Puerto Vallarta: Luxury Yacht Tour with Lunch and Open Bar

Puerto Vallarta’s Bay of Banderas is the real star here. You cruise along the coast, stop at Majahuitas Cove, and trade city views for rainforest, open water, and a beach you can reach by boat. The day mixes easy sightseeing with swimming, snorkeling, paddleboarding, lunch, and drinks.

I like the friendly service and the fact that towels, water gear, lunch, and an open bar are included. I also like the roomy yacht setup, with lounge seating and several places to stretch out. The catch is time: a five-hour trip includes a lot of cruising, and some people may find the water activities shorter than expected for the $119 price.

Key Points to Know Before You Book

• Majahuitas Cove is the main stop: Plan on about two hours for swimming, snorkeling, paddleboarding, and beach time.
• The yacht is comfortable: Recent trips have had lounge space, sunbathing areas, and, on one boat, four bathrooms.
• Marine life is seasonal and never guaranteed: You might see whales, dolphins, sea turtles, and tropical fish.
• The harbor fee costs extra: Bring $28 in cash per person for the federal port fee.
• Group size may vary: One departure had about 25 people, while another account described a boat carrying at least 50.
• Charlie is a standout crew name: He was singled out for being kind and helpful, though crew assignments can change.

Setting Sail From Puerto Vallarta

The tour begins at one of two meeting points: Las Palmas 39 or Puerto Mágico. Your reservation may not make the exact boat and meeting details clear enough, so contact Vallarta Adventures before the day of departure. This small step can save you from wandering around the port with a towel bag and a growing sense of panic.

At the federal cruise port, all passengers pass through airport-style security. You also pay the $28 harbor fee in cash, which is not included in the tour price. Arrive early enough to handle both steps without rushing. A recent morning schedule had passengers arriving around 8:00, boarding at 8:30, and leaving at 9:00, but starting times can vary.

Hotel pickup and drop-off are not included. If you are staying near Puerto Mágico, walking to the meeting point may be simple. If not, arrange your own transport and allow extra time for traffic, port access, and security.

The tour operates in rain or shine. Bring your passport or another accepted ID, but leave luggage and large bags behind. Pets are not allowed.

The First 90 Minutes on the Bay

Once the yacht leaves Puerto Vallarta, the first part of the trip is scenic cruising. The boat spends about an hour and a half traveling through the Bay of Banderas, with views of the shoreline and open water around Puerto Vallarta.

This is a good time to settle into the boat. You can sit in the lounge areas, find a sunny spot, or order from the open bar once service begins. The trip includes hors d’oeuvres and a fruit snack is served on at least some departures. Expect a social boat outing rather than a quiet private sail.

The yacht itself is one of the stronger parts of the experience. One recent departure had around 25 people and still felt comfortable, with plenty of places to sit and four bathrooms. Another account described a much larger group of at least 50 people. That difference matters. Boat assignments and passenger numbers may change, so do not book this expecting a private charter or a tiny sailing group.

The long outward cruise has two sides. It gives you time to see the coast and search the water for wildlife. Whales and dolphins have been spotted during the ride, especially during the winter period covered by recent departures. But it also uses a large part of a five-hour outing. If you want nearly nonstop swimming and snorkeling, this may feel slow.

Majahuitas Cove and Its Tropical Backdrop

The main stop is Playa Majahuitas, a cove south of Puerto Vallarta. The beach is surrounded by tropical rainforest, giving the stop a more remote feel than the developed waterfront in town. You reach it by boat, and the setting is the reason this tour is more appealing than a basic harbor cruise.

You get roughly two hours in the area for free time, snorkeling, swimming, and stand-up paddleboarding. Snorkeling gear, a paddleboard, and towels are included, so you do not need to rent the basic equipment separately.

The water activities are flexible rather than tightly specialized. You might spend part of the stop in the water, paddle near the boat, swim toward the beach, or simply sit back with a drink. One departure included about 30 minutes of snorkeling, followed by time near another swimming area and an island that could be reached from the boat. The exact order can change with sea conditions and the crew’s judgment.

The cove is also the best place to look for tropical fish and sea turtles. Dolphins and whales may appear during the broader cruise, but wildlife is not guaranteed. Clear water and calm conditions help, while wind, waves, and visibility can limit snorkeling. One recent outing had larger waves than usual, though the guides adjusted the activity to keep people safe.

If you are not a confident swimmer, ask the crew for help before entering the water. The tour includes water gear, but it is not designed for people with mobility impairments or wheelchair users. Getting around a yacht, boarding, and moving between the boat and water may be difficult.

Snorkeling, Paddleboarding, or Simply Staying on Deck

This is not a trip where you must be active every minute. That is useful for mixed groups. One person can paddleboard while another lounges in the sun, and a third can stay on board with a drink and watch the coastline slide past.

I like this balance. You receive a real coastal outing without committing to a full day of strenuous water sports. The crew handles equipment and service, while you decide how much energy to spend.

The drawback is that the stop may feel brief if snorkeling is your main goal. Two hours sounds generous, but it includes getting ready, entering the water, switching activities, and returning to the boat. If conditions are rough, your actual time in the water can shrink.

An optional snorkeling upgrade was offered on one departure, and it appealed to a passenger whose husband wanted more from the snorkeling side. Since the exact upgrade details are not provided, ask the operator what it includes before paying extra. The standard package already includes snorkeling equipment, so compare the added benefit carefully.

Lunch, Drinks, and the Ride Back

After the water stop, the yacht returns toward Puerto Vallarta with lunch and more cruising. Food is included, along with the open bar. The meal and hors d’oeuvres have been well received, and the crew keeps drinks moving during the trip.

That open bar changes the feel of the day. You are not constantly reaching for a wallet or trying to find a snack between activities. It also makes the long return cruise more pleasant, especially if you have claimed a comfortable seat and want to watch the shoreline.

Still, an open bar is not the same as a luxury private yacht experience. The boat may carry a sizable group, and service takes place in a shared setting. If your idea of luxury means silence, personal attention, and total control of the route, this is not that. If luxury means a pleasant boat, good seating, food, drinks, and staff handling the details, it fits better.

The advertised plan gives about 90 minutes for the return trip, lunch, and the boat ride back. One recent schedule had passengers back at the port around 1:30. That makes this an easy half-day activity, leaving the afternoon open for Puerto Vallarta.

What the $119 Price Really Buys

At $119 per person, this is not the cheapest way to get on the water. You are paying for more than transportation to Majahuitas. The price covers a five-hour boat outing, snorkeling equipment, paddleboard use, towels, lunch, an open bar, crew service, and the chance to see marine life.

For me, the value depends on how you use the whole day. If you snorkel, paddleboard, eat lunch, enjoy the scenery, and make good use of the deck, the price is easier to justify. If you mainly want a short swim and a beer on the beach, the cost may feel high.

The included food and drinks make the price more predictable. You do not need to budget for lunch or basic water equipment, though you must add the $28 cash harbor fee. Photos taken by the crew are sold separately, and one recent account put the package at about $160. I would treat those photos as optional, not part of the tour’s value.

There is also a difference between a polished boat outing and an authentic, low-key beach day. Majahuitas gives you a beautiful natural setting, but the experience is organized for tourism, with set departure times, port security, shared facilities, and a planned return. That is not a criticism by itself. It simply helps you choose the right kind of day.

Who Will Enjoy This Yacht Tour Most

I would recommend this trip to couples, families with older children, and friends who want a comfortable day at sea without planning every detail themselves. It works especially well for people who want several choices: swim, snorkel, paddleboard, sunbathe, eat, or simply watch for whales and dolphins.

It is also a good match for first-time visitors who want to see more of Puerto Vallarta’s coastline. The bay cruise gives you a broad view of the area, while Majahuitas provides the main natural stop.

You should think twice if you need wheelchair access, have serious mobility limits, dislike group activities, or want a long snorkeling session. You may also prefer another option if the $28 port charge and the possible photo sales feel like unwanted extras.

The crew speaks English and Spanish. Service has been friendly and attentive, and Charlie was specifically praised for being accommodating and kind on one departure. Crew members can change, but the staff’s role is important here because they manage safety, drinks, food, and equipment in a moving boat.

Practical Tips for a Smoother Day

Contact Vallarta Adventures before departure to confirm your meeting point and boat. There are two pickup locations and different boats, so relying on a vague assumption about the port can create a bad start.

Bring your passport or ID, swimwear, sun protection, and a small personal bag. Large luggage is not allowed. You should also carry the $28 harbor fee in cash and allow time for security screening.

If you want a particular kind of seat, arrive early within the required check-in window. The yacht has comfortable lounge areas and sunbathing space, but popular spots may fill quickly on a larger departure.

Keep your expectations flexible about wildlife. Whales, dolphins, turtles, and tropical fish are all possible, but no crew can promise a sighting. Sea conditions also affect the quality and length of water activities.

Finally, remember that the trip runs in rain or shine. A light waterproof layer and a willingness to accept changing conditions may help, though the supplied information does not specify any particular clothing requirement beyond bringing identification.

Should You Book the Puerto Vallarta Yacht Tour?

Book it if you want a polished half-day on the Bay of Banderas, with lunch, an open bar, and water activities already arranged. The yacht, scenery, helpful crew, and chance to see marine life make this a pleasant way to reach Majahuitas without organizing separate transport and rentals.

Skip it if you want a small private boat, extensive snorkeling, or a cheap beach transfer. The trip can include a long amount of cruising, and group size may be larger than expected. At $119 plus the $28 harbor fee, it offers convenience and comfort rather than a bargain.

For most people, the best reason to book is the combination of choices. You can be active for part of the day and lazy for the rest. That is a very Puerto Vallarta way to spend five hours.

FAQ

How long does the yacht tour last?

The tour lasts five hours. The plan includes about 90 minutes cruising to the coastal area, about two hours at Playa Majahuitas, and about 90 minutes for lunch and the return cruise.

What is included in the price?

The price includes snorkeling equipment, a paddleboard, towels, lunch, and an open bar. Hotel pickup and drop-off are not included.

Is the harbor fee included?

No. You must pay a $28 per-person harbor fee in cash at the port.

Where does the tour depart from?

The listed pickup locations are Las Palmas 39 and Puerto Mágico. Contact Vallarta Adventures in advance to confirm the exact meeting point and boat details.

Can I snorkel and paddleboard during the tour?

Yes. Snorkeling and stand-up paddleboarding are offered during the Playa Majahuitas stop, and snorkeling equipment and a paddleboard are included.

Is the tour suitable for wheelchair users?

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