Quintana Roo · Mexican Caribbean
- Position
- 20.6°N · 87.1°W
- Region
- Quintana Roo, Mexico
Overview
A region, not a single harbor
Formerly known as the Cancún–Tulum corridor, the Riviera Maya took its current name in 1999. The state tourism board defines it as the coast from Puerto Morelos to Tulum, about 120 km of beaches, resort communities and reef, straddling Federal Highway 307.
Cancún is not part of it. The Riviera Maya begins south of Cancún, at Puerto Morelos, and runs through Playa del Carmen, Puerto Aventuras, Akumal and Xpu-Ha to Tulum. Many visitors searching for a "Riviera Maya yacht" are staying at a resort somewhere along this stretch, which is why the departure point matters more here than almost anywhere else on our network.
There are only a few full marinas on this coast, and they are spread out. Marina El Cid at Puerto Morelos serves the north; Marina Puerto Aventuras serves the central and southern coast; and Playa del Carmen's pier handles ferries and smaller sailing and snorkel trips. Tulum has no yacht marina. We match your hotel to the most practical option, then check the yachts and catamarans available there.
Choose a departure
Where you stay, where you sail
A simple guide from north to south. We confirm the exact meeting point for the vessel you choose.
Staying in Puerto Morelos or the northern Riviera Maya
Marina El Cid at Puerto Morelos is the natural base, with a sheltered harbor, a sportfishing fleet and daily snorkel, dive and sailing tours. Guided snorkel trips to the Puerto Morelos reef also leave from the town pier.
Staying in Playa del Carmen or Playacar
Shorter sailing and snorkel trips leave from the Playa del Carmen pier. For a full-day yacht or catamaran, you will usually meet the boat at Puerto Aventuras or Marina El Cid. See our Playa del Carmen guide.
Staying in Puerto Aventuras, Akumal or Xpu-Ha
Marina Puerto Aventuras is on your doorstep, with slips for boats from around 15 to 140 ft and a community of yacht, catamaran, fishing and dive operators.
Staying in Tulum
There is no yacht marina in Tulum. Local boats run reef snorkel trips, cooperatives guide Sian Ka'an tours, and private yachts usually depart from Puerto Aventuras. See our Tulum guide.
Wanting Isla Mujeres or MUSA?
Those are Cancún experiences, north of the Riviera Maya. Our Cancún guide covers them.
Reefs & parks
The Mesoamerican Reef at your doorstep
The Mesoamerican Barrier Reef System runs for more than 1,000 km from Mexico through Belize and Guatemala to Honduras, and much of the Riviera Maya's coast sits behind it.
Puerto Morelos Reef National Park, decreed in 1998, protects the reef just off Puerto Morelos. Snorkeling there is done with local guides in small groups, under park rules and a per-person daily fee.
Caribe Mexicano Biosphere Reserve, created in 2016, covers a vast area of sea off Quintana Roo, including strictly protected core zones.
Akumal Bay is a marine refuge for green sea turtles, and Cozumel's reefs, inside their own national park, are a classic day crossing in good weather. See our Cozumel guide.
Seasons
The year on the Riviera Maya
Hurricane season: June 1 to November 30, with most activity from mid-August to mid-October.
Nortes: winter cold fronts, roughly October to April, can bring a few windy days.
Rain: more common from May to November; March to May is usually the driest period.
Sargassum: usually April to October, heaviest from May to August.
Water: above 24 °C year-round, from about 26 °C in winter to 29 °C in late summer.
Yacht days
Marina-based motor yachts for groups and celebrations.
Catamarans
Relaxed snorkel days along the reef.
Sport fishing
From Puerto Morelos and Puerto Aventuras.
Sailing
Shorter sails from the Playa del Carmen pier.
Current fleet & availability
Match your resort to the right marina
Tell us where you are staying, your date and your group size. We will suggest the most convenient departure on the Riviera Maya and check the yachts and catamarans available.
Related destinations
Explore the Mexican Caribbean
Riviera Maya FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions About Yacht Charters on the Riviera Maya
Straight answers to the questions travelers ask most about chartering in Riviera Maya. If yours is not here, ask us when you request a quote.
Where does the Riviera Maya start and end?
The state tourism board defines it as the Caribbean coast from Puerto Morelos to Tulum, about 120 km, including Playa del Carmen, Puerto Aventuras and Akumal.
Where does the Riviera Maya begin and end?
The Riviera Maya begins at Puerto Morelos, just south of Cancún, and runs down the coast to Tulum. Cancún itself is a separate destination to the north.
Which Riviera Maya marina is closest to my resort?
It depends on where you are staying. Marina El Cid at Puerto Morelos serves the north, Marina Puerto Aventuras the central and southern coast, and Playa del Carmen's pier handles smaller trips. Tell us your hotel and we will suggest the most practical option.
Can we snorkel the reef at Puerto Morelos?
Yes, with local guides in small groups, following the rules of the Puerto Morelos Reef National Park and paying its per-person daily fee.
Can a Riviera Maya charter go to Cozumel?
Yes, in suitable weather. The crossing is open water, and Cozumel's reefs are inside a national park with its own fee and rules.
Where can we see sea turtles on the Riviera Maya?
Akumal Bay is a protected turtle refuge with its own rules, and turtles are most often seen around Tulum and Akumal from roughly May to October.
Are there sport fishing charters on the Riviera Maya?
Yes, from Puerto Morelos and Puerto Aventuras. Send your date and we will check what is available.
Are cenotes part of a Riviera Maya yacht charter?
No. Cenotes are inland freshwater sinkholes visited on land excursions.
Can a Riviera Maya charter take us to Isla Mujeres or MUSA?
Isla Mujeres and MUSA are Cancún experiences, north of the Riviera Maya, so they are best planned as a Cancún charter rather than from the marinas on this coast. Our Cancún guide covers those departures.
What is the best time of year for a charter on the Riviera Maya?
March to May is usually the driest stretch of the year. Winter cold fronts, roughly October to April, can bring a few windy days, and the Atlantic hurricane season runs from June 1 to November 30, with most activity from mid-August to mid-October.
How warm is the water on the Riviera Maya?
It stays above 24 °C year-round, from about 26 °C in winter to around 29 °C in late summer, according to the state tourism board. Day-to-day conditions still depend on wind and weather, so your captain chooses swim stops on the day.