Luxury Yacht & Snorkel with All inclusive Open bar and lunch

The best part is the view from the water. This half-day cruise along Banderas Bay combines a comfortable Leopard catamaran, a secluded Majahuitas stop, snorkeling, paddleboards, and a friendly crew. I especially like the small 40-person limit and the attentive service praised by many people who sailed with crews led by Juan Luis, Alex, Victor, and others. I also like that lunch and an unlimited premium open bar are included, which makes the $119 price easier to understand.

The catch is that luxury may be stretching the word a little. The boat is pleasant and less crowded than large party cruises, but seating can feel close, storage for bags is limited, and the meal may be a deli-style sandwich rather than the seafood feast some descriptions suggest. Snorkeling time can also be brief, and the sea conditions control much of the day.

Key points to know before you book

• Majahuitas is the main prize: You reach a secluded cove backed by tropical forest, south of Puerto Vallarta.
• The ride can take nearly an hour before activities begin: That scenic cruise is part of the experience, but it may feel slow if you want nonstop action.
• The group is capped at 40 people: This feels more personal than boats carrying roughly 100 people, though it is not a private yacht charter.
• Lunch varies in presentation: Expect fruit, guacamole, chips, shrimp cocktail or other seafood options when available, and a deli-style sandwich or similar main meal.
• The beach stop requires a swim from the boat: You may not be able to carry towels, phones, or other belongings ashore.
• Bring motion-sickness medicine and cash: The bay can be rough, tips are appreciated, and photo packages cost extra.

Setting out from Puerto Mágico at 8:00 a.m.

Your morning starts at the Vallarta Adventures terminal inside Puerto Mágico, at the maritime terminal on Boulevard Francisco Medina Ascencio. The meeting point is north of central Puerto Vallarta, in the hotel zone, and the tour returns there after about five hours.

There is no hotel pickup or drop-off, so you need to arrange your own way to the terminal. Give yourself time to find the correct entrance. The port area can feel a little confusing, especially if you arrive by taxi or rideshare, but once you reach the Vallarta Adventures check-in area, the process is reported to be smooth.

The boat is a crewed Leopard catamaran. That means you get open-air space, a broad view of the coast, and more room to move than on a narrow speedboat. It does not mean private-yacht seclusion. With the maximum group of 40, the boat should feel manageable, but the limited storage space is worth noting. Keep your belongings to a minimum and use a waterproof pouch for anything essential.

The crew is one of the strongest reasons to choose this trip. Many people praise the friendly, attentive service, including crews with names such as Charlie, Jennifer, Felipe, Diego, Juan Luis, Sylvino, Judy, and George. The exact crew changes, but the pattern is clear: staff help with drinks, explain activities, and keep the mood lively without requiring you to organize the day yourself.

The slow cruise down Banderas Bay

The boat heads south along Banderas Bay. The route changes with sea conditions, so the exact order and sightseeing stops are not fixed.

This first stretch can last close to an hour before the main water activities begin. I see that as both a benefit and a warning. It gives you time to enjoy the coastline, settle into the boat, and watch for marine life. It also means this is not a rapid-fire activity tour.

From the water, Puerto Vallarta looks different. You may see the Malecón Boardwalk from offshore, with the city framed by the bay and mountain slopes. Depending on the route, the boat may also pass Los Arcos, the famous rock formations south of town. Neither stop is guaranteed, since the captain must work around wind, waves, and safe navigation.

Whales have been spotted during the ride, particularly on trips through the winter season, and some captains have paused when one appears. Dolphins and turtles are also possible. These sightings are wild and never promised, so treat them as a welcome bonus rather than a scheduled attraction.

The coastline is often the quiet highlight of the morning. You can sip a drink, watch the shore slide past, and let the crew handle the details. If you get seasick, though, the long ride may be the hardest part. Bring motion-sickness medicine if you need it, and choose a place with fresh air rather than staying inside.

Snorkeling near Majahuitas

The snorkeling area is near Majahuitas, a secluded cove south of Puerto Vallarta. The water activities usually include snorkeling with supplied equipment, stand-up paddleboards, floating mats, and, on some departures, a banana boat ride.

Snorkeling conditions can vary sharply. Some people see colorful fish, turtles, or even a manta ray. Others find the marine life modest, with little or no coral. If you have snorkeled in places known for large reefs, this site may feel ordinary. It is better to think of it as a pleasant stop in a beautiful bay rather than a major underwater expedition.

The time in the water may be shorter than you expect. Some accounts describe roughly 20 minutes of snorkeling, while the full stop at Majahuitas can last about an hour and 20 minutes. The boat ride takes up a meaningful part of the schedule, so this suits you if you want a mix of sailing and water play. It is less suitable if snorkeling is your only priority.

The crew provides the equipment, but you may prefer to bring your own mask and snorkel if you care about fit. One person specifically found the supplied gear decent but recommended personal equipment. The crew can guide the activity, and names such as Diego Chihuahua have received praise for helping people in the water.

Life jackets may be required whenever you are in the water. That rule can feel restrictive, especially when swimming or paddleboarding, but you should expect to follow the crew’s instructions. If you try the banana boat, hold on carefully. It can be rough, and one family reported ending up in the water after a hard ride.

Majahuitas Beach, beautiful but not a resort

Majahuitas is the emotional center of the trip. The cove is surrounded by tropical forest and feels far removed from Puerto Vallarta’s streets and hotels. The beach itself is small and appealing, with a more secluded feel than the city shoreline.

There is an important practical detail: the boat may anchor offshore, and you may need to swim to the beach. That makes the stop fun for confident swimmers but awkward for anyone who wants to walk ashore with a towel, phone, camera, or bag.

You may also find that the beach has fewer amenities than the promotional photos suggest. It is not a full resort with lounges, shops, or a long list of activities. The attraction is the cove, the water, and the setting. On some outings, the beach bar service is limited to beer, water, juice, or hibiscus water rather than the full premium cocktail selection available on the yacht.

That difference matters. If you picture yourself reclining on a quiet beach with a craft cocktail in hand, adjust your expectations. If you want a short stop in a secluded coastal setting, Majahuitas delivers more convincingly.

Food, drinks, and the meaning of all-inclusive

The unlimited premium open bar is a major part of the price. On the boat, the crew keeps drinks coming, and many people praise the service as generous and attentive. Mango margaritas received a special mention, and the open bar helps create the relaxed, social mood that makes this kind of cruise popular for birthdays and bachelorette groups.

The phrase all-inclusive needs a little care. The yacht bar is the main place for the full drink service. At the beach, options may be limited to beer, water, juice, or hibiscus water. If you expect premium cocktails at every stop, you may feel shortchanged.

Food generally begins with fruit, guacamole, chips, and sometimes shrimp cocktail or other seafood. The main lunch is described in different ways, including a deli-style sandwich, charcuterie-style spread, or an ordinary sandwich. Some people call the food delicious and plentiful. Others think the meal does not match the luxury label and note that seafood was not offered on their departure.

If you have a shellfish allergy, tell the operator before departure and ask exactly what alternatives are available. Do not assume the shrimp can simply be removed from every dish. The supplied information confirms lunch is included, but it does not guarantee a particular menu on a particular day.

You probably do not need a large breakfast before the 8:00 a.m. start. Food is served during the cruise, though you should still eat something light if you are prone to seasickness. Bring water-safe sunscreen, and remember that an open bar is not a substitute for hydration.

Is $119 a fair price?

At $119 per person, this cruise costs more than a basic sightseeing boat, but the price includes a five-hour catamaran outing, lunch, snorkeling equipment, paddleboards, and an open bar. You are also paying for a smaller group and a crew that handles food, drinks, gear, and safety.

The value is strongest if you plan to use the full package. A couple who wants a scenic morning with drinks, a beach cove, and a few water activities may find the price reasonable. A group celebrating a birthday or bachelorette trip may also appreciate the easy format and attentive staff.

The value is weaker if you mainly want serious snorkeling. The site may have fish, turtles, and occasional larger wildlife, but coral is limited and water time can be short. You may also be disappointed if you interpret luxury as plush lounging space, private service, or a gourmet lunch.

Plan for possible extra costs. The published information lists a $40 per-person Bay of Banderas admission fee, while some recent experiences describe a 40-peso charge and a separate 30-peso port fee paid before departure. Because those amounts are inconsistent, confirm the current charges when booking and carry local cash. Photos and videos taken by the onboard photographer are also not included. A digital package has been reported at about $100, though the exact price can change.

The best way to protect your budget is to decide in advance whether you want the photos. The photographer may capture polished images throughout the trip, including beach and boat shots. You do not need to buy them, but ask about the price before posing if you want to avoid a surprise.

Who will enjoy this cruise most?

I would recommend it to you if you want a social, scenic boat day with food and drinks included. It works especially well for couples, small groups, birthdays, and bachelorette parties. The crew creates an upbeat atmosphere, and you can choose how active you want to be.

It also suits you if you are new to Puerto Vallarta and want to see the coast from the water. Passing the Malecón from offshore, possibly seeing Los Arcos, and reaching Majahuitas gives you a broader sense of the bay than a land-based outing.

Families can enjoy it, but check the minimum age of 10 and think carefully about the sea conditions. The banana boat can be rough, and the beach swim is not ideal for every child. Anyone uncomfortable in open water should be clear about that before booking.

I would choose another experience if you want long snorkeling sessions, a quiet luxury setting, or a land-based beach day with easy access to your belongings. I would also hesitate if you dislike group activities or get severe motion sickness.

The tour is offered in English. Most people can participate, but the operator requires good weather and a minimum number of bookings. If poor weather cancels the trip, you can take another date or receive a full refund. You can cancel for a full refund up to 24 hours before the start time, based on local time.

My call: book it for the boat day, not just the snorkeling

I would book this tour if your ideal Puerto Vallarta morning includes a catamaran, coastal views, attentive service, drinks, a light lunch, and a pretty cove. The crew earns the strongest praise, and the smaller group makes this a better choice than a giant party boat.

I would not book it expecting a private yacht, a gourmet seafood lunch, premium drinks on the beach, or a full day of reef snorkeling. Bring sunscreen, motion-sickness medicine if needed, minimal belongings, and cash for tips and possible port charges. With those expectations, the $119 package can make a relaxed and enjoyable morning on Banderas Bay.

FAQ

How long is the yacht and snorkel tour?

The experience lasts approximately five hours, starting at 8:00 a.m. and returning to the Vallarta Adventures terminal.

Where does the tour begin and end?

It begins and ends at Vallarta Adventures in Puerto Mágico, at the maritime terminal on Boulevard Francisco Medina Ascencio 30-G1 in Puerto Vallarta.

Is hotel pickup included?

No. Hotel pickup and drop-off are not included, so you need to reach the meeting point yourself.

What is included in the price?

The price includes the yacht cruise, unlimited premium open bar, lunch, snorkeling equipment, and stand-up paddleboards.

Is snorkeling equipment provided?

Yes. Snorkeling equipment is provided, and paddleboards are also available.

Is lunch included?

Yes. Lunch is included. Food may include fruit, guacamole, chips, shrimp cocktail or other seafood, and a deli-style sandwich or similar main item.

Is the tour limited to a small group?

Yes. The maximum group size is 40 people.

Can I see Los Arcos and the Malecón?

You may pass Los Arcos and see the Malecón from the water, but the route depends on sea conditions and the captain’s plan for the day.

What is the minimum age?

The minimum age is 10.

Are photos included?

No. An onboard photographer may take photos and videos, but those are sold separately.

Can I cancel for a refund?

Yes. You can cancel at least 24 hours before the local start time for a full refund. Cancellations or changes made less than 24 hours before departure are not accepted.