Luxury Yacht & Snorkel with All inclusive Open bar and lunch

The best part of this Puerto Vallarta outing is the combination of a small yacht setting and a secluded beach stop at Majahuitas. You spend the morning sailing south along the Bay of Banderas, with the chance to see whales, dolphins, turtles, Los Arcos, and the Malecón from the water.

I like the attentive crew, who keep food and drinks moving without making you chase them down. I also like the easy mix of activities: snorkeling, paddleboarding, swimming, and simply relaxing on deck. The main drawback is that the boat ride can take close to an hour before the first water activity, and the snorkeling may be brief or limited by sea conditions.

At a glance

• Majahuitas is the main attraction: Spend about 1 hour and 20 minutes near this tropical cove south of Puerto Vallarta.
• The boat carries no more than 40 people: That feels far less crowded than the very large party boats common in the area.
• Lunch is included, but expectations matter: Food can include fruit, guacamole, chips, shrimp cocktail, sandwiches, and dessert, though the exact meal may vary.
• The open bar is strongest aboard the yacht: At the beach, drinks may be limited to beer, water, juice, or hibiscus water.
• The route changes with the sea: Los Arcos and the Malecón may be included, but neither is guaranteed.
• Bring motion-sickness medicine if needed: Several hours on the water can feel rough when the bay is choppy.

A five-hour cruise south from Puerto Vallarta

This is a half-day boat outing, not a fast transfer straight to the beach. The yacht leaves at 8:00 a.m. from Vallarta Adventures at the Maritime Terminal in Puerto Vallarta and heads south through the Bay of Banderas.

That early start works well if you want to return with much of the afternoon still free. You can also expect a slow first stretch on the water. The boat ride itself is part of the experience, but the first major activity may not begin for nearly an hour.

You’ll be aboard a Leopard catamaran with a maximum of 40 people. That number is important. The boat is not an empty private yacht, and personal space can feel cozy when everyone is seated, but it is notably more manageable than a large excursion boat carrying close to 100 people.

The crew is one of the strongest reasons to book. Names mentioned by visitors include Juan Luis, Sylvino, Judy, Charlie, George, Alex, Diego, Victor, Daniel, and Pablo, though the exact team will vary. Service is generally warm and attentive, with the crew bringing drinks and food to your seat and helping with the water equipment.

What you see from the Bay of Banderas

The route heads along the southern coast of Puerto Vallarta. You’ll see parts of the shoreline that are difficult or impossible to reach by land, and the bay gives you a different view of the city’s hotels, hills, and waterfront.

The Malecón Boardwalk may appear from the water as the yacht passes the southern part of town. This is not a walking tour of the boardwalk, but the offshore view is a pleasant way to understand Puerto Vallarta’s layout.

Los Arcos may also be included. These famous rock formations are a highlight of the southern bay, but the boat does not promise a stop there. The captain chooses the route according to sea conditions, so you should treat Los Arcos as a possible sight rather than a guaranteed part of the day.

Wildlife sightings add a welcome bit of luck. Humpback whales have been seen on the way to and from Majahuitas, and dolphins and sea turtles are also possible. The crew may pause when a whale appears, but no wildlife sighting can be promised.

Majahuitas Cove and the main water stop

Majahuitas is a secluded cove south of Puerto Vallarta, backed by tropical forest and reached by boat. This is the centerpiece of the trip. The boat stays in the area for about 1 hour and 20 minutes, giving you time for water activities and a short beach visit.

The snorkeling stop can be enjoyable, especially for beginners and casual swimmers. Equipment is supplied, and a guide such as Diego has helped visitors feel comfortable in the water. You may see colorful fish, and there have been sightings of turtles and manta rays.

Keep your expectations sensible. The snorkeling site is not known for large coral formations, and conditions can change quickly. Some departures have produced plenty of fish, while others have found little marine life. The actual time in the water may be closer to 20 minutes than a long extended snorkel, depending on the schedule and conditions.

You may need to wear a life vest in the water. That is not everyone’s preferred way to snorkel, but it is a safety requirement on some departures. If you have your own mask and snorkel and care about fit, bringing them may be worthwhile. The supplied equipment is serviceable, though not everyone finds it ideal.

After snorkeling, you can use the stand-up paddleboards, swim, or try an inflatable ride if one is offered on your departure. Several outings included a banana boat, but it is not listed among the core inclusions, so do not book this trip solely for that activity. It can be rough, and one child ended up in the water during a particularly lively ride.

The beach is pretty, but it is not a full resort stop

Majahuitas has the appeal of a quiet cove rather than a developed beach club. The setting is attractive, and arriving before larger boats can make the stop feel pleasantly private.

There is an important practical catch: you may have to swim from the yacht to the beach. That means you cannot easily carry a dry bag, towel, phone, or other belongings ashore. You may end up standing on the beach while still wet, rather than settling into a lounge chair with your things beside you.

Do not expect a long list of beach activities. The appeal is the cove, the water, and the chance to slow down. There may be paddleboards, floating mats, or a banana boat, but the beach itself has little to do beyond relaxing and swimming.

The beach bar service is also more limited than the onboard bar. Beer, water, juice, or hibiscus water may be available, but premium cocktails are not necessarily served there. If unlimited mixed drinks are a major reason you are booking, think of the open bar as an onboard benefit rather than a beach feature.

Lunch and the open bar

Food is included, and it generally arrives in several parts. Expect items such as fruit, chips and guacamole, shrimp cocktail, sandwiches, deli-style food, and dessert. Some departures have served a charcuterie-style lunch, while others have offered a more ordinary sandwich.

The food receives plenty of praise, but the wording premium or gourmet may set the bar too high. The meal is convenient and filling, yet it is not consistently a restaurant-level lunch. Seafood may be included, but it is not guaranteed. If you have a shellfish allergy, tell the operator before departure and bring a backup snack if your dietary needs are serious.

The unlimited premium open bar is a major part of the value. Beer, wine, cocktails, and nonalcoholic drinks are served on the yacht, and the crew is known for keeping glasses topped up. Mango margaritas have been a popular choice.

The open bar can also create a mismatch between expectation and reality. At the beach, the selection may be limited. One person also reported receiving only one alcoholic drink during the trip, despite the advertised unlimited service. That appears to be an individual service problem, but it is worth speaking up politely if you are being missed.

Is $119 a fair price?

At $119 per person, this is not the cheapest way to reach Majahuitas. You are paying for the catamaran, crew service, lunch, drinks, equipment, and a smaller group rather than just transportation to the beach.

I see the value if you want a social, all-in-one morning with very little planning. You do not need to rent snorkel gear, arrange a separate boat, find lunch, or pay for drinks as you go. The crew handles the practical details, and the yacht gives you a comfortable base between activities.

The value is weaker if your priority is serious snorkeling, a polished luxury yacht, or a long beach stay. The boat is well maintained and pleasant, but several people find the word luxury a little generous. The group can feel cozy, storage for bags is limited, and the snorkeling time may be short.

Also watch the extra charges. The booking information lists a Bay of Banderas admission fee of $40 per person. Some on-site accounts instead describe a 40-peso charge, along with a separate port fee of about 30 pesos per person. Because these amounts are not consistent, confirm the current fees before you arrive. Bring local cash for port charges and crew tips.

Photos, upsells, and what to budget for

A photographer or videographer may work aboard the yacht and at the beach. The photos are not included in the tour price. Digital packages have been reported at around $100, though the current price should be confirmed on the day.

The photography can be good, especially for birthdays, couples, and bachelorette groups. You may get polished shots while snorkeling, posing on deck, or enjoying the coastline. If you do not want the package, say so early and clearly. That saves time for you and the photographer.

You should also budget for tips if the crew provides the attentive service this trip is known for. Tips are not listed as an inclusion, and local cash is useful.

Who will enjoy this yacht trip most?

I would choose this outing for couples, small groups of friends, birthday celebrations, and bachelorette parties that want food, music, drinks, and several easy activities in one package. It also suits casual snorkelers who care as much about the boat ride and service as they do about marine life.

Families can enjoy it, but parents should keep a close eye on children during the water activities. The banana boat can be rough, and the need to wear life vests may affect how comfortable younger swimmers feel.

I would be more cautious if you are prone to seasickness. The boat may move for a long time before reaching the activity area, and waves can make the ride uncomfortable. Bring sunscreen and motion-sickness medicine such as Dramamine if you normally need it.

This is not the right pick for someone seeking a quiet private charter, a long sandy beach day, or serious reef snorkeling. It is also not ideal if you need to keep belongings close during the beach stop or require a fully specified meal.

Practical details before you go

The meeting point is Vallarta Adventures at Terminal Marítima, Puerto Mágico, on Boulevard Francisco Medina Ascencio in Puerto Vallarta. Hotel pickup and drop-off are not included, and the trip returns to the same meeting point.

The minimum age is 10. Most people can participate, but you should be comfortable getting into the water and handling a boat ride. The tour is offered in English.

Drones are prohibited because of federal rules protecting the flight path of endemic birds. Mexico’s maritime ports also enforce a strict no-drug policy that includes electronic cigarettes, vapes, and all drugs. Leave those items behind.

Free cancellation is available up to 24 hours before the 8:00 a.m. start time. Poor weather or failure to reach the minimum number of participants can lead to a rescheduled trip or a full refund. Since the route depends on sea conditions, flexibility is useful.

Should you book the Luxury Yacht and Snorkel tour?

Book it if you want a well-served social day on the water, with a smaller group, an attractive cove, lunch, and drinks included. The crew is the clearest strength, and the combination of sailing, snorkeling, paddleboarding, swimming, and beach time gives you plenty to do without arranging separate activities.

Skip it if the word luxury makes you expect a private-feeling yacht, refined food, premium beach service, or a long snorkeling session. At $119, the tour makes the most sense when you use the open bar, enjoy the sailing, and value the convenience of having everything bundled together.

My practical advice is simple: take motion-sickness medicine if you need it, bring sunscreen and minimal belongings, confirm the extra fees, and treat the snorkeling and Los Arcos as condition-dependent parts of the day. With those expectations, this can be a fun and easy way to experience Puerto Vallarta from the bay.

FAQ

How long does the yacht and snorkel tour last?

The experience lasts approximately five hours, beginning at 8:00 a.m. and ending back at the Vallarta Adventures meeting point.

Where does the tour begin and end?

It begins and ends at Vallarta Adventures at Terminal Marítima, Puerto Mágico, on Boulevard Francisco Medina Ascencio 30-G1 in Puerto Vallarta.

Is hotel pickup included?

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

What is included in the price?

The tour includes the yacht cruise, unlimited premium open bar, lunch, snorkeling equipment, and stand-up paddleboards.

Is the group private?

No. The tour is shared, with a maximum of 40 participants.

Will the boat stop at Los Arcos?

The yacht may pass by Los Arcos, but the route depends on sea conditions and the captain’s plan for the day. A stop is not guaranteed.

How long is the stop at Majahuitas?

The scheduled Majahuitas portion lasts about 1 hour and 20 minutes. This includes time for snorkeling, swimming, paddleboarding, and the beach visit.

Is there an age requirement?

Yes. The minimum age is 10.

What happens if bad weather cancels the tour?

You will be offered a different date or a full refund if poor weather causes the tour to be canceled.