Luxury Yacht & Snorkel with All inclusive Open bar and lunch

The best part of this half-day outing is the ride itself. You leave Puerto Vallarta by catamaran and see the coast from the water, with possible views of Los Arcos, the Malecón, dolphins, turtles, and even humpback whales. The main stop is Majahuitas Cove, a secluded beach backed by tropical forest.

I like the smallish group limit of 40 people, which feels far more pleasant than the giant party boats common in Puerto Vallarta. I also like the attentive crew, plentiful drinks, and mix of snorkeling, paddleboards, swimming, lunch, and music. The catch is that luxury is doing some heavy lifting in the name: the food may be a basic sandwich, snorkeling time can be short, and the beach stop requires you to swim from the boat.

Key points to know before booking

• Majahuitas is the star of the day: The secluded cove offers beautiful water, tropical scenery, and a quieter beach stop than the larger excursions.
• The boat ride takes time: Expect close to an hour before the first water activity, depending on the route and sea conditions.
• The 40-person limit matters: The catamaran can still feel cozy, but it is more comfortable than boats carrying around 100 people.
• Lunch is included, but manage expectations: Guacamole, shrimp cocktail, fruit, snacks, and sandwiches are part of the food service, yet the main meal may not feel gourmet.
• The open bar is strongest on the yacht: At the beach, drinks may be limited to beer, water, juice, or hibiscus water.
• Bring motion-sickness medicine and sunscreen: The Bay of Banderas can be rough, and several people have felt seasick on choppier departures.

Setting out from Puerto Vallarta at 8 a.m.

You meet at Vallarta Adventures inside the Puerto Mágico maritime terminal, at Terminal Marítima N on Boulevard Francisco Medina Ascencio. The listed start time is 8 a.m., and the outing returns to the same point after roughly five hours.

There is no hotel pickup or drop-off, so you need to arrange your own way to the terminal. Give yourself enough time to find the port entrance and check in. The terminal can feel a little confusing at first, especially if you arrive by taxi or rideshare, but once you reach the Vallarta Adventures area, the process is reported to be straightforward.

The boat is a Leopard catamaran operated by a full crew. Names vary by departure, but past crews have included Juan Luis, Sylvino, Judy, Charlie, George, Alex, Diego, and Captain Victor. The staff role is a real strength here. They serve drinks, explain the activities, help with equipment, and keep the mood lively without requiring you to organize the day yourself.

The 40-person maximum is worth noting. This is not a private yacht charter, and you will share the deck with a fairly large group. Still, 40 people on a catamaran gives you more breathing room than the packed boats that carry roughly 100. A few people found the seating cozy and complained about the lack of storage for bags, so bring only what you need.

The Bay of Banderas cruise takes close to an hour

The route heads south along the Bay of Banderas. The exact path depends on the sea conditions, so the advertised stops at Los Arcos and the Malecón are possibilities rather than guarantees.

That uncertainty is important. If the water is rough, the captain may change the route for safety and comfort. You might pass Los Arcos, the famous group of rock formations south of Puerto Vallarta, or cruise by the Malecón and see the boardwalk from offshore. The boat may also pause for wildlife sightings. Humpback whales have been spotted during the ride, along with dolphins and turtles, though no sighting is assured.

I like this part of the experience because it gives the outing a proper coastal feel instead of making it just a transfer to a snorkeling site. You get time to sit back, watch Puerto Vallarta recede, and see parts of the coast that are difficult to reach by land.

The tradeoff is time. Several passengers found that the yacht traveled for nearly an hour before the first activity. Since the full outing lasts about five hours, a long cruise means less time in the water and at the beach. If you want nonstop snorkeling, this is not the right format. If you enjoy a relaxed boat ride with food and drinks, the slower pace may suit you.

Motion sickness deserves serious attention. The bay can be smooth, but waves may build during the ride, and some people have become seasick. I would bring sunscreen and motion-sickness medicine if you are prone to it. Sit where you feel most stable, keep your eyes on the horizon, and avoid treating the open bar as a breakfast substitute.

Snorkeling near Majahuitas

The snorkeling stop takes place near Majahuitas, a secluded cove south of Puerto Vallarta. The setting is the main attraction: forested hills, clear-looking coastal water, and a more peaceful feel than the city beaches.

The crew supplies masks, snorkels, and related equipment. One person found the gear perfectly decent but suggested bringing your own if you have a favorite mask or snorkel. That is sensible advice, especially if a poor-fitting mask can spoil your time in the water.

Marine life varies from day to day. You may see colorful fish, and sightings have included a manta ray and sea turtles. Some outings have produced plenty of fish, while others have found little marine life and almost no coral. This is a Pacific snorkeling stop, not a major tropical reef destination. Experienced snorkelers should keep expectations moderate.

The snorkeling period can also be shorter than the promotional tone suggests. One departure provided about 20 minutes in the water, while other accounts describe more generous time for swimming and water activities. Conditions, group size, and the day’s route affect the schedule.

Life vests may be required any time you are in the water. That rule can make swimming less comfortable, but it is part of the operator’s safety approach. You can use the supplied paddleboards as well, and some departures have included a banana boat ride. The banana boat is not listed among the core inclusions, so treat it as a possible activity rather than a guaranteed feature. It can be rough, and one family reported ending up in the water, so take care with children.

The Majahuitas beach stop is beautiful but not easy to reach

Majahuitas Beach is scheduled for about 1 hour and 20 minutes, though the actual time spent on shore may vary. The cove is surrounded by tropical forest and feels more secluded than a standard resort beach.

There is a practical wrinkle: the catamaran may anchor offshore, requiring you to swim to the beach. That means you cannot simply carry a dry bag, towel, camera, or change of clothes ashore unless the crew provides another arrangement. Some people had to leave belongings on the boat and stand around wet at the beach.

The beach itself is quiet and scenic, but do not expect a full resort setup. There may be limited activities beyond swimming, paddleboards, mats, or a banana boat. The beach bar can be less generous than the yacht bar, with beer, water, juice, or hibiscus water rather than the full premium cocktail service advertised for the boat.

I would treat this as a nature stop, not a beach-club visit. Enjoy the cove, float in the water, take in the forested surroundings, and keep your expectations simple. The boat sometimes arrives before larger vessels, which can make this part of the day feel particularly peaceful. That early timing is one of the better reasons to choose a morning departure.

Lunch, cocktails, and the meaning of all-inclusive

Food service begins with snacks such as fruit, chips, guacamole, and shrimp cocktail. Lunch has been described as a deli-style or charcuterie-style meal, with sandwiches and dessert. Some people found the food tasty and plentiful, while others felt the sandwich was ordinary and did not match the luxury label.

The menu may include seafood, but you should not assume shrimp will be available as a safe substitute if you have a shellfish allergy. One passenger with a shellfish allergy could not eat the shrimp. Tell the operator about dietary needs before departure and confirm what alternatives are available.

The open bar is a strong part of the yacht experience. Drinks are served throughout the cruise, and past departures have included cocktails such as mango margaritas, along with beer and other adult beverages. The crew is generally attentive, and you may not need to leave your seat to get food or drinks.

The beach portion is different. The bar there may offer only beer, water, juice, or hibiscus water. That distinction matters if you are paying for the premium open bar mainly for cocktails. The yacht is where the all-inclusive drinks have the most value.

At $119 per person, the price is fair if you want a managed day on the water with meals, drinks, equipment, and a smaller group. It is less compelling if you mainly want a long snorkeling session or a luxurious lunch. You are paying for the complete package: the catamaran, crew service, coast views, activities, and convenience.

Is the catamaran really luxurious?

The boat is well maintained and large enough for the advertised group size. It is more comfortable than a mass-market party boat, and the crew-staffed service gives it a polished feel.

Still, I would not book this expecting the private-yacht experience shown in some marketing images. With up to 40 people aboard, seating can feel close, and there is limited room for personal belongings. The onboard restroom has also been a concern for some passengers.

The word luxury fits the service better than the meal or space. Crew members have been praised for being friendly, funny, helpful, and attentive. People celebrating birthdays and bachelorette parties have especially appreciated the special touches and upbeat atmosphere.

Music and dancing may become part of the return ride, particularly for groups celebrating together. Solo passengers, couples, and families can enjoy the boat, but the overall mood can become festive once the snorkeling is finished and drinks are flowing.

Photos, fees, and other costs to watch

An onboard photographer or videographer may take pictures during the cruise, snorkeling, and beach stop. These images are not included in the $119 price. A digital package has been priced at about $100 in past departures, though the exact cost should be confirmed before purchase.

You should decide early if you want the photos. If you do, the package may be worthwhile for a birthday, wedding trip, or group celebration. If not, politely opt out at the start so you are not surprised at the end.

The supplied details list a $40 per-person Bay of Banderas admission fee. Past passengers have described paying 40 pesos per person, and one also reported a mandatory 30-peso port fee before departure. Because those amounts conflict, confirm the current fee and currency when booking. Carry local cash for port charges and crew tips.

Drones are prohibited under federal rules because of protections for endemic birds and their flight paths. Mexico’s maritime ports also enforce a strict no-drug policy that includes electronic cigarettes and vaporizers. Leave those items behind.

Cancellation is free up to 24 hours before the start time for a full refund. Late cancellations and changes are not accepted, and poor weather or an insufficient minimum group may lead to a rescheduled date or refund.

Who will enjoy this Puerto Vallarta outing?

I would recommend this cruise to couples, families with children aged 10 and older, solo visitors, and groups who want several activities in one morning. It works especially well for birthdays, bachelor or bachelorette celebrations, and anyone who values attentive service more than an intense athletic outing.

You will probably enjoy it if you like:

• A scenic coastal cruise with food and drinks
• A smaller boat group rather than a huge party vessel
• Easy access to snorkeling and paddleboards
• A quiet cove with time to swim
• A lively return ride with music and cocktails

I would choose another excursion if you need a long, serious snorkeling session, a fully equipped beach club, guaranteed premium cocktails at every stop, or a truly private yacht. The marine life can be modest, the beach logistics are wet and inconvenient, and the lunch may not match a high-end restaurant meal.

Should you book it?

Book this experience if the boat ride, attentive crew, open bar, and peaceful Majahuitas stop sound as appealing as the snorkeling. At $119, it offers a convenient bundle and a more comfortable scale than the largest Puerto Vallarta cruises.

Go in expecting a pleasant catamaran day, not a private charter or a reef expedition. Bring sunscreen, motion-sickness medicine if needed, minimal belongings, local cash, and realistic expectations about the sandwich, beach bar, and time in the water. With that framing, this is a good-value choice for a relaxed day along the Bay of Banderas.

FAQ

How long is the Luxury Yacht and Snorkel tour?

The tour lasts approximately five hours, beginning at 8 a.m. and ending back at the Vallarta Adventures meeting point.

Where does the tour begin and end?

It begins and ends 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, so you must make your own way to the maritime terminal.

What food is included?

The food service includes lunch along with items such as fruit, chips, guacamole, shrimp cocktail, sandwiches, and dessert. The exact menu can vary, and shellfish is included among the food options.

Are drinks included?

Yes. The yacht experience includes an unlimited premium open bar. At Majahuitas Beach, the available drinks may be limited to beer, water, juice, or hibiscus water.

Are snorkeling equipment and paddleboards provided?

Yes. Snorkeling equipment and stand-up paddleboards are included. Some departures have also offered a banana boat ride, but it is not listed as a guaranteed core inclusion.

What is the minimum age?

The minimum age is 10. The activity is described as suitable for most people, but sea conditions can affect comfort and the route.