The Best Yacht Charter Destinations in Mexico—From Baja to the Caribbean  

One of the most luxurious ways to explore the beautiful destinations along Mexico’s nearly 6,000 miles of coastline is by yacht. Bringing the opportunity to explore popular attractions and hidden treasures that can only be discovered by water, it’s the perfect mix of modern comforts, outdoor adventure, and rich culture. This form of lavish travel also means that you’ll have lots of freedom and flexibility to create an itinerary that perfectly suits your needs and desires. 

Of course, as such a vast country with many outstanding spots for sailing from the Pacific to the Caribbean and the Gulf, choosing the best yacht charter destination in Mexico for your trip can be challenging. Ultimately, the right choice is the one that matches your particular interests. By taking the time to learn about some of the most desirable options for a yacht charter, you can be sure that you’ll enjoy the most unforgettable experience. 

Cabo San Lucas

A playground for the rich and famous, Cabo is a favorite destination among many celebrities, including Jennifer Aniston, Eva Longoria, Jessica Alba, George Clooney, and Zac Efron. Located at the southern tip of the Baja Peninsula, where you’ll find the famous El Arco rock formation and idyllic Lover’s Beach, it’s also a yachter’s haven. The Cabo San Lucas Marina offers secure harbor for vessels of all sizes, and you’ll find spots to anchor close to beaches and resorts too. From here, enjoy easy access to the area’s long list of outdoor activities on land and water, from powered hang-gliding, parasailing, snorkeling, kayaking, and paddleboarding to world-class golf, 4X4 tours, and horseback riding excursions.

When you’re in the mood to relax, there are many lavish spas and chic beach clubs offering food and drink service right on the sand. When it comes to dining, this is a foodie paradise. You might hire a private chef to prepare a meal right onboard or head to one of the fine dining restaurants that serve everything from fresh lobster and Kobe beef to Beluga caviar. After dark, there’s plenty of fun to be had, with famous venues like Cabo Wabo, Mandala, Squid Roe, and The Rooftop at The Cape. 

La Paz

There are multiple marinas in the capital of Baja California Sur along the Sea of Cortez, including Marina Costabaja, which offers full marina services and a wide range of facilities. In town, there’s a lovely waterfront promenade (the 3.1-mile-long Malecon) that’s perfect for strolling with the bay on one side, while shops, bars, and eateries line the other. The culinary scene is out of this world, from shrimp tacos and fresh grilled fish to international cuisine like Greek and Italian. You’ll also find some of the most famously beautiful beaches nearby, like Balandra with its iconic mushroom rock and shallow, translucent turquoise water ideal for swimming.

For further exploring, La Paz is a departure point for visiting stunning deserted islands and the UNESCO-listed Isla Espiritu Santo, where you can snorkel among sea lions and a wealth of tropical fish.

Loreto

Loreto is a picturesque town home to the luxurious Marina Puerto Escondido, set along the aquamarine waters of the Sea of Cortez with the majestic Sierra de la Giganta Mountains in the backdrop. This is a gateway to Loreto Bay National Park, home to many uninhabited islands with pristine white sandy beaches. Often referred to as the country’s own “Galapagos” for its remarkable diversity, getting out on the water is really where it’s at here, with some 800 different animal species that can be spotted. In the winter, it’s a whale-watcher’s dream with humpbacks, blue whales, and fin whales. All year round, you can watch for sperm whales and Bryde’s whales, along with the occasional pod of orcas. While snorkeling or diving, you’re likely to spot manta rays, sea turtles, and a wealth of colorful fish.

The charming town itself is one of my favorites in Baja, with a rich cultural heritage as the first capital of the Spanish territories known as Las Californias, founded in 1697. You’ll get a glimpse of its interesting past in the historic center, home to museums, colonial buildings, and La Misión de Loreto, established the same year as the first successful mission in California. 

Puerto Vallarta

Further south along Mexico’s Pacific Coast, Puerto Vallarta is tucked along Banderas Bay, a popular spot for yacht charters with several marinas, including Marina Vallarta (the main marina), Paradise Village, and Marina Nuevo Vallarta. In this area, you can visit spectacular beaches and lush jungle, snorkel in hidden coves, and take in a sunset while sailing past the peaks of the Sierra Madre. Dolphins and sea turtles can be seen year-round, while humpbacks visit in the winter. 

You’ll want to explore the town itself too, particularly the Romantic Zone (Zona Romántica), or Old Town, with its charming cobbled streets, historic Nuestra Señora de Guadalupe Church, and colorful colonial buildings housing art galleries, boutiques, lively bars, and diverse array of restaurants. 

Manzanillo

Continuing south to the state of Colima, Manzanillo is a major port city on the Pacific Coast with two large bays. It’s home to the luxurious Marina Puerto de la Navidad, offering full-service amenities within a private resort that provides access to pools, golf, and restaurants. The smaller Marina Las Hadas has more basic supplies and restaurants, located on the Santiago Peninsula, but it’s especially picturesque and renowned for its whitewashed architecture reminiscent of Greece. 

When it comes to activities and attractions, beaches like Playa La Audienca offer calmer waters for kayaking, snorkeling, and banana boat rides. A bit further offshore, there are vibrant coral reefs, shipwrecks, and other dive sites. As there is a high concentration of marlin in the area, Manzanillo is also popular for deep-sea sportsfishing. 

Cancun

Cancun really needs no introduction as one of the world’s most popular tourist destinations and a Caribbean hotspot for yacht charters. There are many marinas, including Marina Puerto Cancun in the heart of the hotel zone, providing easy access to luxury shopping, dining, golfing, and a beach club. Marina Hacienda del Mar is a full-service marina with a swimming pool, yacht club, and restaurant.

If you like to dive or snorkel, it’s worth visiting Cancun for the Cancun Underwater Museum alone. This unique site features 500 life-size sculptures and abundant marine life that have made it their home, many of which can be seen right from the surface, making it suitable for non-divers. But you can also spend your days relaxing on chalk-white sands, indulging in spa treatments, shopping the high-end boutiques, dining at upscale restaurants, and taking part in the legendary nightlife. 

Cozumel 

The island of Cozumel is renowned for its outstanding snorkeling and diving, especially in Cozumel National Marine Park just south. It’s home to vibrant reefs teeming with marine life, including sea turtles, moray eels, and brightly colored fish. You’ll also find some of the most picturesque beaches, like the blindingly white sands of Playa Mia, Playa Palancar, and Playa Morena. The main town, officially San Miguel de Cozumel though most often called simply “Cozumel,” has a lovely waterfront promenade for strolling with a breathtaking view of the Caribbean. On the east side, the Cozumel Crafts Market offers everything from blankets and clothing to ceramics, silver, and souvenirs.

Marina FONATUR is Cozumel’s premier marina with modern facilities and close proximity to top fishing and diving sites, while Caleta Marina nearby is another good choice with similar services and access. 

Puerto Morelos

Set about midway between Cancun and Playa del Carmen, laid-back Puerto Morelos is an authentic village with a more tranquil setting, minus the large crowds and pushy vendors. El Cid Marina provides safe harbor for yachts, or you can use the mooring balls in the marked swimming area. If you want to hang out on the beach, Playa de Puerto Morelos is the main beach in the heart of town, offering a few beach clubs with umbrellas, loungers, and food and drink service. Or, bring your own supplies and enjoy a more secluded experience just north at Playa Punta Brava. 

If you like to shop for treasures, Puerto Morelos is ideal, with independent shops selling locally produced items like handmade pottery, rather than cookie-cutter brand-name stores. If you want to take a dip in a cenote, there are many nearby that can be accessed by joining a guided tour or taking a taxi. La Noria is only a 30-minute drive away and includes a cave with a swing and a platform for floating around on the clear turquoise water.

Isla Holbox

Located off the north coast of the Yucatan Peninsula, Isla Holbox is an island paradise with limited development. It’s all about peace and tranquility, with no high-rise buildings and no cars. Instead, visitors and locals get around by golf cart, on foot, or by bicycle. Instead, you’ll find seven miles of unspoiled white sandy beaches. Playa Holbox is the main beach, offering hammocks, swings, and cafes for chilling out with a refreshing drink.

Located within the Yum Balam biosphere reserve, the island is also renowned for its abundant wildlife, including endangered sea turtles, crocodiles, flamingos, and pelicans. Swimming with whale sharks is a popular activity between June and September, and at any time of the year, you might find yourself swimming alongside wild dolphins. Marina Surnise Holbox is the top spot for full marina service,  but you’ll find natural anchorages like Playa El Cielo for dropping anchor with a scenic view.

Tulum

While it’s no longer a hidden gem, having become one of the trendiest beach destinations in the world, Tulum still has plenty to offer for everyone, from romance-seekers and outdoor adventurers to those who want to enhance wellness, with upscale bohemian vibes, yoga venues, ancient sites, and excellent snorkeling and diving. The Tulum Ruins are one of the top attractions with one of the most breathtaking settings of any Mayan site, while tours can bring you to the site of the pre-Columbian Maya civilization, less than 30 miles west. Plus, the tropical jungle is inhabited by all sorts of wildlife, from exotic birds to panthers and spider monkeys.

While there is no dedicated yacht marina, you’ll find designated day anchorages just offshore near the ruins. Puerto Aventuras Marina is the closest proper marina with full services for overnight stays. 

Xcalak

The quiet fishing village of Xcalak is located at the very southern tip of the Costa Maya along the Caribbean Sea, just a few miles from Belize, providing direct access to the Mesoamerican Reef for world-class sailing, fishing, snorkeling, and diving right from your yacht. The National Reef Park is particularly ideal for diving and snorkeling, with the chance to spot manatees, while the fly-fishing for bonefish is world-class. Beyond activities in the water, relaxing is the most popular thing to do, with idyllic beaches where you can unwind without vendors hassling you. Or, enjoy beachcombing for conch shells, clam shells, fan coral, driftwood, and more. 

There are good spots to anchor just offshore, often with sandy bottoms. If you’re planning a longer stay, consider the lagoon entrance, which offers good protection from Caribbean swells. There are only a handful of restaurants, with the local specialty being lionfish ceviche. Of course, you’ll find plenty of chilled Mexican beers to pair with it.