Visit Private Beaches around Puerto Vallarta in a Private Yacht

Los Arcos is the star of this four-hour private yacht trip, with huge rock arches rising from the sea and clear water suited to swimming and snorkeling. You then continue to Playa Paredon, a beach reachable only by boat, where the natural rock wall makes a fine backdrop for photos.

I like the freedom of having the boat to your own group of up to 15, and I like that snorkeling gear, paddle boards, snacks, soft drinks, water, and margaritas are included. The main concern is value: at $1,500 per group, you need a full group and a well-run boat to make the price feel right. One past booking also reported missing or poor-quality paddle boards and an early return, so confirm the equipment before you sail.

Key points to know before you book

• Los Arcos gives you the most striking scenery: The sea arches provide the first major stop for swimming, snorkeling, and photographs.
• Playa Paredon is reachable only by sea: Its quiet setting and large natural wall give you a change of pace from Puerto Vallarta’s developed shore.
• The yacht is private for your group: Up to 15 people can share the boat, making the price easier to justify for a family or larger gathering.
• Water activities are included: Snorkeling equipment and paddle boards are provided, along with bottled water, ice, snacks, and margaritas.
• The outing is short but active: Expect about an hour at each named stop, with the remaining time used for cruising and moving between locations.
• Equipment and service need a quick check: Most feedback is highly positive, but one serious complaint involved delayed paddle boards, weak snorkeling conditions, and an early return.

Why this private yacht trip works best with a full group

The price is $1,500 per group of up to 15 people, not a per-person fare. That works out to $100 each with 15 people, $150 each with 10, or $300 each with only five. The mathematics matters here. This is a much stronger value for a family reunion, birthday group, wedding party, or group of friends than for a couple.

A private boat also changes the feel of the day. You are not sharing the deck with strangers, and your group can settle into its own rhythm. Some people can swim while others sit with a drink. Strong swimmers can use the paddle boards, while anyone who wants a slower hour can stay aboard and watch the coast.

The boat departs from E Dock at Marina Vallarta and returns there. The tour lasts about four hours, so it fits neatly into a morning or afternoon without taking over your entire day in Puerto Vallarta.

I would treat the four hours as a compact water outing, not a full-day sailing expedition. You get two main stops, roughly an hour at each, plus cruising time. The appeal is variety: rock formations, snorkeling, a secluded beach, paddle boarding, food, and drinks in one half-day package.

Leaving Marina Vallarta for Los Arcos

The trip begins at Marina Vallarta, where you meet the captain and board at E Dock. Since the activity is offered in English, communication should be straightforward for English-speaking groups. The captain is responsible for navigating the local waters and guiding the day’s stops.

The first stop is Los Arcos, named for the large sea arches formed by rocky mountains rising out of the water. This is the most recognizable setting on the route, and it is the place where you will likely want your camera ready before getting in the water.

You have about an hour here for snorkeling, swimming, and enjoying the scenery. The supplied equipment means you do not need to pack your own mask or snorkel, and paddle boards are also available for use.

The water conditions can affect how rewarding Los Arcos feels. One past account described the snorkeling as crowded and saw very few fish. That does not mean every outing will be the same, but it is a useful reminder not to book this solely as a marine-life trip. The rock formations and open-water setting are the dependable attractions. Fish sightings and water clarity are less certain.

If snorkeling is your main goal, ask about current conditions before departure and inspect the gear as you board. That small check can prevent wasted time once the boat reaches the anchorage.

Playa Paredon and its sea-only access

After Los Arcos, the yacht continues to Playa Paredon. This beach can only be reached by sea, which gives the stop a quieter feel than a beach directly connected to Puerto Vallarta’s roads and hotels.

The main feature is a large natural wall beside the beach. It provides an unusual setting for photographs, especially if your group wants something more distinctive than a standard beach snapshot. The shore also gives you a chance to slow down after the first water stop.

You have about an hour at Playa Paredon. This is the best time to take out the paddle boards and use the snorkeling equipment in the clear water. The activity description presents the water as clear, but conditions can change, so I would keep expectations flexible.

The beach stop is also useful for groups with mixed interests. One person can paddle, another can snorkel, and someone else can simply enjoy the quiet setting with a snack. Because the boat is private, you do not have to follow a large group’s fixed activity pattern.

Still, the quality of the stop depends on the boat arriving with the promised equipment. One unhappy party reported that the advertised paddle boards and kayaks were not ready, that it took roughly 30 minutes to locate older boards, and that no kayaks appeared. Kayaks are not listed among the included equipment here, so do not count on them. Paddle boards are included, however, and you should confirm they are aboard before leaving the marina.

What comes with the $1,500 price

The inclusions make this more than a simple boat transfer. You receive snorkeling equipment, paddle boards, bottled water, drinking water, ice, guacamole, seasonal fruit, and alcoholic beverages, including margaritas.

That package has real value if your group plans to spend most of the outing in and around the water. You do not need to rent boards separately or bring a cooler full of drinks. Snacks also help keep the trip comfortable, particularly for an active group.

The food is light rather than a full meal. Guacamole and fruit are well suited to a warm afternoon on a boat, but you should not book this expecting a substantial lunch. Soft drinks are available on board, and margaritas are included for adults who want them.

Alcohol can make a private boat day feel festive, but the water activities still require sensible judgment. If you plan to snorkel or paddle board, save the margarita for after your active time in the water.

The listed price is not insignificant. For a group of 15, the cost can be reasonable because everyone shares the boat, equipment, crew, and refreshments. For a small group, it becomes a premium outing, and you should compare it with other Puerto Vallarta boat options before committing.

Also note that one past party described paying about $1,700 rather than the listed $1,500. Confirm the exact total, what is included, and any extra charges before booking. A price difference may reflect booking conditions or additions, but you should not have to guess.

The private format and who will enjoy it

The private setup is the strongest reason to choose this experience over a shared cruise. You control the company on board, and the day can feel more personal and relaxed. A private yacht is especially useful for groups that want to celebrate together without being folded into a larger party.

Families should consider the physical demands. The operator says you need a strong level of physical fitness. Swimming, climbing in and out of the water, and using paddle boards can take effort, especially in changing sea conditions.

This trip suits you best if you:

• Want a private outing for a larger group
• Enjoy swimming, snorkeling, and paddle boarding
• Like combining activity with time to relax
• Care about photographs and coastal scenery
• Prefer a four-hour trip instead of a full-day charter

It may not suit you if you want a quiet sightseeing cruise with little physical activity, a guaranteed abundance of fish, or a full day at sea. It also may not be the best value for two or three people unless the privacy and convenience matter more to you than cost.

Service, photographs, and the equipment question

The strongest praise centers on the captain and crew. Several accounts describe friendly service, good care on board, and a smooth day with swimming, snorkeling, paddle boarding, floating, snacks, and drinks. One group also reported seeing whales and turtles, though wildlife sightings are not promised and should be treated as a bonus.

The captain’s role matters on a short trip. A good captain can help you make the most of the limited time, point out suitable places to swim, and keep the day moving without making it feel rushed. The operator specifically presents the captain as experienced in the local waters.

Photographs are another potential plus. One captain reportedly used a professional camera and promised to send pictures afterward. That follow-up became a serious problem for one party, who said the photos never arrived and messages went unanswered.

So bring your own phone or camera in a waterproof case. Enjoy any crew photos as an extra, not as something you need for your record of the day. The coastal scenery is photogenic enough that you should be able to create your own collection.

Before the boat leaves, I would ask three direct questions:

• Are the paddle boards on board and ready to use?
• How much time will we have at each stop?
• Will crew photographs be sent later, and by what method?

Those questions are practical, not demanding. They help set clear expectations before the clock starts.

Timing, weather, and the strict cancellation rule

The tour requires good weather. If poor weather causes the operator to cancel, you are offered another date or a full refund. That is the helpful part of the policy.

Your own cancellation options are much less flexible. The experience is non-refundable and cannot be changed for any reason after booking. I would avoid reserving it until your group is certain about the date.

Puerto Vallarta’s sea conditions can also influence the experience even when the weather looks fine on shore. Wind, waves, and water clarity may affect swimming and snorkeling. If your group has limited flexibility, booking with the weather requirement in mind is important.

Because the trip is only four hours, a late start or equipment delay has a noticeable effect. Thirty minutes spent locating boards is not a minor issue when each stop is planned for about an hour. Arrive ready at E Dock and make sure the boat is prepared before departure.

How this compares with a shared boat outing

A shared cruise may cost less per person and can be a better fit if your group is small. The tradeoff is less privacy and less control over how long you spend swimming, taking photographs, or relaxing.

This private trip gives you a quieter social setting and a simple package of equipment and refreshments. You are paying for the boat to belong to your group, not just for transportation to Los Arcos.

The experience is also more focused than a long coastal charter. There are two named stops, and both have a clear purpose. Los Arcos brings the rock arches and water activities. Playa Paredon brings sea-only access, a natural wall, photographs, and another chance to paddle or snorkel.

That focus is a strength if you want an easy half-day plan. It is a weakness if you want to explore many beaches or spend several hours sailing.

Should you book this Puerto Vallarta yacht tour?

I would book it for a larger group that values privacy, wants a mix of water activities and scenery, and is comfortable with a premium price. The combination of Los Arcos, Playa Paredon, paddle boards, snorkeling gear, snacks, drinks, and a private crew creates a convenient boat day without much planning on your part.

I would pause if your group is small, your budget is tight, or your main goal is seeing lots of fish. I would also confirm the final price and equipment in writing, especially because one past outing involved delayed paddle boards and an early return.

With a full group and a captain who keeps the schedule on track, this can be a memorable four-hour escape from Puerto Vallarta. Just treat photographs, wildlife sightings, and perfect snorkeling conditions as welcome extras, not guarantees.

FAQ

Where does the private yacht tour begin and end?

The tour begins at E Dock in Marina Vallarta, Puerto Vallarta, and ends back at the same meeting point.

How long does the activity last?

The outing lasts approximately four hours.

How many people can join the private tour?

The private activity is for your group only and can include up to 15 people.

What activities are available?

You can snorkel, swim, and use paddle boards at the planned stops. Snorkeling equipment and paddle boards are provided.

What food and drinks are included?

The boat provides bottled water, drinking water, ice, guacamole, seasonal fruit, soft drinks, and alcoholic beverages including margaritas.

What happens if bad weather cancels the trip?

If poor weather causes the operator to cancel, you can choose a different date or receive a full refund. Your own cancellation or amendment is otherwise non-refundable.