Luxury Yacht & Snorkel with All inclusive Open bar and lunch

Puerto Vallarta’s best boat trips get you away from the hotel strip and into the open Bay of Banderas. This five-hour catamaran cruise heads south toward Majahuitas, with coastal views, snorkeling, paddleboards, lunch, and an open bar built into the day. The boat carries no more than 40 people, which gives you more room than the big party boats.

I especially like the attentive crew service and the chance to see the coast from the water, including possible views of Los Arcos and the Malecón. The beach stop at Majahuitas Cove is the real treat: tropical forest, clear water, and a quieter setting than Puerto Vallarta’s main beaches.

The catch is that luxury is a generous word here. The yacht is comfortable and well maintained, but several parts of the day are fairly simple, including the lunch and the short snorkeling session. Sea conditions can also mean a long ride before the first activity, rough water, or a route that skips Los Arcos.

Key points to know before you book

• Majahuitas is the main attraction: You get about 1 hour and 20 minutes at the secluded cove, though the exact water time can change.
• The group is capped at 40 people: That feels more relaxed than boats carrying around 100, but it is not a private charter.
• Lunch and drinks are included: Expect fruit, guacamole, chips, seafood options when available, and a deli-style sandwich meal.
• The route depends on the sea: Los Arcos, whale sightings, and the length of the ride are not guaranteed.
• Bring motion-sickness medicine if needed: The trip can include a long open-water ride, and some people have felt seasick.
• Budget for possible extra fees and photos: The listed price is $119, but port or Bay of Banderas charges may apply, and professional photos cost extra.

A five-hour cruise south from Puerto Vallarta

The morning begins at 8:00 a.m. at Vallarta Adventures in the Puerto Mágico maritime terminal. You make your way to the marina, check in, and board the Leopard catamaran for a route along the southern Bay of Banderas.

The boat ride itself is part of the sightseeing. From the water, you get a different view of Puerto Vallarta’s shoreline and the Malecón boardwalk. Depending on sea conditions, the boat may pass Los Arcos, the famous group of granite rock formations south of town. This is a good reason to keep your phone or camera ready, but do not treat the stop as guaranteed. The captain chooses the route based on the day’s conditions.

Expect roughly an hour of sailing before the main water activities. For some people, this is a pleasant start, with drinks, music, and coastal views. For others, it can feel like a lot of travel before snorkeling begins. If you prefer a fast trip straight to the water, this may test your patience.

The crew usually keeps the mood social and relaxed. Names praised in different trips include Juan Luis, Alex, Diego, Charlie, Felipe, Victor, Daniel, and Pablo, though the actual crew changes. The strongest part of the service is the attention to food and drinks. Several crew members circulate rather than making you constantly return to a bar.

What the Leopard catamaran is really like

The catamaran is a comfortable platform for a half-day on the bay, but do not picture a private yacht with huge open decks and endless lounge space. A maximum of 40 people is a useful limit, especially compared with larger boats that carry close to 100. Still, the deck can feel cozy when everyone is aboard, and storage space for bags and personal items is limited.

That matters most at the beach stop. Majahuitas is reached from the boat by swimming or wading through the water, so you cannot simply carry a large beach bag ashore. Keep valuables to a minimum and ask the crew where to leave anything you do bring. You may also spend time wet and without a dry place to sit.

The boat has restrooms, though one critical account found the facilities less comfortable than expected. This is another reason to keep your expectations practical. You are booking a polished day boat, not a private superyacht.

The open bar is a major part of the value. The package includes unlimited premium drinks on the yacht, and the crew generally keeps beverages moving. At the beach, however, drink choices can be more limited, with beer, water, and hibiscus water reported rather than the full cocktail menu. If the idea of premium cocktails at Majahuitas is important to you, ask for the current arrangement before departure.

Reaching Majahuitas Cove

Majahuitas is a secluded cove south of Puerto Vallarta, backed by tropical forest and reached most easily by boat. Its isolation is what makes the stop special. You are not pulling into a developed resort beach with shops, restaurants, and rows of loungers.

The scheduled stop lasts about 1 hour and 20 minutes, but that does not mean every minute is spent on the sand. The group may snorkel first, then spend time at the cove, or split the stop between several activities. Some trips have offered only about 20 minutes of snorkeling and a little over 30 minutes at the beach, so the exact balance can vary.

You might need to swim from the catamaran to shore. That is fun for confident swimmers, but it creates practical problems for anyone carrying towels, phones, or camera gear. Life jackets may be required in the water, including during swimming and some activities. That is sensible from a safety standpoint, but it can feel bulky and less carefree.

The beach itself is best for a short pause rather than a full afternoon. There is little infrastructure and limited independent activity. Paddleboards and floating mats can add variety, and a banana boat may be available, but the ride can be rough. Families with younger children should take the crew’s safety instructions seriously.

Snorkeling, paddleboards, and possible wildlife

Snorkeling equipment and stand-up paddleboards are included. The crew provides basic gear, and a guide such as Diego has been praised for helping people in the water. If you own a well-fitting mask and snorkel, you may prefer to bring them, since the provided gear can be serviceable rather than top-end.

Marine life varies with visibility, water conditions, and the exact site. You may see colorful fish, and reports from different trips include sightings of sea turtles, manta rays, dolphins, and humpback whales. Whales are most likely to be a cruising sight rather than part of the planned snorkeling stop, and the captain may slow or stop when one appears.

The snorkeling is not a major reef expedition. One particularly useful point is that the site has fish but little or no coral. Experienced tropical snorkelers may find it modest. Beginners and casual swimmers will likely care more about the chance to get in the water, enjoy the cove, and try a paddleboard.

The banana boat, when offered, adds a rougher thrill. It has been described as a hang on for dear life ride, and at least one trip ended with a child and adult in the water. That does not make it unsuitable, but you should assess your group before joining. The activity list can also change, so do not assume every water toy will be running on every departure.

Lunch, snacks, and the all-inclusive bar

Food begins with light items such as fresh fruit, guacamole, chips, and sometimes shrimp cocktails. Later, lunch is served on the boat. The exact meal has varied, with deli-style or charcuterie sandwiches commonly reported, along with dessert or additional fruit.

This is enough food for a morning and early afternoon, especially with the snacks served before the main meal. Still, the word luxury oversells the lunch. Several people expected a more elaborate seafood spread and received an ordinary sandwich instead. Seafood may be included in the food service, but it is not wise to assume shrimp or other shellfish will be the main course.

If you have a shellfish allergy, contact the operator before booking and explain exactly what you need. The presence of shrimp cocktails and other seafood makes this especially important. The supplied information does not promise a separate allergy-safe menu.

The premium open bar is one of the better inclusions at this price. You can order alcoholic and nonalcoholic drinks aboard the yacht, and popular choices have included mango margaritas. Service is generally attentive, though one poor account described receiving only one alcoholic drink. If your drink service seems missed, tell a crew member early rather than waiting until the end.

At Majahuitas, the bar is more basic. Plan on beer, water, and a nonalcoholic drink rather than the full selection available on the catamaran.

Is $119 a good value?

At $119 per person, the tour sits above a basic boat-and-snorkel outing but includes more than transportation. Your price covers the yacht cruise, snorkeling gear, paddleboards, lunch, and unlimited premium drinks aboard the vessel. The smaller group also has real value. Forty people can still feel social, but it is far easier to get crew attention than on a boat carrying twice that number.

I would call it a reasonable value for someone who wants a comfortable boat day with food and drinks already arranged. It becomes less attractive if you mainly want serious snorkeling, a long beach stay, or a private yacht atmosphere. In that case, you may feel that the activity time is short for the money.

Allow room in your budget for possible extra charges. The tour information lists a $40 per-person Bay of Banderas admission fee, while trip details have also referred to smaller port charges paid in local currency. Because the wording and amounts are not fully consistent, confirm the current fee at booking or check-in.

Professional photos and video are another optional cost. A photographer may take pictures throughout the cruise, including at the beach, and a digital package has been reported at around $100. The photos can be appealing, particularly for birthdays, couples, and bachelorette groups, but they are not included in the $119 price.

Practical advice for a smoother day

Arrive early enough to find the maritime terminal and complete check-in without rushing. The meeting point is at Vallarta Adventures, Terminal Marítima in Puerto Mágico, on Boulevard Francisco Medina Ascencio. The tour returns to the same location.

Use sunscreen before boarding and bring more for later. A swimsuit, hat, sunglasses, and a small dry bag are sensible choices. Since the beach may require a swim from the boat, avoid bringing anything that cannot handle splashes.

If you are prone to motion sickness, consider taking Dramamine or another medication you already know works for you. The ride can be smooth, but the Bay of Banderas can turn rough, and the first activity may not begin for close to an hour.

Bring local cash for tips and a payment card if you might want the photo package. Drones are prohibited because of federal rules protecting the flight path of endemic birds. Electronic cigarettes, vapes, and drugs are also prohibited at Mexico’s federal maritime ports.

The minimum age is 10. Most people can participate, but you should be comfortable boarding a boat, entering the water, and managing a short swim to shore. Life jackets may be required during water activities.

Who will enjoy this yacht trip most?

This is a good fit for couples, families with older children, solo visitors, and celebration groups who want a social day on the water. Bachelorette groups have especially liked the combination of music, drinks, food, and simple water activities. It also works well for someone visiting Puerto Vallarta for the first time who wants coastal sightseeing without organizing every detail.

You will probably enjoy it most if your priority is friendly service, a pleasant boat ride, and an easy mix of eating, swimming, and relaxing. The crew’s personal attention is the most dependable luxury here.

I would look elsewhere if you want a quiet private charter, a serious reef site, a long stay on an undeveloped beach, or a refined restaurant meal. The boat can feel crowded, the lunch may be ordinary, and the snorkeling depends heavily on conditions.

Should you book the Luxury Yacht and Snorkel tour?

Book it if you want a well-organized half-day cruise with an open bar, a smaller group than the big party boats, and a worthwhile stop at Majahuitas. The best parts are the coastal views, attentive crew, whale-watching possibilities, and easy access to food and drinks.

Go in with realistic expectations. This is not a private yacht charter, the beach has limited facilities, and the snorkeling is pleasant rather than exceptional. For $119, it offers a solid all-around boat day, especially for social groups and first-time visitors who value service and convenience more than long time in the water.

Free cancellation is available up to 24 hours before departure. Poor weather or an insufficient number of bookings can lead to a rescheduled trip or full refund.

FAQ

How long is the Luxury Yacht and Snorkel tour?

The tour lasts approximately five hours, beginning at 8:00 a.m. and returning to the same maritime terminal in Puerto Vallarta.

Where does the tour start?

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

Is lunch included?

Yes. Lunch is included, along with snacks such as fruit, guacamole, chips, and seafood options. The main meal is described as deli-style, and some trips have served sandwiches or charcuterie.

Are drinks included?

Yes. The tour includes an unlimited premium open bar aboard the yacht. Drink choices at Majahuitas may be more limited, with beer, water, and hibiscus water available.

Is snorkeling equipment provided?

Yes. Snorkeling equipment and stand-up paddleboards are included.

Is Los Arcos guaranteed?

No. The boat may pass Los Arcos depending on the route and sea conditions of the day.

What is the minimum age?

The minimum age is 10.

Can I cancel for a refund?

You can cancel at least 24 hours before the start time for a full refund. Cancellations or changes made less than 24 hours before departure are not accepted for a refund.