REVIEW · CANCUN
All Inclusive Luxury Yacht – Private Island Experience
Book on Viator →Operated by The Yacht Experiences · Bookable on Viator
Chasing crystal water is easy in Cancun. The tricky part is finding a day that feels truly private, with real food and nonstop activities. This all-inclusive luxury yacht outing delivers that: a preserved private island at TYE Island, plus unlimited premium open bar and a crew that keeps things moving.
What I like most is the mix of options: snorkeling gear, inflatables, kayaks and paddle boards (including two boards), all built around a calm lagoon setting. I also love the straightforward “eat well, drink well, play hard” setup, with a onboard chef running the gourmet BBQ style meal. One thing to keep in mind: the up-front price is only part of the cost because there are per-person and per-booking fees on top.
In This Review
- Key highlights at a glance
- Cancun to TYE Island: Why this day feels different
- The private island setup: TYE Island and the lagoon behind it
- What you get on the yacht: chef, open bar, and real comfort
- The water activities: snorkeling, paddle boards, kayaks, inflatables
- How the 9–10 hours usually feel (and how to make them count)
- Food on board: gourmet BBQ that actually keeps you satisfied
- Drinks: unlimited premium open bar (and no awkward money math)
- Crew and safety: the real reason people recommend this
- Price and fees: the real per-person number (not just the headline)
- Who this is best for (and who should think twice)
- Should you book this TYE Island private yacht day?
- FAQ
- How long is the All Inclusive Luxury Yacht – Private Island Experience?
- Where do we meet, and when does it start?
- What’s included in the price?
- What fees are not included?
- Is this tour private or shared?
- Can I cancel for a full refund?
Key highlights at a glance

- Private, preserved TYE Island with crystal-clear water and a calm feel once you arrive
- Water toys included: snorkel equipment, inflatables/floaties, and two paddle boards
- Chef-prepared gourmet BBQ served onboard, with a la carte style menu
- Unlimited premium open bar keeps your day easy (no cash runs)
- A crew focused on safety, especially around snorkeling and the water toys
Cancun to TYE Island: Why this day feels different

Most Cancun “boat days” turn into a floating bus ride. This one works differently because the day centers on a preserved private island surrounded by calm, clear water. Once you arrive, it stops feeling like you’re visiting a site and starts feeling like you’re running your own mini beach vacation.
The island is also more than a pretty stop. The lagoon behind it is part of the experience too, with a setting that’s made for relaxing between activities. The day includes both active water time and stretches where you can just hang, swim, and watch the birds and marine life around you.
You can also read our reviews of more tours and experiences in Cancun.
The private island setup: TYE Island and the lagoon behind it

The headline is TYE Island: a preserved, private island with tranquil water that makes water toys feel natural instead of chaotic. Your time there is built for movement, from exploring on the water to soaking up the sun with breaks in between.
Here’s what stands out about the island experience:
- Crystal-clear water for easy fun: paddle boarding and snorkel-friendly spots tend to be more comfortable when the water is calm and visibility is good.
- A lagoon feel, not just open ocean: the lagoon behind the island adds a layer of “relaxed exploration.” It’s the kind of place where you can shift from playful to peaceful without changing locations much.
- Nature you don’t have to force: you may see marine life and exotic birds in the area, which helps the day feel more grounded than a typical resort-style pool.
Possible drawback: island time depends on water conditions. If the sea is rough, snorkeling and toy play can feel harder. One couple noted they felt ill on a choppier day, and the crew kept checking on them—so you’re in capable hands, but you should plan for motion if you’re sensitive.
What you get on the yacht: chef, open bar, and real comfort
This is an all-inclusive luxury yacht experience, and the biggest value is that your comfort and food/drink are handled for you. You don’t spend the day tracking reservations, ordering around, or searching for what’s open nearby.
Onboard, the essentials are included:
- Chef onboard with a gourmet BBQ-style meal and a la carte menu
- Unlimited premium open bar so the only decision is what you want to sip
- Captain, sailors, and host/hostess handling navigation, safety support, and day-to-day needs
A few details from real-world sailings give you a sense of the vibe. People consistently mention how the staff focused on safety during snorkeling and while using toys. They also highlight that food comes out in a way that keeps you fed throughout the day, not in one rushed wave.
Also, depending on the boat used for your departure, you may find extra deck-style fun described by past groups, like sea bobs and even a water slide on certain yacht setups. The core inclusions are water toys and snorkeling equipment, but the exact toy mix can vary by yacht.
The water activities: snorkeling, paddle boards, kayaks, inflatables

If you like a “do a little of everything” day, this is built for you. The activity list is not just snorkeling. It’s an all-day menu of ways to play in the water.
Included water toys and gear cover:
- Snorkel equipment
- Inflatables/floaties for easy floating time
- Kayaks and other water exploring options
- Two paddle boards (more personal than shared crowd chaos)
Practically, this matters because different people in your group can do different things at the same time. You can have one person paddle while someone else floats, then everyone can regroup for food and drinks.
Safety angle: crews on these trips tend to station support around water play. In one sailing, sailors helped keep people secure around snorkeling and toy use. That doesn’t mean you ignore basic common sense, but it does mean you’re less likely to feel left alone with a life jacket and a vague instruction.
How the 9–10 hours usually feel (and how to make them count)

The duration is listed as about 10 hours, and past groups describe it around 9 hours for similar outings. Either way, think of this as a full morning-to-afternoon style day with a single big island anchor.
A realistic flow looks like this:
- Meet at 9:00 am at Marina V&V, Punta Sam (then return there at the end).
- Head out toward the private island area.
- Spend the bulk of your time at TYE Island, cycling between swimming, snorkeling, and toy play.
- Break up the water time with meals and bar service onboard.
- Finish back at the starting meeting point.
One nice detail: some captains have added short extra cruising time near the end. It’s not a guaranteed “wow moment,” but it’s the kind of flexible touch that makes a private charter feel more tailored than a fixed schedule.
My tip for getting the best day: don’t burn all your energy in the first hour. Start active, then build in a slower middle stretch. The lagoon setting behind the island makes that easy—go hard on toys, then drift into calm water time with fewer moves.
Food on board: gourmet BBQ that actually keeps you satisfied

The onboard meal is not an afterthought here. You get a chef onboard and a gourmet BBQ feast with an a la carte menu included.
Why this is worth real attention: on many yacht days, food is basic and limited, and you end up hungry between swims. Here, the repeated praise is that people stayed well fed all day. Even better, the meal structure supports the island rhythm—snack, swim, eat again, then go out for more water time.
What you should aim to do:
- Eat before you’re famished. Chasing “one more round” can turn you into a foggy, cranky decision-maker around drinks and snacks.
- Treat lunch as part of the schedule, not a break from it. If the chef is running a true meal, it’s one of your anchors for the day.
Drinks: unlimited premium open bar (and no awkward money math)

The all-inclusive part that most people love is the unlimited premium open bar. In plain terms: you don’t need cash in your pocket every time someone wants another round.
The value here is emotional as much as practical. When drinks are handled, the day stays relaxed. It’s also easier for groups with mixed preferences—people can choose cocktails, soft drinks, or something in between without everyone pausing to figure out who is paying.
One note: since this is a full water day, keep yourself safe. Hydrate, pace the drinks, and don’t let a good bar turn into sloppy decisions around snorkeling and paddle boards.
Crew and safety: the real reason people recommend this

Crew performance is where the ratings come from, and it shows in multiple ways. People consistently highlight:
- Host/hostess attention: friendly, proactive help and quick problem-solving
- Captain confidence: emphasis on feeling safe and secure on the water
- Sailor support during water play: guidance around snorkeling and using toys
You might meet staff in the mix such as hosts like Akari, Mariana, and Carolina, plus captains like Juan and Jeremiah (names vary by date and boat). Chefs mentioned in past outings include Victor and Antonio. Sailors like Jorge, Christian, Isaias, and Rafa have been called out for safety-focused support during water activities.
Even if the specific crew changes, the pattern is the same: you get a team that actively checks in, instead of a crew that disappears once you’re on the yacht.
Price and fees: the real per-person number (not just the headline)
The base price is $4,800.00 per group (up to 10). That means the deal math changes a lot depending on group size.
On top of that, you should budget for:
- Dock fee: $15.00 per person
- Marine fee: $300.00 per booking
- Service and Maintenance fee: 10% = $720.00 per booking
Let’s do the “you can plan this” math using the max group size (10 people):
- Base: $4,800
- Marine fee: $300
- Service/Maintenance: $720
- Group total before dock: $5,820
- Per person (10 people): about $582
- Add dock fee ($15 each): about $597 per person
If you book fewer than 10 people, the per-person cost climbs quickly because the marine and service fees are per booking.
So here’s how I’d judge value:
- If you have 7–10 people, this can be a smart splurge because you’re sharing the yacht, crew, and chef.
- If you’re a couple or small group, you might feel like the added fees are heavy, even with unlimited drinks and full water toys.
Who this is best for (and who should think twice)
This private island yacht day fits best when you want:
- A private group experience (only your group participates)
- A mix of active water time and onboard comfort
- A real meal and unlimited premium drinks included
- A “one-stop” day without booking extra excursions
It’s also a strong fit for celebrations. Past groups have used it for major milestones like anniversaries, and the vibe tends to feel special because you’re not sharing the island and boat with random strangers.
Who might pause:
- If you get motion sick easily, choppy conditions can be rough. One couple noted feeling ill on a rougher day, though the crew handled it with care. Bring common-sense motion support if that’s you.
- If you’re chasing the cheapest option in Cancun, this won’t be it once you include dock and marine/service fees.
Should you book this TYE Island private yacht day?
Book it if you want a day that feels like a private escape: preserved island water, included snorkel gear and toys, a chef-powered meal, and unlimited premium drinks under one price structure. The big selling point is the full “day package” instead of a short, snack-only excursion.
I’d tell you to book it with confidence when:
- Your group can reach a larger headcount (closer to the 10-person cap).
- You want both snorkeling and paddle-style fun rather than only one activity.
- You value a crew that focuses on safety and attention, not just cruising time.
If your group is small, I’d still consider it if this is the kind of once-a-year splurge you’ll actually remember. Just go in with your eyes open about the added per-person and per-booking fees.
FAQ
How long is the All Inclusive Luxury Yacht – Private Island Experience?
It runs for approximately 10 hours.
Where do we meet, and when does it start?
The meeting point is Marina V&V, Punta Sam (77420). The start time is 9:00 am, and the activity ends back at the same meeting point.
What’s included in the price?
Included are the captain, sailors, and host/hostess; an onboard chef with a premium a la carte menu; unlimited premium open bar; water toys (floaties, snorkel equipment, and 2 paddle boards); and the visit to the private island.
What fees are not included?
Private transportation is not included. You’ll also pay a dock fee of $15.00 per person, a marine fee of $300.00 per booking, and a 10% service and maintenance fee listed as $720.00 per booking.
Is this tour private or shared?
This is a private tour/activity. Only your group participates.
Can I cancel for a full refund?
Yes, free cancellation is available if you cancel at least 24 hours before the experience starts. If you cancel less than 24 hours before, the amount paid is not refunded.























