Everything you need to know about staying aboard a catamaran or yacht in Cancun, Isla Mujeres, Holbox and Cozumel
Planning a multi-day sail raises a lot of practical questions, and the answers below cover what most guests ask before booking an overnight catamaran charter. In short, these are crewed, all-inclusive trips: a captain and chef sail and cook for you, meals and an open bar are covered, and the route flexes around your interests and the weather. The Lagoon 440 sleeps up to six guests comfortably across four cabins, departs from Marina Hacienda del Mar north of Cancun, and carries full safety and water-sports equipment. If your question isn't answered here, message us on WhatsApp and we'll walk you through the details.
A multi-day sail raises plenty of practical questions, and the answers below cover what guests ask most before booking. In short, our overnight trips are crewed and relaxed: a captain and chef handle the sailing and the meals, the route is planned around calm, well-protected waters, and the catamaran never sails at night. They suit anyone in reasonable health who enjoys swimming and the outdoors. If a private yacht is beyond budget, we can also combine day sailing with comfortable island hotels on Isla Mujeres or Holbox — just tell us your plans and we'll suggest something that fits.
Budget — a private yacht versus a hotel stay
Many guests imagine an overnight yacht vacation can be priced like a hotel stay, but the comparison isn't direct: a 5-star hotel room is built on a 50K–100K USD asset, while a private yacht is a 300K–1M USD asset. If a fully private overnight yacht stretches the budget, we offer an alternative: sail by day and sleep ashore at the comfortable island hotels of Isla Mujeres or Holbox. Tell us your plan and we'll suggest something that fits.
How much physical activity is involved in a crewed sailing vacation?
Our trips are best described as light adventure and are suited to guests in good physical condition. We anchor each night and rarely tie up to docks, so boarding and disembarking is mostly done by dinghy — some dexterity is required. For a large part of the day, guests are swimming and climbing in and out of the water from the catamaran's swim ladder, and the dinghy ferries everyone to shore at each stop.
Will I be on a catamaran with people I don't know?
When you book a stateroom we send a charter preference sheet that asks about the activities you enjoy and the kind of experience you'd like. We use that information to pair guests with compatible interests whenever possible. Our crew is attentive to making sure personalities mesh on board, and most weeks our guests genuinely enjoy each other's company and leave as friends by the end of the trip.
Will I get sea sick?
The longest leg on any given day is 3 to 4 hours, and only on certain segments of the trip. Most of the time we sail short distances of 30 to 45 minutes between sheltered anchorages. We never sail at night and plan each itinerary to be in a calm anchorage well before sunset. The catamaran's twin hulls make the ride very comfortable; overnight motion is little more than a gentle rocking. If you're prone to motion sickness our crew has remedies on board, but we recommend bringing your own medication as a backup.
How should I plan my flight arrangements?
Plan your flights around your charter departure date. You board the yacht at 5:00 PM on the first night and, depending on guest arrival times, we may not actually sail until the following morning. You disembark at 12:00 PM on the last day. Specific arrival details are sent once your charter is confirmed.
How should I pack for my sailing vacation?
Storage space on board is limited, so soft-sided luggage is required. Casual and breezy beach attire is the order of the day on deck. Skip hairdryers and irons — they're not needed. For dining ashore, slacks or a sundress are fine; shorts and a t-shirt also work. No shoes are worn aboard the yacht, but you'll want flip flops or sandals for nights ashore, and aqua shoes are handy for the beach. Bring plenty of sun protection: sunscreen, a wide-brimmed hat or sailing cap, and loose cotton cover-ups. A water-resistant windbreaker is useful for cool evenings at certain times of year. All bath and beach towels are provided.
Can I order special diet menus or request favourite drinks?
Yes. Once your charter is confirmed, the preference sheet asks for specific details about meals and beverages. Every charter comes with a standard stocked bar including liquors, soft drinks, wine and local beers. The menu is set in advance with a wide variety of dishes. Please let us know about any allergies or dietary requirements — our crew can accommodate them.
Which meals are not included?
The on-board meal plan covers 2 dinners, 2 lunches and 3 breakfasts. On one night of the trip, dining is ashore on your own or as a group; your captain can recommend the best spots. Transport from the airport or hotel to the marina is not included, but you can book a luxury limousine or armored SUV transfer through our sister company.
What activities are included? Which have an extra fee?
All standard on-board activities are included: sea kayaks, snorkelling masks and fins, and swim floats. Your preference sheet collects any specific gear requests. If you'd like to dive during the charter, we can arrange a local dive operator; the fee is paid directly to them at roughly $150 USD per dive for certified divers (rate and conditions confirmed at the time of diving). Bring your valid certification card.
What is included onboard the yacht?
Like a fine resort hotel, the yacht is stocked with the basics: bath towels, linens and basic toiletries. We recommend bringing your own personal toiletries — toothpaste, creams, shampoo — to your preference.
Will I be able to make calls or use the internet?
Each crew member carries a phone with limited cellular service. You can leave our base number, +52 998 149-2524, with family back home for emergencies during business hours; the base manager will relay any messages. When we anchor close to shore there's sometimes Wi-Fi available, but it's not a consistent amenity.
How much should we tip the crew?
Tipping is at your discretion based on the quality of service. As a guideline we suggest about 20% of the standard retail charter cost, keeping in mind that the crew is at your service 24 hours a day for the entire trip.
What travel documents do I need?
All US citizens need a valid passport. Citizens of other countries should check entry requirements with their home country's consulate.