Yacht charter in East Yucatan
Cruising the East Yucatan involves navigating the Caribbean coastline of the Yucatan Peninsula, characterised by shallow limestone shelves and proximity to the Mesoamerican Barrier Reef. This area suits crews interested in exploring coastal lagoons, offshore islands, and clear waters. Navigation requires careful attention to depth and reef locations. Charters typically focus on the sheltered waters between the mainland and Isla Mujeres or the coastal stretches south towards Puerto Aventuras.
Best time to charter
The charter season runs from November to July. Trade winds typically blow from the east and south-east. Winter months from December to February may experience 'Nortes', strong northerly wind systems that can affect coastal conditions. March to May offers stable weather and consistent winds. June and July are warmer with a higher probability of tropical storms. The period from December to April is the busiest for maritime traffic, while late spring remains relatively quiet.
Anchorages and harbours to know
Isla Mujeres
The harbour provides sheltered mooring and anchorage options on the western side of the island.
Puerto Cancún
A modern marina facility located on the mainland providing access to the northern cruising grounds.
Isla Contoy
This protected island located north of Isla Mujeres requires specific permits for entry and anchoring.
Puerto Aventuras
A gated marina complex on the mainland offering secure berthing and access to southern coastal waters.
Bahía de la Ascensión
A large, shallow bay located within a biosphere reserve, suitable for vessels with shallow drafts.
Practical tips
- Getting there: Cancún (CUN). Puerto Cancún and the Isla Mujeres departures are about 20–30 minutes from Cancún airport; Puerto Aventuras is about 1 hour.
- Puerto Cancún and the Isla Mujeres departures are about 20–30 minutes from Cancún airport; Puerto Aventuras is about 1 hour.
- Strict marine protected area regulations apply throughout the region; always verify current anchoring restrictions for specific reefs and seagrass beds before dropping anchor.
- Provisioning is most efficient in the larger centres near Cancún; remote southern locations have limited access to fresh supplies.
- Navigation requires constant vigilance due to the extensive barrier reef system and shifting sandbanks along the coastline.
Yachts listed for East Yucatan
- AFTER YOU SX 6060.1 m · 20 guests
- MORENA I22.3 m · 8 guests
- ATENEA16.2 m · 6 guests
- VENTANA AL MAR15.8 m · 10 guests
- SECOND WIND15.5 m · 10 guests
- THE BIG LEBOATSKI15.5 m · 8 guests
- NOWHERE15.2 m · 10 guests
- MAGNIFICENT14.6 m · 8 guests
- TRANQUILO14 m · 8 guests
- FIRST TRACKS14 m · 8 guests