🔎 TL;DR
- Sweet spot: 45–55 ft yacht for 10–14 guests. Smaller = cramped for a celebration; larger = paying for space you don't need.
- Mexican boating authority (Capitanía de Puerto) sets passenger limits per vessel — not the operator. Never exceed the certificate.
- Private yacht with captain + crew is legal; "friend's boat" charters without a licensed captain are not and leave your group uninsured.
- Alcohol is allowed; underage drinking is federal offence in Mexico (legal drinking age 18, enforced on commercial vessels).
Picking the right boat for your group
Groups of 8–20 are where charter pricing gets interesting. Too small a boat and guests share a single bathroom and bump into each other; too big and you are buying deck space that sits empty. The 41–59 ft tier is the sweet spot: AC cabin, sound system, two bathrooms, shaded deck, full-size swim platform.
Legal capacity is set per-vessel by the Capitanía de Puerto and printed on the boat's documentation. Operators can show you the certificate on request; any serious charter will. Exceeding it voids the insurance policy and carries criminal liability for the captain.
The three mistakes that ruin a bachelor day
- Overloading. 18 people on a 45 ft boat is technically legal but miserable in practice: no shade for everyone, one bathroom queue, bar crush. Cap it 20% under paper capacity.
- Too much alcohol, too early. Dehydration + sun + swimming = incidents. Real operators cut service if it gets unsafe; some refuse to launch. Plan food and water intake alongside the bar.
- Route expectations. "All the way to Holbox and back" sounds fun; it is 180+ km round-trip. Realistic charters do Isla Mujeres loop (flat, safe) or MUSA + Punta Nizuc (closer). Anything further demands an overnight.
Plan a smooth bachelor day. Browse 41–59 ft fleet →
Pricing split: the math
For a 45 ft yacht at ~$2,400 USD / 6 h with 12 guests:
- Base per head: ~$200 USD
- Catering ($40/head): +$40
- Dock + entry fees: +$30
- Crew tip (15% of base): +$30
- All-in per guest: ~$300 USD
Collect from each guest before departure (operators don't split bills day-of). Shared spreadsheet + a single group payment works cleanest.
Frequently asked questions
Can we hire strippers / dancers on board?
Mexican law is strict on commercial vessels. Most operators don't allow paid performers. Costumes and décor yes; explicit performances no. Confirm before booking to avoid last-minute issues.
Is it safe to drink on the swim platform?
Legal yes, recommended no. Alcohol + warm sun + swimming is the most common cause of on-board injury incidents. Drink on the deck, swim sober, rotate.
Can we play our own music?
Almost always yes via Bluetooth. Sound caps apply in marina zones (CONANP restrictions near reef); captain mutes in protected areas.
Who supplies the bar?
Options: BYOB (cheapest, you pack), open bar package ($40–80/head), or premium menu ($100+/head with mixologist). Ice, cups and mixers usually on the house.
Planning a bachelor day?
Group size, budget, departure time — we answer within the hour with 3 boats and total per-person cost.