A private Cozumel scuba diving yacht charter puts you steps from world-class reefs on your own schedule, starting from about $16,500 MXN (roughly $1,000 USD) for a 4-hour private trip on Xuxu, a 27 ft Sea Ray SDX for up to 10 guests. You get captain, crew, fuel, snorkel gear and drinks included — dive gear and certified guides are arranged separately, so you dive when you want without a crowded group boat.
Cozumel's reefs are protected inside a marine park and famous for crystal-clear water and gentle drift dives, which makes a private boat the most comfortable way to reach them between dives.
Why charter a private yacht for diving in Cozumel?
Big group dive boats run on a fixed timetable with strangers, packed decks and set surface intervals. A private charter flips that: your family or dive buddies own the day, choose the sites, and relax in the shade or on the swim platform between dives.
On the surface interval you can snorkel, swim, sip a cold drink or just soak up the sun — no waiting on other divers, no rush back to a crowded marina.
- Captain, crew, fuel, snorkel gear and drinks always included
- Set your own timing and pace between dives
- Comfortable deck and swim platform for surface intervals
- Ideal for couples, families and small dive groups
Which reefs and sites can you reach?
Cozumel's leeward (west) side shelters most of the famous dive and snorkel reefs, and they sit close to shore — perfect for a half-day charter. Your captain positions the boat over shallow, clear water so divers and snorkelers can share the day.
These are classic Cozumel names known for easy drift diving, colorful coral and abundant marine life.
- Palancar — sprawling coral formations and swim-throughs
- Columbia — dramatic pillars and towering coral heads
- Paradise Reef — shallow, easy and great for warm-ups
- El Cielo sandbar area — shallow, bright-white sand and starfish for the non-divers aboard
Which boat should you pick for your dive group?
The right yacht depends on your group size and how many non-divers are tagging along to snorkel. Smaller sport boats are nimble and cost-efficient; larger yachts and the catamaran give you more deck space to gear up and lounge.
Prices below are 'from' rates for a private 4-hour charter (USD is approximate at 16.5 MXN per dollar).
- Island Girl — 27 ft Sea Ray Sundancer, up to 7 guests, from $15,500 MXN (~$940 USD)
- Xuxu — 27 ft Sea Ray SDX, up to 10 guests, from $16,500 MXN (~$1,000 USD)
- Good Fellas — 29 ft Chaparral, up to 12 guests, from $22,000 MXN (~$1,335 USD)
- Maravilla — 32 ft, up to 15 guests, from $22,000 MXN (~$1,335 USD)
- Candela — 40 ft Lagoon catamaran, up to 25 guests, from $44,850 MXN (~$2,720 USD) for big groups
- Browse the full fleet, sport yachts and catamarans
How do you plan the perfect dive day?
A 4-hour private charter typically fits two relaxed dives plus surface time, or one dive with plenty of snorkeling for mixed groups. Extend to a full day if you want to reach farther southern reefs like Palancar and Columbia at a leisurely pace.
Bring your certification card and log if you plan to dive tanks, and let us know your group's experience level so the day is matched to comfortable, appropriate sites.
- Morning departures offer the calmest, clearest water
- Half day: 2 dives or 1 dive plus snorkeling
- Full day: reach the southern reefs and add lunch stops
- Mix divers and non-divers on the same charter
Cozumel dive charter FAQ
Quick answers to the questions we hear most from divers booking a private Cozumel charter.
- Is dive gear included? Snorkel gear and drinks are always included; scuba tanks and certified dive guides are arranged separately — just ask when you book.
- Do I need certification? Yes to dive with tanks. Non-certified guests can snorkel the same reefs, and everyone shares the boat.
- How many people fit? From 7 guests on Island Girl up to 25 on the Candela catamaran.
- What's the price? A private 4-hour charter starts from $15,500 MXN (about $940 USD).
- How far are the reefs? Cozumel's top reefs are close to shore on the sheltered west side, so travel time is short.
Ready to book your Cozumel dive charter?
Tell us your group size, dive plans and date, and we'll match you with the right boat and put the reefs on your schedule instead of someone else's.
Get an instant quote at altamarcharters.com.mx and lock in your private Cozumel diving day.
