Dive in to see the Mexico's best boating cities and the maritime culture, amenities, and unique experiences each one offers

Table of Contents


The boating industry in Mexico contributes billions annually to the country's GDP, and is the second-largest boating market in North America. While the country only hosts one annual boat and marine show in Cancún, the industry is growing in all locations as more visitors and locals alike look for access to the beautiful waters on both coasts.


About this Report

This report analyzes booking and demand data from Getmyboat, the world’s largest boat rental marketplace, examining the top boating cities in Mexico, one of the busiest locations for the company. We ranked the cities based on frequency by examining the demand and number of completed rentals. We included proprietary data regarding the number of vessels available, the most popular styles of boats, and information about the local boating culture.


Our Methodology

To develop this report, Getmyboat analyzed Mexico's boat rentals, charters, and demand data. The data was cleaned to exclude outlier hourly rates and locations with insignificant sample sizes, while rentals were categorized into the significant categories to be evaluated in this report. Information on pricing, the most popular style of boat, and number of vessels available in each location is included for the top locations to paint a more detailed picture of the boating culture for each city.


Mexico Data Map Revised

The Top Boating Locations in Mexico

1. Cabo San Lucas

Most Popular Style of Boat: Yachts

Number of Boat Listings: 332

Overview: Located at the southern tip of the Baja California Peninsula, Cabo San Lucas is Mexico's number-one destination for boat rentals and yacht charters. It’s beloved for its vibrant marine life, affordable luxury yacht offerings, and stunning coastal landscapes.

Boating Appeal: Cabo San Lucas offers access to the Sea of Cortez, often called the "Aquarium of the World." Here, a must-see attraction is “El Arco” - the iconic natural arch that has become a symbol of Cabo San Lucas and a destination for boaters to take photos. It’s near Lover’s Beach, another iconic photo opportunity, and a great spot to stop for a swim. Other popular activities you can enjoy by boat include whale watching, sport fishing, and snorkeling. Cabo San Lucas has robust marina infrastructure, too, which not only provides comforts and amenities to tourists enjoying boating and yachting here, but it contributes significantly to the local tourism economy and job market.

2. Cancún

Most Popular Style of Boat: Yachts

Number of Boat Listings: 635

Overview: Over 3 million tourists annually experience Cancún’s marine activities, making it one of the busiest boating hubs in Mexico. It’s the only city that hosts an annual boat show in the country and is home to over 20,000 vessels. Famous for its turquoise waters and proximity to the Mesoamerican Barrier Reef, Cancún is ideal for spending time on a boat or a yacht while on vacation.

Boating Appeal: Cancún provides easy access to Isla Mujeres and Cozumel for day trips. Popular for snorkeling, diving, and catamaran cruises. Ideal for both leisure yachts and fishing charters.

3. Puerto Vallarta

Most Popular Style of Boat: Yachts

Number of Boat Listings: 331

Overview: Nestled along the Bay of Banderas, Puerto Vallarta boasts a mix of scenic beauty and marine biodiversity. The marina here can host over 400 vessels, contributing significantly to local tourism revenue and boat options for visitors and locals alike.

Boating Appeal: Puerto Vallarta offers year-round calm waters for sailing and cruising. It’s a popular destination for humpback whale-watching tours during migration season, which is from December to March. Marina Vallarta is also a hub for luxury yachting. Considered to be a top fishing destination, it also attracts anglers looking to make a trophy catch on a deep-sea charter.

4. Tulum (Puerto Aventuras)

Most Popular Style of Boat: Yachts

Number of Boat Listings: 47

Overview: While Tulum itself does not have a marina, nearby Puerto Aventuras is the spot to board a yacht and cruise around its beautiful coast. FTulum is a growing destination for eco-conscious boaters, known for its ancient Mayan ruins and pristine beaches. It’s also a gateway to incredible scuba diving and snorkeling locations. The upscale marina at Puerto Aventuras offers Tulum’s visitors a luxury experience when they start their boating adventures.

Boating Appeal: Tulum provides access to the Sian Ka’an Biosphere Reserve for eco-tours. There is also a rising popularity of private charters for snorkeling and exploring cenotes. From Tulum directly, you can board smaller “panga” boats for certain tours and experiences.

Stats: Marine activities in Tulum contribute to a 20% annual increase in local tourism, and the marina at Puerto Aventuras has capacity to host over 1,000 vessels annually.

5. La Cruz

Most Popular Style of Boat: Yachts

Number of Boat Listings: 35

Overview: A quaint fishing village near Puerto Vallarta, La Cruz is a favorite for sailors and yacht owners. It’s rising in popularity amongst tourists who want an escape from the busier Mexico destinations like Cabo San Lucas and Puerto Vallarta.

Boating Appeal: The Marina Riviera Nayarit is one of the most modern facilities in Mexico. Hosts an annual sailing regatta attracting global participants. It’s also a great destination for whale watching, fishing, snorkeling and sailing.

Stats: Marina Riviera Nayarit, the primary marina of La Cruz, accommodates over 200 vessels and features world-class amenities. It’s a top-rated attraction of La Cruz and offers family-friendly amenities, access to incredible restaurants, and much more.

6. Isla Mujeres

Most Popular Style of Boat: Powerboats

Number of Boat Listings: 467

Overview: A picturesque island near Cancún, Isla Mujeres is famed for its relaxed vibe and crystal-clear waters.

Boating Appeal: Ideal for snorkeling and diving, especially around the Underwater Museum of Art (MUSA), an underwater sculpture garden and artificial reef system. Isla Mujeres also offers sheltered bays perfect for anchoring. It’s also a highly sought-after destination for deep sea fishing, where you can catch the incredible Sailfish and other species.

Stats: Isla Mujeres welcomes hundreds of boats daily during peak seasons, with most people coming over from Cancún for day trips or overnight stays.

7. Playa del Carmen

Most Popular Style of Boat: Yachts

Number of Boat Listings: 32

Overview: A bustling coastal town on the Riviera Maya, Playa del Carmen offers a vibrant mix of marine activities, from sailing and fishing to snorkeling and scuba diving. It’s a popular location for boating excursions, catamarans, yachts, and jet skis.

Boating Appeal: Playa del Carmen’s proximity to Cozumel makes it a gateway for seeing marine life, as it is a part of the Mesoamerican Barrier Reef system. It offers fishing, diving, and luxury yacht charters.

Stats: More than 16 million tourists visit Playa del Carmen every year, and with boating and marine activities comprising the brunt of itinerary items for visitors, the marine industry comprises a huge portion of the tourism industry in the city.

8. Mazatlán

Most Popular Style of Boat: Sailboats

Number of Boat Listings: 71

Overview: As a laidback destination for tourists still looking to experience authentic Mexican culture, Mazatlán combines historic charm with modern amenities. Its location on the Pacific coast makes it desirable for boating and yachting experiences.

Boating Appeal: Marina Mazatlán is one of the largest marinas in Mexico, with over 300 slips that can accommodate boats up to 35 meters in length. Mazatlan is ideal for deep-sea fishing and coastal cruises, and sailing stands out here as a favorite amongst tourists booking charters.

Stats: Mazatlán has been recognized for tourism growth in 2024, receiving over $800 million in recent investments for development projects, including new hotels, restaurants, and infrastructure. Mazatlán has seen a 7% annual growth in its tourism sector.

9. Holbox

Most Popular Style of Boat: Yachts

Number of Boat Listings: 6

Overview: A serene island north of the Yucatan Peninsula, Holbox is a haven for eco-tourism and small boats. Some main attractions accessible by boat include ​​Isla Pasión, famous for its white-sand beaches and turquoise waters, and Punta Mosquito, a paradise for nature lovers.

Boating Appeal: Most well-known for whale shark encounters, snorkeling tours by boat are very popular in Holbox. Calm, shallow waters around the city are ideal for kayaking and small boat charters.

Stats: The island hosts over 50,000 tourists annually.

10. Cozumel

Most Popular Style of Boat: Catamarans

Number of Boat Listings: 44

Overview: A diver’s paradise, Cozumel is a prime destination for exploring vibrant reefs and marine life.

Boating Appeal: Access to the Mesoamerican Barrier Reef system. Popular for glass-bottom boat tours and luxury yacht charters.

Stats: Over 1 million cruise passengers stop at Cozumel yearly, many engaging in marine activities for the day.


In Summary

Mexico is a premier destination for boating and yachting, with many cities catering to the needs and interests of marine enthusiasts. Thanks to the infrastructure provided by world-class marinas, coral reefs teeming with marine life, and crystal clear, warm waters year-round, it’s a top travel destination for boating. This ranking highlights Mexico’s diverse offerings for boaters and yachters across the top 10 cities, where each city contributes uniquely to the country's thriving marine tourism industry.


About Getmyboat

Getmyboat is the world's biggest and best marketplace for fun, safe, and easy boating experiences of all kinds. Launched in 2013, over 2 million customers have gone boating through the platform, with 180,000+ listings across 184 countries and thousands of 5-star reviews for boat owners and captains. 30% of trips are boat rentals, while 70% of trips are captained by boating professionals, so customers feel safe while they enjoy being together with family and friends on the water.


Citing This Report

Media professionals are welcome to utilize this data for journalistic reporting purposes, with a citation and link to Getmyboat. For any questions, or for any other data not found in the below report, reach out to pr@getmyboat.com. Our data and press team can provide further analysis, press quotes, and any other information needed for press stories.