Visit Private Beaches around Puerto Vallarta in a Private Yacht

The best part of this private yacht outing is the freedom to spend your water time your way. You visit the rock arches at Los Arcos, then continue to Playa Paredon, a beach reached only by sea. There is room for snorkeling, swimming, paddle boarding, photos, or simply sitting with a drink while Puerto Vallarta slips by.

I like the private group format, especially for families or friends who want their own boat rather than a fixed crowd. I also like that snorkeling gear, paddle boards, water, ice, snacks, fruit, guacamole, and margaritas are included. The main caution is the price and the short four-hour schedule: make sure the equipment and final total are clear before you board.

Key points to know before booking

• Los Arcos gives you the classic Puerto Vallarta water view: Large rock formations rise from the sea in arch shapes, creating the tour’s most recognizable stop.
• Playa Paredon is reached only by boat: Its natural rock wall and quiet setting make it a strong photo stop and a calmer place for paddle boarding.
• The yacht is private for your group: You can book for up to 15 people, with no unrelated party sharing the boat.
• Water activities are included: Snorkeling equipment and paddle boards come with the tour, though equipment quality and availability should be confirmed.
• Food and drinks keep the outing easy: Bottled water, ice, guacamole, fresh fruit, snacks, and welcome margaritas are provided.
• The trip lasts about four hours: That is enough for two main stops, but not enough for a slow full-day cruise along the coast.

A private boat day from Marina Vallarta

You meet at E Dock in Marina Vallarta, a practical starting point for a short trip on the water. The tour returns to the same place, so you do not need to arrange a separate ride from another beach or marina.

The boat is reserved for your party, with a maximum group size of 15. That matters more than it may sound. A family can keep young swimmers close, a group of friends can set its own pace, and couples or smaller parties do not have to adjust to strangers. You still need to share the available space with your own group, of course, but the setting is more personal than a large public excursion.

The captain guides the route and handles the boat while you focus on the scenery and water activities. The company advertises the experience in English. No individual captain or crew names are provided, so do not book this expecting a named guide or a formal history talk about the coast.

At about four hours, this is best viewed as a half-day boat outing, not a full coastal cruise. You have time for Los Arcos and Playa Paredon, but the schedule may feel tight if everyone wants to snorkel, paddle board, swim, eat, take photos, and relax. A small group usually gets more usable water time than a group of 15, simply because fewer people need turns with equipment.

Los Arcos: rock arches and the first swim

Los Arcos takes its name from the large rocky formations that rise from the sea in arch shapes. This is the first main stop and the most famous visual feature on the route. Bring your camera, but protect it from splashes. The rocks and open water create the kind of scene that makes even a short boat trip feel distinctly like Puerto Vallarta.

The stop lasts about one hour. You can use that time to snorkel, swim, and look around the surrounding natural area. Snorkeling equipment is included, which saves you from renting a mask and fins separately. Still, expectations should be sensible. Water conditions change, and the amount of visible sea life can vary.

One account describes a snorkeling area that felt crowded with boats and offered few fish. That is an important warning for anyone booking mainly for underwater viewing. Los Arcos is attractive above the surface even when snorkeling is only fair, so I would treat the underwater portion as an added activity rather than the sole reason to pay for a private yacht.

The stop may also bring pleasant surprises. One strong account described seeing whales and turtles during the boat day, along with swimming and floating. Those sightings are not promised, and the supplied details do not give a season or guarantee, but they show what can happen when conditions line up.

If you are not a confident swimmer, tell your group and captain before getting in. The tour notes that participants should have a strong physical fitness level. That does not mean you need to be athletic, but you should be comfortable around open water and able to manage activities such as swimming, snorkeling, and getting on or off a paddle board.

Playa Paredon: a quieter second stop

After Los Arcos, the boat continues to Playa Paredon. This beach can only be reached by sea, which gives the stop a more secluded feel than a beach beside a road or hotel zone. The main visual feature is a large natural wall, a good backdrop for photographs and a reason to keep your camera ready.

You have about one hour here as well. Playa Paredon is described as a place for a quiet pause, with clear water suited to snorkeling and paddle boarding. This is likely the more relaxed stop of the two. You can take photos beside the rock wall, spend time on a paddle board, or sit back with a cold drink.

The paddle boards are included, but one negative account reported that the advertised boards were not immediately available and that kayaks were not supplied. Kayaks are not listed as an inclusion, so you should not expect them. The report also describes a delay while older boards were located, followed by less time on the water. Because that complaint directly affects the value of a four-hour tour, confirm before departure that paddle boards will be available and ask what happens if equipment is delayed.

The word crystal-clear appears in the tour description, but sea conditions can change. Light, waves, boat traffic, and water movement all affect visibility. Playa Paredon may be a fine place to snorkel, but I would book this trip for the mix of scenery, swimming, paddle boarding, and private time rather than for guaranteed underwater clarity.

What comes with the $1,500 price

The listed cost is $1,500 per group of up to 15 people. At the full capacity, that works out to about $100 per person before any additional costs. For a large group, a private boat can be a sensible value because the total price is shared while you receive your own vessel, captain, equipment, and refreshments.

For two or four people, the calculation changes. A small group pays the same group price, so the per-person cost rises quickly. You are paying for privacy and flexibility, not just a seat on a boat. If a public tour offers a similar route for much less, the private option makes sense mainly when keeping your group together matters.

The inclusions help. You do not need to arrange separate snorkeling equipment or paddle boards, and bottled water, ice, snacks, guacamole, fresh fruit, and margaritas are provided. That makes the day easier and reduces the small purchases that can add up around the marina.

There is a price discrepancy worth checking. The listed price is $1,500, while one unhappy account refers to paying $1,700. Confirm the current total, taxes, fees, and exact inclusions before finalizing the booking. Also ask how long the boat will remain out if equipment is unavailable at the start. On a four-hour trip, losing 30 minutes is not a minor inconvenience.

The captain, service, and onboard mood

The captain is responsible for getting you between the marina, Los Arcos, and Playa Paredon while helping the group make use of the stops. Positive experiences describe friendly service, good attention from the crew, and a captain who made the boat day feel easy. Another account praised the crew for handling snacks and drinks while the group moved between sailing, snorkeling, swimming, paddle boarding, floating, and relaxing.

That range is the real appeal. You do not have to turn the outing into a serious sports session. One person can snorkel while another takes photographs, and someone else can stay aboard with fruit and a margarita. A private boat works best when your group has mixed interests.

Do not assume the crew will provide a professional photo package. One account says the captain used a professional camera and promised to send photos later, but then communication stopped. If photographs matter, ask at the start whether photos are included, how they will be delivered, and when you should expect them. Bring your own waterproof phone case if you want a dependable record of the day.

The tour is offered in English, which is useful for visitors who want instructions and conversation in that language. The information does not specify a formal guided talk, so expect practical help with the boat and activities rather than a detailed coastal lecture.

How to prepare for four hours on the water

Wear a swimsuit and bring a towel, sunscreen, sunglasses, and a hat. Those items are not listed as provided, so you should plan to bring them. Use a secure bag for phones and wallets, especially if you will move between the boat, the water, and paddle boards.

A small waterproof camera can be more useful than a large camera. Los Arcos and the rock wall at Playa Paredon are the strongest photo settings, while the boat ride gives you broader views of the coast. Keep your equipment protected when the boat is moving.

Think about your group’s physical ability before booking. The tour specifically calls for a strong fitness level, and the activities involve open water. If someone in your party is not comfortable swimming or balancing on a paddle board, that person may prefer to remain aboard and enjoy the scenery and snacks.

The experience is near public transportation, but the supplied information does not name a specific bus route or provide transfer instructions. Plan to arrive at E Dock, Marina Vallarta, and allow enough time to locate the meeting point without rushing. The tour ends back there.

Weather matters. The trip requires good conditions, and poor weather can lead to a new date or a full refund. Aside from a weather cancellation, the booking is non-refundable and cannot be changed. That strict rule makes travel insurance or careful scheduling worth considering, especially if your Puerto Vallarta plans are still shifting.

Who will get the most from this yacht trip

I would recommend this for a group of friends, a family celebration, or a larger party that can divide the $1,500 cost. It is also a good fit if you value having the boat to yourselves more than you value a long route or a formal sightseeing program.

You will likely enjoy it if your ideal day includes short activity stops, swimming, snorkeling, paddle boarding, snacks, drinks, and plenty of time for photos. The strongest praise centers on the overall boat day, friendly service, scenery, and the chance to combine active time with relaxation.

I would be more cautious if you are booking primarily for pristine snorkeling, guaranteed wildlife, kayaks, or professional photographs. Kayaks are not included in the stated package. Wildlife sightings are possible but not promised. One poor experience also raises a practical concern about board availability and time lost to equipment problems.

The 99 percent recommendation rate and 5 out of 5 rating across 125 ratings suggest that the experience usually delivers a very good day. Still, the single detailed complaint is useful because it points to the exact things to confirm: equipment readiness, total price, trip duration, and photo delivery.

Should you book this private Puerto Vallarta yacht?

Book it if you have a group large enough to share the cost and you want a flexible private outing built around Los Arcos and Playa Paredon. The included gear, snacks, drinks, and private setting make the arrangement simple, and the two stops offer a good mix of famous scenery and sea-access beach time.

Think twice if your group is small, your budget is tight, or snorkeling quality is your top priority. Before paying, confirm the final price, paddle board availability, what drinks are included, and whether photographs are part of the service. With those points settled, this can be a relaxed and memorable half-day on Puerto Vallarta’s water.

FAQ

How long is the private yacht tour?

The experience lasts approximately four hours.

Where does the tour start?

It starts at E Dock in Marina Vallarta, Puerto Vallarta, Jalisco, Mexico.

Where does the tour end?

The activity ends back at the meeting point at E Dock, Marina Vallarta.

What locations does the boat visit?

The planned stops are Los Arcos and Playa Paredon.

Is snorkeling equipment included?

Yes. Snorkeling equipment is included for use during the tour.

Are paddle boards provided?

Yes. Paddle boards are listed as included equipment. Kayaks are not listed as an inclusion.

What food and drinks are provided?

The tour includes bottled water, drinking water, ice, snacks, guacamole, fresh fruit, and welcome margaritas.

How many people can join the private tour?

The private booking accommodates up to 15 people in your group.