Deluxe Private Boats – 36 ft Fjord

The best part of this Cozumel charter is the freedom to shape the day around your group. You can spend more time floating at Playa El Cielo, ask for a quieter reef site, or shorten the snorkeling stop and settle in for lunch. Captain Donny and first mate Alejandro handle the boat, food, and timing while you enjoy the water.

I like the excellent food, especially the fresh tuna sashimi, tuna tartare, and ceviche. I also like the thoughtful drinks list, which includes JW Black Label, Belvedere Vodka, Maestro Tequilero Tequila, Habana 7 Rum, beer, sodas, and water. The main consideration is that transportation to the marina is not included, and the boat is best suited to groups that value privacy more than a low-cost shared excursion.

Key points

• A 36-foot private Fjord yacht: Your group has the boat to itself, with a restroom and snorkeling gear on board.
• Flexible time at El Cielo: The main beach stop lasts about three hours and can be adjusted around your interests.
• A quieter Palancar Reef visit: The crew looks for a reef location away from the busiest sites.
• Fresh seafood served on board: Expect catch-of-the-day ceviche, tuna sashimi, tuna tartare, guacamole, fruit, vegetables, and snacks.
• Premium drinks included: The bar includes JW Black Label, Belvedere Vodka, tequila, rum, three types of beer, sodas, and water.
• A small private group: Up to 10 people can book together, with only your own party on the yacht.

A private yacht day built around your group

This is not a fixed sightseeing cruise where everyone follows the same clock. It is a private six-hour outing from Cozumel’s Asipona Marina, with the crew helping you decide how to use your time on the water.

The boat is a 36-foot Fjord, a useful size for a group that wants room to sit, eat, snorkel, and move around without sharing the deck with strangers. A restroom is on board, and snorkeling equipment is provided. The private setup matters most for families, couples traveling together, and small groups celebrating a birthday or another special occasion.

I would think of this as a relaxed food-and-water day rather than a hard-charging snorkeling tour. The advertised plan gives El Cielo about three hours and snorkeling about 45 minutes, though the crew can adjust the balance. One person in your group can float in the shallows while another snacks on the boat, and you do not have to match the pace of an entire excursion group.

The tradeoff is cost. No tour price is provided here, so I cannot tell you if it beats every shared boat in Cozumel. I can tell you what you are paying for: exclusive use of the yacht, a smaller group, premium drinks, fresh seafood, equipment, and a crew that can change the plan. For a full group of 10, the per-person value may look much better than it does for only two or three people.

Starting at Asipona Marina

Your day begins at Deluxe Private Boats and Yachts, at Costera Hotelera Sur, kilometer 5.5, inside Marina Asipona. The boat waits in front of the office. Check in there, and staff walk you to the yacht.

You need to arrange your own way to the marina. Hotel or private-home pickup is not the normal plan because piers and weather conditions can make those departures risky for the boat. The operator considers the marina the safest and smoothest starting point.

That detail is easy to miss when you are planning a Cozumel day. Leave enough time to reach the marina, since the six-hour outing begins there rather than at your hotel. The experience ends back at the same meeting point.

The reservation is a mobile ticket, and confirmation is sent within 48 hours, subject to availability. The tour is offered in English. It is also near public transportation, though the supplied information does not specify routes or fares.

Cruising toward Playa El Cielo

Once aboard, you head through Cozumel waters on your own private yacht. The main stop is Playa El Cielo, known for clear, shallow water and marine life close to shore.

The setting works well for a mixed group. You can swim, wade, float, take photos, or simply stay on the boat with a drink. The water can be shallow enough for walking with the water around hip level, according to the experience details, giving you a different kind of beach time from a typical sandy shore visit.

This is also where the crew prepares the meal. Instead of handing you a wrapped sandwich, they serve catch-of-the-day ceviche, tuna sashimi, and tuna tartare, along with guacamole, seasonal fruit, vegetables, and other snacks. The seafood focus is one of the strongest reasons to choose this charter. If your group cares about fresh food as much as swimming, the menu adds real value.

Captain Donny and Alejandro are named members of the crew. Their roles go beyond steering the boat. They respond to requests, help locate good water for snorkeling, and prepare the food while you enjoy El Cielo. A reported outing with them included five stingrays and a barracuda near the beach, though marine sightings are never guaranteed.

You should bring a submersible camera if you have one. Sunglasses are also recommended, and the operator asks you to use organic sunscreen to help protect the reef. If you cannot find suitable sunscreen, it is available at the office for $10.

Snorkeling at Palancar Reef

The Palancar Reef stop lasts about 45 minutes in the standard plan. Rather than sending every boat to one crowded point, the crew looks for a reef location that suits the conditions and offers a quieter experience.

That approach is valuable in Cozumel, where the quality of a snorkeling stop depends on water conditions, boat traffic, and how many people are in the same patch of sea. You are not guaranteed an empty reef or a specific animal, but a private boat gives the crew more room to select a location for your group.

The snorkeling equipment is included, so you do not need to rent masks and fins separately. The crew can help direct you toward the best area, as Alejandro did on one outing. Reported sightings included a turtle, colorful fish, sharks, and starfish. Those are possible wildlife encounters, not promises, but they show the range of marine life you might find.

The 45-minute timing is worth considering before you book. One group preferred spending more time at El Cielo and found the snorkeling period sufficient. If snorkeling is your main goal, tell the crew before or during the trip that you would like more time in the water. The itinerary is flexible, but you should speak up early rather than assume the schedule will change on its own.

Food and drinks that make the boat time count

The food is more ambitious than the usual excursion fare. The listed lunch includes catch-of-the-day ceviche and tuna sashimi, with tuna tartare also part of the meal described from the outing. Guacamole, fruit, vegetables, and snacks fill out the spread.

I would book this for a group that likes seafood. If someone in your party does not eat raw fish or ceviche, the supplied information does not list a separate hot main course, so ask the operator about alternatives before booking. That is an important practical question, especially for a six-hour outing.

The drink selection is generous. Included alcoholic options are JW Black Label whiskey, Maestro Tequilero Tequila, Belvedere Vodka, Habana 7 Rum, and three types of beer. Sodas and water are also provided.

The minimum drinking age is 18. The combination of premium liquor and fresh food makes the charter feel more like a private lunch on the water than a basic boat transfer. It also means you should pace yourself, especially under the Cozumel sun. Water is available, but I would still make a point of drinking it throughout the day.

What the private format changes

A private boat changes the rhythm of the day. You do not have to wait for a large group to board, follow strangers into the water, or leave a beach just because another party is ready.

For families, this can make the outing easier. Parents can divide their time between the water and the boat, while children have more room to settle into a slower schedule. Couples and friends may appreciate the privacy for a celebration, with food and drinks served on their own yacht.

The maximum is 10 people per booking. That limit keeps the group small, but it does not mean the boat will feel equally spacious with every number of passengers. A full party of 10 will have a different onboard feel from a group of four. The private format is strongest when you are filling much of the booking with people you already know.

Gratuity is not included. The stated guidance is 15 percent for groups below seven passengers and 20 percent for groups of eight or more. Plan for that extra amount when comparing the total cost with other Cozumel excursions.

Weather, timing, and practical limits

The outing lasts about six hours, and the schedule includes the marina check-in, the El Cielo visit, snorkeling, and the return. Exact water time can change because the crew may adjust the plan to suit your group and conditions.

Good weather is required. If poor weather forces cancellation, you receive the choice of another date or a full refund. For a cruise visit or a tightly packed holiday, keep that weather condition in mind before placing this on the only open day of your trip.

Free cancellation is available if you cancel at least 24 hours before the experience begins. A cancellation or change made less than 24 hours in advance is not refunded or accepted under the stated terms.

Most people can take part, but the information does not give a detailed accessibility plan. If anyone in your group has mobility needs, contact the operator before booking so you can confirm that the marina, boat, and water entry suit your group.

Who will get the most from this Cozumel charter

I would choose this boat if you want privacy, fresh seafood, and control over the pace. It is a particularly good fit for a family reunion, a birthday, a group of friends, or a couple willing to pay more for a yacht reserved just for them.

It also suits mixed-interest groups. Strong swimmers can snorkel at Palancar Reef, while others can spend more time at El Cielo or remain on board. The crew can adjust the balance, which is much more useful than a fixed tour when your group does not share one perfect activity.

I would hesitate if your main goal is maximum snorkeling time or the lowest possible price. The standard snorkeling stop is about 45 minutes, and transportation to the marina is extra. A shared boat may be more economical for a small party that cares little about private service or specialty food.

Should you book the 36-foot Fjord?

Book it if your ideal Cozumel day includes a private yacht, calm time at El Cielo, a carefully prepared seafood lunch, and snorkeling away from the busiest places. Captain Donny and Alejandro add useful personal attention, and the ability to request more snorkeling or more beach time gives the day flexibility.

Before paying, confirm the current total price, your transportation to Marina Asipona, and any food needs in your group. Also decide how much snorkeling you want. If you want a private, polished day on the water and can fill the boat with friends or family, this is a strong choice. If you mainly want a quick reef swim at the lowest cost, choose a simpler shared excursion instead.

FAQ

How long does the private boat experience last?

The experience lasts approximately six hours and ends back at the marina where it begins.

Where do I meet the boat?

Meet at Deluxe Private Boats, Costera Hotelera Sur, kilometer 5.5, Marina Asipona, 77688 Cozumel, Quintana Roo. The boat waits in front of the office, where staff check your reservation and walk you aboard.

Is transportation from my hotel included?

No. You must make your own way to the marina. The operator recommends starting there rather than using hotel or private-home piers.

How many people can join the booking?

A maximum of 10 people can be included in one booking. The activity is private, so only your group participates.

What food is included?

Lunch includes catch-of-the-day ceviche and tuna sashimi. Tuna tartare, guacamole, seasonal fruit, vegetables, and snacks are also provided.

Which drinks are included?

Included drinks are JW Black Label whiskey, Maestro Tequilero Tequila, Belvedere Vodka, Habana 7 Rum, three types of beer, sodas, and water. The minimum drinking age is 18.

Is snorkeling equipment provided?

Yes. Snorkeling equipment is included, and the boat visits Palancar Reef or another reef location selected for your group.

What happens if the weather is poor?

The experience requires good weather. If the operator cancels because of poor conditions, you can choose a different date or receive a full refund.