Top 15 Boat Tours in Puerto Vallarta

1.Puerto Vallarta Best Zipline Canopy + Tequila and Speed Boat Ride

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 3,786 reviews · 5 hours (approx.) · from $120Our pick

Los Veranos Canopy Tour combines a bay crossing or land transfer with 19 rainforest ziplines, steep jungle paths, tequila tasting, river swimming, kayaks, waterslides, and a small animal sanctuary. Guides including Pepe, Edgar, Chica, and Fernando keep the pace lively and safety-focused.

“Amazing guides! They made it one of the best experiences! Helpful, funny, and hospitable! If you like zip lining, these are the guys you need to go with! The trails are well placed and the facilities are top notch! Highly recommended!!”

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2.Mega Yacht ALL INCLUSIVE Yelapa Waterfall & Snorkeling Adventure

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 2,515 reviews · 6 hours (approx.) · from $117

Cruise from Puerto Vallarta to Yelapa aboard Chica Locca’s spacious catamaran. Enjoy breakfast, fajitas, an open bar, snorkeling, kayaking, paddleboards, a waterfall walk, and beach time. The lively crew, including host Ricky Ricardo and DJ David, keeps the six-hour trip moving.

“We had a great time however not a bough time to swim and explore beach! We haven’t received our photos that were paid for to this email!!”

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3.Outdoor Ziplining, Waterfalls & Speed boat in Puerto Vallarta

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 1,796 reviews · 6 hours 30 minutes (approx.) · from $129

Race from Puerto Vallarta to Boca de Tomatlán by speedboat, then climb into the Sierra Madre by 4WD and mule. You’ll tackle high ziplines, a roller-coaster line, waterfall rappels, bridges, rivers, and slides. English-speaking guides, safety gear, lockers, towels, fruit, salsa, and water are included.

“If your looking for an exciting, adventurous day, this is the tour. From boat, the 4x4 to donkey, to zip line, waterslides, and rapelling. The guides were amazing. Shout out to Rafa, May😍, Louis, Josh, and Uli(chaparito). They kept us safe and had made sure we had a good time. I'll be back.”

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4.Rhythms of the night, Sunset Cruise, Candlelit Dinner & Alma Show

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 1,667 reviews · 5 hours (approx.)

Sail from Puerto Vallarta across Banderas Bay to Las Caletas for a candlelit international buffet, open bar, live music, and a large outdoor show of dance, acrobatics, fire, and ancient legends. Expect about five hours, a lively boat ride, and steep, uneven paths at the beach.

“The total experience was first class was and worth it. VIP extra cost made it a special night. The sunset part of the cruise was too early to enjoy before arriving at the rvent”

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5.Boat and Snorkel Tour to 5 Islands of Los Arcos

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 1,176 reviews · 3 hours 30 minutes (approx.) · from $48

Meet in Puerto Vallarta’s Zona Romántica, ride a public bus to Mismaloya, then take a small boat around Los Arcos’ five islands. Snorkel for about 30 minutes, enter sea caves, watch nesting birds, and relax on the beach. Guides such as Bruno, Andrés, Guillermo, and Sebastián help first-timers feel at ease.

“Great adventure, and a unique place. I've never snorkelled before, but the guide was knowledgeable and patient. Definitely consider getting a waterproof case for your phone so you can get some great underwater shots”

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6.Luxury Yacht & Snorkel with All inclusive Open bar and lunch

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 754 reviews · 5 hours (approx.) · from $119

Cruise Puerto Vallarta’s Bay of Banderas aboard a Leopard catamaran limited to 40 people. You’ll head toward Majahuitas, stop to snorkel and paddleboard, enjoy lunch and an unlimited premium open bar, and possibly pass Los Arcos and the Malecón. Crews may include Juan Luis, Diego, Alex, or Victor.

“We had a ton of fun on this trip. The whole crew is incredible and very welcoming. They are extremely attentive and helpful. The open bar was super fun, the photographers make you feel like you’re the most beautiful people and they take great photos and videos. The food was tasty and the snorkeling and beach time was super fun.”

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7.Mega Catamarans ALL INCLUSIVE Remote Paradise Beach Adventure

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 470 reviews · 6 hours 30 minutes (approx.) · from $135

Cruise from Puerto Vallarta to remote Playa Chica Locca and Quimixto for beach time, kayaks, snorkeling, paddleboards, a waterfall hike or ATV ride, two meals, and an open bar. Expect upbeat guides such as Isaias, known as Papi Chulo, plus music and dancing on the return.

“Very attentive and friendly staff from the first person to the last. Relaxing, fun, and adventurous. Food was delicious. Drinks were non-stop. Excellent service. The ATV to the waterfall was fun. That would've been a rough hike on foot but a few guys did it. Thank you Chica Locca tours for a great day!”

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8.Puerto Vallarta, Luxury Sunset Sailing

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 415 reviews · 3 hours (approx.) · from $99

Sail Banderas Bay from Marina Vallarta aboard a premium Beneteau catamaran or large sailboat, with wine, an open bar, cheese, bruschetta, and sunset views near the Malecón. The 3-hour cruise suits couples and relaxed groups, with space for up to 30 people.

“Absolutely LOVED this activity! It was stunning and definitely a highlight. The snacks were awesome, crew was amazing, and views were awesome! Also as a plus we saw whales and dolphins! Definitely take this sunset cruise!”

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9.Whale Watching Cruise In Puerto Vallarta & Nuevo Vallarta

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 398 reviews · 4 hours (approx.) · from $99

Spend about four hours sailing Bay of Banderas on a spacious catamaran with live commentary, whale and dolphin sightings, breakfast, Mexican lunch, and an international open bar. Meet at Puerto Magico in Puerto Vallarta. The boat holds up to 120 people.

“Well organized. Great team. Good food. Fun time. Would use them again. Very comfortable cat with plenty of room to move around for pics”

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10.Bioluminescence & sunset local boat tour to Los Arcos Sanctuary

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 327 reviews · 3 hours (approx.) · from $83

Cruise from Puerto Vallarta’s Romantic Zone to Los Arcos Sanctuary with an English-speaking guide such as Alex or Victor. Expect sunset views, marine-life stories, possible whales and turtles, then a swim among glowing plankton after dark. Masks, life vests, towels, and water are provided.

“Very lovely experience the whole crew made the experience well worth it. From giving full detailed history on the islands and sharing the rich cultural history with everyone.”

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11.Los Arcos Islands Boat Tour and Snorkeling

★★★★★★★★★★4.7 · 317 reviews · 3 hours · from $47Best value

Travel by local bus from central Puerto Vallarta to Mismaloya, then cruise around Los Arcos’ five islands with a guide such as Armando, Andrés, Bruno, or Sebastián. You’ll see nesting birds, caves, and marine life before snorkeling in a protected area for about 40 minutes.

“It was great. We saw cool fish and the arches were really interesting to swim through. The tour guide made us feel safe and wanted to make sure that we had a good time.”

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12.Yelapa Mega Yacht Cruise

★★★★★★★★★★4.7 · 180 reviews · 6 hours · from $142

Spend six hours aboard Chica Locca’s 100-foot yacht, cruising Bay of Banderas to Yelapa. You get breakfast, fajitas, premium drinks, snorkeling gear, kayaks, paddle boards, a waterfall walk, and even an onboard massage. Guides such as Ricky and Isaiah keep the day moving in English and Spanish.

“Everything was excellent. The service, the staff and Ricky!!!”

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13.Mega Yacht Whale Watching Sunset Cruise

★★★★★★★★★★4.7 · 94 reviews · 3 hours · from $87

Cruise Bahía de Banderas aboard Chica Locca Tours’ roomy mega yacht during whale season, November through April. Guides such as Isai and Ricky share whale facts while the crew serves drinks, guacamole, chips, and snacks. Expect sunset views, city lights, music, and a chance to see dolphins and humpback whales.

“The staff was friendly, helpful, and very attentive. Isai was very informative and we saw a lot of whales. THE SUSNSET WAS LASO SPECTACULAR.”

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14.Marietas Islands Boat Tour: Snorkel, Kayak, Playa Nopalera

★★★★★★★★★★4.7 · 40 reviews · 6 hours · from $131

Cruise Banderas Bay aboard Chica Locca’s roomy fun boat, then swim or kayak with guides to Playa La Nopalera in Marietas Islands National Park. Enjoy breakfast, guacamole, fajitas, an open bar, snorkeling, paddleboards, waterslides, and whale watching in season. Guides speak English and Spanish.

“It was really worth it, so beautiful, and the staff was perfect!”

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15.Bay of Banderas Luxury Sunset Sailing Tour

★★★★★★★★★★4.9 · 30 reviews · 3 hours · from $99

Spend three hours aboard a luxury monohull or catamaran sailing from Puerto or Nuevo Vallarta across Bahía de Banderas. The English- and Spanish-speaking crew serves wine, cocktails, and hors d’oeuvres while positioning the boat for sunset views. It suits couples and small groups more than party seekers.

“This was a great activity for our last night in Puerto Vallarta. The crew was very attentive and made sure we always had a fresh drink in our hands. When the sun was setting, they came around and took pictures of us all with our phones. The boat was very comfortable, and although there were about 14 or 16 people, it did not feel crowded at all. Great for people who want to get out on the water, but not go on a "booze cruise" or an overcrowded boat.”

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