Full-Day Private Sailing Cruise Puerto Vallarta with Snorkeling

Los Arcos is the star of this private cruise, with steep rock formations, open Pacific views, and a chance to swim or snorkel away from the city. I especially like the private boat for up to 15 people and the crew’s personal service, from Angel’s famous guacamole to careful help getting in and out of the water.

I also like the flexible feel. Some groups spend their time watching whales or dolphins, while others stop for swimming, paddleboarding, or a meal near a fishing village. The catch is that sailing conditions and the day’s exact route can vary. The sails may not always be opened, snorkeling can be weak in green water, and a rough sea makes walking around difficult.

At a glance

• Los Arcos and Mismaloya: Head south along Puerto Vallarta’s coast for rock formations, swimming, and possible snorkeling near one of the bay’s best-known sights.
• A private six-hour outing: Your group has the boat to itself, with room for up to 15 people and a crew focused on your plans.
• Fresh food on board: Guacamole, chips or other snacks, fruit on some outings, ice, and bottled water are included.
• Strong crew service: Captains and mates such as Luis, Angel, Felix, Jorge, Cesar, and Alberto are often praised for being attentive and helpful.
• Real sailing is not guaranteed: The boat may use its engine, especially when the wind is light or the crew is conserving fuel.
• A practical value for groups: At $985.73 per group, the price becomes more attractive when shared among several people, but less so for only two passengers.

Leaving Marina Vallarta for Banderas Bay

The meeting point is the Marina Vallarta Boat Ramp at Proa 22, Marina Vallarta, Puerto Vallarta. You return to this same point after roughly six hours. The marina is near public transportation, but if you are arriving from a cruise ship, plan on taking a short taxi ride from the cruise terminal area rather than assuming you can walk there easily.

The start is simple, but the boat ramp can be easy to miss. One useful practical tip is to arrive with the tour details ready on your phone and confirm where the crew will meet you. The marina area includes other boating businesses, so the exact ramp matters.

Once aboard, the day settles into a gentle rhythm. You have the bay opening around you, the mountains rising behind the southern shore, and the option to sit in the cockpit or spend time on deck. The crew serves water and snacks, helps organize the gear, and explains the plan.

The boat has been described as a well-kept 48-foot Maple Leaf sloop with a roomy cockpit and padded foredeck. That is a substantial boat for a small family or group, though the usable walking space can feel limited when all 15 places are filled. In rougher water, you may need to hold on and move carefully. This is not a floating party venue with wide aisles.

The private format makes a real difference. You do not have to match the pace of a large group, and the crew can respond to your interests. Some outings have included whale watching, dolphin sightings, swimming, paddleboarding, and a stop near a small coastal village for lunch. Those options depend on weather, sea conditions, time, and what your group requests.

Los Arcos, the best stop for water time

Los Arcos de Mismaloya is the main natural attraction on the route. The rock towers rise from the water south of Puerto Vallarta and create one of the area’s most recognizable views. From the boat, you get a fine mix of open bay, rugged shoreline, and steep green mountains.

The stop is meant to be active if you want it to be. Snorkeling equipment is provided, and the crew can help you with swimming, paddleboarding, and getting comfortable in the water. You may see sea turtles or other marine life, and whale watching is possible during the right season. One outing included a mother humpback with her calf, while another encountered a large pod of dolphins.

Keep your expectations sensible. Snorkeling conditions are not always clear or full of fish. At some times of year, the water can look green, with limited visibility and little to see below the surface. Even then, getting in for a swim can be worthwhile, especially if you view the water stop as a chance to cool off rather than a serious reef excursion.

The crew supplies masks, fins, and other snorkeling equipment, but one useful detail is worth noting: larger feet may not always find the right fin size. If you need a particular fit, ask about available equipment before leaving the marina.

Los Arcos can also be the place where the day slows down. You can sit on the boat, take photos, watch the coastline, or enjoy a snack while others swim. That flexibility works well for mixed groups with children, older adults, and stronger swimmers.

Mismaloya and the southern coast

The second listed stop is Mismaloya, a small coastal community south of Puerto Vallarta. The coast here feels more secluded than the cityfront, with forested hills, rocky shorelines, and beaches reached most easily by water.

The stop does not have one fixed script. Your boat may pause for swimming or snorkeling, or your group may choose to spend more time cruising along the coast. Some outings have included a visit to a fishing village for lunch, with a short transfer by water taxi to reach a beach restaurant. That can be a memorable addition, but lunch is not included in the stated tour package and is not guaranteed.

This is one place where you should be clear with the crew at the start. If visiting a village, eating lunch ashore, or spending longer at a beach matters to you, say so before the boat leaves. The private setup allows some adjustment, but six hours is still a fixed amount of time.

The southern coast is also the scenic payoff for people who prefer simply being on the water. You may find that the best part is not a long list of stops, but the hours spent looking back at Puerto Vallarta, watching the mountains and coast slide past, and feeling the boat move through the bay.

Guacamole, fruit, and the practical comforts

Food is a bigger part of this outing than the basic listing might suggest. Guacamole and snacks are included, along with ice and bottled water. Several outings also included fresh fruit, fruit platters, chips, pineapple salsa, and homemade drinks such as mint lemonade.

Angel’s guacamole receives special attention for good reason. It has become one of the memorable parts of the trip, especially when served with blue corn tortilla chips. The food is not a full catered lunch, so plan accordingly if your group needs a substantial midday meal.

Alcoholic drinks are not included. You may want to ask the operator what you can bring or purchase separately, but the supplied details only confirm water, ice, guacamole, and snacks. Do not assume an open bar.

The crew’s care is another strong point. Captains such as Luis, Chuy, Jorge, and Felix, along with mates including Angel, Cesar, Alberto, Francisco, and Ramona, have been singled out for friendly service, safety help, and local information. A good mate makes a difference on a boat, especially when children, older adults, or less confident swimmers are aboard.

How much value do you get for $985.73?

The price is $985.73 per group of up to 15 people. That means the value depends heavily on your party size. Split among 10 people, the cost is about $99 per person. With six people, it is about $164 per person. For two people, it is close to $493 per person, which is a much more serious splurge.

For a family reunion, birthday, wedding group, or group of friends, the private format can be a sensible use of money. You get the boat for your party, a professional crew, equipment, snacks, and the ability to shape the day. You are not paying only for transportation to Los Arcos. You are paying for space, attention, and flexibility.

The value is weaker if your main goal is guaranteed full sail power, a formal meal, or excellent snorkeling. One outing used the engine rather than opening the sails, and another stopped in one place without offering much customization. These are important limitations to weigh before paying a premium.

The boat itself also affects the calculation. A sturdy 48-foot sloop can feel spacious with a small group, especially with four to nine people aboard. At full capacity, sitting and moving around may feel tighter. If your group is large, ask how many people are scheduled and how much room will be available on the foredeck and in the cockpit.

Sailing, snorkeling, or simply a day afloat?

This tour works best when you see it as a private day on Banderas Bay with sailing as one possible part of the program. When wind and conditions cooperate, the boat can offer a smooth, quiet ride under sail. One experienced sailor described the boat as steady and solid, with a particularly comfortable ride.

But the word sailing should not create a fixed picture in your mind. The crew may use the engine, and the sails may stay closed. This can happen when wind is light, when the schedule calls for a faster return, or when fuel conservation is a priority. If sailing under canvas is the main reason you are booking, ask about the expected conditions and the operator’s plan.

For many people, the motor is not a deal breaker. It gets you along the coast and leaves more time for swimming or shore stops. The concern is exhaust, which can be noticeable when the engine is running, and the disappointment of paying for a sailboat without much actual sailing.

The day is strongest for people who enjoy choices. You can be active for an hour, then stretch out with chips and guacamole while watching for whales. You can ask for local stories about Puerto Vallarta, sea life, and birds. You can also spend much of the trip doing very little, which is sometimes exactly what a holiday needs.

Who should book this private cruise?

I would choose this for a group that values privacy, flexible plans, and time outdoors more than a guaranteed checklist of attractions. It is particularly well suited to families, couples traveling with relatives, and groups celebrating a birthday or special occasion.

It can also suit a mixed-age group. Strong swimmers can snorkel or paddleboard while others remain aboard. The crew has helped passengers get on and off the boat, and service animals are allowed. Most people can participate, but the boat does require careful footing, especially in rough water. If you are unsteady on your feet, discuss that before booking.

You should think twice if you need easy, level access, lots of room to walk, or a fully planned meal. You should also reconsider if snorkeling is your only goal. Conditions can reduce visibility, and the water stop may be more about swimming than seeing marine life.

The tour is offered in English, and confirmation is provided when you book. It is non-refundable and cannot be changed for any reason, so check your group size, date, and mobility needs carefully before committing.

My recommendation for your Puerto Vallarta day

I would book this cruise for a group of at least six people that wants a relaxed, private outing with good food, friendly service, and a chance to see the southern coast from the water. The crew care is the strongest part of the package, and the ability to combine swimming, paddleboarding, whale watching, village stops, and quiet cruising gives the day useful flexibility.

I would not book it expecting a guaranteed full day under sail or perfect snorkeling. Ask about the boat, likely route, lunch possibilities, sail conditions, and available gear before paying. If your group understands those limits, this can be a memorable way to spend six hours on Banderas Bay, with Los Arcos, fresh guacamole, and the freedom to set a pace that suits you.

FAQ

Where does the cruise start?

It starts at the Marina Vallarta Boat Ramp, Proa 22, Marina Vallarta, 48335 Puerto Vallarta, Jalisco, Mexico.

Where does the cruise end?

The activity ends back at the same meeting point.

How long does the cruise last?

The cruise lasts approximately six hours.

How many people can join the private boat?

The price covers one private group of up to 15 people.

Is snorkeling equipment included?

Yes. Snorkeling equipment is provided.

Is food included?

Guacamole and snacks are included. Fresh fruit has also been served on some outings. A full lunch is not listed as included.

Is bottled water provided?

Yes. Bottled water, ice, guacamole, and snacks are included.

Are alcoholic drinks included?

No. Alcoholic beverages are not included.

Is the cruise offered in English?

Yes. The activity is offered in English.

Can I cancel for a refund?

No. The experience is non-refundable and cannot be changed after booking.