Rent a boat in Mexico

Rent a boat in Mexico

If you charter a boat in Mexico, you will have the chance to experience extravagant fiestas and take in stunning views of the Caribbean Sea. With a wide range of boats of varying sizes, prices and functions, you can find the perfect boat for your exploration of both sides of the Mexican coastline. Whether you want to work on your tan at the secluded beaches and coasts or choose to savour the Mexican cuisine in one of many incredible restaurants along the coast, you can experience the beauty of Mexico with a boat rental that suits your needs for a week or longer.

Mexico offers a wide variety of adventures, both onshore and off. From majestic mountains to unspoilt beaches, you can charter a boat through the Yucatan Peninsula and its Caribbean climate at your leisure or venture out to more intrepid shores with rich tropical forests and seaside dunes and deserts. During your journey, you can take in the astonishing coral reef ecosystems that are home to a rich variety of marine wildlife. Mexico has fast become the destination of choice for many sailors, both amateur and experienced, with locations like the Baja Peninsula, the Sea of Cortez and the Mexican Riviera being seen as particularly desirable.

Renting boats in Mexico

If you want total relaxation in Mexico, you should pick a luxury boat rental with an attentive and knowledgeable skipper. Mexico’s biggest draw is its beaches — many of which feature pristine waters and rugged coastlines — but private charters for fishing and sea sport purposes are also possible. If you rent with a skipper, they will help you to plan a journey which caters to your interests. From romantic getaways to active adventures, boat hire in Mexico is the perfect way to experience the country’s rich heritage and explore some of the world's oldest and most interesting cultural sites.

How much will my boat rental in Mexico cost?

The cost to rent a boat in Mexico varies depending on the season you want to rent and also the size of the boat you choose. 

During the high season, which runs from October until April in Mexico, yacht rentals cost anywhere from $1,100 for a half day charter, $1,790 for a day charter, or $7,700 for charter lasting a week.  During low season, which is from June until September, boat hire costs anywhere from $986 for either half a day or a full day or $6902 for a week.

Catamaran rental prices typically start at $6983 during the high season, and can dip to as low as $4711 in the low season.

Fishing boat hire prices generally remain consistent all year round and start at $620 for a half-day charter, $820 to rent for a day, and $5740 for a week.

Motorboat charter prices also remain constant throughout the year and can be anywhere from as little as $600 for half a day, $800 for a full day, and $4200 if you want the boat for the week.

For trimaran charter, prices remain consistent year round as well, and start at $780 for a day charter and $5460 for the week.

Sailing boats typically offer the cheapest charter prices and also vary greatly depending on the time of year when you want to rent.  Prices start at $3541 for a week in the high season and $2876 for a week during the low season.

Is it possible to rent a boat with or without a skipper in Mexico?

In Mexico, you can charter a boat either with or without a skipper.  Furthermore, most of the time, it isn’t necessary to have a boating license which means that this is the ideal location for beginner sailors to practise sailing without a skipper. The only times you need a boating licence in Mexico, are if you are have fishing equipment or passengers on board, or if the charter company/boat owner you’re renting from requires it.  However, if you wish to cruise the Mexican coasts without worrying about steering the boat, you may prefer to hire with a skipper.  In Mexico, we have actually many boats where the skipper is included in the price of the boat.

What weather and sailing conditions are expected during my boat rental in Mexico?

The weather varies greatly across Mexico but most people visit La Paz during their boat vacation rental.  In this area, there is an increase in rainfall from July until October.  Mexico’s monsoon season also falls within this time period and brings with it many thunderstorms and an increase in humidity, as well as low pressure areas and tropical cyclones.  

Temperatures during winter are typically pleasant and are between 20°C and 25°C (68-77°F) but in summer these temperatures can reach 30-32°C (86-90°F).  Rainfall in this area is low most of the year but the annual rainfall usually exceeds 400 mm (16 inches) with the little monsoons that occur from July until October.

When is the best time for my boat charter in Mexico?

The best time for your Mexico boat rental generally depends on your preferred weather, and whether you prefer to avoid the crowds.  Mexico's high season for sailing is from November until April. These months are drier, but also cooler than the summer months, with temperatures of approximately 26°C (79°F).  The winter months usually see less rain and lower temperatures but the wind speeds are higher, blowing in from the north-east at a speed of 10-15 knots.  If you don’t like the rain, you should go during this time period, but the better weather does also brings more crowds, so if you want a quiet holiday, you should avoid this time.

During the summer months, the temperatures are higher - usually around 32°C (90°F).  If you like swimming and snorkelling, this is the ideal period in which to go as the sea temperature is about the same.  During this time, the winds are also lighter, blowing in from the south-east.

The rainy season in Mexico occurs between July and October and also coincides with the monsoon season, which is at its worst from July until mid-September.  Luckily, most of the tropical storms miss La Paz and the rest of the southern Baja Peninsula but you should still keep an eye on the weather forecast before and during your charter so you don't find yourself in trouble.

Most popular ports and sailing areas to visit during my boat hire in Mexico?

Generally, the most popular sailing destination in Mexico is La Paz.  With a name that translates to ‘The Peace’, this city certainly lives up to its name but never becomes boring, offering many interesting sights, as well as a wide  range of bars and restaurants where you can eat when you get hungry.

If you're feeling adventurous, you can also visit the plethora of islands found in the Sea of Cortez.  There are over 900 islets and islands that you can visit in this area, including 37 major islands - Isla Tiburon and Isla Angel de la Guarda to name just a couple.  If you want to see a range of different sea creatures, the Sea of Cortez is the place to go.  Hiding in its depths are many species including but not limited to parrot fish, triggerfish, manta rays, and various species of sea turtle, dolphin and whale.

There are other amazing options for sailing destinations, however.  In Mazatlan, you can find many amazing things, such as its magnificent marina, found at the entrance to the Rio Ameca, a market, which is perfect for buying souvenirs and some small deserted islands nearby (Tres Marietas), which are home to many reefs and underwater caves, ideal for a truly unique experience.  Mazatlan is also a desirable destination for bird lovers, surfers, snorkelers and divers. 

For the perfect photo opportunity, you can also go sailing through El Arco in Cabo San Lucas or visit Puerto Vallarta and Mexcaltitan Island in the state of Nayarit, long believed to be the birthplace of the ancient Aztec civilization.  If none of these appeal to you, you can visit the Playa del Carmen, a fishing town favoured by scuba divers, or sail out from Cancun to Isla Mujeres, an island famous for its reefs, restaurants, the Cancun Underwater Museum and turtle rehabilitation and breeding efforts.

What to do during my boat rental in Mexico?

The crystalline waters of Mexico offer snorkelling opportunities in a wide range of different, as well as many amazing sights.  Mexico has a very rich history and if you fancy taking a little break from the water, it would be worth checking out some of the sites of the ancient Aztec civilisations.  There are also many islands surrounding Mexico, which provide further unmissable sightseeing opportunities.

How to get to Mexico?

There are many different ways to reach Mexico but by far the quickest and easiest is by plane.  You can find direct flights from most states in the USA, many European countries, and even many cities within the UK, including London, Manchester and Birmingham.  If you want a more adventurous route though, you can also travel by bus, car or train from the USA, and it is also a popular destination for cruise ships.

Frequently Asked Questions about Mexico

What is the daily cost to rent a boat in Mexico?

The average price of renting a boat in Mexico is approximately $2,102 per day. Prices typically range from $50 and $13,965 per day.

What is the daily cost of a skipper in Mexico?

The cost of a skipper varies depending on the destination and the boat owner. In Mexico, you can expect to pay an average of $242 per day for a skipper.

Is it possible to add equipment such as snorkel gear, SUP boards, or a wakeboard to my boat rental in Mexico?

Many owners in Mexicooffer additional extras that you can add to your booking, such as Fridge, GPS or Bimini.

How many cabins are there on a boat in Mexico?

The average number of cabins on boats in Mexico is 2. For larger groups, you can find boats with up to 7 cabins.

What is the maximum capacity of a boat in Mexico?

The maximum capacity for boats in Mexico is 99 persons. Note that if you rent a boat with a skipper, they are included in the total number of people.

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