Luxury Yacht & Snorkel with All inclusive Open bar and lunch

Puerto Vallarta’s best scenery is often offshore, and this half-day cruise puts you right in it. You’ll sail south across the Bay of Banderas toward Majahuitas, with possible views of Los Arcos and the Malecón from the water. I especially like the 40-person limit and the attentive service from crew members such as Juan Luis, Alex, Diego, and Victor.

I also like that snorkeling, paddleboards, lunch, and drinks are included in one price. The main catch is that luxury is doing some heavy lifting here: the boat is a well-kept Leopard catamaran, but the meal may be a sandwich rather than a polished seafood lunch, and snorkeling time can be shorter than you expect.

The quick take

• A 40-person catamaran: More breathing room than the big party boats, though the seating can still feel cozy when full.
• Majahuitas Cove: The secluded beach and tropical hills are the visual highlight, but reaching shore may require swimming from the boat.
• Sea time first: The cruise can take close to an hour before activities begin, so this suits you if you enjoy the ride as much as the stops.
• Included water gear: Snorkels, masks, and stand-up paddleboards are supplied, with a banana boat sometimes available on the day.
• Food and drinks: Guacamole, fruit, snacks, lunch, and an unlimited premium open bar are included on the yacht, but beach service may be limited to beer, juice, and water.
• Weather matters: The route can change with sea conditions, and the cruise may be canceled if conditions are poor.

Sailing south from Puerto Vallarta

The morning begins at 8:00 a.m. at Vallarta Adventures in the Puerto Mágico maritime terminal. There is no hotel pickup, so you’ll need to reach the terminal on your own and allow extra time for the port entrance and check-in.

Once aboard, expect the first part of the outing to be a scenic cruise rather than an immediate swim. The catamaran heads south through the Bay of Banderas, and the route changes according to wind, waves, and other sea conditions. One account describes nearly an hour of sailing before the first activity, so do not book this expecting nonstop snorkeling.

That sailing time is part of the appeal. You can watch Puerto Vallarta recede, see the coastline from an angle you cannot get on land, and possibly spot dolphins, turtles, or humpback whales. The crew has stopped for whale sightings on some outings, which is a welcome touch when nature provides the show.

The boat is a Leopard catamaran, crewed by a captain and service team. The names vary by departure, but Juan Luis, Alex, Diego, Victor, Daniel, Charlie, Jennifer, Felipe, and others have been praised for keeping the mood friendly and making sure drinks and food reach the right people.

You will likely spend much of this time seated or lounging on deck. With a full group of 40, the boat does not feel like an enormous cruise ship, but it is not a private yacht either. Bring only what you need, since storage for personal belongings is limited.

Possible views of Los Arcos and the Malecón

The route may pass Los Arcos, Puerto Vallarta’s famous offshore rock formations, depending on the day’s course and sea conditions. If you are hoping for a dedicated Los Arcos sightseeing stop, set expectations carefully. This is not presented as a guaranteed stop with a long viewing period.

You may also see the Malecón Boardwalk from the sea as the catamaran moves along the southern side of town. That view gives you a useful sense of how Puerto Vallarta curves around the bay, with the city backed by the Sierra Madre mountains.

This is one reason I would not judge the cruise only by the minutes spent in the water. The ride provides a different look at Puerto Vallarta, and the boat itself is a comfortable platform for seeing the coast. Still, if you prefer an activity-packed schedule, the slow pace may feel padded.

Majahuitas Cove and its short beach stop

Majahuitas is the main destination. The cove sits south of Puerto Vallarta and is backed by tropical forest, giving it a more secluded feel than the city beaches. The catamaran anchors near the cove, where you can swim, snorkel, paddleboard, or simply enjoy the setting.

The official schedule allows about 1 hour and 20 minutes at Majahuitas, but that time includes the water activities and beach visit. In practice, the split can vary. Some outings have included roughly 20 minutes of snorkeling and just over 30 minutes at the beach, while other departures have allowed more time for swimming.

The beach itself is beautiful but not a developed resort. You should not expect a row of shops, a long promenade, or a full menu of land activities. One of the most important practical details is that reaching shore may involve swimming from the boat. That means towels, phones, and bags cannot easily come with you unless they are protected for the water.

This arrangement has a pleasant side: arriving by boat makes the beach feel more remote, and the boat may reach the cove before larger vessels. It also has a downside: if you are cold, dripping wet, or carrying valuables, standing around on shore is not as comfortable as walking directly onto a dock.

Beach drinks can also be different from the yacht service. The boat advertises an unlimited premium open bar, but the beach setup has been described as beer, juice, and water rather than a full cocktail service. Plan your expectations around the yacht bar, not a beach club.

What snorkeling is really like

The snorkeling location near Majahuitas can be pleasant, with colorful fish and occasional sightings of larger marine life. Dolphins, turtles, manta rays, and whales are possible in the wider area, though no wildlife sighting is guaranteed.

The underwater scenery may not satisfy experienced tropical snorkelers looking for extensive coral. Some outings have had plenty of fish but little or no coral, and water conditions can make the experience choppy. You may need to wear a life vest while in the water, which some people find restrictive but provides added safety.

The supplied masks and snorkels are serviceable. If you already own a well-fitting mask, bringing it may improve your comfort, although the tour provides the basic equipment. Stand-up paddleboards are also available, giving you a calmer option if snorkeling is not your main interest.

A banana boat ride has been available on some departures, but it is not clearly listed among the standard inclusions. Treat it as a possible extra activity rather than a promise. It can be rough, especially for children, so listen closely to the crew and decide based on sea conditions and your comfort.

Lunch, snacks, and the open bar

Food begins with items such as fruit, guacamole, chips, and in some descriptions shrimp cocktails or other seafood. Lunch has also been described as a deli-style or charcuterie-style meal, often centered on a sandwich, with dessert appearing on some outings.

This is where the word luxury may set the bar too high. The food can be tasty and plentiful, but several details suggest a casual boat lunch rather than restaurant-level dining. The sandwich may be ordinary, and the exact seafood selection can change. If you have a shellfish allergy, tell the operator in advance and do not assume the shrimp items can be replaced unless that is confirmed.

The open bar is one of the stronger parts of the package on the yacht. Beer, wine, mixed drinks, and cocktails such as mango margaritas may be served, and the crew is often attentive about refilling drinks. Service is part of the experience: you generally do not need to keep walking to a bar counter.

That promise applies less clearly once you reach the beach. There, simple beverages may be available rather than the full premium menu. If cocktails are important to you, enjoy them aboard before and after the beach stop.

Tips are not included. Carry local cash for the crew, and bring a payment card if you may want the optional photo package.

Is $119 a fair price?

At $119 per person, the value depends on what you want from a day on the bay. You are paying for a catamaran cruise, crew service, snorkeling equipment, paddleboards, lunch, and drinks. Compared with very large boat outings carrying close to 100 people, a maximum of 40 people can feel like a meaningful step up.

I think the price is reasonable for someone who values attentive service and a smaller group. It is also useful for a celebration. Birthday groups, couples, solo visitors, and bachelorette parties can enjoy the music, drinks, and easy social atmosphere without arranging each part separately.

The value is weaker if you mainly want serious snorkeling or a long beach stay. Snorkeling time may be brief, the coral can be limited, the beach has few facilities, and the boat can feel crowded when all 40 places are filled. You may also face extra port or admission charges. The booking information lists a Bay of Banderas fee of $40 per person, while trip details have also described a 40-peso charge and a separate 30-peso port fee. Because those amounts conflict, confirm the current required fee before paying.

Photos and videos are another possible add-on. An onboard photographer may take polished pictures throughout the day, but the digital package has been reported at about $100. Photos are not included in the stated price, so decide early if you are interested. You can tell the photographer at the start and avoid an awkward sales conversation later.

Who will enjoy this cruise most

I would choose this outing for you if you want a social, service-oriented morning on the water rather than a hard-core snorkeling expedition. It works well for couples, friends, birthdays, and groups that want food, drinks, music, and several easy activities in one package.

It also suits first-time visitors who want to see Puerto Vallarta from offshore. The crew helps with equipment and water activities, and most people can participate. The minimum age is 10.

You should think twice if you get seasick. The cruise can be smooth, but wave conditions vary, and some people have felt ill during the longer ride. Sunscreen is essential, and motion-sickness medicine may be sensible if you are prone to trouble on boats.

This may not be the right pick for you if you need a fully accessible beach arrival, want a quiet luxury yacht, or expect a large seafood lunch. The shore transfer can require swimming, belongings have limited storage, and the food and vessel are more upscale casual than high-end.

Practical details before you reserve

The tour lasts about five hours and returns to the same maritime terminal. It is offered in English, and confirmation is issued at booking.

Wear a swimsuit and bring sunscreen. Keep valuables to a minimum, since the beach stop may require you to swim from the boat and there may be nowhere dry to leave a bag. A towel is useful, but you may not be able to carry it ashore.

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 kinds of drugs.

You can cancel for a full refund up to 24 hours before the local start time. Late cancellations and changes are not accepted for a refund. If poor weather or an insufficient number of bookings cancels the trip, you can choose a new date or receive a full refund.

Should you book the Majahuitas yacht cruise?

Book it if your ideal Puerto Vallarta outing combines coastal views, a comfortable catamaran, friendly crew service, open-bar drinks, and a short set of water activities. The smaller group is a real advantage, and Majahuitas is the memorable part of the day.

Skip it if the word luxury makes you picture a private yacht, a gourmet seafood meal, or hours of coral-rich snorkeling. You may find the boat cozy, the sandwich basic, and the beach stop too short. Before booking, confirm the current port fee, ask about food substitutions for allergies, and treat the banana boat and Los Arcos pass-by as conditional extras.

For the right person, $119 buys an easy, cheerful day on the Bay of Banderas. Just book it as a scenic yacht-and-water-activities cruise, not as a full-scale snorkeling expedition.

FAQ

How long does the Luxury Yacht and Snorkel tour last?

The experience lasts approximately five hours and returns to the original meeting point.

What time does the tour begin?

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

Where does the tour meet?

It meets at Vallarta Adventures in the Puerto Mágico maritime terminal, at Heroica Escuela Naval, Blvd. 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 make your own way to the maritime terminal.

What is included in the price?

The package includes the catamaran cruise, an unlimited premium open bar, deli-style lunch, snorkeling equipment, and stand-up paddleboards.

Is snorkeling equipment provided?

Yes. Snorkeling equipment is supplied, and stand-up paddleboards are also available.

Is lunch included?

Yes. Lunch is included, along with items such as fruit, guacamole, chips, and seafood options. The exact meal can vary.

Can children join the tour?

The minimum age is 10.

Does the tour always visit Los Arcos?

No. The route depends on sea conditions and the course selected for that day, so passing Los Arcos is not guaranteed.

What happens if bad weather cancels the tour?

If poor weather cancels the experience, you can receive a full refund or choose another date.