Candela
Departs from · CozumelA 40-ft sailing catamaran out of Cozumel for up to 22 guests: Palancar reef, the starfish of El Cielo and sunset sails.
The way we see it
Cozumel's water is some of the clearest we know, and Candela is how we take you into it: a 40-foot sailing catamaran that leaves from Marina Fonatur and heads straight for the reefs that made the island famous.
It's the private-charter formula our guests love on the mainland, with an island as the backdrop: sail, snorkel, swim, and let the afternoon take its time.
On board: four cabins, two full bathrooms, indoor and outdoor dining areas, shade and wide sun decks. One charter a day, so the boat and the crew are yours alone.
Why we recommend it
The rate already covers a large group and there's room for more, so everyone sails together on one deck. On the longer charters you reach Palancar and El Cielo, two of the island's best-known spots, in a single day.
What you'll experience
You board at Marina Fonatur, on the island's west coast, with a drink in hand. Three hours is a sunset sail over the reef; from four hours the day opens up to snorkeling, a turquoise-water beach and, on the longest charters, the sandbar of El Cielo, where starfish rest on the bottom.
Getting there
Departs from Cozumel: the ferry from Playa del Carmen takes about 45 minutes, and we coordinate the crossing and the ride to the marina.
Your day on the water
- 3 hours · sunset: a sail into the golden hour, with snacks, a drink in hand and time for a swim.
- 4 hours · morning: anchored over Cardona reef to snorkel among tropical fish and rays, with the paddle board and inflatables in the water.
- 6 hours · afternoon: Palancar reef, the clear water and starfish of El Cielo and a last stop at El Cielito, with food and open bar at an easy pace.
- 8 hours · full day: more stops, long swims, fishing on the way and the whole horizon to yourselves.
Open Bar
- 3 hours: beer, white wine, prosecco and soft drinks.
- 4 to 8 hours: beer and cocktails with rum, tequila, vodka and whisky, plus soft drinks, juices and water.
Menu on board
- 3 hours: snacks, such as a fruit and charcuterie board.
- 4 to 8 hours: fresh fruit, guacamole and ceviche; the longer charters add more food and snacks.
What's included
- Captain and bilingual crew
- Life jackets and safety equipment
- Towels
- Snorkeling gear
- Paddle board and inflatables
- Fishing gear
- Bluetooth sound system
- Food and open bar for the length of your charter
Rates
From $1,400 USD · 3 hours. That rate covers up to 15 guests. Charters run 3, 4, 6 or 8 hours, and we quote by duration and group size. Beyond 15 guests, up to 22, each additional guest is $50 USD. There is no dock fee in Cozumel. When you book, we confirm availability and the current rate for your date.
Before you book
- Booking: a 25% deposit secures your date; the balance is paid on board on charter day.
- Cancellation: cancel at least 7 days before and the deposit is fully refunded; after that, the deposit is kept.
- Weather: if the captain cancels because conditions are unsafe, you can reschedule or receive a full refund of your deposit.
- No dock fee.
On charter day
- Marina Fonatur, Cozumel, the exact meeting point comes with your written confirmation.
- What to bring: swimsuit and biodegradable sunscreen. Towels are on us.
- Ferry and marina transfers: we handle them, quoted by your pickup point.
- Optional pickup service is available within Cozumel for an additional charge. This service does not apply to cruise passengers.
Ideal for
Groups staying in Cozumel or crossing over for the day, birthdays and reunions that want everyone on one boat, and couples who want a sunset under sail.
Questions we hear often
Yes: the charter is private, your group and the crew, no one else.
Up to 22 guests plus the crew. The rate covers the first 15; each additional guest is $50 USD.
Yes. The ferry to Cozumel leaves from Playa del Carmen and takes about 45 minutes; we plan the crossing and the ride to the marina so the day fits your schedule.
The reef stop is made for first-timers too. Tell us the ages in your group and we'll have it sorted before you sail.
Need transportation to the marina?
We can arrange private round-trip transportation from your hotel, villa or vacation rental to the marina, with a vehicle appropriate for your group size. Request transportation together with your charter. Transportation is quoted separately from the charter rate.
Write to us and we confirm availability and the details for your dates, your group and where you start. Here you have Lau and Fede.