy lunch.

• 10 hours: Cozumel/El Cielo, multiple swims, chef menu—the all-day experience.

What should we bring?
Sun protection (reef-safe), swimsuit, hat, light cover-up, a phone with your playlist, and a pack-out mindset for beaches (we bring trash bags).

Reviews from Recent Charters

“Highlight of our trip—a must-do in Playa del Carmen.”
“Super friendly, professional crew who knew the best spots.”
“We upgraded to 10 hours to reach El Cielo—permits matter there.”
“Drinks from start to finish, our music on the speakers, and fresh ceviche from our catch.”

Ready to go?

Tell me your date, headcount, and preferred duration. I’ll send 2–3 perfect boat options with live availability, pricing, and everything included—then you just show up and enjoy the day.