Cancun: Private 60ft Yacht Charter & Isla Mujeres Snorkel

Summary

Caribbean yacht days from Cancun to Isla Mujeres with swim stops and local crew

You’ll step onto your own private yacht in Cancun with a friendly local crew, cruise through mangrove lagoons and open Caribbean water, stop for swims or snorkeling near Isla Mujeres, and relax on deck with your favorite snacks or drinks. It’s easygoing, flexible, and full of those little moments you can’t plan for — like laughter over spilled drinks or catching sunset light across the bay.

What’s the experience like?

I’ll be honest — I almost lost my hat to the wind before we even left the marina in Cancun. The captain just grinned and handed it back, like he’d seen this a hundred times. There’s something about stepping onto a 60ft Italian yacht that makes you forget how to act normal for a second. The deck was warm under my feet, and someone had already put out cold sodas and bottles of water in a little ice chest. We met our steward — Rosa — who told us she grew up around these waters and could spot dolphins “better than Google Maps.” I believed her.

The first stretch through Nichupté Lagoon was quieter than I expected. Mangroves on both sides, egrets standing so still they looked fake. Then we passed under that low white bridge (the one everyone photographs) and suddenly the water just exploded into that wild turquoise you only see in travel ads — except it’s real here. Our guide pointed out Isla Mujeres ahead, but honestly I was distracted by how salty the air tasted when I tried to drink from my bottle too fast. If you book the longer day trip to Isla Mujeres, you get time to snorkel over reefs or even check out a sunken ship — we saw some folks paddle-boarding off the back while others just floated on this giant lily pad thing (I didn’t know what it was called until then).

We brought our own snacks — sandwiches mostly, nothing fancy — but Rosa kept sneaking us extra ice and asking if we wanted music or just the sound of the sea. At Playa Norte beach, people waved at us from shore; there was this mix of salsa music drifting over from somewhere and kids laughing in Spanish. The sand got everywhere (still finding it in my bag), but nobody cared much because you’re basically living outside for hours anyway. On the way back, I remember lying on the sun deck thinking about how different Cancun looks from out here — not just hotels and crowds but all this space and light. I still think about that view sometimes when I’m stuck in traffic back home.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Private Yacht Cruise in Cancun

• Depart from the marina
• Cruise through Nichupté Lagoon
• Enter Calinda Channel with mangroves
• Pass under Cancun bridge
• Cruise Bay of Cancun with views
• Optional swim stop in turquoise water
• Leisurely ride along bay coastline
• Return through lagoon to marina

Top questions

How long does the private yacht charter last?

You can choose from 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6 or 8 hour options depending on your schedule.

Does the tour include hotel pickup?

No hotel pickup is included; you meet at the marina in Cancun.

Can we bring our own food and alcohol?

Yes, you're welcome to bring your own food, snacks and alcoholic beverages except red wine.

Is snorkeling equipment provided?

Yes, snorkeling gear is available onboard for use during stops.

What happens if there’s bad weather?

If weather is unsafe or port access is closed by authorities, tours may be cancelled or limited to lagoon cruising only.

Are children allowed on board?

Yes, children are welcome but infants must sit on an adult's lap.

Do shorter trips visit Isla Mujeres?

No; only cruises of 4 hours or more include time at Isla Mujeres.

Is there a crew onboard?

Your charter includes a licensed captain, two sailors and a steward for service throughout your trip.

What’s included

Your day includes private rental of a 60ft Italian yacht with full crew (captain, two sailors and steward), use of safety equipment plus snorkeling gear and paddle board if you want them. You’ll have three bags of ice ready along with plenty of bottled water and sodas—just bring any extra snacks or drinks you like before heading out from Cancun’s marina toward open sea or Isla Mujeres depending on your chosen route.