For a Cozumel yacht charter, pack light and dress for sun and water: a swimsuit worn under a cover-up, non-marking soft-soled or barefoot-friendly shoes, reef-safe sunscreen, a hat and sunglasses. That's really all you need — captain, crew, fuel, snorkel gear and drinks are always included on Altamar boats, so you don't have to haul any equipment aboard.
Everything else on this list is about comfort during your 4-hour private trip, whether you're on the 27ft Island Girl (up to 7 guests, from $15,500 MXN) or the 56ft Sea Wolf (up to 18 guests, from $45,500 MXN).
What should you wear on a Cozumel yacht?
Comfort and sun protection come first. You'll spend the day moving between sun deck, shaded seating and the water, so layer a light cover-up over your swimsuit and bring something you don't mind getting salty.
Footwear matters more than people expect. Hard-soled shoes and stiletto heels can scuff the deck and are unsafe when it's wet — most guests go barefoot or wear soft flip-flops or boat shoes.
- Swimsuit (wear it under your clothes so you're ready to jump in)
- Light cover-up, rash guard or linen shirt for sun breaks
- Soft-soled boat shoes, flip-flops, or plan to go barefoot
- Wide-brim hat and polarized sunglasses
- A light layer for the ride back if it gets breezy
What to pack for a Cozumel snorkel or reef day
Cozumel's reefs and the shallow El Cielo sandbar are the main draw, so most charters include time in the water. Snorkel gear is provided, but a few personal extras make the day smoother.
If you burn easily, a rash guard beats reapplying sunscreen every hour — and always choose reef-safe formulas to protect the coral.
- Reef-safe (mineral) sunscreen SPF 30+
- Rash guard or swim shirt for extended snorkeling
- A dry bag or waterproof phone pouch for photos
- A quick-dry towel (bring your own if you like a big one)
- Motion-sickness tablets if you're sensitive to open water
What NOT to bring (and what's already covered)
You can leave the coolers, snorkel sets and heavy bags at the hotel. Altamar charters come with captain, crew, fuel, snorkel gear and drinks included, so packing stays minimal.
Skip anything that damages the deck or clutters a small boat — space is limited on the 27–29ft sport yachts, and even the larger 40–56ft boats stay tidiest with light bags.
- Skip: your own snorkel gear (it's provided)
- Skip: hard-soled shoes and high heels
- Skip: glass bottles (soft-sided drinks only for safety)
- Bring: sunscreen, hat, sunglasses, cash for crew gratuity
- Bring: a small bag — not a large hard suitcase
Which boat fits your group?
The right boat depends on group size. Couples and small families do great on the 27ft Island Girl (up to 7, from $15,500 MXN) or the Xuxu 27ft SDX (up to 10, from $16,500 MXN).
Larger groups and celebrations have more room. The Azimut 42ft holds up to 15 guests (from $40,540 MXN), and for a bigger crowd the Candela 40ft Lagoon catamaran fits up to 25 (from $44,850 MXN) with a stable, spacious deck — ideal for spreading out with your gear.
- Small groups: Island Girl (7), Xuxu (10), Brisa (10)
- Mid-size: Good Fellas 29ft (12), Van Dutch 40ft (8)
- Large groups: Azimut 42ft (15), Sea Wolf 56ft (18)
- Most deck space: Candela 40ft Lagoon catamaran (25)
- Browse the flota completa, yates deportivos and catamaranes
Frequently asked questions
Quick answers to the most common packing questions for a Cozumel charter.
- Do I need to bring snorkel gear? No — snorkel gear is included on every Altamar charter.
- Are drinks included? Yes, drinks are always included; you can bring soft-sided extras if you like.
- Can I wear heels or hard-soled shoes? No — go barefoot or wear soft-soled shoes to protect the deck.
- Is there shade on board? Yes, all boats have shaded seating for sun breaks.
- Should I bring cash? Yes, for crew gratuity and any personal extras.
Ready to book your Cozumel day?
Pack light, show up in your swimsuit, and let the crew handle the rest. Explore charter options for Cozumel and pick the boat that fits your group and budget.
Get an instant quote at altamarcharters.com.mx and lock in your 4-hour private charter — captain, crew, fuel, snorkel gear and drinks all included.
