Sunreef 90 luxury catamaran anchored in the Sea of Cortez, Baja California Sur

Costs & inclusions

Traditional Charters vs. YACHTSMX

Understand what a Sea of Cortez charter really costs — and why all-inclusive pricing removes the APA, fuel and surprise fees that traditional charters add on top.

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Quick answer

A traditional charter quotes a low base fee, then adds a 30–35% APA for fuel, food and drinks, plus VAT and crew costs at the end. YACHTSMX charters are all-inclusive: fuel, gourmet meals, soft drinks, beer, margaritas and mojitos, water toys and crew are in one price — no surprise charges at the dock.

Side by side

What You Actually Pay For

CostTraditional charterYACHTSMX
Base charter feeCrew & amenities only✓ Included
APA (advance provisioning)30–35% added on top✓ No APA
FuelOften extra✓ Included
Food & soft drinksBilled separately✓ Custom menu included
Beer, margaritas & mojitosExtra✓ Included
VAT / IVAVaries by destinationHandled for you
Crew gratuitySometimes forcedSuggested 10–15%, direct to captain

Other alcohol can be ordered through us or bought ashore and brought on board. Everything is confirmed in writing before you book.

When to go

The Best Seasons to Charter in Baja

LOW SEASON · JAN–FEB

Cooler & wild

Slightly cooler temperatures, but marine activity peaks — this is gray whale migration season in the Sea of Cortez.

HIGH SEASON · MAR–DEC

Warm & perfect

Perfect weather for multi-day experiences. Warm waters, abundant marine life, and ideal conditions for island-hopping.

Where you go

Iconic Sea of Cortez Destinations

Playa Candelero turquoise cove for snorkeling, Espiritu Santo Island

San Francisquito Island

Pristine beaches and turquoise water, with red desert cliffs against the blue sea. Perfect for swimming, snorkeling and paddleboarding.

Espiritu Santo Island UNESCO site near La Paz, sea lion colony

Espíritu Santo Island

A UNESCO World Heritage Site, home to sea lions at Los Islotes. Kayak hidden coves or dive some of Mexico’s best ecosystems.

Balandra Bay shallow turquoise water near La Paz, Baja California Sur

Balandra Bay

Crystal-clear shallow water and the iconic Mushroom Rock (El Hongo). One of the most scenic anchorages in Baja, ideal for paddleboarding.

No hidden fees

One Price. Everything Included.

From gourmet meals and premium drinks to fuel and excursions, your luxury day is about relaxing — not worrying about extra charges.

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Cost FAQ

All-Inclusive Questions

What is an APA on a yacht charter?+
APA stands for Advance Provisioning Allowance. Traditional charters add 30 to 35 percent on top of the base fee to cover fuel, food, drinks and other running costs. YACHTSMX charters are all-inclusive, so there is no APA.
Is alcohol included?+
Beer, margaritas and mojitos are included. Any other alcohol can be ordered through us or bought at a liquor store and brought on board.
Are tips required?+
No. We do not charge a forced tip. A suggested gratuity of 10 to 15 percent can be given directly to the captain at the end of the charter and is shared with the crew.
What is included in an all-inclusive charter?+
Fuel, professional crew, a custom menu, soft drinks, beer, margaritas and mojitos, and water toys — all in one price, with no APA or surprise fees at the dock.

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