Puerto Vallarta: Luxury Yacht Tour with Lunch and Open Bar

The Pacific looks best from a yacht. This five-hour outing carries you across the Bay of Banderas to Majahuitas Cove, where you can snorkel, paddleboard, swim, or simply stretch out with a drink. I like the generous mix of water activities and downtime, and I like that lunch, towels, equipment, and an open bar are included. The main catch is time: with up to three hours spent cruising, you may get less beach and water time than the price suggests.

The crew is another strong point. Charlie is singled out for warm, helpful service, and the staff keeps drinks and food moving without making the day feel fussy. Still, you should budget another $28 in cash for the harbor fee, and the boat can carry a sizable crowd, so this is a social yacht trip rather than a private escape.

Key points to know before you book

• Majahuitas Cove is the main water stop: You get about two hours for snorkeling, swimming, paddleboarding, and time near the beach.
• Whales and dolphins may appear on the cruise: Marine life can include sea turtles and tropical fish, but sightings are never guaranteed.
• The boat is comfortable but not necessarily small: One departure had about 25 people, while another account described a boat holding at least 50.
• The $119 price is not the whole cost: Add the $28 per-person harbor fee, paid in cash.
• Lunch and drinks are included: You also get snorkeling gear, a paddleboard, and towels.
• The tour runs rain or shine: Bring identification, arrive ready for security screening, and leave large bags behind.

Cruising out across the Bay of Banderas

The day begins at one of two possible meeting points: Las Palmas 39 or Puerto Mágico. The exact boat and meeting location can vary, so contact Vallarta Adventures before the morning of your trip and confirm where you need to go.

If you depart through Puerto Mágico, allow time for federal port procedures. Everyone passes through airport-style security, including a metal detector, and the harbor fee is paid separately. One practical account describes arriving by 8 a.m. for an 8:30 departure, though starting times can vary by date. Your reservation should give the current schedule.

Once underway, the first cruise lasts about an hour and a half. This is not simply dead time. You get broad views of Puerto Vallarta, the Bay of Banderas, and the coast south of town. The boat gives you several ways to spend the crossing: lounge in the seating areas, claim a sunny spot, watch the water, or let the crew bring you a drink.

The cruise is also your best chance to spot larger marine life. Dolphins, whales, sea turtles, and tropical fish are all possible. Whale sightings are especially seasonal and never promised, but one January outing produced plenty of whale and dolphin sightings. Keep your eyes on the water, particularly during the outward journey.

I would not book this trip solely for wildlife. Nature decides what appears, and the boat still has to cover a fair distance. But the possibility adds real value to a scenic cruise that already forms a major part of the day.

Majahuitas Cove and the two-hour water stop

Majahuitas Cove is the heart of the trip. Located south of Puerto Vallarta, the cove is backed by tropical forest and has a more secluded feel than the city beaches. The setting is the reason to choose this outing over a simple harbor cruise.

You get roughly two hours here for free time, snorkeling, and stand-up paddleboarding. Snorkeling equipment is included, as are towels and a paddleboard. You can get into the water, paddle along the coast, or stay aboard and enjoy the view.

Snorkeling conditions can change with wind, waves, and visibility. One outing had larger waves than usual, but the crew paid close attention to safety. Another account described about 30 minutes of snorkeling, followed by time in another area where people could swim toward an island. That detail suggests the precise water activities can shift with conditions and the captain’s plan.

This flexibility is useful, but it also means you should not expect a fixed, minute-by-minute beach program. The cove may offer the best swimming of your day, or conditions may make the water less clear and the paddleboard more appealing.

The stop is not designed for a long shore stay. You will have time to enjoy the coast, but not an entire afternoon on the beach. If your ideal outing means reading on sand for hours, this schedule may feel rushed. If you want several activities in one stop, the mix works well.

Lunch, open-bar service, and the boat itself

After the water stop, lunch is served during the return portion of the trip. Food is also paired with an open bar, and a fruit snack or light starter may appear early in the day. The food has been praised as tasty, while the drink service is frequent and attentive.

That makes the $119 price easier to assess. You are not paying only for transportation to Majahuitas. The package includes a five-hour boat outing, lunch, an open bar, snorkeling equipment, a paddleboard, towels, crew service, and the chance to see wildlife. Add the $28 harbor fee, and the practical total is $147 per person before anything extra.

The value depends on how much of the package you will use. If you plan to snorkel, paddleboard, drink, and make a full day of the boat, the price is easier to defend. If you mainly want a short ride to a beach and a quick swim, it is expensive for the time spent at the destination.

The yacht itself receives strong praise for its lounge areas. One departure had about 25 people and still felt comfortable, with plenty of space for sitting and sunbathing. It also had four bathrooms, a useful detail on a five-hour boat trip.

Do not assume every departure will feel equally spacious. A separate account described a boat carrying at least 50 people. The fleet and boat assignment may vary, so this is not a private yacht charter or a guaranteed small-group experience. If personal space matters to you, ask for the boat details before paying.

How much time do you really spend on the water?

The schedule is split into about 1.5 hours going out, two hours at Majahuitas, and 1.5 hours returning. That adds up to the advertised five hours, but it also reveals the basic tradeoff: more than half the day is spent cruising.

Some people will see that as the point. The Bay of Banderas is scenic, and a comfortable yacht turns the crossing into part of the experience. You can relax, order a drink, look for whales, and let the crew handle the details.

Others may feel the ratio is not right. If you want extended snorkeling or beach time, two hours can pass quickly once equipment is handed out, instructions are given, and everyone gets into position. One account found the activity too short for the price, with more than two hours devoted to navigation and only a brief swim.

I would choose this tour for the full package, not for maximum time in the water. It is best understood as a scenic yacht day with a coastal activity stop. For a dedicated snorkeling day, you may want an outing built around longer time at sea or several snorkel sites.

Service that keeps the day easy

The crew handles the practical work. You do not need to bring snorkeling gear, towels, food, or drinks. Friendly service is a repeated strength, and Charlie receives special praise for being kind and accommodating.

That matters because boat excursions can become awkward when equipment, meals, and drinks are poorly organized. Here, the crew helps create the relaxed mood the tour is selling. You can move from a swim to lunch without arranging each step yourself.

The service does not erase the group-tour format. You may wait while others board, gather equipment, or return from the water. The exact level of personal attention depends on the size of your boat and how busy the day is.

An onboard photo service may also take pictures during the outing. Photos can be purchased at the end, with one account putting the cost at about $160. That is entirely separate from the tour price, so do not mistake the photo package for an included feature. You can simply decline it if you do not want an extra purchase.

Who will enjoy this Puerto Vallarta yacht trip?

I would recommend it to couples, families with older children, and friends who want several pleasures in one outing. The package suits people who like scenic cruising as much as they like swimming. It also works for anyone who prefers a crew-managed day over arranging a boat, food, equipment, and drinks separately.

It is a good fit if you want to:

• See the coast south of Puerto Vallarta
• Try snorkeling or stand-up paddleboarding
• Have lunch and drinks included
• Spend time on a comfortable boat
• Keep the day fairly simple
• Have a chance to spot whales or dolphins

I would hesitate if you dislike group excursions, need extended beach time, or want a quiet private charter. The boat may hold many people, and the schedule leaves limited time at Majahuitas.

The tour is also not suitable for wheelchair users or people with mobility impairments. Boarding, moving around the boat, and getting into the water require a level of mobility. Pets and luggage or large bags are not allowed.

What to bring and what to leave behind

Bring a passport or identification card. You will need identification for the port and security process.

Wear swim clothing under your regular clothes if you plan to use the water. The supplied towels help after swimming, but the information does not specify whether sunscreen, dry clothes, or personal water shoes are provided, so pack what you normally need for a boat day.

Leave pets and large bags at your accommodation. You also need cash for the $28 harbor fee. Since the tour operates rain or shine, check the forecast, but do not assume light rain will cancel the departure.

Hotel pickup and drop-off are not included. You are responsible for reaching the assigned meeting point, and you should confirm whether you are departing from Las Palmas 39 or Puerto Mágico.

The final cost and cancellation flexibility

At $119 per person, this is not a budget boat ride. With the required $28 harbor fee, the basic cost becomes $147 per person. That is before any optional photos or other personal spending.

The package is fairly broad. Lunch, open-bar drinks, towels, snorkeling gear, and a paddleboard are included, which can save you from adding several small expenses during the day. The value is strongest when you make use of the equipment and spend much of the cruise enjoying the yacht itself.

You can cancel up to 24 hours before departure for a full refund. The reserve-now, pay-later option also gives you some flexibility while plans are still changing. Check the available starting time for your date, since the schedule is not identical every day.

Should you book this yacht tour?

Book it if you want a polished half-day on the Bay of Banderas, with food, drinks, service, wildlife possibilities, and a water stop all bundled together. I especially like it for visitors who want to see more than Puerto Vallarta’s waterfront without giving up comfort.

Think twice if you are paying mainly for beach time or snorkeling. The cruise is a major part of the schedule, the harbor fee pushes up the price, and the boat may be larger than expected.

My practical advice is to confirm the departure point, ask which boat is assigned, carry the extra $28 in cash, and treat Majahuitas as one part of a yacht day rather than the entire purpose. With those expectations, this is a well-organized and enjoyable way to see the coast.

FAQ

How long is the Puerto Vallarta luxury yacht tour?

The tour lasts five hours, including the outward cruise, the stop at Majahuitas Cove, lunch, and the return cruise.

Where does the tour depart from?

The listed meeting points are Las Palmas 39 and Puerto Mágico. Contact Vallarta Adventures before departure to confirm the exact meeting location and boat details.

Is hotel pickup and drop-off included?

No. You need to reach the designated meeting point yourself.

What is the harbor fee?

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

What activities are available at Majahuitas Cove?

You can snorkel, swim, use a stand-up paddleboard, and enjoy free time near the cove.

Is snorkeling equipment provided?

Yes. Snorkeling equipment is included.

Is lunch included?

Yes. Lunch is included, along with an open bar.

Can I see whales or dolphins?

You may see dolphins, whales, sea turtles, and tropical fish. Wildlife sightings are possible but are not guaranteed.

What languages are spoken by the guide?

The tour is offered in English and Spanish.

Can I cancel the reservation?

Yes. You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund. You can also reserve now and pay later.