Luxury Yacht & Snorkel with All inclusive Open bar and lunch

The best part of this Puerto Vallarta outing is the combination of a comfortable catamaran cruise and a secluded beach stop at Majahuitas. You get away from the city without committing to a full-day boat trip, and the crew keeps the food and drinks moving while you take in the Bay of Banderas.

I especially like the limited capacity of 40 people and the easy mix of activities. You can snorkel, paddleboard, swim, or simply sit back with a mango margarita. The main caution is that luxury is being used generously: the boat is pleasant and better than a packed party boat, but the meal may be an ordinary sandwich, the snorkeling can be short, and the route changes with the sea.

Key points to know before booking

• Majahuitas is the star stop: Expect a lush, secluded cove south of Puerto Vallarta, with time for swimming, snorkeling, and beach relaxation.
• The boat carries up to 40 people: That feels more personal than the large excursion boats, though seating and storage can still be tight.
• The open bar is strongest on the yacht: Beer, cocktails, water, and other drinks are available onboard, while the beach service may be limited to beer, water, and juice.
• Snorkeling depends heavily on conditions: You might see colorful fish, turtles, rays, dolphins, or whales along the route, but coral is limited and the active snorkeling period may be brief.
• Lunch is included, but manage expectations: Guacamole, fruit, shrimp cocktails, snacks, and sandwiches have all been part of the food service, though the exact menu can vary.
• Budget for extra charges: Hotel transport is not included, and the booking information lists a $40 per-person Bay of Banderas admission fee. Confirm the current port charges before departure.

A five-hour yacht day south of Puerto Vallarta

This is a half-day cruise from Puerto Vallarta’s maritime terminal, designed for people who want several water activities without spending an entire day offshore. The boat leaves at 8:00 a.m. and returns to the same meeting point after roughly five hours.

The route runs south through the Bay of Banderas. Depending on the sea, the captain may pass Los Arcos and give you a view of the Malecón from the water. The exact path is not fixed, which matters here. Ocean conditions determine where the boat can safely stop and how long each activity lasts.

You’ll be aboard a crewed Leopard catamaran with snorkeling equipment and stand-up paddleboards supplied. The advertised maximum is 40 people. That is not an intimate sail for two, but it is a sensible size for a social boat outing. The catamaran has enough room for the group, though several people found personal storage limited and the seating somewhat close together.

The crew is one of the strongest parts of the experience. Names associated with different departures include Alex, Diego, Juan Luis, Charlie, Jennifer, Felipe, Victor, Daniel, and Pablo. The lineup will vary, but the pattern is clear: service is attentive, cheerful, and involved. You can expect help with equipment, drinks, boarding, and water activities rather than being left to manage everything yourself.

Leaving the maritime terminal at 8:00 a.m.

Your morning begins at Vallarta Adventures in Terminal Marítima, within Puerto Mágico on Boulevard Francisco Medina Ascencio. There is no hotel pickup or drop-off, so you need to arrange your own way to the terminal.

Allow extra time for the port entrance. The meeting point is straightforward once you are inside, but getting through the terminal can feel confusing if you arrive at the last minute. The check-in process itself is generally smooth, and arriving early gives you a better chance to get organized before boarding.

The tour is offered in English, and confirmation is provided when you book. The minimum age is 10, and most people can take part. You should still be comfortable around water and able to manage a boat outing with swimming and snorkeling activities.

Bring sunscreen, a swimsuit, and a dry change of clothes. If you are prone to motion sickness, consider motion medicine before leaving. The open Bay can get choppy, and a few hours of rolling seas can affect even people who usually feel fine on boats.

The slow cruise through the Bay of Banderas

The first part of the trip is not a quick transfer to the snorkeling site. The boat may spend close to an hour cruising south before the first water activity begins.

That slow pace is useful if you enjoy the boat itself. You get broad views of Puerto Vallarta from offshore, including the Malecón and the coastal hills. You may also pass Los Arcos, the dramatic rock formations south of the city, if weather and the day’s route allow it.

The crew uses this stretch to serve drinks and settle everyone into the morning. The premium open bar is included, and the onboard service is a major reason many people consider the price worthwhile. Cocktails, beer, and nonalcoholic drinks are served throughout the cruise, with crew members often coming around rather than making you stand in line.

The tradeoff is time. If your main goal is snorkeling, nearly an hour of sailing before the water stop may feel long. If you see this as a coastal cruise with snorkeling added, the pace makes more sense.

Keep your expectations flexible about wildlife. Dolphins, turtles, rays, and humpback whales can appear in the bay, especially during whale season, but no sighting is guaranteed. The boat may stop when whales are spotted, which can become one of the most memorable parts of the day.

Snorkeling near Majahuitas

The active water stop takes place near Majahuitas, a secluded cove south of Puerto Vallarta backed by tropical forest. The setting is appealing even before you put on a mask. The cove feels more remote than the city beaches, and the water gives you a chance to cool off after the morning cruise.

Snorkeling equipment is provided. Some people find the supplied gear perfectly usable, while others prefer to bring their own mask and snorkel for a better fit. The snorkeling time is not fixed. Sea conditions and the day’s schedule can shorten the activity, and some departures have offered roughly 20 minutes in the water.

Marine life can be good but uneven. You might see colorful fish, and occasional sightings have included a manta ray or sea turtle. Do not book this as a coral reef expedition. The area has limited or no coral in some spots, and experienced tropical snorkelers may find the underwater scenery modest.

A life vest may be required whenever you are in the water. This is sensible from a safety point of view, but it can make swimming and snorkeling less comfortable. The crew helps people with equipment and gives direction, which is useful for first-time snorkelers and families with older children.

The water activities can also include paddleboards, floating mats, and, on some departures, a banana boat. The banana boat is not consistently described as part of the official inclusions, so treat it as a possible extra activity rather than a promise. It can be rough, especially for children, and one reported incident involved a child ending up in the water.

Majahuitas Beach and the awkward swim ashore

The listed beach stop at Majahuitas lasts about 1 hour and 20 minutes, though the actual time can change with conditions and the rest of the route. This is the part of the trip that feels most peaceful. The cove is surrounded by forest, and arriving before larger boats can give you a quieter stretch of beach.

There is one practical complication: the catamaran may anchor offshore, requiring you to swim to shore. That makes the stop fun for confident swimmers, but it also means you cannot easily carry towels, phones, bags, or other belongings onto the beach.

Majahuitas itself is not a developed resort beach packed with shops and facilities. You may have little to do beyond swim, paddleboard, sit on the sand, or enjoy the setting. That is either the appeal or the limitation. If you want a calm cove and simple water time, it works well. If you expect loungers, changing areas, organized beach entertainment, or a full resort bar, you may be disappointed.

The beach bar service can also be more limited than the yacht service. Beer, water, and juice may be available, but premium cocktails are not always served ashore. Save your more elaborate drink requests for the catamaran.

Lunch, guacamole, and the open bar

Food is included, and the day typically begins with snacks such as fruit, chips, guacamole, or shrimp cocktail. Lunch has included a deli-style or charcuterie-style sandwich, with dessert or additional fruit on some departures.

The food quality is one of the more uneven parts of the experience. Some people find the lunch tasty and plentiful, especially when combined with the snacks and drinks. Others expect a more refined meal because of the luxury label and find the sandwich fairly ordinary.

If you have a shellfish allergy, take the menu seriously and ask the crew what is safe before eating. Shrimp has been part of the food service, and the available alternatives may vary. The supplied information does not promise a specific allergy-friendly menu.

The unlimited premium open bar is a strong value if you plan to drink. Service is generally attentive, and the crew may bring drinks directly to you. Mango margaritas have been a favorite choice, and the atmosphere can become lively after snorkeling, with music and dancing on the ride back.

Still, unlimited does not mean every drink is available at every stop. The yacht has the broadest service. At Majahuitas, the options may be beer, water, and juice. If you do not drink alcohol, the included fruit, snacks, lunch, and soft drinks still make the package useful, but the price is easier to justify for people who will use the bar.

How much value do you get for $119?

At $119 per person, this is priced above a basic snorkeling boat and below a full luxury charter. The best comparison is not a private yacht. It is a smaller, better-served group cruise that combines transportation, food, equipment, and drinks in one package.

The value is strongest if you want several things in one morning:

• A catamaran cruise along the southern bay
• A quieter beach setting at Majahuitas
• Snorkeling and paddleboards without renting equipment
• Lunch and snacks
• An open bar
• A group capped at 40 people

The value is weaker if you mainly want long snorkeling time, a gourmet lunch, or a true private-yacht atmosphere. The boat can feel cozy, storage is limited, and some of the most attractive activities depend on the sea.

Also budget for charges not included in the advertised price. Hotel transportation is not provided. The booking information lists a $40-per-person Bay of Banderas admission fee, while departure information has also referred to port charges in pesos. Because the fee descriptions can vary, confirm the current amount at booking or check-in.

Photography is another optional expense. An onboard photographer may take professional photos and video throughout the day. Digital packages have been sold for about $100, but photos are not included in the tour price. If you do not want them, say so early and clearly. If you do want birthday, couple, or group pictures, the photographer can be useful, but consider the cost before boarding.

Who will enjoy this cruise most?

I would choose this excursion for couples, families with children aged 10 and up, solo visitors who like a social atmosphere, and groups celebrating a birthday or bachelorette weekend. The crew-led format means you do not need to plan every detail, and the mixture of swimming, food, music, and scenery keeps the morning varied.

It is also a good fit if you want to see Puerto Vallarta from the water without committing to a full-day sailing trip. The short format leaves the afternoon open for the beach, a meal in town, or a quiet rest at your hotel.

I would be more cautious if you are a serious snorkeler. The underwater life can be pleasant, but the stop may be short, coral is limited, and visibility depends on conditions. You should also think twice if you dislike rolling seas, swimming from a boat to shore, or wearing a life vest in the water.

The tour is not ideal for anyone expecting a private yacht, a luxury resort beach, or a gourmet restaurant meal. The boat is well maintained and service is often excellent, but the experience is still a shared excursion with a fixed schedule and commercial add-ons.

Practical details that affect your morning

The tour requires good weather and a minimum number of participants. If conditions are poor or the minimum is not met, you can be offered another date or a full refund. You can cancel for a full refund up to 24 hours before the start time, but changes or cancellations inside that window are not accepted.

Drones are prohibited because of federal rules protecting the flight path of endemic birds. Mexico’s federal maritime ports also enforce a strict no-drug policy that includes electronic cigarettes, vapes, and all types of drugs.

Keep belongings to a minimum. There may not be a good place for larger bags on the catamaran, and you may have to swim to the beach. Cash is useful for tips, and a payment card may be needed if you decide to buy photographs.

Should you book the Majahuitas yacht and snorkel tour?

Book it if you want a well-run half-day on the water with a friendly crew, a scenic bay cruise, an attractive cove, lunch, and generous drink service. The 40-person limit gives it a more relaxed feel than the largest Puerto Vallarta party boats, and the crew service is the reason this excursion earns a strong 4.6 rating from 754 ratings, with 90 percent recommending it.

Skip it if the word luxury makes you picture a private charter, padded loungers, a gourmet lunch, or a long, serious snorkeling session. For the fairest expectation, think of this as a polished shared catamaran outing. You are paying for the combination of service, drinks, food, equipment, and access to Majahuitas, not for five hours of secluded yacht life.

FAQ

How long is the Luxury Yacht and Snorkel tour?

The excursion lasts approximately five hours and begins at 8:00 a.m. It returns to the same meeting point at Vallarta Adventures in Puerto Vallarta.

Where does the tour meet?

The meeting point is Vallarta Adventures at Terminal Marítima, Puerto Mágico, 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 arrange your own transportation to and from the maritime terminal.

What activities are included?

The tour includes a yacht cruise, snorkeling equipment, stand-up paddleboards, lunch, and an unlimited premium open bar. Swimming and beach time at Majahuitas are also part of the experience. The route and activities can change with sea conditions.

Is there a minimum age?

Yes. The minimum age is 10. Most people can participate, but you should be comfortable with a boat trip and water activities.

Can I cancel for a full refund?

Yes, if you cancel at least 24 hours before the experience’s start time. Cancellations or changes made less than 24 hours before departure are not accepted. If the tour is canceled because of poor weather or insufficient bookings, you can receive a different date or a full refund.