Luxury Yacht & Snorkel with All inclusive Open bar and lunch

Puerto Vallarta’s best views often come from the water, and this half-day cruise gives you a polished way to reach the coast south of town. You’ll sail toward Majahuitas on a Leopard catamaran, with time for snorkeling, paddleboarding, and swimming before lunch and drinks on board.

I like the limited capacity of 40 people, which feels far more manageable than the huge party boats common in Banderas Bay. I also like the crew service: names such as Juan Luis, Diego, Alex, Charlie, Jennifer, Felipe, and Victor appear in the operation, and the strongest praise goes to their friendly, attentive approach.

The main caution is that luxury may promise more than the tour delivers. The boat is comfortable and well-kept, but the meal can be an ordinary sandwich, the snorkel stop may be brief, and the beach bar may offer only beer, water, juice, or hibiscus water rather than premium cocktails.

The five things to know before you book

• Majahuitas is the main event: The secluded cove, backed by tropical forest, is the prettiest and most relaxing part of the outing.
• The cruise can take nearly an hour before activities begin: The ride is scenic, but you should not expect nonstop action from the moment you leave port.
• The group limit is 40 people: That is smaller and calmer than many large catamaran excursions, though the deck can still feel cozy.
• Snorkeling conditions vary: You may see colorful fish, turtles, rays, dolphins, or whales, but marine life and visibility depend on the day.
• The open bar is strongest on the yacht: At the beach, drink choices may be limited to beer, water, juice, or hibiscus water.
• Bring motion-sickness medicine if needed: Several people have felt queasy when the sea became rough.

Setting out from Puerto Vallarta’s maritime terminal

You meet at Vallarta Adventures in Puerto Mágico, at the Maritime Terminal on Boulevard Francisco Medina Ascencio. The scheduled start is 8:00 a.m., and the boat returns to the same point after roughly five hours.

Give yourself extra time to find the terminal and complete check-in. The port entrance can feel confusing, especially if you are arriving by taxi or on foot. The meeting process itself is generally simple once you reach the Vallarta Adventures area, but the terminal may charge a small port fee before departure.

There is conflicting information about additional charges. The tour details list a $40 Bay of Banderas admission fee, while several on-site accounts describe a 40-peso charge and a separate 30-peso port fee. Because the amounts and names are not perfectly consistent, carry local cash and ask at check-in exactly what is due.

The minimum age is 10. Most people can take part, but this is an active water outing, not a sightseeing boat with no physical demands. You will need to handle boarding, water entry, and possibly a swim from the yacht to shore at Majahuitas.

The Leopard catamaran and the meaning of luxury

The boat is a major part of the appeal. A Leopard catamaran gives you broad outdoor areas, open views, and a steady platform for a coastal cruise. The crew serves food and drinks, and several people describe the service as unusually attentive, with staff checking on drinks rather than leaving you to fend for yourself.

Still, I would set your expectations carefully. A 40-person boat is more pleasant than a 100-person vessel, but it is not a private yacht. Seating and storage can feel tight when everyone is aboard, and there may be no convenient place for bags or personal belongings.

Pack light. You will want sunscreen, a swimsuit, a towel, sunglasses, and perhaps a waterproof phone case, but large bags are awkward. At Majahuitas, you may have to swim from the boat to the beach, making it difficult to carry towels, cameras, or dry clothing ashore.

The tour includes snorkeling equipment and stand-up paddleboards. Some people find the provided masks and snorkels perfectly adequate, while others prefer to bring their own gear for a better fit. Drones are not allowed because of federal rules protecting the flight path of endemic birds.

The slow southbound cruise through Banderas Bay

After leaving port, the yacht heads south along the Bay of Banderas. This is the scenic part of the morning, with views of Puerto Vallarta’s shoreline that you cannot get from the road.

The route changes with sea conditions. You may pass Los Arcos, the famous rock formations south of town, and you may get a sea-level view of the Malecón boardwalk. Neither stop is guaranteed. The captain chooses the route based on weather, waves, and safety.

Plan on a long cruise before the first water activity. Some accounts describe almost an hour of sailing before snorkeling begins. That is not necessarily wasted time. The bay offers wide coastal views, and the boat may pause for whale sightings during the winter season. Humpback whales have been spotted on the way out and back, though no wildlife sighting can be promised.

This part suits you if you enjoy the ride itself. If you want constant activity, the pace may feel slow. The music, open bar, and views help, but the first half of the outing is mainly a boat trip.

Motion sickness deserves serious attention. The bay can be smooth, but conditions change quickly. If you are prone to seasickness, bring a remedy such as Dramamine, eat lightly beforehand, and choose a place with fresh air and a clear view of the horizon.

Snorkeling near Majahuitas

The crew usually anchors near Majahuitas for a water stop before or around the beach visit. Snorkeling equipment is included, and the crew provides guidance in the water.

The sea life is unpredictable. You might see schools of colorful fish, turtles, rays, dolphins, or other wildlife. One sailing reported a manta ray and a sea turtle, while another had plenty of fish but little coral. That last point matters if you have snorkeled in places known for large coral reefs. This is a Pacific coast snorkel stop, not a dedicated reef destination.

Visibility, wave conditions, and time in the water can all change. Some accounts describe about 20 minutes of snorkeling, while others had more time to swim. If the sea is choppy, the activity can be tiring, and the crew may shorten the water session.

Life jackets may be required whenever you are in the water. That adds safety, though it can make swimming and snorkeling less comfortable. The equipment is supplied, but bring your own mask if you are particular about fit.

The water stop is best for a casual swim and wildlife chance, not for serious underwater exploration. Families and first-time snorkelers may enjoy it. Experienced snorkelers could find the marine setting modest, especially if coral and long bottom time are priorities.

Majahuitas Cove, paddleboards, and beach time

Majahuitas is a secluded cove south of Puerto Vallarta, surrounded by tropical forest. It is the most scenic stop and often the point where the tour feels most special.

You can swim, use a paddleboard, or relax near the beach. Some sailings also include a banana boat ride, though this is not clearly listed among the standard inclusions and should not be treated as guaranteed. When available, it can be lively and rough. One account describes a child ending up in the water, so use judgment with younger swimmers.

The beach itself is not a developed resort. Do not expect rows of loungers, shops, or a long list of activities. The charm is the quiet cove, clear water, and green hills behind it. For some people, that simplicity is exactly the point. For others, the stop may feel under-equipped.

Beach time can also be shorter than expected. Some outings allow just over 30 minutes on shore, while the stated stop is about 1 hour and 20 minutes. The actual time depends on the route and sea conditions.

You may need to swim from the yacht to the beach, and belongings generally stay on the boat. The shore bar may serve only beer, water, juice, or hibiscus water. The advertised premium open bar applies most clearly to the yacht, not necessarily to the beach.

Lunch, snacks, and the open bar

Food service begins with snacks such as fruit, chips, guacamole, and sometimes shrimp cocktail. A deli-style lunch follows, often described as a sandwich or charcuterie-style meal, with dessert on some sailings.

This is one of the tour’s most uneven elements. Some people find the food fresh, plentiful, and tasty. Others expect a more elaborate seafood lunch and receive a fairly ordinary sandwich. The description includes seafood, but shrimp may not appear on every sailing.

If you have a shellfish allergy, tell the operator before departure and ask what alternatives are available. One person with a shellfish allergy could eat some of the meal but not the shrimp. Do not assume the menu will automatically be adjusted.

The premium open bar is a strong value for people who plan to drink. You can order beer, cocktails, and other alcoholic drinks on the yacht, and the crew is often praised for keeping the service flowing. Mango margaritas are a popular choice.

The contrast between the yacht and the beach can surprise you. Once ashore, the choices may narrow to beer, water, juice, or hibiscus water. If a full cocktail service is important to you, treat the beach stop as a short break rather than another bar experience.

Tips are not listed as included. Bring local cash for the crew if you feel the service deserves it. Cards may be useful for optional photos.

The photographer and optional extras

A photographer or videographer may work aboard the yacht and at the beach. The photos can be well-composed, with the crew helping create shots during snorkeling, sailing, and water activities.

The package is not included in the tour price. Accounts describe a digital package costing about $100, though you should confirm the current amount before buying. If you do not want photos, say so early and politely. That avoids an awkward sales conversation later.

This can be a worthwhile extra for a birthday, anniversary, or bachelorette group. If you already carry a good waterproof camera, you may prefer to skip it. The tour photographer is an optional purchase, not part of the $119 package.

Is $119 a fair price?

At $119 per person, the cost sits above basic catamaran trips but includes more than a simple boat ride. You are paying for a smaller group, yacht-style service, snorkeling equipment, paddleboards, lunch, and drinks.

The value improves if you plan to enjoy the open bar and stay aboard for much of the day. It also makes sense for a celebration, when attentive crew service, music, food, and photos add to the occasion.

The value drops if you mainly want a long snorkel session or a developed beach. You may spend a large portion of the five hours cruising, snorkel for only 20 minutes, and find the beach facilities very limited. The food may also feel too basic for the word luxury.

I would compare this tour with the larger, cheaper boats in Puerto Vallarta. The 40-person limit is meaningful, but it does not create private-yacht conditions. You are buying a more comfortable shared outing, not seclusion.

Who will enjoy this cruise most?

I would choose this tour for couples, families with children aged 10 and older, solo visitors who like social boat trips, and groups celebrating a birthday or bachelorette party.

It works especially well if you want several easy activities in one morning: sailing, snorkeling, paddleboarding, swimming, lunch, and drinks. You do not need to arrange separate equipment or find a restaurant afterward.

I would hesitate if you dislike boats, suffer badly from motion sickness, need a substantial seafood meal, or expect a quiet private yacht. Strong swimmers should also remember that the water entry and swim to the beach may be part of the experience.

The cruise is offered in English. Confirmation is provided when you book, and the activity returns to the original meeting point. Cancellation is free up to 24 hours before departure. Poor weather or failure to reach the minimum number can lead to a rescheduled date or full refund.

Should you book the Luxury Yacht and Snorkel tour?

Book it if your ideal Puerto Vallarta morning includes a comfortable shared yacht, coastal scenery, friendly service, cocktails, light water activities, and a beautiful cove. The crew is the tour’s strongest asset, and the limited group size gives it a calmer feel than the biggest party boats.

Skip it if the word luxury makes you expect a private yacht, gourmet seafood, long snorkeling time, or a fully equipped beach club. You will get a pleasant day on the water, but the experience depends heavily on sea conditions, food service, and how much you value the cruise itself.

My practical advice is simple: bring cash, sunscreen, a towel, motion-sickness medicine if needed, and minimal belongings. Treat the whale sightings, Los Arcos pass, and extended snorkeling time as bonuses rather than promises. With those expectations, the tour offers a good blend of scenery, water time, and attentive service for the price.

FAQ

How long does the tour last?

The experience lasts approximately five hours, including the cruise, water activities, beach time, lunch, and return to the terminal.

Where does the tour start?

It starts at Vallarta Adventures in Puerto Mágico, at the Maritime Terminal on Boulevard Francisco Medina Ascencio 30-G1 in Puerto Vallarta.

What time does the tour begin?

The scheduled start time is 8:00 a.m.

Where does the tour end?

The activity ends back at the original meeting point at the maritime terminal.

Is lunch included?

Yes. Lunch is included and is described as a deli-style meal. Snacks may include fruit, chips, guacamole, and shrimp cocktail.

Are drinks included?

Yes. An unlimited premium open bar is included on the yacht. Drink choices at Majahuitas may be more limited and can include beer, water, juice, or hibiscus water.

Is snorkeling equipment provided?

Yes. Snorkeling equipment is included. Stand-up paddleboards are also provided.

Is the tour suitable for children?

The minimum age is 10. Most people can participate, but you should consider your child’s comfort with swimming, boat travel, and water conditions.

Can I see Los Arcos or the Malecón?

You may pass Los Arcos and see the Malecón from the water. The exact route depends on the sea conditions and the route selected that day.

What happens if the weather is poor?

If poor weather causes cancellation, you will be offered a different date or a full refund. You can also cancel for a full refund up to 24 hours before the scheduled start time.