Luxury Yacht & Snorkel with All inclusive Open bar and lunch

The best part of this Puerto Vallarta outing is the mix of coastal sightseeing and easy water time. You board a Leopard catamaran at the Maritime Terminal, cruise south across the Bay of Banderas, stop to snorkel, then spend time near the secluded cove at Majahuitas. The boat carries no more than 40 people, which feels far more comfortable than the huge party boats common in the bay.

I like the attentive crew and the fact that lunch, snorkeling equipment, paddleboards, and drinks are included. I also like the chance to see Puerto Vallarta from the water, with possible views of Los Arcos, the Malecón, dolphins, turtles, manta rays, and humpback whales. The main caution is that luxury may set your expectations too high. This is a pleasant catamaran excursion, not a private yacht charter, and the snorkeling or beach time may be shorter than you expect.

Key points to know

• A maximum of 40 people: The smaller group keeps the catamaran more comfortable than large excursion boats, though space for bags can be limited.
• Majahuitas is the main stop: You get about 1 hour and 20 minutes in the cove, with time for swimming, snorkeling, paddleboarding, or relaxing.
• The route depends on the sea: Los Arcos and the Malecón may be viewed from the water, but neither is guaranteed.
• Food is filling but may not match the sales pitch: Expect fruit, guacamole, chips, shrimp cocktail, sandwiches, and other deli-style items, with some variation.
• The open bar works best on the boat: Drinks are served generously aboard, while the beach setup may offer mainly beer, water, and juice.
• Bring motion-sickness medicine and cash: The boat may cruise for close to an hour before the first activity, and extra port or bay fees may apply.

Leaving Puerto Vallarta from the Maritime Terminal

Your morning starts at 8:00 a.m. at Vallarta Adventures in Puerto Mágico, near the north hotel zone. The meeting point is the Maritime Terminal on Boulevard Francisco Medina Ascencio. The activity ends back at the same location, and hotel pickup is not included.

Give yourself time to find the port entrance and check in. The terminal can feel confusing at first, especially if you arrive by taxi or rideshare. Once inside, the process is generally straightforward. The boat leaves in the morning and returns around five hours later, usually in the early afternoon.

The catamaran is described as a deluxe Leopard yacht, with an open-air feel and plenty of room for a day on the water. Still, do not picture a private charter with wide empty decks and personal storage. Forty people is a reasonable maximum, but belongings can be awkward to manage. You may want to bring only what you need, keep valuables at your accommodation, and use a small waterproof pouch for essentials.

An onboard photographer may take professional photos and video during the cruise. These are not included in the tour price. Some passengers have paid about $100 for a digital package, so decide early if you are interested. If not, politely say so at the start and enjoy the outing without feeling pressured.

Cruising south across the Bay of Banderas

The first major portion of the trip is the cruise itself. This matters because the boat may travel for nearly an hour before snorkeling begins. If you want a fast sequence of activities, this could feel slow. If you enjoy sitting back with a drink and watching the coast, it becomes part of the appeal.

The catamaran heads south along the Bay of Banderas. From the water, you get a different view of Puerto Vallarta’s shoreline, including the Malecón Boardwalk when the route passes that way. The crew provides commentary and keeps the mood social, with music, drinks, and views.

The exact route depends on sea conditions. Los Arcos may be included as a passing sight, but it is not guaranteed. These famous rock formations are one of the bay’s best-known sights, so it is worth treating them as a possibility rather than a promise. The same applies to wildlife. Dolphins, turtles, manta rays, and humpback whales have all been seen from the boat, but no animal sighting can be scheduled.

The long ride also brings a practical concern: motion sickness. A few passengers have felt ill when the water is rough. If you are prone to seasickness, bring Dramamine or another medicine you already know works for you, use sunscreen, and avoid arriving with an empty stomach. The crew can help, but the ocean controls the ride.

Snorkeling near Majahuitas

The main water activity takes place near Majahuitas, a secluded cove south of Puerto Vallarta backed by tropical forest. The setting is the strongest part of the tour. You get a coastal stop that is difficult to reach by land, with clear open water, rocky scenery, and a quieter feel than the main beaches in town.

Snorkeling gear is provided, and a crew member helps organize the water activities. The amount of actual snorkel time can vary. Some outings provide around 20 minutes in the water, while the overall stop may allow more time for swimming and other activities. That is enough for a pleasant look at local fish, but serious snorkelers should keep expectations measured.

The marine life can be enjoyable, with colorful fish and occasional sightings of turtles, rays, or other animals. However, this is not a major coral reef destination. Some areas have little coral, and visibility and fish numbers depend on the conditions that day. If your main goal is long, intensive snorkeling, you may find the water portion too short.

Life vests may be required whenever you are in the water. That can feel restrictive if you are a confident swimmer, but it is part of the operator’s safety rules. Snorkeling equipment is included, though you can bring your own mask and snorkel if you prefer a better personal fit.

Majahuitas Beach, paddleboards, and the swim to shore

Majahuitas is presented as a beach stop, but the exact setup is important. In some conditions, you swim from the catamaran to shore rather than walking directly onto a dock. That makes the cove feel secluded, but it also means you cannot easily carry towels, phones, or bags with you.

Paddleboards and floating mats are available, giving you more to do than simply stand on the beach. A banana boat ride has also been offered on some departures, though it is not listed among the core inclusions and may not be available every time. When offered, it can be lively and rough. Hold on carefully, especially with children.

The beach itself is a strong pause in the day. The boat may arrive before larger vessels, giving you a quieter stretch of time. Still, do not expect a full beach club. There may be limited shade, no broad range of activities, and nowhere convenient to store personal items. The island-style bar service can also be more basic than the boat, with beer, water, and juice rather than the full premium cocktail selection.

This is a place for a short swim, a paddleboard session, and a look at the tropical surroundings. It is not a resort beach with loungers, changing rooms, and a long list of facilities.

Lunch and the open bar

Food is served during the cruise and may begin with fruit, chips, guacamole, or shrimp cocktail. The main meal is generally deli-style, often a sandwich or a charcuterie-style plate, followed by additional fruit or dessert. Several people have found the food tasty and filling, while others felt the sandwiches were ordinary for a tour marketed as luxury.

The menu can vary, so do not book this primarily for a gourmet seafood lunch. Shrimp is included in some food service, which matters if you have a shellfish allergy. Tell the operator about dietary needs before departure and ask what alternatives are available. The supplied details do not promise a specific allergy-safe menu.

The unlimited premium open bar is one of the tour’s main selling points. On the boat, the crew serves beer, cocktails, margaritas, and other drinks throughout the trip. Mango margaritas have been a popular choice, and the service is often attentive enough that you do not need to keep walking to the bar.

The beach stop is different. Drink choices there may be limited to beer, water, and hibiscus water or juice. If you are expecting premium cocktails at the cove, you may be disappointed. The best value from the open bar comes during the sailing portions of the trip.

What the crew adds to the day

Crew service is the most consistently praised part of this experience. Staff members named on different departures include Juan Luis, Sylvino, Judy, Charlie, George, Alex, Felipe, Diego, Victor, Daniel, and Pablo. The exact team will vary, but the pattern is clear: the crew handles drinks, food, safety instructions, and water activities with an upbeat style.

Guides such as Diego Chihuahua have helped with snorkeling, while captains including Juan Luis and Victor have been singled out for making the trip feel lively and well organized. This personal service helps the excursion feel more special than a simple boat transfer.

The social tone suits couples, families with older children, solo visitors, and celebration groups. Several groups have used the outing for birthdays and bachelorette parties. Music, dancing, drinks, and shared activities give the boat a festive feel. If you want silent sailing and a private atmosphere, the group format may not be your style.

The minimum age is 10. Most people can participate, but you should be comfortable boarding a boat, swimming or using water equipment, and handling a moving vessel. The crew can guide you, but this is not a passive sightseeing cruise from start to finish.

Is $119 a fair price?

At $119 per person, the price is reasonable if you plan to use the boat, lunch, open bar, snorkeling gear, and paddleboards. You are paying for a five-hour package with staff, equipment, food, and drinks, not just transportation to a beach.

The value drops if you mainly want a long snorkel session or a luxury yacht atmosphere. You may spend close to an hour cruising before the first activity, snorkel for only a short period, and have limited time on shore. Food quality also appears to vary, and professional photos cost extra.

Check the additional fee before you go. The booking information lists a $40 per-person Bay of Banderas admission fee, while some departures have charged a smaller port fee or a fee in pesos. Because the amounts described are not fully consistent, confirm the current charge with the operator and carry local cash.

Tips are not listed as included. Bring pesos if you want to thank the crew, and bring a card if you may purchase photos. Drones are prohibited by federal regulation, both for port rules and to protect local bird flight paths. Electronic cigarettes, vapes, and drugs are also prohibited.

Who should book this catamaran outing?

I would choose this tour if you want a comfortable day on the bay with drinks, friendly service, a scenic cove, and several easy activities in one package. It works especially well for couples, small friend groups, birthday outings, and families with children at least 10 years old.

You should think twice if your priorities are serious snorkeling, a quiet private charter, a long beach stay, or elaborate seafood dining. You may also prefer another option if you dislike being in the water with a life vest or if swimming from the boat to shore sounds inconvenient.

Weather matters. The route can change with sea conditions, and the operator may cancel if conditions are poor or if the minimum number of participants is not met. In either case, you can request another date or a full refund. You can cancel for a full refund up to 24 hours before the 8:00 a.m. start time. Last-minute changes are not accepted.

Should you book it?

Book this excursion for the crew, coastal views, open bar, and Majahuitas stop, not for a guaranteed Los Arcos visit or a long snorkeling session. The 40-person limit gives you a more relaxed boat day than the giant party vessels, and the service can be excellent.

Before paying, confirm the extra port fee, ask about the current lunch menu, and understand that beach drinks may be basic. Bring sunscreen, motion-sickness medicine if needed, minimal belongings, and cash for tips. If those details suit you, this is a fun and fairly priced way to spend a morning on Puerto Vallarta’s bay.

FAQ

How long is the yacht and snorkeling experience?

The activity lasts about five hours, including the cruise, water activities, beach stop, food, and return to the Maritime Terminal.

What time does the tour start?

The scheduled start time is 8:00 a.m.

Where does the tour begin and end?

It begins and ends at Vallarta Adventures in Puerto Mágico at the Maritime Terminal, Heroica Escuela Naval, Boulevard Francisco Medina Ascencio 30-G1, Puerto Vallarta.

Is hotel pickup included?

No. Hotel pickup and drop-off are not included.

How many people can join the tour?

The maximum group size is 40 participants.

What is the minimum age?

The minimum age is 10.

Is snorkeling equipment provided?

Yes. Snorkeling equipment and stand-up paddleboards are included.

Is lunch included?

Yes. Lunch is included, along with items such as fruit, chips and guacamole, shrimp cocktail, and deli-style food. The exact menu may vary.

Is the open bar included?

Yes. An unlimited premium open bar is included on the yacht. The selection at the beach stop may be more limited.

Are Los Arcos and the Malecón guaranteed stops?

No. The route depends on sea conditions, so the boat may pass Los Arcos and the Malecón, but neither is guaranteed.

Can I cancel for a refund?

You can cancel up to 24 hours before the start time for a full refund. Poor weather or failure to meet the minimum number of participants may also result in a choice of another date or a full refund.