Luxury Yacht & Snorkel with All inclusive Open bar and lunch

The best views come from the water. This five-hour Puerto Vallarta outing combines a Leopard catamaran, coastal sightseeing, snorkeling, paddleboards, lunch, and an unlimited premium open bar, all with a maximum of 40 people. I like the smaller group and the attentive service, though the boat can feel cozy when full and the meaning of luxury depends on your expectations.

I also like the chance to reach Majahuitas, a secluded cove backed by tropical forest, and the possibility of seeing dolphins, turtles, manta rays, or humpback whales along the way. The main catch is that the route, snorkeling conditions, beach time, and wildlife sightings all depend on the sea.

Key points to know before booking

• A 40-person catamaran: The group is far smaller than the huge party boats common around Puerto Vallarta, but space is still limited when every seat is filled.
• Majahuitas is the scenic prize: The cove is surrounded by tropical forest and offers swimming, paddleboarding, snorkeling, and beach time.
• The cruise itself takes time: You may spend close to an hour sailing before the first water activity begins, so this is not a nonstop snorkeling trip.
• Lunch is better described as light deli fare: Expect fruit, guacamole, chips, seafood options when available, and a sandwich-style meal rather than a formal gourmet lunch.
• The open bar has limits by location: Drinks flow on the yacht, while the beach stop may offer only beer, water, juice, or hibiscus water.
• Prepare for extra charges and photo sales: A Bay of Banderas or port fee may be collected separately, and professional photos are not included.

A yacht tour with a friendly, social feel

This is a half-day cruise for people who want several activities in one package rather than a serious snorkeling expedition. You board at Vallarta Adventures in the Puerto Mágico maritime terminal and spend the morning moving along the Bay of Banderas toward the southern coast.

The boat is a Leopard catamaran with a crew serving food and drinks. The word luxury fits the style of the outing more than the level of privacy. You get a well-maintained boat, table service, a smaller capacity than many competing cruises, and a polished setup. You do not get a quiet private charter or a huge amount of personal space.

That distinction matters. A maximum of 40 people feels pleasantly controlled compared with boats carrying around 100, but 40 people on a catamaran is still a full boat. One of the practical weaknesses is storage. There may not be a good place for bags and belongings, especially once you are moving between the deck, the water, and the beach.

The crew is one of the strongest parts of the experience. Names praised in individual accounts include Alex, Charlie, Jennifer, Felipe, Diego, Juan Luis, Sylvino, Judy, Victor, Daniel, and George. Crew assignments can change, but the repeated pattern is clear: service is attentive, cheerful, and involved. You should expect help with equipment, food, drinks, and the water activities.

Boarding at Puerto Mágico

The meeting point is Vallarta Adventures at Terminal Marítima in Puerto Mágico, at Blvd. Francisco Medina Ascencio 30-G1 in Puerto Vallarta’s Zona Hotelera Norte. The scheduled departure is 8:00 a.m., and the trip returns to this same point.

The port can feel a little confusing at first, so arriving early is sensible. One account recommends arriving about 30 minutes ahead. You may need to pay a separate port or maritime fee before boarding. The tour information lists a Bay of Banderas admission fee of $40 per person, while some on-site accounts describe a smaller fee in pesos. Because the amounts do not line up, confirm the current charge before you go and bring local cash.

Hotel pickup and return are not included. You need to make your own way to the terminal, then return from the same place after the cruise. The activity is offered in English, and confirmation is provided when you book.

Sailing south across the Bay of Banderas

The first part of the outing is a scenic boat ride. The catamaran heads south from Puerto Vallarta, with views of the coastline and sights that are hard to appreciate from land. The timing varies, but some outings have spent nearly an hour sailing before reaching the activity area.

That slow start is either a feature or a flaw. I enjoy the chance to watch Puerto Vallarta recede and see the coast from offshore, especially when whales appear. The crew may pause when humpback whales are spotted, and dolphins or turtles are also possible. None of this is guaranteed, but the boat ride gives wildlife a chance to become part of the day.

You may pass Los Arcos, the famous group of rock formations south of town. You may also get a sea-level view of the Malecón boardwalk. Neither stop is guaranteed because the captain sets the route according to sea conditions and the plan for that day.

That flexibility is important. If you are booking mainly to photograph Los Arcos, consider this a possible sight rather than a promised stop. The same applies to wildlife. The Bay of Banderas is a good place to look, but nature does not follow the brochure.

Snorkeling near Majahuitas

The main water activity takes place near Majahuitas, a secluded beach and cove south of Puerto Vallarta. The setting is the reason many people enjoy this cruise. Tropical forest rises behind the beach, and the bay feels removed from the city even though it is reached by boat in less than a morning.

Snorkeling equipment is supplied, and the crew helps organize the activity. You can also use stand-up paddleboards. Some outings have included a banana boat ride, though that activity is not clearly listed among the formal inclusions, so you should not assume it will be available every time.

Snorkeling quality can vary. Some participants have seen colorful fish, and sightings have included a manta ray and a sea turtle. Others found the marine life modest, with little or no coral. If you have spent time snorkeling in places known for extensive reefs, this site may feel ordinary. It is better suited to a relaxed swim with fish than to a serious underwater nature trip.

Time in the water can also feel shorter than expected. On some outings, snorkeling lasted roughly 20 minutes before the group moved on to the beach. The stated Majahuitas stop is about 1 hour and 20 minutes, but the exact division between snorkeling, swimming, beach time, and equipment activities can change.

You may need to wear a life vest in the water. That is useful for safety, especially around a moving boat, though some people find it uncomfortable while snorkeling. If you have your own mask and snorkel and care about fit, bringing them may be worthwhile. The supplied equipment is serviceable, but it may not match the comfort of your own gear.

Majahuitas beach: beautiful, but not a resort

Majahuitas is the most attractive stop for many people. The cove is quiet, green, and reached without roads. It gives you a chance to swim, paddleboard, sit in the water, or simply enjoy the setting after the boat ride.

Do not picture a fully equipped beach club. The boat may anchor offshore, requiring you to swim to the beach. That creates two practical problems: you cannot easily carry a dry bag or towel ashore, and you may spend part of the stop standing around wet. One account also found that there was not much to do on the beach beyond the included water activities.

The beach bar service is more limited than the yacht bar. You may find beer, water, juice, or hibiscus water rather than the full selection of cocktails available on the catamaran. If a cold beer is all you need, this will not matter. If you expect premium drinks at every stage, it is a noticeable gap.

The timing can make the beach feel special. Arriving before larger boats and leaving before they arrive may give you a quieter stretch of the cove. Still, the experience is not guaranteed to feel private. Sea conditions, other boats, and the captain’s timing all affect the stop.

Lunch, snacks, and the open bar

Food begins with lighter items such as fresh fruit, chips, guacamole, and possibly shrimp cocktails or other seafood. The main meal is described as deli-style fare, and accounts have included a sandwich, charcuterie-style items, dessert, and additional snacks.

The food receives plenty of praise, but you should set a sensible expectation. Several people enjoyed it and called it tasty or delicious. Others felt the sandwich was ordinary and not worthy of the word gourmet. Seafood may be offered, but it is not certain on every outing. If you have a shellfish allergy, tell the operator in advance and do not assume that shrimp-based items will be safely replaced.

The open bar is a real value for many people. On the yacht, the crew serves alcoholic and nonalcoholic drinks throughout the trip, and the service is often described as generous and attentive. Mango margaritas received a special mention, and drinks may be brought directly to your seat.

The phrase unlimited premium open bar applies most clearly to the yacht. At Majahuitas, drink choices can be restricted to beer, water, juice, or hibiscus water. The difference is worth knowing before you pay $119 per person.

The atmosphere becomes more festive after snorkeling. Music, dancing, and easy access to drinks make this a good fit for birthdays, couples, friend groups, and bachelorette parties. If you want a quiet nature cruise, the party mood may be more than you need.

How the $119 price holds up

At $119 per person, the price covers a five-hour yacht cruise, crew service, snorkeling equipment, paddleboards, lunch, and drinks. Compared with a basic boat ride, that is a substantial package.

The value depends on how much you use. If you enjoy sitting on deck, drinking cocktails, eating lunch, swimming, and joining several activities, the price can make sense. The smaller capacity also has value because you are not sharing the boat with a massive crowd.

The calculation looks less favorable if you mainly want excellent snorkeling. The underwater area may have fish but little coral, and the active snorkeling time can be brief. A basic snorkeling trip could suit you better if underwater time is your priority.

Watch for extras. Professional photography and video may be offered during the cruise, but the package is not included. One account reports a price of about $100 for the digital package. That may be worthwhile if you want polished vacation photos, but decide before the trip so you are not surprised at the end.

Tips are also customary for good crew service. Bring local cash for gratuities. You should also carry a card if you may want photos or other purchases.

Motion, safety, and what to pack

The Bay of Banderas can be rough. Several people experienced seasickness, particularly during the longer open-water ride. If you are prone to motion sickness, ask your doctor or pharmacist about a suitable remedy before the morning departure. One practical suggestion is to bring Dramamine if you normally use it.

Pack sunscreen, a swimsuit, and minimal belongings. A towel may be awkward to take to shore if you must swim from the boat, and there may not be a secure place for large bags. A small waterproof pouch is more useful than a full beach bag, though the tour information does not promise storage.

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 drugs. Leave those items behind.

The minimum age is 10, and most people can take part. Children should be watched closely during any fast-moving water activity. A banana boat ride, when offered, can be rough, and one account described a child ending up in the water. The crew’s safety instructions deserve your full attention.

Who will enjoy this cruise most

I would choose this outing if you want a polished social day on the water with several elements included. It works particularly well for:

• Couples who want coastal views, drinks, and a quiet cove
• Groups celebrating birthdays or bachelorette parties
• Families with children aged 10 or older who enjoy water activities
• First-time visitors who want to see Puerto Vallarta from offshore
• People who value attentive service more than long snorkeling sessions

I would think twice if you want a private yacht, extensive coral, long beach lounging, or guaranteed visits to Los Arcos. You may also prefer another option if you dislike group activities, open-water motion, or a lively boat atmosphere.

Should you book the Majahuitas yacht tour?

Book it if your ideal Puerto Vallarta morning includes a comfortable catamaran, friendly service, drinks, lunch, a scenic cove, and a little swimming and snorkeling. The crew is the biggest reason this outing earns strong marks, and the 40-person limit keeps it more manageable than the giant party boats.

Do not book it for the word luxury alone. Think of this as a well-serviced shared yacht excursion, not a private charter. Go in expecting variable snorkeling, a simple lunch, limited beach facilities, and a long scenic ride before the water activities.

The tour has a 4.6 rating and is recommended by 90 percent of customers, which fits the overall picture: a very enjoyable day for most people, with a few predictable disappointments around food descriptions, beach logistics, fees, and short activity times. You can cancel for a full refund up to 24 hours before departure. If poor weather cancels the trip, you can receive a new date or a full refund.

FAQ

How long is the yacht and snorkeling tour?

The experience lasts approximately five hours, beginning at 8:00 a.m. and ending back at the Puerto Mágico meeting point.

Where does the tour depart?

It departs from Vallarta Adventures at Terminal Marítima in Puerto Mágico, located at Blvd. Francisco Medina Ascencio 30-G1 in Puerto Vallarta’s Zona Hotelera Norte.

Is hotel pickup included?

No. Hotel pickup and drop-off are not included, so you need to reach the maritime terminal on your own.

What is included in the price?

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

Is snorkeling guaranteed at Los Arcos?

No. The route may pass Los Arcos depending on sea conditions and the route selected that day. The main water activities take place near Majahuitas.

What is the minimum age?

The minimum age is 10.

Are photos included?

No. Professional photography and video may be available for purchase, but they are not included in the tour price.

Can I cancel for a refund?

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