Private Yacht, Sightseeing, Snorkeling and Private beaches

Puerto Vallarta’s south coast is best seen from the water, and this private yacht outing gives you room to enjoy it at your own pace. You’ll cruise past Playa Las Gemelas, Punta Negra, and the Bungee before reaching Los Arcos de Mismaloya, the trip’s main snorkeling stop.

I like the privacy and the useful gear: your group gets the entire boat, plus a restroom, cooler with ice, kayak, fishing rods, and snorkeling equipment. I also like the flexible feel, with Bluetooth music, room to bring your own lunch, and a crew willing to help shape the outing. The main drawback is the price for a small party, and the water can feel cool in some months.

Key points to know before you book

• Private yacht for up to 12 people: You pay $1,015 for the group, not per seat, making the value much better for a larger family or friend group.
• Los Arcos is the main wildlife stop: Snorkel among fish, octopuses, and sea turtles in a nationally protected area.
• Beach time is flexible: The yacht can stop near Gemelas, Punta Negra, or the Bungee if you want to swim.
• Bring your own meal and drinks: Water, plates, cups, a cooler, and ice are supplied, but lunch and alcohol are not.
• The boat includes practical comforts: You get a restroom, kayak, fishing rods, and snorkeling equipment.
• Plan around the weather: The trip needs good conditions, and the cancellation policy is strict unless the operator cancels because of poor weather.

A private way to see Puerto Vallarta from the sea

The strongest reason to book this outing is simple: you are not sharing the boat with a large crowd. Your group has the yacht for roughly three to four hours, which gives the day a relaxed, social feel rather than the fixed rhythm of a packed excursion.

That matters in Puerto Vallarta. The southern end of Bahía de Banderas gives you wide views of the city, the mountains, and the shoreline beaches. From the water, you can watch downtown Puerto Vallarta recede as the yacht heads south. The view changes gradually, from the urban waterfront to quieter coves and rocky coastal scenery.

The boat is suited to several kinds of groups. A family can spread out and keep children occupied with swimming, snorkeling, fishing, and the kayak. A group of friends can play its own music through Bluetooth and bring lunch aboard. A couple can enjoy the extra privacy, including the upper part of the yacht, which offers a more secluded place to sit.

The private setup also helps if your group has mixed interests. One person can fish while another relaxes with a drink. Some people can snorkel at Los Arcos while others stay aboard and enjoy the view. You are not forced to follow every activity.

From Marina Vallarta to Playa Las Gemelas

The outing begins at Calle Popa in Marina Vallarta. The listed operating hours are 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m., Monday through Sunday, so you should confirm your exact departure time when booking. The tour returns to the same meeting point.

The first part of the trip takes you through the south side of the bay. You’ll pass Playa Las Gemelas, Punta Negra, and the Bungee area while taking in views of Puerto Vallarta and the surrounding mountains. The itinerary allows about two hours for this cruising and beach portion, though the full experience is listed as approximately three to four hours.

The beach stops are not presented as separate guided shore visits. Instead, the yacht can pause if you want to swim or spend time near the beach. That gives you more freedom than a tour built around a strict schedule, but it also means you should not expect a long, organized beach walk or a formal shore program.

If swimming is your priority, tell the crew early. The same applies if you want to spend time fishing. Rods are provided, and you can cast along the way if you wish. Fishing here is an extra activity rather than the main focus, so think of it as something to try between scenic stops.

The views are one of the quieter pleasures of this part of the trip. You’ll see Puerto Vallarta from an angle that roads and hotel terraces cannot provide. The mountains behind the city give the ride a strong sense of place, while the beaches offer natural pauses in the journey.

Los Arcos de Mismaloya and the best snorkeling

Los Arcos de Mismaloya is the highlight for anyone who wants to get in the water. The rock formations are one of Puerto Vallarta’s best-known coastal sights, and the area is nationally protected. The tour sets aside about 30 minutes here.

That is enough time for a focused snorkeling session, but it is not a full-day water excursion. You may see colorful fish, octopuses, and sea turtles, though wildlife is never guaranteed. The protected setting gives the stop its appeal, while the rock formations provide a dramatic backdrop even if you decide not to snorkel.

The provided equipment makes this easier. You do not need to arrange a separate rental for a mask or other basic snorkeling gear. You can also choose to stay on the yacht, enjoy the scenery, and have the crew take photos.

The 30-minute timing is worth noting. If you are an enthusiastic snorkeler who likes to explore slowly, this may feel brief. If your group includes people who only want a taste of snorkeling, it is a useful amount of time without turning the whole outing into a water-sports session.

Water temperature can also vary by season. One March outing found the water a little cool, so bring a light layer for the ride back if you are sensitive to cooler conditions. The supplied information does not give a wetsuit option, so you should not count on one being provided.

What comes aboard the yacht

This experience includes more than a basic boat ride. The onboard restroom is especially useful on a three to four-hour trip, since you do not need to wait for a shore stop.

You also get:

• Snorkeling equipment
• Fishing rods
• A kayak
• Cooler and ice
• Bottled water
• Plates and cups
• An onboard restroom

The cooler and ice make it easy to bring food and drinks. Lunch is not included, and alcoholic beverages are not included, but you can plan your own provisions around the supplied plates, cups, and cooler.

That arrangement has a practical upside. You can bring the meal your group actually wants instead of accepting a standard menu. One group arranged food delivery through Uber Eats directly to the boat, while another brought its own lunch. Those details suggest you should plan ahead and confirm how food delivery or outside food will be handled before departure.

One especially appealing detail is the Bluetooth system. You can choose the music for your outing rather than listening to a fixed playlist. Keep the volume considerate, especially if you want to hear the crew’s information about the places you pass.

Crew service and the feel of the day

The crew provides information about the coastal sights and checks in to see if you need anything. The experience is designed to be easygoing, and the crew can help you make choices about swimming, fishing, photos, and time aboard.

The service also suits celebrations. A birthday group received special attention, including homemade ceviche. That food is not listed as a standard inclusion, so you should not book expecting ceviche to be provided every time. Still, it shows that special occasions can fit naturally into the outing if you communicate your plans.

Cleanliness and personal space are other strong points. The yacht has been described as very clean, and the upper section offers extra privacy. For a couple, that can make the cost feel more justifiable. For a family or group of friends, the open layout gives people room to sit together or break off into smaller clusters.

The private format also removes a common problem on boat tours: having to match your mood to a group of strangers. If you want quiet time, you can have it. If you want music and conversation, you can create that atmosphere yourself.

Is $1,015 a good value?

The price is $1,015 per group of up to 12 people. For a full group, that works out to about $85 per person. For six people, it is about $169 per person. For two people, the cost is roughly $508 each, which is a much tougher value judgment.

That is the key question. This is not a budget boat ride for two. A couple booking the yacht will be paying mainly for privacy, personal space, and control over the day. A larger family or group of friends can spread the cost and get more value from the private setup.

The included gear also improves the price comparison. You do not need to pay separately for snorkeling equipment, fishing rods, a kayak, bottled water, ice, plates, or cups. The yacht includes a restroom as well, which adds comfort during a several-hour outing.

Still, lunch and alcohol are extra. If you want a celebratory meal, add those costs before deciding. The ability to bring your own food may keep the total under control, but you’ll need to organize it yourself.

I would see the price as fair for a group that values privacy and flexibility. I would be more cautious for a couple unless the private yacht experience itself is the main reason for booking.

Who will enjoy this yacht trip most?

This outing works best for groups that want several activities in one short coastal trip. You can swim, snorkel, fish, kayak, take photos, listen to your own music, or simply sit back and watch the coast.

It is a good match for:

• Families who want a private boat and flexible swimming time
• Groups of friends sharing the cost
• Couples celebrating a special occasion
• People who prefer a relaxed pace over a crowded group tour
• Snorkelers who want to visit Los Arcos without arranging separate equipment
• Anyone who wants to bring a personal lunch or drinks

It may not suit you if you want a long snorkeling session, a full meal included, or a low-cost seat on a shared boat. The itinerary gives Los Arcos about 30 minutes, so serious snorkelers may want a longer water-focused trip.

Most people can participate, and service animals are allowed. The meeting point is near public transportation. Confirmation is sent within 48 hours of booking, subject to availability.

Timing, weather, and the strict cancellation rule

The experience runs throughout the week, with listed operating hours from 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. It lasts about three to four hours, though the beach and cruising portion is described as roughly two hours and Los Arcos as about 30 minutes.

Good weather is required. If poor weather causes the operator to cancel, you’ll be offered another date or a full refund. If you cancel or request a change yourself, the experience is non-refundable and cannot be changed for any reason.

That policy makes travel insurance or careful scheduling worth considering, especially if you are booking far ahead. The outing is commonly reserved about 26 days in advance, so popular dates may fill before your trip.

Should you book Puerto Vayacht?

Book this private yacht if you have a group, want control over the mood and schedule, and like the idea of combining sightseeing, beach time, snorkeling, fishing, and kayaking in one outing. The strongest value comes with six or more people, though couples may find the privacy worth the premium for a birthday, anniversary, or special day.

I would not choose it for a long, technical snorkeling session or if you want lunch and drinks handled for you. But for a clean private boat, useful equipment, impressive coastal views, and a flexible stop at Los Arcos, it offers a well-rounded half-day on the water.

FAQ

Where does the yacht tour begin?

The tour begins at Calle Popa in Marina Vallarta, Puerto Vallarta, Jalisco, Mexico.

Where does the experience end?

The activity ends back at the meeting point in Marina Vallarta.

How long does the private yacht trip last?

The experience lasts approximately three to four hours.

How many people can join the yacht?

The private yacht is available for groups of up to 12 people.

Is snorkeling equipment included?

Yes. Snorkeling equipment is included, and the tour visits Los Arcos de Mismaloya.

What wildlife might I see while snorkeling?

You may see colorful fish, octopuses, and sea turtles at Los Arcos de Mismaloya.

Is food included?

Lunch is not included. Bottled water, a cooler with ice, plates, and cups are provided, and you can bring your own food.

What happens if bad weather cancels the tour?

If the experience is canceled because of poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund. Personal cancellations are non-refundable and cannot be changed.