Minimum charter duration for private boats in Tulum
Short answer
The minimum charter duration for private yacht and catamaran rentals in Tulum is four hours, operating in standard daily departures at 9:30 AM and 2:30 PM. This half-day window provides necessary transit time for boarding, safety briefings, and reaching offshore reef systems. Base packages begin at 38,000 MXN for up to 15 guests, fully inclusive of an open bar, food, snorkel gear, and a licensed crew.
The minimum charter duration for private yacht and catamaran rentals in Tulum is four hours, with standard departure slots operating daily at 9:30 AM for morning cruises and 2:30 PM for afternoon trips.
Navigating coastal waters and reaching marine reef systems along the Riviera Maya requires adequate cruising time that shorter bookings cannot accommodate. Private groups frequently underestimate boarding procedures, safety briefings, and transit windows, making fixed half-day blocks the baseline operational standard across local maritime charters.
If you only do one thing: Book the 9:30 AM morning departure slot if your group prioritizes calm water for snorkeling, or select the 2:30 PM slot if you want sunset views on the return leg.
- Standard rental block: Charters require a 4-hour minimum booking across all 8 fleet vessels, which range from 38-foot catamarans to 60-foot motor yachts.
- Base pricing and capacity: Entry-level vessels such as the 38-foot Catamaran and 42-foot Azimut yacht start at $38,000 MXN for up to 15 passengers.
- Extra passenger rates: Groups exceeding the 15-guest base capacity pay an additional $2,700 MXN per person up to the vessel's certified limit.
- Included provisions: Every 4-hour booking includes open bar service, finger food, fresh towels, snorkel gear, a sound system, and a dedicated captain with crew.
- Departure schedule: Daily charters launch promptly at either 9:30 AM or 2:30 PM to align with local harbor coordination and marina schedules.
- Extended cruise options: Additional charter hours beyond the initial 4-hour window can be scheduled and are prorated based on vessel size and dock availability.
- Watch out for: Late arrivals at the marina dock, which subtract directly from your allotted 4-hour cruising window without extending the return cutoff.
- Watch out for: Unregistered headcounts over 15 people, which incur the mandatory $2,700 MXN per-person surcharge at boarding.
- Watch out for: Ground transit delays between Tulum villas and the departure marina, which typically require a 45-to-60-minute private transfer each way.
Select your preferred 9:30 AM or 2:30 PM departure window and confirm your guest count to secure your vessel schedule before your trip.