Luxury Yacht & Snorkel with All inclusive Open bar and lunch

Sun, sea, and a well-stocked bar. This half-day cruise takes you from Puerto Vallarta along the Bay of Banderas to Majahuitas Cove aboard a Leopard catamaran, with snorkeling, paddleboards, lunch, and unlimited premium drinks included. I like the small 40-person limit, which feels far more comfortable than the giant party boats, and I like the crew’s warm, attentive service. The main catch is that the word luxury sets a high bar, and the boat, meal, snorkeling time, and beach stop may feel more pleasant than truly high-end.

The sailing is the real backbone of the experience. You get coastal views that are impossible from the road, with possible sightings of Los Arcos, the Malecón, dolphins, turtles, and humpback whales. I also like that the route changes with sea conditions, although that means you cannot count on every landmark or activity happening exactly as pictured.

Key things to know before booking

• Majahuitas is the main prize: You get about 1 hour and 20 minutes at a lush, secluded cove south of Puerto Vallarta.
• The cruise is capped at 40 people: That is a more manageable group than the boats carrying roughly 100 passengers.
• Snorkeling time can be short: Some departures allow only about 20 minutes in the water before moving on.
• Lunch may be simpler than expected: Food can include guacamole, fruit, shrimp cocktail, sandwiches, dessert, and chips, but it is not consistently a gourmet seafood meal.
• The crew earns the strongest praise: Names such as Alex, Diego, Juan Luis, Victor, Daniel, Charlie, Jennifer, and Felipe have all been singled out for friendly, attentive service.
• Bring motion-sickness medication if needed: The ride toward the snorkeling area can take close to an hour, and waves can make some people uncomfortable.

Setting sail from Puerto Mágico at 8 a.m.

You meet at the Vallarta Adventures terminal inside Puerto Mágico, at Terminal Marítima N, on Boulevard Francisco Medina Ascencio. The boat returns to this same point after roughly five hours.

Allow extra time to find the terminal and complete the port formalities. The meeting point is generally described as easy once you are inside, but getting into the port area can feel confusing. There may also be a separate port or Bay of Banderas fee. The tour information lists an admission charge of $40 per person, while some recent departures have involved a smaller fee quoted in pesos. Confirm the current amount before you arrive, since this is not presented consistently.

The departure is early, but that works well for the bay. The light is pleasant, the heat is usually less intense, and you have much of the afternoon free afterward. The boat has a crew, music, food, and drinks, so you are not left to manage the outing yourself.

What the Leopard catamaran is really like

The catamaran is clean, well maintained, and large enough for the group size. It is a comfortable platform for sitting in the sun, watching the coastline, and getting drinks brought to you. The crew’s service is one of the best reasons to choose this cruise. Several people describe never needing to get up for food or drinks, and the staff is often praised for being cheerful, funny, and attentive.

Still, I would adjust your expectations about the word luxury. Forty people is a reasonable number, but it does not create a private-yacht atmosphere. On a full departure, seating and personal space can feel close, and there is limited room for bags. Keep valuables to a minimum and ask where belongings should be stored before the boat leaves.

The open bar is a strong feature during the sailing portions. Premium drinks are included, and mango margaritas receive special praise. Beer and nonalcoholic drinks are also available. One important detail is that the beach service may be more limited, with beer, water, juice, or hibiscus water rather than the full cocktail selection served aboard.

The long scenic cruise across the Bay of Banderas

The boat heads south from Puerto Vallarta, and the route is set according to the day’s wind and sea conditions. That flexibility is practical, but it also means the exact order of stops can change.

The first part of the cruise may feel slow if you are expecting immediate activity. Some accounts describe nearly an hour of sailing before snorkeling begins. I see that as both a strength and a weakness. If you enjoy being on the water, it is a peaceful coastal ride with views of Puerto Vallarta from an angle you cannot get on land. If you mainly want time in the water, the travel period reduces the amount of active beach and snorkeling time.

The boat may pass Los Arcos, the famous rock formations south of the city. The route may also provide a view of the Malecón from the bay. These are worthwhile sights, but neither is guaranteed because the captain must respond to sea conditions and the route selected that morning.

Keep your eyes open for wildlife. Dolphins, turtles, and humpback whales have been seen from the boat, particularly during the ride to or from Majahuitas. Whale sightings are never promised, but the crew may slow or stop when one appears. That can turn an ordinary transfer into one of the most memorable parts of the day.

If you are prone to seasickness, take the possibility seriously. One departure had several people feeling ill because of rough waves. Bring sunscreen and any motion-sickness medicine you normally use, and consider staying in a spot with fresh air and a clear view of the horizon.

Snorkeling near Majahuitas

The snorkeling stop takes place near Majahuitas Cove, a scenic area backed by tropical forest. Equipment is supplied, and guides help organize the water activities. You can also use stand-up paddleboards, and some departures have included floating mats or a banana boat.

The underwater conditions are variable. Some outings produce colorful fish, turtles, or even a manta ray sighting. Other times, the water has limited marine life and little or no coral. If you have snorkeled in excellent tropical reefs, this may feel modest. It is better to think of it as a pleasant wildlife stop within a broader yacht outing, not as a serious reef expedition.

Time in the water is another point to watch. The full stop at Majahuitas is listed as about 1 hour and 20 minutes, but snorkeling itself may last only around 20 minutes on some departures. The rest may be used for swimming, paddleboarding, the banana boat, or relaxing near the cove.

Life jackets may be required whenever you are in the water. That is sensible from a safety point of view, though it can make swimming and snorkeling less comfortable. The gear is adequate, but if you own a well-fitting mask and snorkel, bringing your own may improve the experience.

Majahuitas Cove and the beach stop

Majahuitas is the part of the tour that most closely matches the dream of a coastal escape. The cove is tucked below thick forest, and arriving by boat gives it a secluded feel. Some boats reach the area before larger craft arrive, creating a calm window for swimming and relaxing.

You may need to swim from the catamaran to shore. That matters more than it might sound. Towels, phones, cameras, and dry bags cannot easily come with you, so you may spend time in the water or standing on shore without your usual belongings. If you have mobility concerns or simply dislike swimming from a boat to a beach, ask the crew what the landing plan is that day.

The beach itself has limited facilities and activities. You are not arriving at a developed beach club with a long menu of diversions. The available options are mainly swimming, sitting, paddleboarding, floating, and possibly the banana boat. Some people find that wonderfully simple. Others may feel there is not enough to do after the snorkeling ends.

The banana boat deserves a caution. It can be playful and memorable, but one departure described it as rough enough to throw riders into the water. Families with children should ask about the speed and riding conditions before joining.

Lunch, snacks, and the open bar

Food is served during the cruise and is usually one of the more successful parts of the day. You may receive fruit, guacamole, chips, shrimp cocktail, sandwiches, and dessert. Some meals are described as tasty and filling, while others are described as ordinary sandwiches rather than gourmet fare.

That difference is important for judging the $119 price. If you expect a refined seafood lunch, you may be disappointed. If you see the meal as convenient boat food served with steady drinks and snacks, the value looks better. People with shellfish allergies should notify the operator in advance and ask exactly what alternatives are available. Shrimp may be part of the meal, and a suitable replacement is not clearly guaranteed.

The bar service is one of the cruise’s biggest attractions. Drinks are included without a per-drink charge, and the crew often keeps the service flowing. A single poor account described inconsistent attention to two people, so if you feel overlooked, speak to a crew member early rather than assuming the bar is closed to you.

Photography is another possible extra cost. A photographer may take pictures and video throughout the day, including posed shots on the boat and at the beach. The digital package has been priced at about $100 in some accounts, and it is not included in the tour price. Decide at the start if you want the photos, or politely decline so there is no awkward sales discussion at the end.

Is $119 a fair price?

At $119 per person, this is not a budget boat trip. The price includes the catamaran cruise, crew service, lunch, snorkeling equipment, paddleboards, and unlimited premium drinks. You are also paying for the convenience of combining transport, food, water activities, and sightseeing into one morning.

I think the value is strongest for couples, small groups, and celebratory groups who want the boat atmosphere as much as the snorkeling. Bachelorette parties and birthday groups have enjoyed the music, drinks, service, and simple mix of activities. The 40-person limit is also meaningful when compared with much larger party boats.

The value is weaker if your main goals are a long snorkeling session, a gourmet lunch, a private yacht, or a quiet beach with many facilities. You may also spend more than expected if you add photos and port fees. The experience works best when you think of it as a social sailing day with snorkeling, not as a private charter or specialist marine excursion.

Who will enjoy this cruise most?

I would recommend it to you if you like being looked after. The crew does much of the work, brings drinks, serves food, organizes equipment, and helps with the water activities. You can spend the morning enjoying the coast instead of arranging separate transport and beach access.

It also suits a group that wants several options. One person can snorkel, another can paddleboard, and someone else can stay aboard with a drink. The boat ride itself gives non-swimmers something to enjoy, although anyone sensitive to motion should prepare carefully.

I would hesitate if you dislike crowded seating, need a substantial meal, want guaranteed landmarks, or expect a secluded beach with easy dry access. I would also choose a different outing if snorkeling quality is your top priority.

Practical details worth knowing

The minimum age is 10, and most people can participate. 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 and vapes, so leave those items behind.

The tour is offered in English. It requires suitable weather and a minimum number of participants. If poor conditions cancel the outing, you can choose another date or receive a refund. Cancellation is free up to 24 hours before the start time, but changes or cancellations inside that window are not accepted.

Bring sunscreen, a swimsuit, and a small amount of cash for tips. Keep bags compact, and do not count on taking belongings ashore when the beach access requires swimming. If you want professional photos, bring a payment card, but remember that the photo package costs extra.

Should you book the Majahuitas yacht and snorkel cruise?

Book it if your ideal Puerto Vallarta morning includes a comfortable catamaran, coastal views, attentive service, drinks, a simple lunch, and a little time in the water. The strongest features are the crew, the manageable group size, the scenery, and the chance of seeing whales or other wildlife.

Skip it if luxury means a private boat, a polished gourmet meal, ample personal space, or a long reef snorkeling session. At $119, the tour is best value for someone who wants a lively, convenient day on the bay and understands that the beach stop and underwater activity may be fairly brief.

FAQ

How long does the yacht and snorkel experience last?

The experience lasts approximately five hours, beginning at 8 a.m. and ending back at the Vallarta Adventures terminal.

Where does the tour start?

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

Does the tour return to the starting point?

Yes. The activity ends back at the same meeting point.

Is lunch included?

Yes. Lunch is included, along with snacks such as fruit, chips, and guacamole. Depending on the departure, food may also include shrimp cocktail, sandwiches, and dessert.

Are drinks included?

Yes. An unlimited premium open bar is included aboard the yacht. Beach drinks may be more limited and can include beer, water, juice, or hibiscus water.

Is snorkeling equipment provided?

Yes. Snorkeling equipment is included, and stand-up paddleboards are also available.

How long is the Majahuitas stop?

The Majahuitas stop is listed as approximately 1 hour and 20 minutes. The amount of time spent snorkeling within that stop can vary.

Is the tour suitable for children?

The minimum age is 10. The banana boat can be rough, so families should consider the child’s comfort and ability before joining that activity.

Is hotel pickup included?

No. Hotel pickup and drop-off are not included. You must make your own way to the Puerto Mágico meeting point.

Can I cancel for a refund?

You can cancel up to 24 hours before the start time for a full refund. Cancellations or changes made less than 24 hours before departure are not accepted, and weather or minimum-participant cancellations may result in another date or a full refund.