Puerto Vallarta: Luxury Yacht Tour with Lunch and Open Bar

The best part of this five-hour yacht trip is the change of pace. You leave Puerto Vallarta behind, trade streets for open water, and spend the day around Majahuitas Cove, where tropical forest meets a quiet beach. You can snorkel, paddleboard, swim, or simply claim a lounge seat and let the crew handle the details.

I like the easy mix of activity and downtime, and I like that lunch, towels, snorkeling gear, paddleboards, and an open bar are included. The crew has earned strong marks for friendly service, with Charlie singled out for being especially helpful. The catch is time: roughly three hours of the day are spent cruising, so you may get only about 30 minutes of actual snorkeling at one stop.

• Majahuitas Cove is the main prize: Expect lush forest, a beach stop, and a chance to swim or use the water equipment.
• The boat is built for relaxing: Lounge seating, sunbathing areas, bathrooms, food service, and drink service make the cruise comfortable.
• Wildlife is possible: Dolphins, whales, sea turtles, and tropical fish may appear, though sightings cannot be promised.
• The total cost is closer to $147: The listed price is $119, plus a $28 cash harbor fee per person.
• Plan for a full morning or afternoon: The cruise lasts five hours, with about 1.5 hours each way between Puerto Vallarta and the cove.
• This is not a small, intimate sail: One departure had about 25 people, while another account described at least 50 aboard.

Leaving Puerto Vallarta for the Bay of Banderas

Your boat departs from one of two possible meeting points: Las Palmas 39 or Puerto Mágico. Confirm the exact location with Vallarta Adventures before the day of your trip. This matters because the boats and departure arrangements can differ between the two spots.

At the federal cruise port, allow time for airport-style security. You will need your passport or ID card, and the harbor fee is paid separately in cash. One departure required arrival by 8:00 a.m. for an 8:30 a.m. boat departure, while the stated schedule for another sailing began around 9:00 a.m. The practical lesson is simple: check the confirmed time on your reservation rather than assuming every sailing follows the same clock.

Once aboard, the day settles into a pleasant rhythm. The boat cruises out into the Bay of Banderas, giving you broad views of Puerto Vallarta and the coast. The ride to the activity area takes about 1.5 hours, so this is not a quick shuttle to a beach. You are booking a boat day, and the time on the water is a major part of the experience.

A Comfortable Yacht, Not a Private Charter

The word luxury here mainly refers to comfort and service, not a private yacht with only your own party. The vessel has lounge seating, sunbathing areas, bathrooms, towels, food, and drink service. One boat carried about 25 people and still felt comfortable to the person describing it. Another account put the capacity at 50 or more, so the group size can vary.

That difference is worth considering. If you picture a quiet private sail with just a handful of people, this may feel too social. If you want a polished shared boat with room to sit, move around, and order drinks, the setup should work well.

I like that you are not forced into nonstop activity. You can take part in the water sports, then return to the boat, dry off with a provided towel, and settle into the shade or sun. The crew serves drinks throughout the day, and the boat’s multiple bathrooms are useful on a five-hour outing.

The crew also adds much to the experience. English and Spanish are spoken, and Charlie received special praise for being kind and accommodating. You should still treat the exact crew lineup as changeable, but the service style is clearly an important part of the day.

Majahuitas Cove and Its Tropical Setting

Majahuitas Cove sits south of Puerto Vallarta and is surrounded by tropical forest. It feels different from the developed waterfront in town. The cove’s appeal is the combination of beach, warm water, and green hills rising behind it.

The stop lasts about two hours, though the actual time in the water can be divided among several activities. You may snorkel, paddleboard, swim from the boat, or spend time on the beach. One account described snorkeling for about 30 minutes, followed by a second area where it was possible to swim toward an island before returning to the boat.

That detail gives you a better picture than the phrase water activities alone. You are not necessarily spending two straight hours with a mask on. The crew may move you between spots, and the usable time can depend on sea conditions, loading, and the day’s schedule.

The cove is a good setting for first-time snorkelers and casual swimmers. You get equipment without needing to pack your own, and the paddleboard offers another way to enjoy the water. If you are hoping for a serious reef expedition, adjust your expectations. This is a social coastal outing with a snorkeling stop, not a specialist marine tour.

Dolphins, Whales, Turtles, and Tropical Fish

The Bay of Banderas can offer wildlife sightings, and the trip specifically looks for dolphins, whales, sea turtles, and tropical fish. A January departure saw many whales and dolphins during the cruise. That is an especially good reminder that the long boat ride is not dead time. You may spend much of it watching the water and scanning the horizon.

Still, nature sets the schedule. The tour cannot promise a whale, dolphin, turtle, or fish sighting. Conditions also affect the water activities. One outing had larger waves than usual, but the crew adjusted its guidance and kept the group safe.

The wildlife viewing and the snorkeling are separate pleasures. Whales and dolphins may appear during the cruise, while tropical fish are more likely around the swimming and snorkeling area. Bring patience. Keep your eyes open while the boat is moving, and do not treat the snorkeling portion as the only reason to look around.

Snorkeling and Paddleboarding: What You Actually Get

Snorkeling equipment and a paddleboard are included, which makes this easy for anyone who does not want to bring bulky gear. The water stop gives you a choice: put on a mask, stand on a board, swim, or remain on the boat.

The snorkeling time may feel short if you have come mainly for underwater viewing. A 30-minute session can be enough for a pleasant look at tropical fish, but it is not a long exploration. The amount of time may change with sea conditions and the day’s operating plan.

Some departures may offer an upgraded snorkeling option. Ask about that before booking if snorkeling is your top priority. Do not assume an upgrade is included in the $119 price.

Paddleboarding is a good feature for mixed groups. One person can snorkel while another tries the board, and someone else can sip a drink on deck. This variety is one reason the tour works well for couples, families with older children, and groups with different ideas of fun.

The tour is not suitable for people with mobility impairments or wheelchair users. Getting through the port, boarding the boat, moving around the vessel, and entering the water all require a reasonable level of mobility.

Lunch, Hors d’oeuvres, and the Open Bar

Food service begins with a light snack on some departures, including fruit, followed later by lunch. The food has been described as tasty, and the snack is useful because the morning starts early and the boat ride is long.

The open bar is part of the package, with drinks served during the cruise and after the water activities. I see this as a real value point, especially if you want a relaxed boat day instead of a bare-bones transfer to Majahuitas.

You should pace yourself. Sun, wind, salt water, and alcohol can catch up with you quickly. Drink water when it is available, eat before swimming, and remember that the boat ride back takes about 1.5 hours.

The meal and drinks help justify the price, but only if you plan to use them. If you do not drink alcohol or prefer to spend the whole day on a beach, a simpler coastal excursion may suit you better.

The Long Cruise Back to Puerto Vallarta

After the stop at Majahuitas, the boat returns toward Puerto Vallarta with lunch and more time on the water. The return cruise is scenic, but it can feel long if you expected most of the five hours to be spent at the cove.

This is the central tradeoff. You receive a comfortable boat, coastal views, food, drinks, and a chance to see marine life. In exchange, only about two hours are assigned to the main stop, and the total travel time is roughly three hours.

I would choose a seat based on your mood. The deck suits sunbathing and wide views, while lounge seating is better if you want to rest. The boat’s layout gives you options, but the experience remains a group outing rather than a private escape.

The tour runs rain or shine. That makes a weather check useful, but it does not guarantee a cancellation for a gray or wet day. Pack accordingly and bring protection from the sun. Large bags and luggage are not allowed, so keep what you carry compact.

Is $119 a Fair Price?

The advertised price is $119 per person, but your real minimum cost is $147 after adding the $28 harbor fee paid in cash. That fee is not a small footnote, especially for a couple or family.

For that total, you receive a five-hour boat trip, snorkeling equipment, a paddleboard, towels, lunch, and an open bar. The crew service and the chance to see whales or dolphins add value that is hard to price in advance.

The value is strongest if you want a complete day package. You do not need to rent gear, find a restaurant, or arrange a separate boat back from Majahuitas. You also get a comfortable place to sit between activities.

The value is weaker if your priority is maximum time at the beach or lengthy snorkeling. The boat may carry 25 to 50 or more people, and one outing felt too short for its price because of the time spent cruising. Before you book, ask yourself which part matters most: the yacht day as a whole, or the beach and water time at the destination.

Who Will Enjoy This Yacht Day Most?

I would recommend this tour to you if you want a polished, easy boat outing with several ways to spend the day. It is a good fit for:

• Couples who want scenery, food, drinks, and time together without arranging separate activities
• Families with older children who can swim and enjoy snorkeling or paddleboarding
• First-time visitors to Puerto Vallarta who want to see the coast from the water
• People who prefer a shared yacht with service rather than a basic fishing or transport boat
• Anyone hoping to spot whales or dolphins during the cruise

I would be more cautious if you want privacy, a small group, or a long snorkeling session. It may also disappoint you if you dislike open-water movement, have limited mobility, or want to spend most of the day on land.

Free cancellation is available up to 24 hours before departure, and you can reserve now and pay later. That flexibility helps if your Puerto Vallarta schedule is still changing. Contact Vallarta Adventures ahead of time to confirm the meeting point and boat details.

Should You Book It?

Book this yacht trip if you want the full package: coastal scenery, a comfortable boat, a beach stop, simple water activities, lunch, and drinks. The crew service is a strong part of the appeal, and a lucky day can add whales and dolphins to the view.

Skip it if $147 per person feels high for a half-day outing, or if you want two full hours of serious snorkeling. The best way to judge it is to think of Majahuitas as one part of a broader yacht experience, not the entire event. For a relaxed, social day on the Bay of Banderas, it is a solid choice. For a quiet private sail, keep looking.

FAQ

How long does the yacht tour last?

The tour lasts five hours. The schedule includes about 1.5 hours cruising from Puerto Vallarta to the activity area, about two hours at Majahuitas Cove, and about 1.5 hours returning to Puerto Vallarta.

How much does the tour cost?

The listed price is $119 per person. You must also pay a $28 harbor fee per person in cash, making the combined cost $147 per person before any optional extras.

Where does the boat depart?

There are two possible pickup locations: Las Palmas 39 and Puerto Mágico. Contact Vallarta Adventures before the trip to confirm the exact meeting point and departure details.

Is hotel pickup included?

No. Hotel pickup and drop-off are not included. You are responsible for reaching the confirmed meeting point.

What activities are available at Majahuitas Cove?

You can snorkel, paddleboard, swim, or spend free time on the beach and boat. Snorkeling equipment and a paddleboard are included.

Are lunch and drinks included?

Yes. Lunch, an open bar, and hors d’oeuvres are included. Some departures also begin with a light fruit snack.

What marine life might I see?

You might see dolphins, whales, sea turtles, and tropical fish. Wildlife sightings are not guaranteed, since conditions and animal movements vary.

Is the tour suitable for wheelchair users?

No. The activity is not suitable for wheelchair users or people with mobility impairments. You also need to bring a passport or ID card, and pets and large bags are not allowed.