Luxury Yacht & Snorkel with All inclusive Open bar and lunch

The best views come from the water. This half-day cruise carries you south across the Bay of Banderas on a Leopard catamaran, with a stop at secluded Majahuitas Beach, snorkeling, paddleboards, lunch, and an open bar. I especially like the small 40-person limit and the attentive crew service, which feels far more relaxed than a party boat packed with 100 people. I also like the chance to see Puerto Vallarta’s coast from a different angle, including Los Arcos, the Malecón, and perhaps dolphins, turtles, or whales.

The main caution is the word luxury. The boat is attractive and well maintained, but several details feel closer to a comfortable premium excursion than a private yacht charter. Snorkeling time can be brief, food may be a simple sandwich rather than a gourmet meal, and the beach stop requires swimming from the boat, so this outing is not perfect for anyone who wants easy access to shore.

Quick Points Before You Book

• Majahuitas is the main reward: The secluded cove, tropical forest, and time in the water provide the tour’s most appealing setting.
• The group is capped at 40 people: That is still a group outing, but it is more manageable than the huge catamarans common in Puerto Vallarta.
• The cruise itself takes time: Expect roughly an hour before the first water activity, depending on sea conditions and the route chosen that day.
• The yacht’s open bar is a strong value: Premium drinks are included onboard, although service and drink choices at the beach can be more limited.
• Snorkeling is not guaranteed to be spectacular: You may see colorful fish, turtles, rays, dolphins, or whales, but the site has little coral and conditions vary.
• Bring motion-sickness medicine and cash: The bay can become choppy, and you may want pesos for port charges and tips.

Sailing South From Puerto Vallarta

The tour begins at 8:00 a.m. at Vallarta Adventures in the Maritime Terminal, also called Puerto Mágico, on Boulevard Francisco Medina Ascencio. You make your own way there because hotel pickup and drop-off are not included.

Once aboard, the catamaran heads south through the Bay of Banderas. This first stretch is part sightseeing cruise, part breakfast-time relaxation. You can watch Puerto Vallarta recede behind you and see sections of the coast that are difficult or impossible to reach by land.

The exact route depends on the sea. On a calm day, the boat may pass Los Arcos, the famous rock formations south of town. It may also cruise past the Malecón, giving you a broad view of the city from offshore. These sights are not guaranteed stops, so think of them as possible views rather than fixed itinerary points.

I like this part of the outing because it gives the day a sense of place. You are not simply being delivered to a swimming area. You get a moving view of Puerto Vallarta’s coastline, and the crew may stop for wildlife sightings. Humpback whales have been seen along the route, along with dolphins and sea turtles, but wildlife is never promised.

The tradeoff is time. Some people find that the boat travels for nearly an hour before the first activity begins. If you want constant action, that may feel slow. If you enjoy a gentle morning at sea, the ride is part of the appeal.

What the 40-Person Limit Really Means

A maximum of 40 people sounds small beside the large excursion boats that operate in the bay. In practice, it means the catamaran can still feel social and cozy, especially when everyone is seated or gathered near the water equipment. It does not mean you have a private yacht.

The crew receives strong praise for friendly, attentive service. Names connected with especially memorable outings include Alex, Diego, Juan Luis, Victor, Daniel, Charlie, Jennifer, Felipe, Sylvino, Judy, and George. Crew assignments change, but the pattern is clear: staff members tend to keep drinks moving, explain activities, and help people feel looked after.

This is a good choice for a birthday, bachelorette group, family outing with older children, or a couple who wants more service than a basic snorkeling boat provides. The minimum age is 10, but keep in mind that water activities and rougher conditions may not suit every child.

There is limited space for personal belongings. That matters because the beach stop involves swimming from the boat. You cannot simply carry a large beach bag ashore, and some people find it awkward to manage towels and valuables while wet.

Majahuitas Beach: The Day’s Main Scene

After the coastal cruise, the crew heads toward Majahuitas Cove, a secluded beach south of Puerto Vallarta. The cove is surrounded by tropical forest and feels much quieter than the city beaches. The stop is scheduled for about 1 hour and 20 minutes, though the actual time in the water or on shore can vary with sea conditions and the day’s route.

Majahuitas is the part I would look forward to most. The setting is scenic, and the beach offers a pleasant break from the boat. You can swim, use a paddleboard, relax in the water, or try the other water equipment offered that day.

There is an important practical detail: you may need to swim from the catamaran to the beach. That makes the stop more appealing to confident swimmers and less convenient for anyone who wants a dry, easy walk onto shore. You also may need to leave towels and belongings onboard.

Facilities and drink choices at the beach are more limited than on the yacht. Several accounts describe beer, water, or hibiscus water rather than the full premium cocktail service available onboard. If the open bar is a major reason for booking, think of it primarily as a boat amenity.

The beach itself may not offer a long list of activities. Paddleboards, floating mats, and snorkeling equipment are available, and a banana boat ride has operated on some outings. The banana boat can be rough, so use caution with children and anyone who dislikes sudden motion. Activities can change with conditions.

Snorkeling Conditions and Marine Life

The snorkeling stop takes place near Majahuitas or another location selected according to the sea. Equipment is provided, including masks and snorkels, and stand-up paddleboards are included as well.

Expect an enjoyable look at local marine life, not a major coral-reef experience. Fish can be colorful and plentiful enough to make the stop worthwhile, but some outings report little or no coral. Visibility, current, wave height, and the season all affect what you see.

You might spot turtles, manta rays, dolphins, or whales during the full outing, but nobody can guarantee a particular animal. One of the tour’s pleasures is simply watching the bay and keeping your eyes open during the cruise.

Snorkeling time can feel short, sometimes around 20 minutes according to the day’s schedule. That is enough for a taste, but not enough for someone planning a full morning of underwater exploration. If snorkeling is your central goal, bring your own equipment if you have it, since provided gear is serviceable but not necessarily a perfect fit.

Life jackets may be required while you are in the water. Some people find that restrictive while snorkeling, but you should follow the crew’s instructions. Sea conditions can change quickly, and the crew determines how activities operate.

Lunch, Drinks, and the Meaning of All-Inclusive

The onboard food begins with snacks such as fruit, chips, guacamole, and shrimp cocktail. A deli-style lunch follows, often described as a sandwich or charcuterie-style meal, with dessert appearing on some outings.

The food generally receives warm praise, especially the fresh fruit, guacamole, and snacks. Still, I would lower your expectations if the word gourmet is part of your mental picture. Sandwich quality and seafood options can vary, and a shellfish allergy requires advance attention. Shrimp is part of the advertised food selection, so you should tell the operator about dietary restrictions before sailing.

The unlimited premium open bar is one of the strongest parts of the package. Drinks are served on the catamaran, and the crew often brings refreshments directly to you. Mango margaritas receive special praise, but the exact selection depends on the day and the crew.

At the beach, do not assume the same full bar. Beer, water, juice, or hibiscus water may be the available choices. The difference between the yacht bar and the beach drinks is worth understanding before you pay.

The drinks also create the usual practical concern: the bay can become rough, and alcohol can make motion sickness worse. If you are sensitive to movement, bring an appropriate remedy such as Dramamine, apply sunscreen early, and eat lightly before departure.

Is $119 a Fair Price?

At $119 per person, this tour costs more than a basic boat trip, but the price includes several useful extras: a half-day catamaran cruise, lunch, snorkeling equipment, paddleboards, and an open bar. The smaller capacity also matters. You are paying for service and comfort, not just transportation to a beach.

The value is strongest if you plan to enjoy the boat ride, order several drinks, and use the water equipment. It is weaker if you mainly want a long snorkeling session or a quiet beach day. You may spend a significant part of the five-hour tour in transit, and the snorkeling and beach periods together may feel shorter than expected.

Also watch for additional charges. The supplied booking information lists a Bay of Banderas admission fee of $40 per person, while operating details and past departures have also referred to smaller port or bay charges in pesos. Confirm the current amount and currency before departure so the final cost does not surprise you.

Photos and video are another optional expense. A photographer may take professional pictures throughout the trip, but they are not included in the $119 price. A digital package has been offered for about $100, although prices can change. If you want the photos, budget for them. If not, tell the photographer early and politely so expectations are clear.

Meeting Point, Timing, and Small Details

The meeting point is Vallarta Adventures at Terminal Marítima, Puerto Mágico, at Heroica Escuela Naval and Boulevard Francisco Medina Ascencio 30-G1 in the Hotel Zone North. The tour returns to the same place after about five hours.

Allow extra time to find the maritime terminal and complete check-in. The location is not difficult once you reach the port, but the entrance can feel confusing, especially if you arrive close to departure.

Wear a swimsuit under light clothing and bring sunscreen. A towel is useful, but remember that taking it ashore may be inconvenient if you must swim from the boat. Keep personal items small because storage space is limited.

Federal maritime rules prohibit drugs, electronic cigarettes, and vapes at the port and on the tours. Drones are also prohibited because of protections for endemic birds and their flight paths.

Cancellation is free up to 24 hours before the start time. Poor weather or failure to reach the minimum number of participants can lead to a rescheduled trip, another experience, or a full refund.

Who Will Enjoy This Yacht Trip Most?

I would choose this outing if you want a social day on the water with strong service, drinks, scenery, and a short taste of snorkeling. It works especially well for couples, small celebration groups, and families with children aged 10 or older who are comfortable in the sea.

You should think twice if you want a truly private yacht, a long beach stay, a full cocktail menu at shore, or serious snorkeling. The boat is comfortable rather than lavish, and the schedule depends heavily on weather and sea conditions.

The experience also suits people who value the journey itself. The coastal views, possible Los Arcos pass, whale sightings, music, lunch, and attentive crew can make the cruise worthwhile even if the fish are not abundant.

Should You Book It?

Book this tour if you want a polished, friendly catamaran outing with Majahuitas, an open bar, lunch, and several water activities in one package. The crew service is the most dependable strength, and the 40-person cap keeps the experience from feeling like a floating crowd.

Skip it if the word luxury makes you expect a private yacht, gourmet food, extensive snorkeling, or a full-service beach club. For the best experience, bring motion-sickness medicine, keep your belongings light, confirm extra fees, and treat the snorkeling as one part of a scenic day rather than the entire purpose.

FAQ

Where does the yacht and snorkel tour depart?

It departs from Vallarta Adventures at Terminal Marítima, Puerto Mágico, on Boulevard Francisco Medina Ascencio 30-G1 in Puerto Vallarta’s Hotel Zone North.

What time does the tour start?

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

How long does the experience last?

The tour lasts approximately five hours and returns to the original meeting point.

Is hotel pickup included?

No. Hotel pickup and drop-off are not included, so you must reach the maritime terminal on your own.

What is included in the price?

The package includes the yacht cruise, unlimited premium open bar onboard, deli-style lunch, snorkeling equipment, and stand-up paddleboards.

Is snorkeling equipment provided?

Yes. Snorkeling equipment is provided as part of the tour. You may also bring your own equipment if you prefer a personal fit.

How old must participants be?

The minimum age is 10.

Is the beach stop guaranteed?

The tour is designed to visit Majahuitas Beach, but the exact route can change according to sea conditions.

Are photos included?

No. An onboard photographer may offer photos and video for an additional charge.

What happens if bad weather cancels the tour?

If poor weather causes cancellation, you may receive a different date or a full refund. Free cancellation is also available when you cancel at least 24 hours before the start time.