Are you considering buying a yacht and wondering whether to go to Colombia or Mexico? Both nations offer attractive conditions for sailing enthusiasts, but each has advantages, costs, and features that can make a difference in your decision. Choosing the right country can directly impact the price, acquisition process, and maintenance of your vessel.
Colombia stands out for its strategic location on the Caribbean and Pacific coasts , with growing nautical destinations such as Cartagena, San Andrés, and Santa Marta. Although the Colombian market is still emerging, it offers exclusive opportunities, especially in the acquisition of new yachts or in fractional ownership , a trend that is gaining ground in the region.
Mexico , for its part, has a more established nautical infrastructure , with modern marinas in Cancún, Puerto Vallarta, La Paz, and Cabo San Lucas. It also offers a wider variety of pre-owned yachts, more affordable prices, and a solid ecosystem of authorized dealers, making both purchasing and maintenance easier.
In this article, we'll show you a detailed comparison between Colombia and Mexico for buying a yacht , analyzing prices, procedures, marinas, dealers, and other key variables. This way, you can make an informed and informed decision based on your profile, budget, and lifestyle.
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Yacht market in Colombia
Availability and brands
In Colombia, there is a growing market for yachts between 40 and 80 feet, with brands such as Ferretti, Pershing, Bavaria, Fairline, and Azimut available through dealers such as Quality Yachts, Elite Yachts, and OTM Yates.
There are also shared ownership or “fractional yacht” options, such as those offered by Quality Yachts or Sunset Yacht Line, which reduce the cost of entry.
Associated costs
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Minimum budget to access a yacht: around USD 500,000 (≈ 1.8 mm COP).
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Marina costs: entry fee between COP 70–80 million (USD 17–20 k), plus monthly maintenance (~COP 1 million ≈USD 250) and deckhand (~COP 1.2 million ≈USD 300).
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Importing a yacht involves tariffs, VAT, processing costs with DIAN, registration with DIMAR, and freight.
Nautical infrastructure
The marinas are located primarily in Cartagena, San Andrés, and Santa Marta. Cartagena accounts for the majority of registrations (~63 of the 103 registered yachts).
It is recommended to choose marinas with a travel lift (hull treatment outside the water) and maintenance and repair facilities.
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Yacht market in Mexico
Brands and availability
Mexico has a wide range of destinations such as Cancun, Puerto Vallarta, Cabo San Lucas, La Paz and Riviera Nayarit.
Featured brands: Azimut, Ferretti, Prestige, Sunseeker, Pershing, Sirena, Galeon, Tiara.
Authorized dealers: Camino al Mare, YachtCancun, Yates Mexico, YachtWorld in Mexico.
Estimated prices
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Yachts between 20–30 feet: USD 50,000–250,000
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30–40 feet: USD 300,000–1,300,000
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40–50 feet: USD 1,350,000–2,300,000
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50 feet or more: from USD 2,500,000.
Pre-owned yachts: a more affordable option with equipment and lower depreciation.
Infrastructure and support
Marinas in Cancun, Riviera Nayarit, Cabo San Lucas, Vallarta, and La Paz offer boarding services, workshops, and modern amenities.
The purchasing process is usually smooth, with support for importing, financing, and complete registration.
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Comparison Colombia vs Mexico
Which one is best suited to your profile?
- If you have a large budget (≥ USD 500,000) and are looking for an emerging market, Colombia could be a viable option, provided you have marine infrastructure and are willing to face import and maintenance requirements.
- If you're looking for affordable options, pre-owned items, or less complex processes: Mexico offers clear advantages in price, available supply, modern marinas, and established suppliers.
- If you prefer shared ownership (fractional yacht): Mexico has the greatest penetration and operational experience in this model.
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Practical recommendations
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Define the type of use: personal, rental, family cruises.
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Compare official distributors and their plans: warranties, after-sales service, financing.
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Check marina availability and services at your chosen destination.
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Consider pre-owned yachts for lower cost and immediate availability.
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Evaluate fixed costs (navy, maintenance, crew).
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Consult legal requirements: DIMAR REGISTRATION in Colombia, Marine registrations in several states in Mexico.
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Analyze local boating events or fairs to compare models and negotiate better.
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