Majahuitas looks like a postcard. This half-day Puerto Vallarta cruise runs on a Leopard catamaran with snorkeling gear ready and views you cannot match from shore.

I love that the experience is kept intimate (only 40 people) and the unlimited premium open bar keeps the vibe easy from start to finish. The main consideration: the sea decides the pace, so snorkeling and beach time can get shorter if the bay is choppy.

Key points to know before you go

• Small cap of 40 means less crowd pressure and quicker crew attention.
• Majahuitas Cove is the star stop: a secluded beach backed by tropical rainforest.
• Snorkeling + stand-up paddleboards included so you can mix slow swimming with active paddling.
• Route and stops vary with sea conditions, including whether you pass by Los Arcos.
• Bring motion-sickness help if you get queasy in waves; it can happen on the way out.
• Limited storage on board makes it smart to pack light and keep valuables on you.

A small-group yacht day that feels like real vacation time

This is one of those Puerto Vallarta tours that makes the afternoon feel special without turning your day into a checklist. You’re on a Leopard catamaran with a crew that focuses on keeping things moving and comfortable, and you’re not shoulder-to-shoulder with a huge crowd.

The Bay of Banderas route also helps. Even if the sea takes the schedule in a new direction, you still get the big coastal sights from water level, plus the chance to spot wildlife like dolphins, turtles, and even whales when conditions line up.

You should also like the pacing. This is a 5-hour half-day that’s designed around three things: sailing time, water time, and food-and-drink time.

Getting started at Vallarta Adventures (and why arriving early matters)

The tour starts at Vallarta Adventures | Terminal Marítima N Puerto Mágico. It runs from 8:00 am and there’s no hotel pickup, so you’ll want to plan your ride into the hotel zone with enough buffer.

One practical note: port areas can feel a bit chaotic up close, even when the process is efficient. Once you’re inside the flow, it tends to go smoothly, and the crew handles the handoffs clearly.

Bring a small bag and think light. Several people noted there is not much space for belongings, and there’s often no great place to store items you’d rather keep dry. If you can, use a small waterproof pouch for phone/keys and keep clothes minimal.

Also, read the rules before you show up. Drones are prohibited, and Mexico’s port rules include a strict No-Drug Policy, even for electronic cigarettes and vapers. Leave anything like that at home.

Cruising the Bay of Banderas: Los Arcos and the Malecón from the sea

The cruise sails along the Bay of Banderas toward the south of Puerto Vallarta. On calmer days you may pass by Los Arcos. Either way, you’ll get the kind of “I’ve never seen PV from this angle” views that you just don’t get standing on the Malecon boardwalk.

From the water, Malecon Boardwalk looks different: you’re seeing the shoreline, buildings, and coastline curves in one sweep. It’s scenic in a low-effort way, since your job is mostly to sit back and point.

This portion also tends to be where wildlife sightings happen. The tour highlights include the potential for dolphins and turtles, and some people also reported whale sightings during the ride back. When whales show up, the crew may slow down or adjust the cruise so you can enjoy it.

One thing to watch: the sea conditions guide the day. The route can change, and the order and timing of activities can shift. That’s normal on the bay, but it matters for expectations if you’re hoping for a fixed schedule.

Majahuitas Cove: the main stop for snorkeling, paddleboards, and beach time

Majahuitas is the payoff stop: an iconic cove beach just south of Puerto Vallarta, surrounded by lush rainforest. The beach stop is listed as about 1 hour 20 minutes, and the experience includes access so you can spend time in the water and on the shore.

Snorkeling setup and what to expect

Snorkeling gear is included, and the crew provides support during the activity. On one sailing, snorkeling help was specifically praised from Diego Chihuahua, who guided people through the water activity.

What you should realistically expect: snorkeling time can feel short or perfectly timed depending on sea conditions. Some people mentioned they only snorkeled briefly (especially when the bay was working against the schedule), while others found the snorkeling and water time was comfortable and relaxing. In other words, bring flexibility.

Also, marine life can be mixed. Some people saw plenty of fish, while others said the area didn’t have much coral. If you’re coming specifically to hunt for dramatic reef scenery, keep your expectations grounded.

Paddleboards and other included water fun

Stand-up paddleboards are included. This is a great option if you’d rather spend more time staying active and above the waterline instead of working through swim/snorkel logistics.

There’s also mention of a banana boat ride in the tour experience add-ons people described. If that option is available that day, know that it can get rough. A person in one group reported a kid ended up in the water, so use good judgment and keep an eye on children.

Beach time is not always fully dry

Here’s a detail that can make or break the vibe: some people noted you may need to swim to the beach from the boat, which affects what you can bring ashore. If you imagine towels, bags, and everything neatly set down on sand, adjust that picture.

If you want to stay sane, pack one dry set of essentials in a waterproof bag, wear swimwear you don’t mind soaking, and plan on getting wet.

Safety note: life vests while in the water

One review mentioned that life vests were required any time people were in the water. It’s a common safety practice for catamaran water stops, but it can feel restrictive if you’re used to free-swimming without one.

Food and the open bar: where the good stuff happens

This tour includes a deli-style lunch and an unlimited premium open bar. That combination is a big part of the value because you’re not paying extra at each step, and the crew tends to keep drinks topped up.

What’s usually on the lunch plate

Lunch is described as Mexican-style with items like guacamole, shrimp cocktails, and fresh fruit, along with chips and other deli-style fare. People also described food that ran beyond just one sandwich moment, including charcuterie-style lunch elements on board.

Now for the balanced part: not everyone rated the food the same way. Some people said the food was great and tasty, while others felt “luxury” was too strong a label, especially when sandwiches were more ordinary than expected.

My practical takeaway: treat lunch as a solid included meal, not a restaurant-grade event.

Open bar reality check

The open bar is part of the package, and many people praised the drinks and said the crew was attentive. But there’s a key nuance: one person described that on the beach the open bar was more limited (beer and water/juice), while others reported stronger drink service on board.

So if your ideal day includes premium cocktails the entire time on the sand, you should expect some variation by how the day is run.

Sea conditions, motion sickness, and snorkeling gear comfort

This tour is water-based, which means you should plan for movement. Several people warned that the waves can cause seasickness, especially on the sailing stretches. If you’re prone to motion sickness, bring Dramamine (or your preferred remedy) and take it before you feel bad.

Also consider the clothing strategy:

• Wear sunscreen before you leave port (it’s a long day under sun and salt air).
• Keep a light layer or rash guard if you burn easily.
• If you’ll be in and out of the water, choose swimwear that dries fast.

Snorkeling gear is provided, but one person suggested that if you already own your own mask and snorkel, bring it. Their point was simple: you’ll avoid comfort surprises, and fit matters more than people think when you’re trying to breathe and see clearly.

If you’re sensitive or worried about time in the water, it’s worth being honest with yourself. This isn’t a rigid, hour-by-hour scuba schedule. It’s a catamaran day where the crew tries to balance experience with safety.

Photos onboard: plan for the package price

One consistent theme: there’s a photo and video presence during the trip. A photographer captures pictures throughout the day, and you can buy a digital package afterward.

The price people mentioned was around $100 USD for the digital set. Some found it totally worth it; others chose not to purchase. If you care about photos, keep cash or card ready. If you don’t, a simple polite no usually helps everyone move on.

A small extra note: one person mentioned drone footage being taken at the beach stop. You cannot bring your own drone, but this doesn’t conflict with the tour taking aerial video using their own equipment.

Price and logistics: is $119 a good deal?

At $119 per person, you’re paying for a lot that’s usually expensive on its own: a yacht-style cruise, snorkeling and paddleboard equipment, lunch, and an unlimited premium open bar. That’s the heart of the value.

But the math isn’t just sticker price. The tour information says the Bay of Banderas admission fee is $40.00 per person and it’s not included. One person also described a mandatory port fee of 30 pesos per person charged prior to departure. You should assume you’ll have to pay some kind of port-related fee in addition to the listed admission.

So how do you decide if it’s worth it?

• If you want a small-group water day with drinks included, this pricing often makes sense.
• If you want a long, reef-heavy snorkeling session or you expect restaurant-level cuisine, you may feel let down.

My advice: if you treat the lunch and snorkeling as “included fun” rather than the main event, the overall experience tends to land as a good value.

Who this tour fits best (and who should be picky)

This works especially well for:

• Couples who want a relaxing day with scenery, water time, and drinks
• Small celebrations like birthdays and bachelorettes (the vibe can turn into a party on the water)
• People who like variety: snorkeling one stretch, paddleboarding another, then beach time

You might want to choose something different if:

• You get motion sick easily and won’t take prevention
• You expect premium cocktails the whole time on shore (there can be a drink-service difference between boat and beach)
• You need fully dry shore logistics (some people reported swimming from the boat to reach the beach)
• You have shellfish allergies. Shrimp appears in the described lunch items, and one person said they couldn’t eat the shrimp.

Also, because the sea controls the schedule, this is a good match for flexible people.

Should you book this Luxury Yacht and Snorkel tour?

I’d book it if you want a calmer, small-group catamaran day, with Majahuitas as the centerpiece, plus included snorkeling/paddleboards and an open bar. The best part is that the day is built to feel like vacation, not chores.

I wouldn’t make it your only option if you’re extremely picky about food being truly “luxury,” if you need a long snorkeling session with lots of coral, or if you can’t handle choppy water.

If you do book, do three things:

• Pack light and waterproof your essentials
• Bring motion-sickness help
• Decide in advance what you’ll do about the photo package so it doesn’t distract your day

FAQ

How long is the Luxury Yacht & Snorkel tour?

It runs for about 5 hours (approx.).

Where does the tour start?

It starts at Vallarta Adventures, Terminal Marítima N Puerto Mágico, Blvd. Francisco Medina Ascencio 30-G1, Zona Hotelera Nte., 48333 Puerto Vallarta, Jal., Mexico.

What time does the tour begin?

The start time is 8:00 am.

Is hotel pickup included?

No. Hotel pickup and drop off are not included.

What is included with the snorkeling and water activities?

Snorkeling equipment is included, and stand-up paddleboards are also included.

Are drinks included?

Yes. The tour includes an unlimited premium open bar.

What’s included for lunch?

Lunch is included and described as deli style, with Mexican items like guacamole, shrimp cocktails, chips, and fresh fruit.

Is the Bay of Banderas admission fee included in the price?

No. The admission fee for the Bay of Banderas is listed as $40.00 per person and is not included.

What is the minimum age?

The minimum age is 10.

Can I bring a drone?

No. Drones are prohibited due to federal regulations.

Is there free cancellation?

Yes. You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.