Zamá / Journal / Before you book
The questions people askthe week before.
These are the emails and WhatsApps we get after someone has decided they want a boat and before they pay the deposit. None of them are silly. All of them have short answers.
1. What happens if it rains?
Usually nothing. Caribbean rain comes through fast — a twenty-minute shower and then sun — and a passing cloud is not grounds for cancellation on either side. The line that matters is safety, and the captain draws it: if he judges the sea unsafe for departure, you get a full refund or a free reschedule, your choice. We do not run boats in conditions the captain is not happy with, and you hear from us the evening before if a call is likely.
2. What about hurricane season?
June to October. Most days in that window are beautiful and the sea is often at its calmest, which is why it is also the least crowded time. The risk is a named storm forcing a port closure, in which case the weather policy above applies and you lose nothing. Book with flexible travel insurance and leave a spare day in the itinerary so a reschedule is possible.
3. I get seasick. Should I still come?
Almost certainly yes. The only part of the day with real motion is the open-water crossing, about twenty minutes; the reef and Playa Norte stops are in water calm enough that people forget they are on a boat. Take a tablet with breakfast, sit at the stern, and watch the island rather than your phone. Winter days with a north wind are the choppiest, and the captain shapes the route for the calmest water.
4. Can we bring our own alcohol?
Yes. The cooler already holds 24 waters, 24 sodas and 24 beers, and you are welcome to bring anything else — spirits, wine, mixers, food. Plenty of groups stop at a supermarket on the way to the marina. If you would rather arrive empty-handed, extra drinks and catering can be arranged when you book.
5. What is the marina fee and why is it not included?
Marina Mundo Marino charges 180 pesos at the gate for use of the dock, paid there in cash by every party on every charter, ours included. It is not in the charter price because it is the marina’s charge, not ours, and it changes without our say. It is the only cost on the day we do not set.
6. How do the deposit and balance work?
A 30% deposit holds the date — $345 for the Isla Mujeres day charter — by card through a secure link when you book. The balance is paid at the marina on the morning, cash or card. Free cancellation up to seven days before returns the deposit in full. Miami works slightly differently: a flat $1,000 deposit holds the date.
7. Is tipping expected?
Not required, and never added to your bill. It is appreciated — the captain and crew have been on the water all day for you. 10–15% of the charter, handed to the captain in cash at the dock, is a common guide when the day was great. Nobody will chase you for it.
8. Is it safe for children?
Yes. Life jackets come in every size including toddlers’, snorkel sets come small, and the captain can favour shallow, calm stops. A crew responsible for your group alone can actually watch the children in the water — a different day from a shared catamaran with ninety adults.
9. What if we are running late?
Message us on WhatsApp the moment you know. The charter is six hours from the booked departure, so a late start eats into your day rather than extending it, but the boat waits — it is yours. Arriving fifteen minutes early is the simplest way to get all six hours.
10. Our group size changed. Does the price?
Not for the yacht charters — $1,150 is for the boat, whether four of you come or fifteen. Update the guest count on WhatsApp so the crew brings the right number of snorkel sets. The only per-person items are jet skis and the add-ons priced that way.
11. Can we bring food? 12. What should we bring?
Yes to food — anything you like, and catering can be arranged. Bring reef-safe sunscreen (ordinary sunscreen is banned around much of the reef), a dry bag, a change of clothes, cash for the island and the gate fee, and a waterproof case for the phone. The full packing list is in the day-trip guide.
Questions people ask
Full refund or a free reschedule, your choice. We do not run in conditions the captain is not happy with, and we tell you the evening before if a call is likely.
Yes — free cancellation up to seven days before your charter returns the deposit in full.
No. Marina Mundo Marino charges 180 pesos at the gate, paid in cash by every party; it is the marina’s charge, not ours.
No — a hotel-zone taxi to Marina Mundo Marino is a few dollars and the simplest way to arrive.