Puerto Vallarta: Luxury Yacht Tour with Lunch and Open Bar

Majahuitas Cove is the star of this five-hour yacht trip. You sail south from Puerto Vallarta across the Bay of Banderas, then get time to swim, snorkel, or paddleboard beside a tropical beach backed by rainforest. The water and coastal views are the real reason to book.

I like the easy rhythm here: lunch and drinks are included, and the crew handles the gear, towels, and service while you settle into a lounge seat. I also like the chance to spot whales, dolphins, turtles, and tropical fish, especially during the cooler months. The catch is that this is not a quiet little sailboat outing. Boats can carry a sizable group, and some of your five hours will be spent getting to and from the cove.

Key points to know before booking

• Majahuitas Cove is the main stop: You get about two hours there for swimming, snorkeling, paddleboarding, and beach time.
• The yacht is built for comfort: Lounge seating, bathrooms, towels, an open bar, and lunch make this easier than a basic boat excursion.
• Wildlife is possible, not guaranteed: Whales, dolphins, turtles, and tropical fish may appear along the route.
• The harbor fee costs extra: Bring $28 in cash per person for the federal harbor charge.
• Group size can vary: One boat was reported at about 25 people, while another accommodated at least 50, so confirm the vessel before you go.
• This suits active adults best: You need to pass through port security, and the tour is not suitable for wheelchair users or people with mobility impairments.

Setting out across the Bay of Banderas

Your morning begins at one of the listed meeting points, including Las Palmas 39 at Puerto Mágico. You do not get hotel pickup and drop-off, so allow extra time to reach the harbor on your own. The port requires airport-style security, including a metal detector, and you pay the $28 harbor fee in cash before boarding.

That extra charge matters when you judge the price. The advertised fare is $119 per person, but the real cost is $147 once you add the harbor fee. Lunch, an open bar, snorkeling equipment, a paddleboard, and towels are included, so the total can still make sense if you would otherwise pay separately for a boat trip and meals. It is less attractive if you mainly want a short ride and a quick swim.

The boat ride toward the southern coast takes about an hour and a half. That sounds long on paper, but the route itself is part of the outing. You get broad views across the bay, changing coastal scenery, and a good chance to watch the water for marine life. Several people have seen whales and dolphins during the cruise, but wildlife sightings depend on season, weather, and luck.

The crew keeps the mood relaxed rather than formal. You can sit in the lounge areas, stretch out to sunbathe, or stay near the rail for views. Drinks are served during the trip, and a fruit snack or hors d’oeuvres may appear early in the outing. Service is one of the stronger points, with Charlie singled out for being especially kind and attentive on one departure.

What makes Majahuitas Cove special

After the open-water cruise, the yacht reaches Playa Majahuitas, a beach cove south of Puerto Vallarta. The setting is framed by tropical forest, which gives the stop a more secluded feel than the developed waterfront back in town. The cove is not simply a photo stop. You have roughly two hours for water activities and free time.

Snorkeling equipment is supplied, so you do not need to pack your own mask and fins. The water can offer views of tropical fish and other marine life, though visibility and conditions can change. One person described about 30 minutes of snorkeling, while the overall stop also included swimming and time near the beach. That is a useful way to picture the schedule: this is a sampler of several water activities, not a dedicated, all-morning snorkeling expedition.

The paddleboard adds another option. You can stand up and explore at a gentle pace, or simply swim and enjoy the water. If you are not comfortable with either activity, staying aboard and relaxing is perfectly reasonable. The crew provides the equipment, but you should still bring a passport or ID card and wear practical swim clothing.

A word about the beach: the cove is beautiful, but your time there is scheduled. The boat later returns to Puerto Vallarta, and the whole tour lasts five hours. One person felt the excursion moved too quickly, with more than two hours of sailing for about 30 minutes in the water and a short beach stop. If your ideal day means settling on one beach for several hours, this tour may feel rushed.

Lunch, drinks, and the ride home

Lunch is served after the water activities, during the return portion of the cruise. The food has been described as tasty, and the combination of a meal and open bar makes the ride back more comfortable. You are not left to fend for yourself with a bag of snacks, which is a real advantage on a half-day boat trip.

The open bar also changes the feel of the outing. You can order drinks while watching the coast pass by, but the experience is still centered on the water and scenery rather than nightlife. You should pace yourself, especially if the sea is choppy. Larger waves have occurred, and the crew has taken care to keep people safe, but open water can feel lively even on a polished yacht.

Amenities vary by boat, so do not assume every departure is identical. One recent boat had four bathrooms and plenty of room for about 25 people. Another account described a vessel carrying at least 50 people. That is a meaningful difference: a group of 25 may feel easygoing, while 50 or more can make boarding, water activities, and service feel busier.

Ask Vallarta Adventures to confirm your meeting point and boat details before departure. The company uses different boats from two meeting locations, and the exact setup can affect how much space you have. You may also find onboard photographers offering pictures for purchase at the end. Those photos are optional, and the reported price was about $160, so decide in advance if you want to budget for them.

How the $119 price holds up

At $119 per person, this sits well above a simple sightseeing cruise, but it includes much more than transportation. You receive a yacht outing, lunch, an open bar, snorkeling equipment, paddleboard use, towels, and guided service. Add the $28 cash harbor fee, and you are really comparing a $147 experience with other organized boat days in Puerto Vallarta.

I think the price works best for you if you value convenience. You do not need to rent water equipment, bring a packed lunch, or plan separate activities at Majahuitas. The crew organizes the day, serves drinks, and keeps the schedule moving.

The value is weaker if you want a private yacht, a small group, or a long stretch of untouched beach time. The term luxury points to the boat’s seating, service, food, and bar rather than a private charter. You share the vessel with other people, and the group may be anywhere from roughly 25 to 50 or more.

The strongest parts of the trip are the ones you cannot easily reproduce on your own: the route across the bay, the access to Majahuitas Cove, the mix of swimming and paddleboarding, and the chance to see marine life. The weakest part is the limited time at the destination compared with the time spent cruising. Think of it as a polished half-day sampler of Vallarta’s coast, not a full-day escape.

Wildlife, weather, and what to pack

The Bay of Banderas can offer sightings of dolphins, whales, sea turtles, and tropical fish. Whale sightings are particularly possible during the right season, and one outing saw a large number of whales and dolphins. Still, no crew can promise wildlife, so book this for the coastal experience first and treat animals as a bonus.

The tour runs rain or shine. That makes a weather check useful, but it also means you should prepare for changing conditions. Bring your passport or ID card, swimwear, sun protection, and a way to cover yourself after swimming. Large bags and luggage are not allowed, and pets cannot come aboard.

You should also consider the physical demands. Boarding, moving around the yacht, snorkeling, and using a paddleboard can be awkward for anyone with limited mobility. The tour is not suitable for wheelchair users or people with mobility impairments. If you are unsure, contact the operator before paying.

The boat is not a place to hide from the sun all day. Lounge areas make relaxing easy, but the water, reflected light, and open deck can be intense. Towels are included, which helps, though you still need to bring your own personal items and identification.

Who will enjoy this yacht outing most

I would recommend this for couples, families with older children, and friends who want a comfortable mix of sailing and water activities. You get enough structure to avoid planning headaches, but enough free time to choose between snorkeling, paddleboarding, swimming, or staying aboard.

It is also a good fit if you want to see more of Puerto Vallarta than the main waterfront. The route gives you a look at the bay and the southern coastline, while Majahuitas provides a natural setting for the active part of the day.

I would hesitate to recommend it to anyone seeking solitude. The group size can be substantial, and the five-hour schedule is tightly organized. You will not have unlimited time to linger on the beach or explore at your own pace.

It is also a poor match if you dislike boat travel. About three hours of the day are allocated to cruising, including the outbound and return legs. That is a lot of time on the water, though the scenery, drinks, and meal help make the transit part of the experience rather than dead time.

Booking details that can save you trouble

You can cancel up to 24 hours before the start time for a full refund, and the reserve-now, pay-later option keeps your plans flexible. Starting times depend on availability, so check the departure schedule when you book.

Contact Vallarta Adventures before the day of the tour to confirm your exact meeting point. The information lists Las Palmas 39 and Puerto Mágico, and different boats may operate from different locations. This is the sort of small detail that can cause needless stress if you assume the port is self-explanatory.

Arrive early enough for security and the harbor payment. Bring $28 per person in cash, since the fee is not included in the tour price. Keep your passport or ID card accessible, and leave luggage and large bags at your accommodation.

The activity is offered in English and Spanish. The guides help with the schedule and water activities, while the crew takes care of food, drinks, towels, and equipment. If you have special needs, ask before booking, since the tour is not designed for wheelchair access.

Should you book the Puerto Vallarta yacht tour?

Book it if you want a comfortable, organized day on the Bay of Banderas with good food, drinks, and several ways to enjoy the water. The chance to see whales or dolphins, the rainforest setting at Majahuitas, and the attentive crew make this more than a simple boat transfer.

Skip it if you want a private charter, a very small group, or several quiet hours on the beach. The extra $28 harbor fee, possible larger group, and long cruising time also deserve a place in your budget.

For most people, I see this as a solid choice for a first coastal outing from Puerto Vallarta. Just set the right expectation: you are buying a polished half-day yacht experience with a scenic cove stop, not a secluded full-day sail.

FAQ

How long does the yacht tour last?

The tour lasts five hours, including the cruise from Puerto Vallarta, time at Playa Majahuitas, lunch, and the return boat ride.

What activities are available at Majahuitas Cove?

You can snorkel, swim, use a stand-up paddleboard, or spend free time near the beach. Snorkeling equipment and a paddleboard are included.

Is lunch included?

Yes. Lunch is included and is served during the return portion of the boat trip.

Does the tour include an open bar?

Yes. An open bar is included during the yacht outing.

Is snorkeling equipment provided?

Yes. Snorkeling equipment, a paddleboard, and towels are included.

How much is the harbor fee?

The federal harbor fee is $28 per person and must be paid in cash. It is not included in the tour price.

Is hotel pickup included?

No. Hotel pickup and drop-off are not included. The listed meeting options include Las Palmas 39 at Puerto Mágico, and you should contact Vallarta Adventures to confirm the exact meeting point for your boat.

Is the tour suitable for wheelchair users?

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