Luxury Yacht Charters in Cancún, Mexico

Cancún is located on the northeast coast of the Yucatán Peninsula in Mexico, just north of the Riviera Maya. The Riviera Maya is a collection of all-inclusive resorts, small boutique hotels and fantastic restaurants that straddle Mexico’s Caribbean coast along the coastal highway 307.

Cancún is a popular tourist destination due to the wide variety of aquatic activities available in the Mesoamerican Barrier Reef, which stretches for over 1000km towards Guatemala. This is the largest coral reef in the Western Hemisphere and the second longest barrier reef in the world. The shallow coral reefs and crystal clear waters make it one of the best locations for snorkeling and scuba diving in the world.

On top of more than 500 species of fish, divers and snorkelers have the opportunity to visit the Cancún Underwater Museum. This is a series of more than 400 sculptures by British artist Jason de Caires Taylor, which have been placed underwater in the Cancún National Marine Park at depths from 9-20 feet. If you don’t feel like diving or snorkeling, however, you could always relax on one of the many fantastic beaches such as Playa Caracol or Playa Langosta.

The northern areas of the reef system near Isla Contoy (only a short journey by boat from Cancún) are home to the largest fish on the planet, the Whale Shark. During the summer, hundreds of Whale Sharks gather here to take advantage of the plankton rich waters, which are created at the border of the Gulf of Mexico and the Caribbean Sea.

Cancún is also one of the most popular sportfishing destinations in the world. Depending on the season that you visit, catches can include kingfish, barracuda, blue marlin, sailfish, tuna and mahi-mahi. On top of fishing, whale watching, snorkeling and scuba diving, holidaymakers have the opportunity to go swimming with dolphins, take guided jungle tours or visit one of the many historical sites such as the Mayan Ruins. In the evening, Cancún is well known for its parties and nightlife. Whether you like hip-hop or heavy rock, live reggae music, salsa dancing, or simply relaxing a sophisticated bar, the city offers it all.

One of our favorite yacht charters available in Cancún is AGUILA, a stunning Sunseeker Predator 73 with accommodation for 10 guests in 5 cabins. AGUILA is ideal for crewed charters in the Gulf of Mexico and the Yucatán Peninsula. If you would like more information on the yachts available for charter in Mexico, please have a look at our guide to Chartering a Yacht in Mexico or send us an email to [email protected].

Posted on November 20, 2012 by admin — No Comments ↓

Sampling the finest Caribbean Gastronomy on your Luxury Yacht Charter

The Caribbean is often described as the crossroads of the world, thanks to the trade winds that lead many from all over the world to the British Virgin Islands. History has seen a succession of conquerors and cultures pass, bringing with them many distinctive foods, flavours and styles of cookery that remain very popular today. The Arawaks were followed by the Caribs, who saw explorers and sea captains knock on their door as they travelled in the search of the New World. Colonists, settlers and descendants of Spanish, Dutch, English and French origin brought with them their respective cultures and cuisines. The East Indian population left their mark on the local cuisine with their distinctive curries [Colombos}, condiments [Chutneys] and Roti, which remain present to this day.

The African Slave population brought many exotic foodstuffs, such as Okra and Yams, as well as many greens, beans and roots. These ingredients combined with their cooking techniques and seasonings created Creole cookery and famous dishes such as Gumbo, which can be found all over the Caribbean and southern United States. Whilst browsing the Internet, we came across a fantastic recipe on the Sugar Apple Blog for a Spicy Chicken and Sausage Gumbo, which we thought we would share with you. The combination of the holy trinity [Celery/Bell Pepper/ Onion] with the spice of the chilli pepper, smoky sausage and okra is a match made in heaven!

Spicy Caribbean Chicken and Sausage Gumbo
1 pound okra, cut into 1/4? slices
6 tablespoons cooking oil
1 large green bell pepper, cored, seeded and diced
2 stalks celery, diced
2 medium onions, peeled and diced
1 scotch bonnet or other hot pepper, minced (optional)
2 cloves garlic, peeled and minced
1 pound andouille sausage or smoked kielbasa, cut in half lengthways and cut crosswise into 1/2? slices
6 tomatoes, peeled, seeded and diced OR 2 tins diced tomatoes
4 cups chicken stock
1 bay leaf
5-6 sprigs fresh thyme
1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper
1 teaspoon salt
2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs, trimmed of fat and cut into 1 1/2? cubes

Not much of a cook? Want your own private chef to cook you a taste of the Caribbean? Want to sample some of the best Caribbean cuisine on your own luxury yacht charter? We would love to make both of these things a reality and arrange an experience of a lifetime on a crewed catamaran, motor or sailboat. We have a great selection of boats for all budgets and one of our favourites this month is MOONSTONE, a 62ft Sunreef Catamaran with 4 fantastic cabins. There is no better way to enjoy her this Winter than to host a private dining event with close friends and family in her open-plan saloon. Accommodation is provided in 3 double en-suite cabins and a twin, which are decorated in a contemporary, yet classic style.

For more information on how to charter this yacht, please follow the link on the yacht and contact one of our senior brokers. Alternatively, send an email enquiry to [email protected]. Watch this space for more information on the Caribbean and which yachts to charter this Winter.

Posted on November 12, 2012 by admin — No Comments ↓

10 Simple Steps to Luxury Yacht Charter!

Chartering a luxury catamaran, motor or sailing yacht has never been so simple, thanks to our dedicated team of charter brokers who will help you plan the trip of a lifetime anywhere in the world. Here at Boatbookings, we pride ourselves on customer service and we will not stop until we find you the perfect yacht. There are 10 simple steps from turning a dream into a reality.

Step 1 – Most importantly, guests must decide where they would like to start their charter and what sort of yacht they would like. We offer charters from all around the world, including the United States, the Caribbean, French & Italian Riviera’s and the Far East. We have access to a vast amount of motorboats, sailboats and catamarans in each of these destinations.

Beautiful Beaches of the BVI — The natural beauty of the BVI

Step 2 – Once you have decided where and how you want to travel, contact us. Please enquire via our website or send an email to [email protected]. Once we have received your enquiry, one of our brokers will assist you and start searching for suitable yachts.

Step 3 – We ask guests to provide the following information, so that we can gain a clearer idea of what you really want. Are you looking for a bareboat or a crewed charter? Are your dates flexible and how long would you like to charter for? Do you have a particular budget in mind for your charter? If you are looking for a sailboat, please be aware that you must start on a Saturday for a weeks duration.

Van Dutch 40 — The stunning VanDutch 40, PURE DUTCH

Step 4 – Once we have received this information, our brokers will then start the search for possible yachts that meet your criteria. We will then find which yachts are available for your charter dates and propose at least three options which are suitable for you to review and compare.

Step 5 – Once you have reviewed and compared the yachts that you have been sent, our broker will then arrange the charter for you. For example, you have chosen to charter M/Y MOSKING, a stunning Mangusta 108 from Antibes, France for 4 days.

M/Y MOSKING, Mangusta 108 Luxury Motor Yacht

Step 6 – Our broker would then reserve this for you and start preparing the charter agreement and invoice. Once all the paperwork has been signed and the invoice has been paid by either bank transfer or credit card, we can start to make some final itinerary plans.

Step 7 – Our broker will arrange all the meeting details, can arrange restaurant reservations and help to organise an itinerary. For example, guests wills depart from Antibes and spend one day cruising slowly towards Monaco, enjoying a long lunch in St Jean Cap Ferrat. Then guests could head towards Portofino and along the Italian Riviera before heading back to Antibes.

The magnificent Italian Riviera town of Portofino

Step 8 – We will send a preference sheet to you to note down all the provisions you would like on the yacht. This can cover anything from champagne and wine, to food and flowers. All provisions will be bought before you step foot onboard and therefore ready for you to enjoy immediately.

Step 9 – The final meeting place and timings will be sent for your embarkation. You will be given the captains details for any last minute requests or discussions on itinerary.

Sunset — The end to a perfect day onboard a Luxury Yacht

Step 10 – Guests will board and start their charter. The crew will do everything that they can to make sure that you have a successful charter. They will be able to arrange any emergency provisions and last minute restaurant reservations, leaving guests to relax fully and enjoy the natural beauty that is the French and Italian Riviera.

Posted on September 20, 2012 by admin — No Comments ↓

10 Day Dive Itinerary through the Turquoise Waters of Belize on 156′ Luxury ISA Trideck AXIOMA

Day 1: Belize City to Rendezvous Cay

After embarkation in Belize City, cruise east to Rendezvous Cay for lunch. A blue fish camp and coconut palms greet guests at Rendezvous Cay. Take pleasure in a purely relaxing afternoon on board with time to play on the yacht’s exciting array of toys. This evening a beach barbecue dinner sets the pace for your luxurious Caribbean charter.

Day 2: Turneffe Atoll (Southern End – Big Cay Bokel)

Sail to Turneffe Atoll, the largest of Belize’s three atolls that spreads over 30 miles north to south. The islands consist of hundreds of mangrove cays rimming both the east and west side of a shallow reef-fringed bank. The southern part of Turneffe is well known for fishing and diving. For many, the Elbow is the most exciting dive (for advanced divers only). Often hampered by strong currents, it is these same currents that make it so spectacular. Large predatory sharks, big groupers, eagle rays and sea turtles are often seen. Spend the day diving and fishing and savor gourmet lunch and dinner on board.

Day 3 & 4: Lighthouse Reef Atoll

Lighthouse Reef Atoll is a must see. It’s exceptionally clear water of aquamarine blue is adorned with numerous jewel-like beads of reef. The beaches are beautiful and miles of virgin coral reefs offer great snorkeling and scuba diving. In the morning board the tender to the world-renowned Blue Hole for the first dive. After lunch cruise to Half Moon Cay, a nature reserve where 4,000 red footed booby birds have made their home. Take the well marked trail to the observation platform for spectacular views.

Day 5: Glovers Reef Atoll

In the morning cruise to Glovers Reef Atoll, the southernmost atoll that is listed as a UNESCO World Heritage site. Glovers Reef Atoll is a circular stretch of coral islands surrounding a shallow lagoon that closely resembles a South Pacific atoll. A few minutes away are more than 600 coral pinnacles and patch coral heads reaching toward the surface. Sheer walls beginning at 25 feet plummet vertically in a dramatic 2,700-foot drop.

Day 6: Queens Cay and Laughing Bird

Queens Cay is a pristine island with gleaming white beaches and fabulous turquoise waters. Anchor in about 20 feet of water surrounded by coral reefs, an excellent spot that is home to more than 80 species of fish. Dive along sheer walls, grottos, and canyons, with wall dives that start at 35 feet then drop off plunging into an abyss of 3,000 feet. Enjoy a noontime cruise to Laughing Bird and lunch ashore. This spectacular snorkeling location is also known as a corridor for migrating whale sharks.

Day 7 & 8: Sapodilla Cay

Sapodilla Cay, the southernmost Cay on the Belize Cay barrier reef, is an ideal spot for a daytime anchorage. Head north from Sapodilla Cay to reach Nicholas Cay and an exploration of the renowned gap locally known as “the Aquarium”. Spend the afternoon enjoying numerous water sports and games. In the evening the chef prepares a sumptuous beach barbecue.

Day 9: Monkey River and Placencia

Drop anchor at the mouth of Monkey River. An expert guide will escort guests on a tour to explore the amazing and abundant flora and fauna onshore. Later, depart for a serene anchorage off the quaint town of Placencia. Have lunch at the five star Francis Ford Copolla Resort’s Turtle Inn Restaurant. Spend the afternoon exploring the unique shops, bars and sites of Placencia. In the evening dine at the French Connection restaurant, voted best cuisine in Belize. To enjoy an evening of local culture, Garifuna dancers and drummers may be hired to perform on board or guests may view a performance at one of the local resorts.

Day 10: Middle Ground Range and Belize City

Enjoy a delightful morning swim with the dolphins at Middle Ground Range. Cruise north to Belize City for disembarkation. Time for a few final photos and a fond farewell to your Captain and crew.

Please follow these informative links for further information on chartering AXIOMA and details on Superyacht Yacht and Luxury Yacht Charter.

Posted on November 15, 2011 by admin — No Comments ↓