Boat Rentals in Playa del Carmen
The Riviera Maya’s waters are easily some of the most beautiful in the entire Caribbean region, with gentle waves, thriving aquatic life, and a brilliant turquoise hue. They’re exactly the kind of waters you’d want to explore independently, when you’re not admiring traditional Mexican arts and crafts, diving in cenotes, and shopping the Quinta Avenida boutiques — so here’s our guide to renting one of the boats that frequently sail around the coast.
Types of Boats
Depending on your tastes, your budget, and the size of your party, you’ll be able to rent a fishing boat, a sailboat, a motorboat, or even a yacht. There are also numerous catamarans available, each designed for different purposes, such as fishing, cruising, or drifting along the beach. While it’s possible to charter a boat for a smaller party, most of these vessels are meant to accommodate at least four to six, with some designed for as many as 99.
Costs
The cost of the boat rental will vary not only based on the specific vessel you choose and the size of your party, but by the amount of time you intend to spend on board. If you’re booking a one-hour cruise on a small motorboat for one or two people, you won’t need to spend more than $100 to $150 dollars per person. If you’re booking a comparable boat for a half day, you’ll pay between $300 and $650, and possibly much more. Day charters of catamarans, motorized sailboats, yachts, and other luxury vessels are naturally more expensive overall, with pricing that typically runs from $1,500-$3,000 — but as they’re priced based on the cost of the boat itself, rather than by individual, they can become much more affordable for larger parties where everyone will pay their own way. For instance, a staffed, 25m French luxury catamaran, which runs upwards of $3,000 for the day, could end up averaging just $10-$15 per person, per hour for larger groups.
Activities
How you spend your boat ride is up to you, but popular activities for Riviera Maya boaters include swimming and snorkeling at the deserted beaches you can access during your ride, fishing, spying for local sea turtles and even dolphins, and dancing to Latin music. (Staffed charters often come with a band.) Lunch and/or dinner are also served on board for half-day cruises, so boating is also a great opportunity to sample local cuisine.
Destinations
The boats based in Playa del Carmen usually sail to nearby Cancún, Cozumel, and Tulum, or float around the Caribbean. If you happen to book an overnight cruise, you can reach pristine, quiet Isla Holbox or Isla Contoy, as well. Divers may embark on tours that specifically visit sites such as Cerebros, Los Arcos, Tortugas, or Pared Verde, each offering a pristine reef and diverse population of sea creatures.
Let Us Help
If you’re interested in renting a boat during your Riviera Maya getaway, you’ll be happy to know that the helpful concierge team at Mahekal Beach Resort is on hand to provide recommendations and assist with reservations, no matter what type of excursion or adventure you have in mind. Browse our special offers and start planning your visit.Beautiful Arts and Crafts to Shop for in Playa del Carmen