Luxury Yacht & Snorkel with All inclusive Open bar and lunch

Puerto Vallarta’s coast is best seen from the water, and this five-hour outing gives you a polished way to do it. You cruise south toward Majahuitas on a Leopard catamaran, stop for snorkeling and swimming, then settle in for lunch and drinks. The small maximum of 40 people helps this feel more personal than the big party boats.

I like the friendly, attentive crew, with names such as Juan Luis, Alex, Diego, Charlie, and Felipe praised for keeping the mood easy and the drinks moving. I also like the mix of activities: snorkeling, paddleboarding, beach time, coastal views, and the chance to spot humpback whales on the ride.

The main caution is that luxury may be a generous label. The yacht is comfortable and well maintained, but space can feel cozy, lunch may be a fairly ordinary sandwich rather than a grand seafood spread, and the snorkeling stop can be shorter than expected.

Key points to know before booking

• Majahuitas is the star stop: This secluded cove sits south of Puerto Vallarta, backed by tropical forest and reached by boat.
• Expect a long scenic cruise first: The trip can take close to an hour before the water activities begin.
• The open bar is strongest aboard the yacht: At the beach, drink choices may be limited to beer, water, juice, or hibiscus water.
• Snorkeling conditions change: Some outings see colorful fish, turtles, manta rays, or whales, while others find limited marine life and little coral.
• Bring motion-sickness medicine if needed: The Bay of Banderas can turn choppy, especially on the outward ride.
• Photos cost extra: An onboard photographer may offer a digital package at the end, reported by some participants at about $100.

A relaxed yacht day, with a few rough edges

At $119 per person, this is priced above a basic Puerto Vallarta boat trip. You are paying for the catamaran, crew service, lunch, snorkeling gear, paddleboards, and unlimited premium drinks. That can be good value if you plan to spend the day enjoying the boat rather than measuring every minute of water time.

The price feels less compelling if you mainly want serious snorkeling. This is a social coastal outing, not a dedicated marine-life expedition. The stop can produce colorful fish and occasional wildlife, but the site is not known for extensive coral. Several outings have also included whale sightings from the boat, which can be a wonderful bonus, but no wildlife sighting is guaranteed.

The boat carries no more than 40 people. That is not private, but it is a noticeable improvement over boats carrying around 100 people. You should still expect shared seating, limited room for bags, and a lively group atmosphere. For couples, families, solo visitors, and celebrations, the size generally offers a good middle ground.

Meeting the boat at Puerto Mágico

You meet at Vallarta Adventures in the Terminal Marítima at Puerto Mágico, on Boulevard Francisco Medina Ascencio. The listed departure time is 8:00 a.m., and the outing returns to the same place.

Allow time to find the terminal and complete check-in. One practical detail is easy to miss: an additional port or Bay of Banderas charge may apply. The supplied information lists a $40 per-person admission fee, while some participants describe paying 40 pesos or a separate 30-peso port fee. Because the amounts and labels do not appear fully consistent, confirm the current charge when booking and carry local cash.

Hotel pickup and drop-off are not included. You need to make your own way to the marina. Once aboard, the crew handles the food, drinks, safety instructions, and equipment.

Cruising south along the Bay of Banderas

The first part of the trip is a coastal cruise. You may pass Los Arcos, the famous rock formations south of Puerto Vallarta, and get a sea-level view of the Malecón boardwalk. The exact route depends on the day’s sea conditions, so these sights are possible rather than guaranteed.

This scenic stretch is one of the better reasons to book the outing. You see portions of the coast that cannot be reached by road, and the ride gives you time to settle into the boat. It can also be the longest quiet period before the activities begin. Some outings spend almost an hour cruising before the first stop, so do not book this expecting nonstop snorkeling.

Keep your eyes open for whales during the ride, particularly in the cooler months when humpback sightings can be common in the bay. Dolphins and turtles are also possible. The crew may pause when a whale appears, but nature sets the schedule.

The sea may be smooth, or it may not. One outing can feel like an easy sail, while another brings enough motion to make some people seasick. If you are sensitive, eat lightly and consider bringing Dramamine or another medication you already know works for you. Sunscreen is essential, and you should reapply after swimming.

Majahuitas: the main stop

Majahuitas Cove is a secluded beach south of Puerto Vallarta, surrounded by tropical forest. The listed stop lasts about 1 hour and 20 minutes, although the time spent actually snorkeling, swimming, or on shore can vary with sea conditions and the day’s schedule.

The cove is attractive because it feels removed from the city. The water and forested slopes create a more natural setting than a developed beach, and the approach by catamaran is part of the appeal. The boat may arrive before larger craft, giving you a brief window when the cove feels especially peaceful.

Do not expect a resort beach with chairs, shops, and a full bar. The boat may anchor offshore, and you may need to swim to the beach. That creates two practical problems: you may not be able to carry a towel or dry belongings ashore, and you could spend time standing around wet after leaving the water.

The beach itself has limited organized activity. Paddleboards and floating mats are available, and some outings have included a banana boat ride. The banana boat can be rough, especially for children, so use good judgment and follow the crew’s instructions. It is not safe to assume every activity will operate on every departure.

At the beach, the drink service may be more basic than on the yacht. Beer, water, juice, or hibiscus water have been available, while the premium cocktails are generally associated with the boat. If you picture a fully serviced private beach club, adjust that expectation.

Snorkeling, paddleboards, and the water time

Snorkeling equipment is included, and a crew member guides the activity. The equipment is serviceable, though you may prefer to bring your own mask and snorkel if you have them.

The marine life can be the pleasant surprise of the day. Depending on conditions, you might see schools of colorful fish, a turtle, a manta ray, or other bay wildlife. You may also find that the site has little coral and less life than you hoped. Visibility and water conditions matter, so this is not the best choice for someone seeking a major reef experience.

The time in the water can feel short. Some participants describe about 20 minutes of snorkeling, while others have had more time for swimming and water activities. The exact plan shifts with waves, boat traffic, safety concerns, and the route selected by the captain.

Stand-up paddleboards are included, adding a quieter option for people who do not want to snorkel. You can also swim near the yacht, subject to the crew’s instructions and safety rules. Life vests may be required whenever you are in the water, which some people find restrictive but is an important safety measure.

Lunch, snacks, and the open bar

Food service begins with snacks such as fruit, chips, guacamole, and sometimes shrimp cocktail. The main meal is generally a deli-style sandwich or charcuterie-style lunch, with dessert or additional fruit on some departures.

The food is often a strong part of the day, especially when served with attentive table service. Still, you should not book this expecting a formal gourmet meal. Descriptions of seafood are not always matched by what appears on the plate, and the sandwich can be quite ordinary. If you have a shellfish allergy or another dietary restriction, contact the operator before departure and ask what can be provided.

The unlimited premium open bar is a major part of the value for many people. Cocktails such as mango margaritas, along with beer and other drinks, are served aboard the yacht. The crew is often praised for keeping glasses filled without making you leave your seat.

That promise should come with a small footnote: service can feel uneven from one outing to another. The bar is also more limited at Majahuitas, where beer, water, or juice may replace the full cocktail menu. If the open bar is your main reason for booking, plan to enjoy it during the cruise rather than at the beach.

What luxury means here

The Leopard catamaran is a step up from a crowded party boat, but it is not a private yacht charter. With up to 40 people aboard, you get more room and a calmer feel than on a 100-person vessel, yet seating remains shared and storage for bags can be limited.

The crew is the strongest luxury feature. Staff members take care of drinks, food, equipment, and activity instructions. Names praised on different departures include Juan Luis, Sylvino, Judy, Charlie, George, Alex, Diego, Felipe, and Captain Victor, though the actual team will vary.

Music and dancing can make the return trip lively, particularly for birthday and bachelorette groups. Couples and solo visitors can enjoy the atmosphere too, but this is not a silent sailing retreat. The tone sits between a polished day cruise and a friendly party boat.

An onboard photographer may take professional photos and videos during the cruise. These are not included in the $119 price. Some participants report a digital package costing about $100, so decide early if you are interested. If not, say so at the start and enjoy the trip without feeling pressured.

Drones are prohibited because of federal rules designed to protect the flight path of endemic birds. Do not bring a drone, electronic cigarette, vape, or drugs to the port.

Who will enjoy this outing most

I would recommend it to you if you want a convenient mix of scenery, water activities, food, and drinks without organizing each part yourself. It works especially well for couples, families with children aged 10 and older, solo visitors who like a social setting, and groups celebrating a birthday or bachelorette event.

It is also a good choice if you value service. The crew is repeatedly praised for being cheerful, attentive, and helpful, and that personal care can matter more than the exact lunch menu.

I would hesitate if you want a quiet private charter, a long snorkeling session, a developed beach, or serious coral viewing. It may also disappoint you if you expect every amenity shown in promotional photos, a full premium bar on shore, or a restaurant-quality seafood lunch.

The tour requires good weather and a minimum number of bookings. If conditions are poor or the minimum is not met, you can receive another date or a full refund. You can cancel for a full refund up to 24 hours before the 8:00 a.m. start time. Last-minute changes and cancellations are not accepted for a refund.

Should you book the Puerto Vallarta yacht and snorkel tour?

Book it if you want a social, well-served day on the Bay of Banderas with a pleasant beach stop and a good chance of scenic wildlife sightings. The smaller group, generous onboard drinks, and consistently warm crew service give it an edge over basic shared cruises.

Skip it if the word luxury sets your expectations too high. Think comfortable catamaran, not private yacht. Think enjoyable snorkeling, not a major reef. If you understand those limits, the $119 price can make sense, especially for a celebration or a relaxed day when you want the crew to handle the details.

FAQ

How long is the yacht and snorkel tour?

The experience lasts about five hours, including the cruise, water activities, Majahuitas stop, food service, and return to the marina.

Where does the tour begin and end?

It begins and ends at Vallarta Adventures in the Terminal Marítima at Puerto Mágico, Puerto Vallarta.

What time does the tour start?

The listed start time is 8:00 a.m.

Is hotel pickup included?

No. Hotel pickup and drop-off are not included, so you must arrange transportation to and from the meeting point.

Is lunch included?

Yes. Lunch and snacks are included. Food may include fruit, guacamole, chips, shrimp cocktail, and a deli-style or charcuterie-style sandwich.

Are drinks included?

Yes. The tour includes an unlimited premium open bar aboard the yacht. At Majahuitas, drink choices may be more limited and can include beer, water, juice, or hibiscus water.

Is snorkeling equipment provided?

Yes. Snorkeling equipment and stand-up paddleboards are included.

What is the minimum age?

The minimum age is 10.