Luxury Yacht & Snorkel with All inclusive Open bar and lunch

Puerto Vallarta’s best views often come from the water, and this five-hour cruise gives you a relaxed way to see the south coast, Majahuitas Cove, and possibly Los Arcos. I like the small maximum of 40 people and the crew’s attentive service, especially when names such as Juan Luis, Diego, Alex, and Victor come up repeatedly in the praise.

I also like that lunch, snorkeling gear, paddleboards, and an open bar are built into the price. The main caution is the word luxury. The Leopard catamaran is attractive and comfortable, but some passengers find the seating cozy, the snorkeling brief, and the food more like a good deli lunch than fine dining.

Key points to know before booking

• Majahuitas is the main event: You get about 1 hour and 20 minutes at this secluded cove, with time for swimming, snorkeling, and beach relaxation.
• The boat carries up to 40 people: That feels far more personal than the large party boats common in Puerto Vallarta, though it is not a private charter.
• The cruise can take close to an hour before activities begin: The ride is scenic, but you should not expect nonstop water sports from the moment you leave port.
• Lunch is included, but expectations matter: Guacamole, chips, fruit, shrimp cocktail, and sandwiches are listed, yet the exact meal can vary.
• The beach bar is more limited: On the boat, the bar is open. At Majahuitas, drinks may be limited to beer, water, and juice.
• Bring motion sickness medicine if needed: The ride can become rough, and the crew cannot control changing sea conditions.

A half-day on the Bay of Banderas

The tour begins at 8:00 a.m. at Vallarta Adventures in the Puerto Mágico maritime terminal. You check in at the marina, then board a crewed Leopard catamaran for a southbound cruise along the Bay of Banderas.

The route changes with the sea conditions. That means the boat may pass Los Arcos, the Malecón Boardwalk, or other coastal sights, but no particular stop is guaranteed. This flexibility is sensible on the Pacific, where waves and wind can change the plan, but you should book this for the overall cruise rather than for a guaranteed Los Arcos visit.

The first stretch can last close to an hour. I would treat it as scenic sailing time, not wasted time. From the water, you see parts of Puerto Vallarta that are hard to appreciate from shore, including the southern coast and the Malecón from a different angle.

The crew keeps drinks and food moving, and several passengers describe the service as friendly, funny, and attentive. Names associated with especially good service include Juan Luis, Sylvino, Judy, Charlie, George, Diego, Alex, and Victor. Crew assignments can change, but the pattern is clear: personal service is one of the strongest reasons to choose this boat.

Seeing Puerto Vallarta from the water

The cruise gives you a useful change of pace from Puerto Vallarta’s streets and beaches. The Malecón looks different from offshore, and the coastline becomes the scenery for the morning. You may also see dolphins, sea turtles, manta rays, colorful fish, or humpback whales, depending on the day and season.

Whale sightings are never promised, but the boat may pause when one appears. That can be a memorable bonus during the ride to or from Majahuitas. Wildlife is part of the appeal, but keep your expectations reasonable. Marine conditions and animal movements are beyond the crew’s control.

Los Arcos may also appear along the route. These large offshore rock formations are among the area’s best-known sights, but the boat only passes them if the route and sea conditions allow. If Los Arcos is your main goal, choose a tour built specifically around that stop instead.

Snorkeling near Majahuitas Cove

Majahuitas is a secluded cove south of Puerto Vallarta, surrounded by tropical forest and reached by boat. The setting is the highlight: the cove feels quieter and more remote than the city beaches, and the water gives you a pleasant break from the cruise.

The tour provides snorkeling equipment, and a guide such as Diego may help organize the water activity. Some outings have produced colorful fish, and sightings have included turtles and manta rays. Other days may offer less marine life, with little or no coral visible.

The snorkeling time can be shorter than the full stop suggests. Some people report roughly 20 minutes in the water before moving on, while the total Majahuitas visit is listed at about 1 hour and 20 minutes. That wider block includes swimming, paddleboarding, beach time, and getting in and out of the water.

You may need to wear a life vest in the water. That is a safety requirement for this operation, though it can make snorkeling less comfortable if you prefer to swim freely. If you own a well-fitting mask and snorkel, one passenger specifically recommends bringing your own, although equipment is supplied.

This is a good snorkeling outing for casual swimmers and first-timers. It is less compelling for experienced tropical snorkelers looking for coral reefs or a long, serious session.

The beach stop is quieter than the boat

Majahuitas offers a chance to get out of the boat and enjoy the cove. The setting is lovely, but the beach facilities are limited. Some versions of the stop require you to swim from the catamaran to shore, so you may not be able to bring towels, bags, or other belongings with you.

That detail matters. If you want a dry towel after swimming, ask the crew how the transfer works before leaving the boat. You might spend part of the beach stop wet, and there may be no convenient place to store personal items on shore.

The beach bar also does not match the full open-bar promise on the catamaran. Several accounts describe beer, water, or hibiscus drinks at Majahuitas rather than premium cocktails. Save your cocktail expectations for the boat.

Water activities can include paddleboards, floating mats, and sometimes a banana boat ride. The banana boat is not consistently described as part of every outing, so treat it as an optional possibility rather than a guaranteed feature. It can also be rough. One account describes a child ending up in the water, so families should use caution and follow the crew’s instructions closely.

Lunch, snacks, and the open bar

Food service begins with items such as fruit, chips, guacamole, and shrimp cocktail. The advertised lunch is deli style, and accounts describe sandwiches, dessert, and at times a charcuterie-style presentation.

The food receives plenty of praise, but it is also the area where expectations need the most adjustment. Some people call it delicious and first-rate. Others find the sandwich ordinary and note that seafood was not served despite the broader description. If you have a shellfish allergy, tell the operator before departure and ask what alternatives are available.

The unlimited premium open bar is included on the yacht. Beer, cocktails, and drinks such as mango margaritas are part of the appeal, and the crew may bring refreshments directly to your seat. One serious complaint describes inconsistent drink service for two people, so if you want something and have not been served, ask the crew directly.

On the beach, the selection is narrower. Plan on beer, water, juice, or hibiscus water rather than the full boat menu. That difference is easy to miss when comparing the tour with other all-inclusive cruises.

Is $119 a fair price?

At $119 per person, the value depends on what you want from a boat day. You receive a five-hour cruise, a smaller group than many party boats, lunch, snorkeling equipment, paddleboards, and drinks on the yacht. For a visitor who wants service and simplicity, that package can be fair.

The price is less attractive if your priorities are a long snorkeling session, excellent coral, a luxurious meal, or a private beach with full facilities. The catamaran is well maintained and more spacious than a boat carrying 100 people, but it is not a private yacht. Seating can feel close, and there may be little room for bags.

Pay close attention to additional fees. The tour information lists a $40 per-person Bay of Banderas admission fee as not included. Accounts also mention a port fee of 30 pesos per person and, elsewhere, a 40-peso charge. The currencies and exact amounts are not presented consistently, so confirm the current charges before you go.

There are also optional photo and video packages. A photographer may take pictures throughout the cruise, and a digital package has been reported at about $100. Photos are not included in the tour price. Decide early if you are interested, or politely decline so there is no awkward sales conversation at the end.

Group size, comfort, and practical details

A maximum of 40 people is one of the tour’s strongest features. You are not booking a private boat, but the group is small enough that the crew can keep an eye on the water activities and refill drinks without the boat feeling like a floating stadium.

Still, 40 people can feel cozy on a catamaran. There may not be a clear place for large belongings, so bring only what you need. Keep your phone and camera secure, especially during the swim to shore.

The meeting point is the Vallarta Adventures terminal at Puerto Mágico, on Boulevard Francisco Medina Ascencio. Hotel pickup and drop-off are not included, and the cruise returns to the same meeting point. Arrive early enough to handle check-in and port procedures.

The minimum age is 10. Most people can participate, but you should be comfortable boarding a boat, moving around a marine setting, and entering the water. The tour requires good weather, and the operator may offer another date or a refund if conditions are poor or the minimum number is not met.

Drones are prohibited because of federal rules protecting the flight path of endemic birds. Mexico’s federal maritime ports also enforce a strict no-drug policy that includes electronic cigarettes, vapes, and all drugs.

Who will enjoy this cruise most?

I would choose this tour for couples, small friend groups, families with older children, and celebration groups that want a polished morning on the water. Bachelorette groups and birthday groups especially benefit from the music, drinks, food service, and attentive crew.

It also suits you if you prefer a relaxed mix of activities rather than a nonstop sports program. You can sit back during the cruise, snorkel for a while, try a paddleboard, and enjoy the coast without arranging each part yourself.

I would look elsewhere if you need a guaranteed Los Arcos stop, a long snorkeling session, a proper sand-and-towel beach day, or a high-end restaurant meal. I would also be cautious if you are prone to seasickness. One person recommends bringing Dramamine, and that is practical advice for a route that can become bumpy.

My take: book it for service and scenery

I think this is a good Puerto Vallarta choice if you value attentive service, a manageable group size, and an easy all-in-one day. The crew is the heart of the experience, and the coastal views, Majahuitas stop, food, and drinks combine into a pleasant half-day.

Book it with clear expectations. You are buying a comfortable catamaran cruise with water activities, not a private luxury charter or a serious reef excursion. Confirm the extra fees, ask about the day’s food options and beach transfer, bring sun protection and motion sickness medicine if needed, and remember that photos cost extra.

FAQ

How long is the yacht and snorkeling tour?

The activity lasts approximately five hours and begins at 8:00 a.m. It ends back at the Vallarta Adventures meeting point.

Where does the tour start?

It starts at Vallarta Adventures in the Puerto Mágico maritime terminal, at Heroica Escuela Naval, Boulevard Francisco Medina Ascencio 30-G1, Zona Hotelera Norte, Puerto Vallarta.

Is hotel pickup included?

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

What is included in the price?

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

Is the Bay of Banderas admission fee included?

No. The tour information lists a $40 per-person Bay of Banderas admission fee as not included. Confirm the current amount and currency before departure.

Is snorkeling guaranteed at Los Arcos?

No. Los Arcos may be included in the route, depending on sea conditions and the route selected that day.

How long do you spend at Majahuitas Beach?

The listed stop lasts about 1 hour and 20 minutes. This time can include snorkeling, swimming, paddleboarding, and beach relaxation.

What is the minimum age?

The minimum age is 10.

Can I cancel for a full refund?

Yes, if you cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled start time. Cancellations or changes made less than 24 hours before departure are not refunded. If poor weather or low participation causes the operator to cancel, you are offered another date or a full refund.