Puerto Vallarta Luxury Sailing with Premium Open bar & lunch

The best days at sea leave room to slow down. This six-hour sailing trip on Banderas Bay combines a beautiful boat, open bar, lunch, snorkeling, and paddleboarding without the feel of a loud party cruise. I especially like the attentive crew and the small-group atmosphere reported on many departures, with some boats carrying as few as 8 to 11 people.

I also like the flexible route. The crew chooses stops based on the day’s conditions, which can bring you to a quiet beach, a sheltered cove, Los Arcos, or open water with a chance to spot whales and dolphins. The main drawback is that the tour is not pure sailing: the boat often uses its motor to reach the activity area, then sails back when the wind cooperates. Snorkeling can also be weak when visibility is poor.

Key points to know before booking

• A six-hour outing with a calm, upscale feel: This is built for lounging, eating, swimming, and enjoying the bay, not racing from one attraction to another.
• Lunch and drinks are included: Expect infused water, fruit, guacamole, chips, a gourmet sandwich, and brownie, along with an open bar.
• Marine life is possible, not promised: Humpback whales, dolphins, manta rays, and sea turtles have all been spotted, especially during whale season.
• The route changes with conditions: You may visit Los Arcos, a beach, or a sheltered cove, but the exact plan is set each day.
• Water access requires a jump and ladder: You enter the sea from the boat and climb back using small metal ladders.
• The minimum age is 10: No exceptions are stated, and the boat holds a maximum of 30 people.

Setting out from Marina Vallarta at 9:30

You begin at Vallarta Adventures in Marina Vallarta, at Mástil 13, or at the Nuevo Vallarta meeting point if that arrangement applies to your booking. The listed start time is 9:30 a.m., and the activity returns to its starting point.

Bring cash for the port fee, which is MX$40 per person. Hotel pickup and drop-off are not included, so you need to arrange your own way to the marina. That extra planning is easy enough, but it is worth sorting out before breakfast rather than arriving at the dock with only a credit card and a hopeful smile.

The boat departs onto Banderas Bay, one of the main reasons this outing works so well. You get broad coastal views, rocky formations, open water, and the chance to watch Puerto Vallarta recede behind you. The boat itself is repeatedly described as clean, comfortable, and beautiful. Some people expect a catamaran and are surprised to find a large sailboat instead, so set your expectations accordingly.

The group size can make a big difference. The maximum is 30 people, but some departures have been much smaller. A boat with 8, 10, or 11 people feels far more personal than a full-size party cruise. One larger departure felt crowded, so you should understand that the small-group mood is common but not guaranteed.

The boat experience: more lounge than party cruise

This tour’s strongest feature is the pace. You are not pushed through a long checklist of stops. Instead, you can sit back, watch the water, talk with the crew, and choose how active you want to be.

The crew receives especially high praise for being friendly, attentive, and fun. Captains and crew members named in guest accounts include Sergio, Rubin, Christian, and Walter. On some outings, the captain joined the group in the water, helped with activities, or even turned the boat around to retrieve a blown-off hat. Those small acts tell you something useful: service is a major part of what you are paying for.

Drinks are brought regularly, and the bar is open throughout the cruise. The mixed drinks have received mixed praise. Some people found them perfectly enjoyable, while one person thought they were only average. Beer, wine, cocktails, and other drinks are part of the open-bar setup, but the exact selection is not specified.

You should pace yourself. With free-flow drinks and a six-hour day, it is easy to drink more than intended, especially when the crew keeps checking on you. The sea, sun, and alcohol are a poor team if you forget water and sunscreen. Infused water is included, and sunscreen should be packed because it is not listed as part of the tour.

The daily route and what each stop offers

The route is selected according to sea and wind conditions. That flexibility helps the crew choose safer, more pleasant water, but it also means you cannot count on one exact itinerary.

A common pattern is to use the motor while heading toward the beach, rocks, or snorkeling area, then sail back when the wind is suitable. If you are booking this mainly to spend six hours under full sail, that may disappoint you. If you see the sailing as one part of a broader day on the water, the arrangement makes more sense.

Los Arcos may be part of the route. These dramatic rock formations are one of the most recognizable sights near Puerto Vallarta, and they give the trip a strong sense of place. The surrounding water can also provide chances to snorkel or look for wildlife.

A beach stop adds a change of pace. You might walk on white sand, rest in the shallows, or simply enjoy time away from the boat. The exact beach is not guaranteed, and the length of the stop depends on the day’s route.

A protected cove can be a better setting for water activities than open bay water. The crew may stop for swimming, snorkeling, or paddleboarding where conditions are calmer. That flexibility is useful for mixed groups, since one person can snorkel while another stays aboard or uses a paddleboard.

Swimming, snorkeling, and paddleboarding

The tour includes snorkeling equipment and stand-up paddleboards. You do not need to bring your own gear, and towels are available according to the experience details shared by past customers.

Entering the water is straightforward but not effortless. You jump from the boat, then climb back up small metal ladders. If you are not steady on ladders or do not enjoy jumping into open water, this is an important consideration. The crew can help, but the physical setup remains the same.

Snorkeling quality depends heavily on location and visibility. Some outings have produced tropical fish, rays, puffer fish, and even an octopus. Other days have had poor visibility and little to see. One snorkeling guide, Rubin, was praised for pointing out sea life and making the experience more interesting. That kind of guidance matters when the water is not perfectly clear.

I would book this trip for the overall time on the water rather than for snorkeling alone. If your top goal is a large reef, clear visibility, or a dedicated underwater excursion, this may not be the best choice. If you want a pleasant boat day with the option to snorkel, paddleboard, or swim, the balance is much better.

Paddleboarding offers an easy alternative. It lets you get active without depending on underwater visibility. A floating mat or similar water play may also be available, though the exact equipment can vary.

Wildlife watching across Banderas Bay

The bay is home to a range of marine life, and the trip gives you a chance to see it from the boat. Sightings have included humpback whales, dolphins, manta rays, sea turtles, and several kinds of tropical fish.

Whales are seasonal, and no sighting is guaranteed. Still, some outings have recorded multiple whale stops, with one group seeing at least five whales and another spotting whales and dolphins during the return sail. The boat may pause several times if whales appear nearby.

The most useful advice is to keep your eyes on the water, especially during quieter stretches. Wildlife watching is not a scheduled performance. You may see a whale at a distance, a dolphin near the boat, or nothing at all. That uncertainty is part of the experience, so do not judge the tour only by the number of animals you hope to photograph.

Manta rays and sea turtles are possible but less predictable. The bay’s changing conditions affect both sightings and snorkeling visibility. Keep your expectations open, and bring patience along with your camera.

Lunch, snacks, and the premium open bar

Food is one of the tour’s strongest points. The listed menu begins with infused water and seasonal fruit, followed by guacamole with pico de gallo and tortilla chips. The main course is a gourmet sandwich with serrano ham, tomato, pickle dressing, manchego cheese, arugula, and homemade bread. Dessert is a dark chocolate brownie.

The actual food served can include a broader spread. Past meals have included fresh fruit, ceviche, charcuterie, cheese, crackers, and fruit tarts. Presentation is part of the appeal, and the meal feels more polished than the standard snacks found on many boat excursions.

The timing also works well. Food arrives during the day rather than all at once, and drinks are served regularly. By the return trip, you should feel fed rather than stuck waiting for a late lunch.

The open bar adds real value, but only if you plan to use it. At $129 per person, the price covers a six-hour boat outing, lunch, drinks, snorkeling equipment, and paddleboarding. Add in the attentive service, clean sailboat, and chance of wildlife, and the cost is reasonable for a full day on the bay.

The value drops if you do not drink, dislike boat-based activities, or plan to spend most of the time sitting out of the water. You are paying for the complete package, not just transportation from one beach to another.

How long six hours feels on the water

Six hours is long enough to feel like a real day out, but it may feel too long if you get seasick or prefer short excursions. One person enjoyed the day but would have preferred it to be an hour or an hour and a half shorter.

The return sail can be especially peaceful. When the wind is right, the crew shuts down the motor and lets the boat move quietly across the bay. That final stretch is often the most relaxing part of the day, with lunch finished, drinks in hand, and the shoreline passing at an easy pace.

The trip is not ideal for anyone who feels unwell at sea. It is also a poor match for people with mobility limitations because of the water entry and small ladders. Toilets are located on the lower deck, which is useful to know before you board.

Who will enjoy this sailing trip most

I would recommend this experience to couples, friends, and families with children aged 10 or older who want a polished day on the water. It works well for people who want both rest and activity, since you can swim, snorkel, paddleboard, or remain aboard.

It is also a good fit if you prefer a social boat without a nightclub atmosphere. The service is friendly and lively, but the overall mood is usually relaxed rather than rowdy. The smaller departures can feel almost private while still giving you company.

I would choose another activity if you want serious snorkeling, guaranteed whale watching, nonstop sailing, or hotel transportation. I would also think twice if you dislike open bars, long boat rides, jumping into the water, or climbing ladders.

Booking, timing, and cancellation details

The experience is offered in English and is often booked well ahead of time, with an average booking lead of about 24 days. That is a useful hint for planning, especially during busy periods or whale season.

You receive confirmation at booking. The tour requires a minimum number of participants, so a cancellation for low enrollment can result in another date, another experience, or a full refund.

You can cancel for a full refund up to 24 hours before the start time. Changes or cancellations made less than 24 hours before departure are not accepted for a refund. The cutoff follows local Puerto Vallarta time.

Should you book the Puerto Vallarta luxury sailing tour?

Yes, if you want a comfortable, food-and-drink-focused day on Banderas Bay with optional water activities and a real chance of seeing marine life. The crew, clean boat, meal, and small-group feel are the strongest reasons to choose it.

Book it with realistic expectations. The route changes, the boat may use its motor, snorkeling can be hit or miss, and a full six hours is a long stretch at sea. If you see the tour as a relaxing sailing day with lunch, drinks, wildlife, and a few chances to get wet, the $129 price is a fair deal. Bring sunscreen, cash for the dock fee, and a willingness to let the bay set the schedule.

FAQ

Where does the Puerto Vallarta luxury sailing tour start?

The listed meeting point is Vallarta Adventures at Marina Vallarta, Mástil 13, Puerto Vallarta. The experience may also begin from a Nuevo Vallarta meeting point, depending on your booking.

What time does the tour begin?

The listed start time is 9:30 a.m.

How long does the sailing tour last?

The tour lasts approximately six hours and returns to the original meeting point.

What is included in the price?

The price includes the day cruise, lunch, open bar, snorkeling equipment, and paddleboarding.

Is hotel pickup included?

No. Hotel pickup and drop-off are not included.

Is there an extra port fee?

Yes. You must pay a MX$40 port fee per person in cash at the marina.

What food is served?

The listed menu includes infused water, seasonal fruit, guacamole with pico de gallo and tortilla chips, a gourmet serrano ham sandwich with manchego cheese and arugula, and a dark chocolate brownie.

What is the minimum age?

The minimum age is 10 years, with no exceptions stated.

Can I snorkel or swim from the boat?

Yes. You can snorkel or swim from the boat, and you enter the water by jumping in and return using small metal ladders. Toilets are located on the lower deck.