16 May Interview: Yachting the Riviera Maya with Elite Group VIP
While exploring the beautiful Puerto Aventuras I caught a sign for a local luxury yacht charter called Elite Group VIP. After meeting Sergio, the man behind it all, he invited us to chat on his yacht and take some photos for our blog. Unfortunately the weather was bad that day, but lucky for me he said we could come back and join some Norwegian friends of his for a sunny day out on the Caribbean. And thanks to Anna, our photographer in the Riviera Maya and web designer at Image2Brand.com, we got plenty of nice shots capturing what his yacht charters are all about.
We cruised the stunning coastline and settled in a small cove with bright blue water, small fishes and even a small Mayan ruin to top off the picture perfect setting. The party we joined that day opted for the inclusive package, but don’t draw any comparisons to what you’d expect on Cancun catamaran or booze cruise. We enjoyed plenty of beer and wine along with delicious fresh ceviche, burgers and snacks (and popped a few bottles of course). After enjoying the full experience, Sergio gave us more of his time for a little interview to share exactly what he offers.
Luxury Branded: Thanks again for the amazing day on your yacht charter Sergio, lets start with what got you into the yacht charter business?
Elite Group: A few years a ago a friend of mine asked me to help him sail back his 50ft sailboat from Isla Mujeres to Puerto Aventuras, which I did, we left at sunrise and headed south for about 9 hours, time that I used to realize how amazing the area is and the unlimited opportunities and places to visit by boat, wanting to share this experience with others started me in the Charter business, by the next month I had acquired our first yacht.
LB: What’s brings your yacht charter to be based in Puerto Aventuras?
EG: Other than Cancun and Puerto Morelos, Puerto Aventuras is the only Marina in the South area of the Riviera Maya capable of docking larger boats, plus its location makes it very convenient to do day-tours to Tulum and Cozumel for example.
LB: What are the details and specs of your main yacht?
EG: Our Sea Ray 400 (40ft) Sedan Bridge is as sleek as it is spacious, it offers two staterooms with two full head/showers for your convenience. The forward master with a Queen berth and the mid a King. Galley/Salon area offers all the modern necessities for those meals and quick snacks. Fly bride with ample seating. Loaded with electronics. Powered by Twin Cat 3116 Diesel Engines cruising speed 22kt max speed 31 kt. Its size and specs make it ideal for this area of the Caribbean.
LB: What does your inclusive package include?
EG: We include unlimited snacks and drinks, water, soft drinks, beers and spirits, rum, vodka, tequila and whiskey, we usually customize the drinks depending on the group and its personal preferences, say they are bringing children we provide a full set of kid friendly snacks and drinks, we also include fresh made shrimp and fish Caribbean ceviche as well as desserts, we make sure there is plenty of food onboard so our guests have everything they need at all times during our rides. We also include all the snorkeling and fishing equipment as well as beach towels for everybody onboard. Our VIP packages include onboard chef service with a wide range of menus to choose from as well as upgraded VIP spirits including champagne.
LB: You offer a variety of tours to pick from, please share them with our readers.
EG: We customize the experience depending on our guests needs, our signature day would be a 5 hour ride with fishing, snorkeling, unlimited snacks and drinks exploring the coastline between Puerto Aventuras and Xcaret for up to 15 guests and ending the day at the inlet you were able to explore with us. Now, we offer different destinations including Playa del Carmen, Cozumel and Tulum and in combination with our VIP package results in a wide arrange of options for our guests to choose from.
LB: Do you also offer custom tours or private parties?
EG: Absolutely, we do it all the time! You want it ; we’ll make sure you get it.
LB: What areas along the Riviera Maya do you cater to or visit with your yacht charter?
EG: Pretty much everywhere but our top choices are El Cielo at Cozumel Island, Tulum archeological site, Inha Reef at Punta Venado or the popular Mamitas Beach Club in Playa del Carmen.
LB: Do you have a typical customer or regular requests for your charter?
EG: We have all sorts of clients, Families, parties, bachelor/bachelorette groups, weddings, fishing fans, divers, couples, corporate groups, and they come from everywhere, USA and Canada, Mexico, South America, Europe, and all sorts of age groups.
LB: Any unusual requests or crazy stories you can share?
EG: One too many 😉 But I can guarantee if you’re yachting with us you’ll have a fantastic time.
LB: What other seacraft do you charter out?
EG: We work together with other vessels, for very specific charters, like for example for the hardcore fishermen we offer a Luhrs 38 feet with professional deep sea fishing gear and 5 trolling lines, for groups wanting to spend a few days onboard and longer trips for example Belize, Cancun, Holbox, Isla Mujeres, Cuba we offer a 50 ft Lagoon 4 double cabin Luxury Catamaran.
LB: And you also take clients airborne as well?
EG: Yes we provide day tours to Holbox and Chichen Itza on a Cessna 182 four-seat, single-engined light airplane.
LB: Thanks for your time with this interview and the great time we had with your yacht charter!
For more info and booking details, please visit RivieraElite.com and follow them on Facebook and Instagram. You can also reach their office directly at [email protected] or call +52 984 168 0632.
