Private charters from $680 — Cozumel, Akumal, cenote reefs & sunset cruises. Captain included, no crowds, instant quote.
Overview
Playa del Carmen sits at the heart of the Riviera Maya, giving you direct access to two of the Caribbean's most prized destinations: Cozumel Island and the Akumal turtle reefs. A private boat cuts the ferry queues, the tour-group herds, and the fixed schedules — you go where you want, when you want, with your group only.
The water here is a different league: electric turquoise over white sand, visibility past 30 meters in reef sections, and a coastline studded with cenote inlets and mangrove channels that group tours simply can't reach. From the PDC marina you're 30 minutes offshore from world-class snorkeling, 45 minutes from Cozumel's Palancar Reef, and 20 minutes from the sea turtle colony at Akumal.
All charters include a licensed captain, life vests, cooler with ice, snorkel gear, and boarding from the main PDC marina or Constituyentes pier. Fuel and port fees are included in the quoted price.
2026 Pricing
Reference prices for private day charters. Final quote depends on group size, duration and itinerary.
| Vessel | Max guests | 8-hr rate (ref.) | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|
| Open lancha | 8 | From $680 | Couples, small groups, snorkeling runs |
| Sport cruiser | 12 | From $980 | Family trips, Cozumel day crossings |
| Motor yacht | 16 | From $1,400 | Bachelorette, birthdays, corporate |
| Catamaran | 20 | From $1,800 | Large groups, full-day island hopping |
Licensed captain • Fuel & port fees • Life vests • Cooler with ice • Snorkel masks • Bluetooth speaker • Flexible pick-up time
Optional add-ons: catering & drinks tray, paddleboards, underwater camera, professional photographer on board
Where We Go
45-minute crossing to the world-famous Palancar Reef and El Cielo starfish flat. Snorkel or dive in the clearest water in Mexico. Private charter means no ferry crowds, no fixed departure.
Also departs from Cancún →20 minutes south by boat. The bay at Akumal hosts one of the largest resident green sea turtle populations in the Caribbean. Your captain will anchor just inside the reef line for open-water snorkeling with the turtles.
Snorkeling charters →An unmarked reef system 15 minutes north of PDC. Shallow coral formations, tropical fish, and white-sand flats with no other boats in sight. Exclusive by private charter only.
See all Riviera Maya itineraries →The drop-off between the reef shelf and deep ocean is 40 minutes offshore. Mahi-mahi, wahoo, and blue marlin during season (Nov–Apr). Sport fishing rods and tackle included on request.
Fishing charters →Two-hour evening charter along the Riviera Maya coastline. Open bar setup, Bluetooth music, and the best light for photos of your trip. Popular for proposals, anniversaries, and small celebrations.
Party boat options →Combine Cozumel + Akumal + a private reef stop in one charter day. Best on catamaran for groups of 12+. Includes a beach lunch stop, full snorkel gear, and unlimited soft drinks.
Catamaran rentals →What We Found
| Factor | Group tours (aggregators) | Private charter via Nauty 360 |
|---|---|---|
| Group size | 8–25 strangers per boat | Your group only — 1 to 20 people |
| Departure flexibility | Fixed 8 AM or 10 AM slots | Pick your time, adjust on the water |
| Itinerary | Pre-set stops, no deviation | Captain adapts to weather & your preferences |
| Price comparison | $80–180 per person for group tour | From $680 total — cheaper per head for groups of 8+ |
| Captain quality | Varies, shared across boats | Certified, bilingual, dedicated to your party |
| Booking response | Automated email, 24–48 hrs | Direct WhatsApp reply within 2 hrs |
Be Honest
For groups of 4 or more, private charter almost always wins on price, experience quality, and flexibility. Run the numbers with us before deciding.
FAQ
How do I get to the PDC marina for boarding?
We operate from the Constituyentes pier (Muelle Constituyentes) and the main PDC marina, both easily accessible by taxi from the 5th Avenue hotel zone. We’ll send you exact coordinates and a WhatsApp pin once your booking is confirmed.
Can we go to Cozumel on a day charter from PDC?
Yes. The crossing takes approximately 45 minutes each way. A full Cozumel day (Palancar Reef + El Cielo) fits comfortably in an 8-hour charter. Entry to Cozumel marine park ($5/person) is paid separately at the dock.
Is the price per person or per boat?
Always per boat. The $680 starting rate is for the entire vessel for up to 8 guests. The more people in your group, the lower the cost per person. For 8 guests it’s roughly $85/person — less than most group tour operators.
What snorkeling equipment is included?
Masks and fins for all guests, life vests, and a briefing from the captain on reef etiquette and sea turtle protocol. Underwater cameras and professional GoPro mounts are available as add-ons ($40).
How far in advance do I need to book?
We recommend 48–72 hours for weekdays, 5–7 days for weekends and holidays. Same-day availability does occur — message us on WhatsApp and we’ll check. No booking fees, no platform cut.
What happens if the weather is bad?
We monitor marine forecasts 48 hours ahead. If seas exceed 1.5m or there is a weather advisory, we contact you proactively to reschedule at no penalty. Your deposit carries over to the new date in full.
Also Available
Isla Mujeres, whale shark tours, Isla Contoy. Full charter fleet from Cancún marina.
Boat Rental Cancún →Biscayne Bay, Haulover Sandbar, private island anchoring. Florida’s best charter experience.
Boat Rental Miami →Rosario Islands, Playa Blanca, coral reefs in Colombia’s Caribbean coast.
Boat Rental Cartagena →