Puerto Vallarta: Luxury Yacht Tour with Lunch and Open Bar

Blue water, cold drinks, and a sandy cove. This five-hour cruise takes you from Puerto Vallarta into the Bay of Banderas, combining open-water scenery with swimming, snorkeling, paddleboarding, lunch, and an open bar. I especially like the comfortable yacht and the chance to reach Majahuitas Cove, a coastal spot backed by tropical rainforest. The main drawback is time: you may spend more than two hours cruising, leaving less time in the water than the price suggests.

I also like the friendly service and the easy mix of activity and rest. You can snorkel for a while, then stretch out on deck with a drink while the crew handles the route and meals. Guides such as Charlie have earned praise for being kind and attentive, but the group size can vary, and one report described a boat carrying at least 50 people.

This is best for you if you want a polished half-day on the water rather than a quiet private sailing trip. At $119 per person, plus a $28 cash harbor fee, the real cost is about $147 before any extras. That is fair if you value the boat, food, service, and included equipment, but less appealing if your main goal is a long snorkeling session.

Key points to know before you book

• Majahuitas Cove is the main water stop: Expect roughly two hours in the cove area for swimming, snorkeling, paddleboarding, and beach time.
• The cruise takes up much of the day: The listed schedule allows about 1.5 hours each way between Puerto Vallarta and the cove.
• The boat is built for comfort: Lounge seating, towels, bathrooms, food, and drink service make this more relaxed than a basic snorkel boat.
• Marine life is possible, not guaranteed: Dolphins, whales, sea turtles, and tropical fish may appear along the route or near the cove.
• The harbor fee is extra: Bring $28 in cash per person, and allow time for security at the federal cruise port.
• Group size may vary: One account described about 25 people on a spacious boat, while another reported at least 50, so do not expect a private-yacht atmosphere.

Leaving Puerto Vallarta through the Bay of Banderas

The tour begins at one of two meeting points: Las Palmas 39 or Puerto Magico. You do not get hotel pickup, and the operator uses different boats from the two locations, so contact Vallarta Adventures before the day of your cruise to confirm exactly where you need to go.

If you are meeting at Puerto Magico, plan for a little extra time. Everyone must pass through airport-style security at the federal cruise port, including a metal detector. One useful schedule had passengers arriving around 8 a.m., boarding after the harbor process, and leaving around 8:30. Other departure details can vary, so use the confirmed time on your reservation.

Bring a passport or ID card. Leave luggage and large bags behind, since they are not allowed. This is a boat outing, not a transfer service, so pack only what you need for the water, sun, and a few hours on deck.

Once the yacht leaves Puerto Vallarta, the pace changes. The first portion is scenic cruising across the Bay of Banderas, with coastal views and open water around you. The route is part of the experience, but it also explains the biggest criticism of the tour: the schedule gives about three hours total to boat travel, leaving two hours at Playa Majahuitas.

What the yacht adds to a half-day cruise

A basic boat trip can feel like transportation with a swim stop attached. This experience aims for something softer. You get lounge seating, towels, snorkeling equipment, a paddleboard, lunch, and an open bar. Hors d’oeuvres and fruit are also part of the food service described during the cruise.

The boat itself received strong praise for its comfort. One account described plenty of room for sunbathing, several lounge areas, and four bathrooms. Another described a boat with about 25 people that did not feel crowded. These details matter on a five-hour outing. Space to sit in shade, stretch out, or change places can make the difference between a pleasant cruise and a tiring one.

Still, do not assume the yacht will always feel small or intimate. Group size appears to change by departure, and one account described at least 50 people onboard. If you want a private charter or a quiet sailing mood, this is not the safest choice. If you are comfortable sharing a well-equipped boat, the facilities should make the size easier to handle.

The crew is another strong point. Service includes drinks, food, help with water activities, and safety guidance. During one trip with larger waves, the guides kept a close eye on safety. Charlie was singled out for being especially accommodating and kind. That sort of attention is valuable when you are balancing on a paddleboard or entering the water from a moving boat.

Majahuitas Cove and the two-hour water stop

The main destination is Playa Majahuitas, near the south coast of Puerto Vallarta. The cove is framed by tropical rainforest and has a more sheltered, remote feel than the city waterfront. It is the place where the tour shifts from sightseeing to active water time.

You can use the included snorkeling gear to look for tropical fish. Dolphins, whales, and sea turtles are possible in the wider area, though sightings depend on conditions and luck. The cruise route itself can produce wildlife moments, especially during the cooler months, but no sighting should be treated as guaranteed.

Paddleboarding is included as another option. It gives you a quiet way to enjoy the cove without staying on the yacht. If you would rather not exercise, you can swim, sit on the beach, or remain onboard and enjoy the view.

The water stop is listed as two hours, but the actual time spent snorkeling may be much shorter. One schedule included about 30 minutes of snorkeling, followed by swimming near an island or beach, before returning to the yacht for lunch. Your exact sequence may change with sea conditions and the crew’s plan.

That flexibility is useful for safety, but it means you should not book this as a dedicated snorkeling expedition. The experience offers snorkeling as one part of a broader yacht day. You get variety, but not necessarily long stretches in the water.

Lunch, drinks, and the ride back

After the water activities, lunch is served during the return cruise. The meal was described as tasty, and the fruit snack and hors d’oeuvres help break up the long ride. The open bar and regular drink service are a real part of the value, especially if you plan to spend much of the return trip sitting in the sun or watching the coast.

The food is not the main reason to choose this tour, but it helps the day feel complete. You are not left to arrange a separate meal after swimming and snorkeling. Towels are included as well, which saves space in your day bag.

The return trip gives you more time to enjoy the yacht itself. You can settle into a lounge seat, watch Puerto Vallarta come back into view, or use the deck for sunbathing. The crew continues service while the boat heads toward the original port.

There may also be an onboard photo service. One person reported being offered photos for about $160, which is a steep extra cost. You can simply decline if the price does not suit you. Plan your spending around the tour price and harbor fee, not optional photographs.

Is $119 a good value?

The advertised price is $119 per person, but you should add the $28 cash harbor fee. That brings the basic total to about $147 each. Lunch, the open bar, towels, snorkeling equipment, and a paddleboard are included, so you are not paying separately for the main parts of the day.

I see the value most clearly in the convenience. You get transport on the water, equipment, food, drinks, a scenic cove, and crew support in one package. You do not need to rent gear or figure out how to reach Majahuitas independently.

The price is harder to justify if you measure value by time spent snorkeling. With roughly three hours of cruising in the listed schedule and possibly only 30 minutes of active snorkeling, someone focused on marine life may want a more specialized excursion.

The boat experience also affects the calculation. If you enjoy lounging, socializing, eating, and watching the coast, the price feels more reasonable. If you picture a small sailboat with a handful of people and a long, quiet stop, you may be disappointed.

The free cancellation policy offers some useful flexibility. You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund, and the reserve-now, pay-later option means you do not have to pay at booking. The cruise operates rain or shine, so check the forecast and think about how comfortable you are with changing conditions before the deadline.

Who will enjoy this yacht tour most?

I would choose this for couples, families with older children, and friends who want a comfortable day at sea without giving up simple activities. The mix of swimming, snorkeling, paddleboarding, food, and drinks means nobody has to spend the entire outing doing the same thing.

It also suits people who prefer service and facilities over a bare-bones boat trip. Lounge seating, bathrooms, towels, and meals are useful comforts during a five-hour outing. If you like having the option to rest rather than stay active, this format works well.

This is less suitable for anyone with mobility impairments or anyone who uses a wheelchair. Large bags and pets are not allowed. The tour also may not fit you if you dislike shared boats, want a private group, or expect snorkeling to fill most of the day.

Language should not be a problem. Live guiding is available in English and Spanish. Still, confirm the meeting point directly with Vallarta Adventures, since the two pickup locations use different boats.

The bottom line: should you book it?

Book this tour if you want a polished, easy day on the Bay of Banderas with good service, a comfortable yacht, food, drinks, and several ways to enjoy the water. The crew’s friendly care, especially the praise for Charlie, is one of its best features.

Think twice if your top priority is a long snorkeling session or a small-group sailing trip. The schedule includes substantial cruising, group size can vary, and the extra harbor fee raises the cost. For the right person, this is a pleasant all-around yacht outing. For a serious snorkeler, it is better viewed as a scenic cruise with a water stop, not a full snorkel expedition.

FAQ

How long is the Puerto Vallarta yacht tour?

The tour lasts five hours, including the cruise from Puerto Vallarta to Majahuitas Cove, time at the cove, lunch, and the return cruise.

What is the price of the tour?

The listed price is $119 per person. A separate $28 harbor fee per person must be paid in cash.

Is hotel pickup included?

No. Hotel pickup and drop-off are not included. You must meet at one of the specified port locations.

Where does the tour depart?

The two listed pickup locations are Las Palmas 39 and Puerto Magico. Contact Vallarta Adventures to confirm the correct meeting point for your boat.

What is included in the tour?

Snorkeling equipment, a paddleboard, towels, lunch, and an open bar are included.

Can I snorkel and paddleboard?

Yes. The stop at Playa Majahuitas includes opportunities for snorkeling and stand-up paddleboarding.

Is lunch included?

Yes. Lunch is served during the return boat cruise.

What languages are available?

The live tour guide service is available in English and Spanish.

What should I bring?

Bring a passport or ID card. Large bags and luggage are not allowed.

Can I cancel the tour?

Yes. You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund. The tour also offers a reserve-now, pay-later option.