Luxury Yacht & Snorkel with All inclusive Open bar and lunch

The best part of this five-hour yacht trip is the combination of open-water scenery and a stop at Majahuitas, a quiet cove backed by tropical forest. You also get snorkeling gear, paddleboards, lunch, and drinks without arranging each piece yourself.

I especially like the small 40-person limit, which feels far more personal than the huge party boats common in Puerto Vallarta. The attentive crew, including team members named Alex, Juan Luis, Diego, Charlie, and Felipe in different sailings, also earns strong marks. The main caution is that luxury may be doing some heavy lifting: the boat is comfortable and well kept, but lunch may be a basic sandwich, snorkeling can be short, and the sea crossing can feel rough.

Key points to know before booking

• Majahuitas is the main event: You get about 1 hour and 20 minutes at the secluded cove, with time for swimming, snorkeling, paddleboarding, and relaxing.
• The ride can take nearly an hour before activities begin: The cruise itself is part of the outing, but it leaves less time for water activities.
• Lunch is included, but expectations should stay modest: Food can include fruit, guacamole, chips, seafood options, dessert, and sandwiches, though the exact meal may vary.
• The open bar is strongest aboard the catamaran: At the beach, drinks may be limited to beer, water, juice, or hibiscus water.
• Sea conditions control the route: Los Arcos, the Malecón, and the exact snorkeling site are possible, not guaranteed.
• Bring motion-sickness medicine and protect your belongings: The bay can get choppy, and reaching the beach may require swimming from the boat.

What this Puerto Vallarta yacht trip really offers

At $119 per person, this is not simply a boat ride with a swim stop. It is a packaged half-day outing with transport on the water, crew service, food, drinks, and equipment included. That can be good value if you want an easy day and plan to make use of the open bar and activities.

You are not buying a private yacht. The boat carries up to 40 people, and some sailings feel cozy, with little room for bags. Still, that size is more manageable than the boats carrying close to 100 people. You get enough space to sit, move around, and enjoy the view without feeling entirely swallowed by a crowd.

The experience is offered in English and begins at 8:00 a.m. at Vallarta Adventures in the Puerto Mágico maritime terminal. It ends back at the same meeting point. Hotel pickup and drop-off are not included, so you need to reach the terminal yourself.

The overall tone depends heavily on the crew. Several named crew members, including Alex, Juan Luis, Diego, Charlie, Jennifer, Felipe, Sylvino, Judy, George, Victor, Daniel, and Pablo, have been singled out for friendly, attentive service. That matters here because the package works best when the crew keeps drinks moving, explains the activities, and helps people into the water.

Leaving the maritime terminal at 8:00 a.m.

The meeting point is Vallarta Adventures at Terminal Marítima, Puerto Mágico, on Boulevard Francisco Medina Ascencio. The terminal can feel a little confusing at first, so arriving early is sensible. One couple arrived about 30 minutes before departure and found the check-in process manageable after paying the required port charge.

The published details list a $40 per-person Bay of Banderas admission fee. Other information from the experience refers to a smaller port fee, and some people have reported paying 40 pesos or 30 pesos per person instead. Because these amounts do not line up neatly, confirm the current charge before you go. Carry local cash as well as a card.

Once aboard, you settle into a Leopard catamaran and head south along the Bay of Banderas. The route is not fixed. The captain adjusts it to the sea conditions, which means the exact order and timing of stops can change.

That flexibility is practical, not a flaw. Ocean conditions affect safety, comfort, and visibility. It also means you should not book this expecting a guaranteed checklist of Los Arcos, the Malecón, and a particular snorkeling reef.

The slow cruise past Puerto Vallarta’s coast

The cruise is scenic, but it is also a substantial part of the day. Some sailings take close to an hour before the first water activity begins. If you want nonstop snorkeling, this may feel slow. If you enjoy sitting with a drink and watching Puerto Vallarta from offshore, it is a pleasant start.

From the bay, you can see the Malecón Boardwalk from a different angle. This is one of the better reasons to take a boat excursion rather than a beach club day. You see the city edge, coastal hills, and stretches of shoreline that are not visible from the road.

Los Arcos may also appear along the route. These famous rock formations are a classic Puerto Vallarta sight, but they are not guaranteed on every departure. The captain chooses the course based on conditions, so treat Los Arcos as a possible bonus rather than a promised stop.

Keep your camera ready for wildlife. Humpback whales have been seen on the trip, particularly during the ride to and from Majahuitas, and dolphins and turtles are also possible. Wildlife sightings are never guaranteed, but a boat gives you a better chance of seeing marine life than a shore-based outing.

The ride can be rough. One sailing had several people feeling seasick, and another passenger specifically recommended bringing Dramamine if you are prone to motion sickness. I would take that advice seriously. Sit where you feel most stable, avoid arriving on an empty stomach, and do not wait until you feel ill before taking precautions.

Snorkeling near Majahuitas

The main stop is Majahuitas Beach, a secluded cove south of Puerto Vallarta. The beach is framed by tropical forest and feels much quieter than the city beaches. It is the most attractive part of the outing for many people, especially if you want a short escape from hotels, roads, and beach vendors.

The schedule allows about 1 hour and 20 minutes at Majahuitas, though the time spent actively snorkeling can be much shorter. Depending on the day, you may snorkel for around 20 minutes before moving on to swimming, paddleboarding, or other water activities.

The crew supplies snorkeling equipment, but the fit and quality may not suit everyone. If you own a comfortable mask and snorkel, bringing your own can improve the experience. The underwater setting is generally better for casual viewing than for serious marine enthusiasts. You may see colorful fish, and turtles or rays are possible, but there may be little or no coral.

Visibility and marine life depend on conditions. Some departures produce a pleasant collection of fish, while others feel less impressive. I would book this for the chance to swim in a pretty cove, not for a major reef experience.

The rules in the water may also surprise you. Life vests are required during water activities, according to one account, even for confident swimmers. That is sensible from a safety point of view, but it can make snorkeling less comfortable.

Beach time, paddleboards, and the banana boat

Majahuitas is not a developed resort beach with a full menu of things to do. It is a simple natural stop. You can swim, paddleboard, use floating equipment, and relax, but you should not expect shops, loungers, or a long list of organized activities.

Paddleboards are included, and the group may also have access to mats and a banana boat. The banana boat can be a lot of fun, but it may be rough. Hold on firmly, listen to the crew, and be especially cautious with children. One child and an adult ended up in the water during a rough ride.

A practical issue is getting ashore. Some departures require you to swim from the boat to the beach. That creates two problems: you may not want to carry a phone or camera, and you may not be able to bring a towel or dry bag with you. If you are not a confident swimmer, ask the crew how shore access will work that day.

The beach bar is another point where expectations need adjusting. Although the main yacht includes an unlimited premium open bar, the beach service may offer only beer, water, juice, or hibiscus water. Save your expectations for cocktails until you are back aboard.

Lunch and the open bar

Food is included, but the description and the actual meal may vary. The package refers to a deli-style lunch, with guacamole, chips, shrimp cocktails, fruit, and other seafood options. In practice, the meal has included sandwiches, fruit, guacamole, dessert, and what some people describe as a charcuterie-style spread.

Several people enjoyed the food and called it tasty, healthy, or first rate. Others felt that an ordinary sandwich did not fit the word luxury, and seafood was not always available. If you have a shellfish allergy, tell the operator in advance and ask exactly what alternatives can be provided. Do not assume that advertised shrimp or seafood will be easy to replace.

The timing of lunch can also shape your impression. You may begin with fruit, guacamole, and snacks, then receive the main sandwich or deli meal after snorkeling. The food is enough for many people, and one person advised skipping a large breakfast before the early departure. Still, I would not book this expecting a fine-dining meal.

The open bar is one of the stronger value points. On the yacht, crew members bring drinks and refreshments, and many people appreciate not having to leave their seats. Mango margaritas have received a special mention, along with beer and other alcoholic drinks.

The word unlimited needs a small footnote. Service should be available, but one unhappy account describes receiving only one alcoholic drink. That may have been an individual service problem, but it is worth speaking up politely if you are being missed. Drink service is much more generous aboard than at the beach.

How luxurious is the yacht?

The Leopard catamaran is comfortable, attractive, and well maintained, but the term luxury should be read as a category label, not a promise of private-yacht polish. The group limit of 40 makes it feel more exclusive than a mass-market boat, yet the deck can still become crowded and there may be no secure place for personal belongings.

The crew is the part that most often makes the boat feel special. Attentive service, lively conversation, music, and help with snorkeling gear can turn a basic cruise into a very enjoyable morning. Some sailings have felt relaxed and smooth, while others have felt more like a standard excursion with premium branding.

There may also be a photographer aboard. Professional photos and video can be purchased separately, with one account reporting a price of about $100 for the digital package. That cost is not included in the tour price. If you are not interested, say so early and clearly so you are not spending the day deciding.

Drone use is prohibited by federal regulation because of the flight path of endemic birds. Do not bring a drone. Mexico’s maritime ports also enforce a strict no-drug policy that includes electronic cigarettes, vapes, and all types of drugs.

Is $119 a fair price?

The price makes the most sense if you would otherwise pay separately for a boat trip, lunch, drinks, snorkeling gear, and paddleboard rental. Add in the views from the bay and the chance of whales, dolphins, or turtles, and the package can be reasonable.

The value weakens if you mainly want a long snorkeling session or a polished luxury-yacht atmosphere. The cruise may take nearly an hour before the first activity, the actual snorkeling can last about 20 minutes, and the beach bar is limited. Paid photos can add a substantial extra cost, and the port or bay fee may not be included.

I see this as a good midrange-to-upscale excursion, not a true private-yacht splurge. It is a better fit for couples, families with older children, birthday groups, and bachelorette groups that value service, music, drinks, and a social day on the water.

The minimum age is 10. Because of the boat ride, water entry, and possible rough conditions, this is not ideal for anyone who dislikes boats or has difficulty swimming. Most people can participate, but you should be comfortable getting into the water and following safety instructions.

Should you book this Majahuitas cruise?

Book it if you want an easy, social half-day on the Bay of Banderas, with attentive crew service, an attractive cove, casual snorkeling, paddleboards, lunch, and drinks. The 40-person limit is a real advantage, and the crew can make the day feel festive without the scale of a party boat.

Skip it if your priority is serious snorkeling, guaranteed Los Arcos sightseeing, a quiet private yacht, or a full cocktail service on the beach. You should also think twice if you are prone to seasickness and have no plan for the crossing.

My practical verdict: good value for a relaxed boat day, with conditions attached. Bring sunscreen, motion-sickness medicine, local cash, and a waterproof way to protect your valuables. Confirm the current fees, food menu, and beach activities before paying. Cancel at least 24 hours ahead for a full refund, and remember that poor weather or insufficient bookings can lead to a rescheduled trip or 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 original meeting point.

Where does the tour begin and end?

It begins and ends at Vallarta Adventures in the Puerto Mágico maritime terminal at Boulevard Francisco Medina Ascencio 30-G1 in Puerto Vallarta.

Is hotel pickup included?

No. Hotel pickup and drop-off are not included, so you must make your own way to the maritime terminal.

What is included in the price?

The package includes the yacht cruise, unlimited premium open bar aboard the boat, a deli-style lunch, snorkeling equipment, and stand-up paddleboards.

Is the snorkeling location guaranteed?

No. The route and snorkeling area depend on the sea conditions on the day of your departure.

Will the boat stop at Los Arcos and the Malecón?

The route may pass Los Arcos and the Malecón Boardwalk, but neither sight is guaranteed because the captain adjusts the route to the conditions.

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 ahead are not refunded or accepted. If poor weather or insufficient bookings cancel the trip, you are offered another date or a full refund.