Puerto Vallarta: Luxury Yacht Tour with Lunch and Open Bar

The best part of this yacht trip is the change of pace. You leave Puerto Vallarta behind, cross the Bay of Banderas, and spend time in clear coastal water near Majahuitas Cove, with lunch and drinks waiting on board. I like the easy mix of sailing, swimming, snorkeling, and paddleboarding, plus the chance to spot dolphins, turtles, tropical fish, and possibly whales.

I also like the practical comforts: towels, snorkeling gear, paddleboards, lounge seating, food, and an open bar are included. Guides such as Charlie have earned praise for being attentive and helpful. The main drawback is time: two of the five hours are spent cruising, so active water time can feel short for the $119 price, especially after the separate $28 harbor fee.

Key points to know before booking

• Majahuitas Cove is the main stop: You get about two hours for swimming, snorkeling, paddleboarding, and time on or near the beach.
• The boat ride takes about three hours total: Expect roughly 1.5 hours out and 1.5 hours back, with sightseeing along the coast.
• Food and drinks are included: Lunch, hors d’oeuvres, towels, snorkeling equipment, paddleboards, and an open bar come with the fare.
• The group may not be small: One departure carried about 25 people, while another account described a boat holding at least 50.
• Allow extra time and cash at the port: The $28 harbor fee is not included, and all visitors pass through airport-style security.
• This is not a good fit for limited mobility: The tour is not suitable for wheelchair users or people with mobility impairments.

Leaving Puerto Vallarta for the Bay of Banderas

The day begins at one of the designated meeting arrangements connected with Las Palmas 39 at Puerto Mágico. Read your reservation details carefully, then contact Vallarta Adventures before the morning of the trip to confirm the exact meeting point. The company uses different boats and meeting arrangements, so this is not the sort of outing where I would simply arrive at the port and hope to find the right dock.

Give yourself enough time for the federal cruise port entrance. You must pass through airport-style security, and the $28 per-person harbor fee is payable in cash. That extra charge changes the real cost of the outing from $119 to $147 per person before any optional purchases, so include it in your budget.

Bring a passport or ID card. Leave luggage and large bags behind, since they are not allowed. Pets are also not permitted.

Once aboard, you can settle into the yacht’s lounge seating or find a place on deck. The boat used on one departure had four bathrooms and plenty of room for sitting and sunbathing. That does not mean every sailing will feel the same, but it gives you a useful picture of the comfort level.

The first 1.5 hours are mainly about the ride. You cruise into the Bay of Banderas, with views of the Puerto Vallarta coastline and the mountains and tropical shoreline beyond it. This is the part of the day for taking photographs, watching the water, and letting the crew handle the details.

What the yacht ride is really like

This is a yacht excursion, but it is not a quiet private charter. The boat carries a shared group, and the size may vary. A group of about 25 people felt comfortable to one person, while another description placed capacity at 50 or more. If you want a private, hushed sailing experience, this may feel too social.

If you enjoy a friendly boat atmosphere, the shared format works well. There are several places to lounge, and the crew keeps drinks moving while you watch the coast. The open bar is included, and the food service begins with a light fruit snack or hors d’oeuvres before lunch later in the trip.

The crew is one of the strongest parts of the experience. Charlie was singled out for being especially kind and accommodating, and the staff were also praised for keeping people safe when the waves became larger than usual. That matters on a water day, since conditions can change the feel of the trip quickly.

You may also encounter a photo service on board. On one departure, photographs were offered for purchase at the end for about $160. Buying them is optional, and that price is worth knowing before you pose for every camera pointed your way.

Majahuitas Cove and its tropical setting

After the first cruise, the boat reaches Playa Majahuitas, a cove south of Puerto Vallarta. The setting is the reason to book this particular route. The beach is backed by tropical forest, and the water gives you a more natural setting for swimming and snorkeling than a hotel pool or a city beach.

You have about two hours here for free time and water activities. That sounds generous, but it includes getting ready, entering and leaving the water, moving between activities, and returning to the boat. If snorkeling is your top priority, start with it rather than waiting until the end.

Snorkeling equipment is included, so you do not need to pack your own mask or fins. The cove may give you the chance to see tropical fish and other marine life, but visibility and sightings depend on sea conditions. Dolphins, sea turtles, and whales are listed as possible sightings, not guaranteed appointments. On one January departure, the boat saw many whales and dolphins, which shows what can happen when conditions and timing cooperate.

The paddleboard is another nice option. You can use it for a slower look at the coast or simply enjoy the water without committing to a full snorkel session. If you prefer not to get wet, the boat and beach time still offer a pleasant break, though the fare makes the most sense for people who plan to use the water activities.

One important detail: the beach stop may feel shorter than the headline suggests. An account describing the day counted only about 30 minutes of actual snorkeling, followed by another swim near an island or beach area. That is not necessarily the schedule on every departure, but it is a useful warning. You are booking a five-hour boat outing with a swim stop, not a two-hour guided snorkeling lesson.

Swimming, snorkeling, and paddleboarding

The water portion is flexible rather than tightly instructional. You can swim, use the snorkel gear, or try the paddleboard. The crew provides the equipment and helps keep the activity organized, but this is not described as a specialist marine biology tour or a long snorkeling expedition.

That flexibility is valuable for mixed groups. One person can snorkel while another lounges on deck, and someone else can try paddleboarding. The trip works particularly well for couples or families with different ideas of fun, as long as everyone is comfortable around boats and open water.

Larger waves can change the experience. Guides received praise for watching out for safety when the sea was rougher than normal. Still, you should be comfortable with a moving boat and changing water conditions. The tour runs rain or shine, so a weather shift does not automatically cancel the day.

The excursion is not suitable for people with mobility impairments or wheelchair users. Boarding a yacht, moving around the deck, and getting into the water require a reasonable level of physical independence. The supplied information does not give a detailed access plan, so anyone with specific concerns should contact Vallarta Adventures before booking.

Lunch, drinks, and the ride home

After the activities, lunch is served as the boat begins the 1.5-hour return cruise to Puerto Vallarta. The food received strong praise, as did the fruit snack and drink service. Lunch is a real part of the value here, especially because you are spending most of the day away from town.

The open bar adds to the carefree feel. You can sit back with a drink, dry off, and watch the coastline slide past. I like this part of the plan because it avoids the usual scramble to find food immediately after a morning on the water.

Still, the return ride is not just a short transfer. The outward and return cruises together take about three hours. Some people will see that as the point of the trip, while others will feel that they paid a premium for limited time in the water.

The boat should return to the Puerto Mágico area after lunch. Check your onward plans carefully. The tour lasts five hours, but port procedures and disembarkation can make the morning and early afternoon feel tightly scheduled.

Is $119 a good value?

At $119 per person, this is priced above a basic boat ride but includes more than transportation. You receive snorkeling gear, a paddleboard, towels, lunch, hors d’oeuvres, an open bar, guided service, and a yacht-style setting. Add the $28 harbor fee, and your base cost is $147 per person.

I think the value is strongest if you want an all-in-one day. You do not need to rent gear, search for lunch, or arrange a separate ride to Majahuitas Cove. The crew handles the flow, and the boat gives you a comfortable place to spend the cruising hours.

The value is weaker if your main goal is a long snorkeling session. Two hours at the cove can pass quickly, and actual time in the water may be much shorter depending on the schedule. A smaller boat or a focused snorkeling trip could suit you better if marine life is your only priority.

The group size also matters. A larger shared yacht gives you more facilities and a livelier mood, but it can make the beach and water activities feel less personal. You are paying for comfort and convenience, not exclusivity.

Who should book this yacht trip?

I would point this tour toward you if you want a polished half-day on the water without having to plan each piece yourself. It suits couples, groups of friends, and families with older children who can handle swimming and boat movement. The choice of snorkeling, paddleboarding, swimming, or lounging makes it easy for a group to split up without anyone being stranded on shore.

It is also a good fit if you care about the full outing rather than one single activity. The coastal scenery, boat comfort, food, drinks, and chance to see marine life all contribute to the day.

I would hesitate if you dislike shared tours, want guaranteed whale or turtle sightings, or expect most of the time to be spent snorkeling. I would also avoid it if the $28 cash fee feels like an unwelcome surprise or if you need wheelchair access.

Book with realistic expectations: this is a comfortable, social yacht cruise with a scenic water stop. It is not a private charter and not a long expedition into the sea.

Practical details that can make the morning easier

Plan on bringing:

• Passport or ID card
• Cash for the $28 harbor fee
• Swimwear and sun protection
• A small personal bag only, since luggage and large bags are not allowed

The tour operates in both English and Spanish. Contact Vallarta Adventures to confirm the meeting point because the company uses different boats and pickup arrangements.

The activity runs rain or shine. You can cancel up to 24 hours before departure for a full refund, and the reserve-now, pay-later option lets you hold a place without paying immediately.

Should you book the Majahuitas yacht tour?

Book it if you want a relaxed Puerto Vallarta boat day with lunch, an open bar, deck space, and several ways to enjoy the water. The crew service, comfortable yacht, food, and chance to see dolphins, whales, turtles, and tropical fish give the trip plenty of appeal.

Skip it if you want a small, private boat or a long, serious snorkeling session. For most people, the deciding question is simple: do you value three hours of scenic cruising and onboard comfort as much as the two-hour coastal stop? If yes, the $119 fare plus harbor fee can make sense. If not, choose a more activity-focused outing.

FAQ

How long does the Puerto Vallarta yacht tour last?

The tour lasts five hours, including the cruise from Puerto Vallarta, time at Playa Majahuitas, lunch, and the return boat ride.

What is included in the price?

The fare includes snorkeling equipment, a paddleboard, towels, lunch, and an open bar.

Is the harbor fee included?

No. A $28 per-person harbor fee must be paid in cash.

Where does the tour depart?

The listed meeting arrangements are connected with Las Palmas 39 at Puerto Mágico in Puerto Vallarta. Contact Vallarta Adventures in advance to confirm the exact meeting point for your boat.

How much time is spent at Playa Majahuitas?

The planned stop is about two hours, including free time, snorkeling, and stand-up paddleboarding.

Can I see whales or dolphins?

You might see dolphins, whales, sea turtles, and tropical fish. Sightings are possible but are not guaranteed.

Is lunch included?

Yes. Lunch is served during the return boat cruise, and hors d’oeuvres or a fruit snack are also provided during the outing.

Is the tour accessible for wheelchair users?

No. The activity is not suitable for wheelchair users or people with mobility impairments.