Puerto Vallarta: Luxury Yacht Tour with Lunch and Open Bar

Puerto Vallarta’s best boat day is less about getting from one beach to another than about enjoying the ride itself. You cruise the Bay of Banderas, watch for whales and dolphins, then spend time at Majahuitas Cove, a rainforest-framed beach south of town.

I like the easy, all-in-one setup: snorkel gear, paddleboard, towels, lunch, and an open bar are included. I also like the friendly service, with Charlie singled out for being especially kind and helpful. The main catch is time. Five hours sounds generous, but about three hours can go to sailing, leaving roughly two hours for swimming and beach activities.

Key points to know before booking

• Majahuitas Cove is the main stop: You get about two hours for snorkeling, swimming, paddleboarding, and beach time.
• The boat ride is a major part of the day: Expect roughly 1.5 hours out and another 1.5 hours back, with scenic views and possible marine life sightings.
• Lunch and drinks are included: The package covers a meal, open bar, fruit or light snacks, towels, and water-sports equipment.
• The boat can feel spacious or crowded: One recent trip had about 25 people and plenty of room, while another account described a boat carrying at least 50.
• Budget an extra $28 in cash: This per-person harbor fee is not included in the advertised price.
• Plan for port security: You need identification, and everyone passes through airport-style security at the federal cruise port.

What the $119 price really buys you

At $119 per person, this is not a cheap way to reach a beach. You are paying for a five-hour package with a yacht-style boat, crew service, lunch, drinks, towels, snorkeling equipment, and a paddleboard. The value improves if you plan to use the open bar and water gear rather than treating the trip as a simple sightseeing cruise.

The extra $28 harbor fee changes the math. Since it must be paid in cash, your practical cost is at least $147 per person before any optional purchases. That puts the tour in the treat-yourself category, not the casual afternoon-out category.

I think the price makes the most sense for you if you want a polished boat day without arranging separate equipment, food, and drinks. You also get the comfort of returning to Puerto Vallarta on the same boat instead of sorting out transport from a remote beach.

The value is weaker if your priority is a long snorkeling session or a quiet, small-group outing. Much of the schedule is spent cruising, and the boat size may vary. One account described a comfortable group of about 25 people with four bathrooms and lots of lounge space. Another described a boat carrying at least 50 people and felt the outing was too short for the price.

Starting at Puerto Mágico

The meeting point is at one of two locations, both listed around Las Palmas 39 and Puerto Mágico. Your reservation may not make the exact boat and meeting details fully clear, so contact Vallarta Adventures before the day of departure.

Plan extra time at the port. You need your passport or ID card, and all visitors pass through airport-style security at the federal cruise port. The harbor fee is also collected separately in cash.

One morning schedule had passengers arriving by 8:00, paying the harbor fee, passing through a metal detector, and boarding for an 8:30 departure. Treat that as a useful planning example, not a guaranteed departure time. The available start time can vary, so confirm the details rather than relying only on the general five-hour duration.

Hotel pickup and drop-off are not included. That means you need to make your own way to the port and back to your accommodation. For anyone staying near Puerto Mágico, walking may be possible, but the tour information does not provide transport from specific hotels.

The first 90 minutes across the Bay of Banderas

Once underway, the boat spends about 1.5 hours cruising toward the south side of the bay. This is not dead time. The coastline, open water, and changing views are part of the experience, and the crew may point out marine life along the way.

Keep your eyes open for dolphins, sea turtles, tropical fish, and, during the right season, whales. Sightings are never guaranteed, but one morning included many whales and dolphins. That possibility gives the outward cruise some purpose, especially if you enjoy watching the sea rather than rushing straight to the beach.

The boat itself is built for comfort. You can sit in lounge areas, stretch out in the sun, and order from the open bar while the crew handles the practical work. A fruit snack may be served early in the trip, followed later by lunch.

The long cruise has a downside. If you want maximum time in the water, 90 minutes each way can feel like a lot. The boat ride is part of what you are buying, so this tour suits someone who enjoys a social day at sea, not someone who sees the boat only as transportation.

Majahuitas Cove and its rainforest setting

The main stop is Playa Majahuitas, a secluded beach south of Puerto Vallarta. The cove is backed by tropical rainforest, giving it a more natural setting than the developed waterfront near town.

You get about two hours here for free time and water activities. That can include snorkeling, swimming, and stand-up paddleboarding. The tour supplies snorkeling equipment and a paddleboard, so you do not need to pack your own gear. Towels are included as well.

The cove is also where the schedule becomes most active. You might snorkel from the boat, swim in the open sea, or paddle near the beach. One account described about 30 minutes of snorkeling followed by time near another area where passengers could swim toward an island. The exact sequence can change with sea conditions and the crew’s plan.

Do not expect two uninterrupted hours of snorkeling. The activity mix is broader than that. If one person in your group wants to paddleboard, another wants to swim, and someone else prefers to sit with a drink, the stop works well. If everyone wants an extended underwater session, the time may feel limited.

Water conditions matter, too. Larger waves were present on one outing, but the guides kept a close eye on safety. Since the tour operates rain or shine, you should be ready for the possibility that weather affects how long you spend in the water or which activities feel comfortable.

Snorkeling, paddleboarding, and marine life

The included equipment removes one common hassle. You do not need to rent a mask and snorkel separately or carry a paddleboard to the port. The crew provides the gear and towels, then lets you choose how active you want to be.

Snorkeling here is best understood as a chance to see coastal water life, not a guaranteed reef spectacle. The area may offer tropical fish and other marine life, but visibility and animal sightings depend on conditions. The same applies to dolphins, turtles, and whales. They are possible highlights, not scheduled attractions.

I would bring a basic sense of flexibility. If the water is calm, you may spend much of the stop swimming and snorkeling. If the sea is rough, paddleboarding may be less appealing, and the crew may put more emphasis on safe swimming and time aboard.

The tour is not suitable for people with mobility impairments or wheelchair users. You should be comfortable boarding a boat, moving around its deck, and getting into or out of the water without accessible facilities being promised.

Lunch, open bar, and time on deck

The return portion includes lunch and another 1.5 hours of cruising. This is when the tour shifts from active water time to relaxed boat time. You can eat, order drinks, dry off, and watch the coast slide past.

The food received strong praise, and one trip began with fruit before lunch was served later in the day. The exact menu is not specified, so do not book this expecting a particular dish. The useful point is that you do not need to bring a full meal for a five-hour outing.

The open bar is part of the price, and drink service is available during the cruise. This adds real value for people who want a leisurely afternoon rather than a bare-bones transfer. It also helps explain why the boat can feel more like a floating lounge than a simple excursion vessel.

There are practical limits. Drinking in the sun can catch up with you, especially after swimming, so use the food and water breaks wisely. The boat has bathrooms, with one account reporting four aboard, but the available facilities may depend on the specific boat assigned.

Service, group size, and the yacht feel

Service is one of the strongest parts of this outing. The guides are described as friendly and attentive, and Charlie received particular praise for being accommodating and kind. The tour is offered in English and Spanish, which makes it easier for mixed-language groups to follow safety instructions and the day’s plan.

The yacht feel comes from the seating, service, open bar, and space to sunbathe. You are not expected to handle the boat or organize each activity yourself. The crew sets the rhythm, serves food and drinks, and keeps an eye on conditions.

Still, do not assume you are booking a private yacht. The boat is shared, and the group size is not fixed in the information provided. One trip felt uncrowded with about 25 people. Another description put the capacity at 50 or more. If personal space matters to you, ask Vallarta Adventures about the boat and expected group size before paying.

Photography may also be offered during the trip. One passenger reported that photos were available for purchase at the end for about $160. That price is not listed as an official tour charge, so treat it as an optional extra and bring no expectation that photographs are included.

What to bring and what to leave behind

Bring your passport or ID card for port access. You will also want swimwear, sun protection, and a change of clothes, although only identification is formally specified in the tour information.

Do not bring pets, luggage, or large bags. The port security process is similar to airport screening, so packing light makes the start less awkward.

Because the harbor fee must be paid in cash, bring enough cash for the $28 per-person charge. The tour price covers snorkeling equipment, a paddleboard, towels, lunch, and the open bar, so you do not need to pack those items.

The trip runs rain or shine. That does not mean every water activity will feel the same in every kind of weather. A cloudy day may still make a pleasant cruise, while rough seas can reduce comfort and water time.

Who will enjoy this boat day most

I would recommend this tour to couples, families with older children, and friends who want a social day on the water with food and drinks built in. It is especially good for you if several people in your group want different things. One can snorkel, one can paddleboard, one can swim, and another can stay on deck with a drink.

It also works well for first-time visitors who want to see more of the Bay of Banderas without arranging several separate activities. The crew, gear, food, and return trip are all handled in one booking.

I would hesitate to recommend it if you want a small, quiet sail, a full-day beach visit, or serious snorkeling. The schedule gives you only about two hours at Majahuitas, while the rest is spent cruising. The group size can also be larger than the word luxury might suggest.

Should you book the Majahuitas yacht tour?

Book it if you value comfort, service, scenic cruising, and a complete package more than maximum time in the water. The included gear, lunch, open bar, and friendly crew make the day simple, and marine life sightings can add a memorable bonus.

Skip it if the $119 price plus the $28 harbor fee feels high for a half-day, or if you want a truly private yacht experience. Before committing, confirm the meeting point, departure time, boat size, and cash requirement. That quick check will tell you whether this is the polished Puerto Vallarta boat day you want or simply too much cruising for your budget.

FAQ

How long is the Puerto Vallarta yacht tour?

The tour lasts five hours. The planned schedule includes about 1.5 hours cruising to Majahuitas, two hours at Playa Majahuitas, and 1.5 hours returning to Puerto Vallarta.

What activities are available at Majahuitas?

You can spend free time at Playa Majahuitas, go snorkeling, swim, or use a stand-up paddleboard. The exact order and length of each activity can vary.

Are lunch and drinks included?

Yes. Lunch and an open bar are included, along with a light fruit snack on at least some departures.

Is snorkeling equipment provided?

Yes. Snorkeling equipment, a paddleboard, and towels are included in the tour price.

Is the harbor fee included in the price?

No. You must pay a $28 per-person harbor fee in cash.

Where does the tour depart from?

There are two possible pickup or meeting locations listed around Las Palmas 39 and Puerto Mágico. Contact Vallarta Adventures in advance to confirm the exact meeting point for your reservation.

What languages are spoken, and can I cancel?

The live guides speak English and Spanish. You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund, and the reserve-now, pay-later option lets you book without paying immediately.