A luxury yacht day in PV feels too good. A private 55-foot Chica cruise stacks open bar drinks, fresh snacks, and full water-activity gear into one easy, 4-hour plan around the Bay of Banderas. You get to steer your day’s focus, from floating and snorkeling to jet ski time.

I love the brand-name open bar range, from beer and wine to tequila cocktails and Champagne. I also like that the water toys are not just for show: snorkel equipment, kayaks, paddle boards, and float gear are included, plus supervised unlimited Jet Ski time. One drawback to plan for: there’s no hotel pickup, and you must lock in your meeting place before you book.

Key highlights that matter

• All-inclusive drinks from coffee and soda to tequila, beer, wine, and Champagne
• Supervised Jet Ski time with unlimited use during your outing
• Fresh snacks on board with ceviche, guacamole, and blue corn chips
• Snorkel + water toys included (snorkel gear, kayaks, paddle boards, float gear)
• Cruise options around Bahia de Banderas with Los Arcos as a popular choice

Your Private 55-Foot Chica Yacht: What You Really Get

This is not a big cattle-call cruise. It’s a private charter on a 55-foot yacht built for groups up to 20, with your own space and your own rhythm. For me, that matters because it keeps the day relaxed. You spend less time waiting in line, and more time actually doing the fun parts.

The boat setup is designed for hanging out while still feeling like an event. The crew runs things with a clear flow: drink, snack, gear up, then out to the water. Even if the plan includes several activities, it doesn’t feel like a scramble.

A detail I appreciate: the experience is structured around a short, punchy window of about 4 hours. That means you should think of this as a high-energy hit of “boat day” rather than an all-day marathon. If you like packing in experiences, this format fits. If you want a slow, long lunch-style cruise, you may feel rushed.

All-Inclusive Open Bar and Fresh Snacks That Keep the Mood Right

The all-inclusive part is one of the biggest reasons this tour feels like value, especially for groups. You’re not limited to a beer-and-water setup. The bar includes everything from basic non-alcoholic drinks like water, coffee, juices, and soda to cocktails and spirits.

What you can expect covers a wide menu: pina colada margaritas, beer, wine, tequila, and even Champagne. In plain terms, you can match your drink to your mood instead of committing to whatever’s cheapest on the menu.

Then there’s the food. You get fresh made ceviche plus guacamole and blue corn chips, plus potato chips. This is exactly the kind of snack-and-sip combo that keeps you comfortable while you move from cruising to water time. It also helps you avoid that classic vacation problem: getting to the boat hungry, then spending the day trying to snack and drink around a limited menu.

One more practical point: because snacks and drinks are included, you’re better able to stay focused on the activities. You don’t need to keep tracking costs while you’re switching between jet ski, snorkeling, and floating.

Jet Ski Plus Floating Toys: The Included Water Time

If you want one clear reason to pick this tour, it’s the Jet Ski. You get supervised unlimited use, and that supervision matters because it turns Jet Ski time into an activity you can trust. You’re not guessing how to operate in open water, and you’re not stuck watching other people have fun while you sit on the sidelines.

On top of that, you also get access to a whole set of “be in the water” options: snorkel equipment, kayaks, paddle boards, a water mattress, and a water tube. The mix is smart for groups because people can split by preference. Some want the speed of Jet Ski. Others want gentle floating, paddle boarding, or snorkeling.

For me, the best part is that you’re not forced into one single activity. You can ride, then cool down, then go back out with snorkel gear. That flexible rhythm is what makes a short 4-hour window feel fuller than it sounds.

Cruising the Bay of Banderas and Puerto Vallarta Coastline

The core experience is a private cruise along the Puerto Vallarta coastline and around the Bay of Banderas. This is your “see the view” block, where the mood shifts from getting ready to actually being on the water.

If you like sightseeing that doesn’t require extra tours, this portion does a lot of work. You get the coastal perspective from the water, which is usually where the coastline looks its best. You also get that open-water feeling: wind, sun, and wide views that you don’t get from shore.

There’s also a wildlife angle. The captain and crew have been credited with setting up time that can include whale watching. You should not expect a guaranteed sighting every day, but if wildlife shows up in your window, this tour is positioned to take advantage of it.

One practical note: because this is a water-based plan, plan for sun and splash. You’ll be hopping between boat and water activities, so bring what you’d normally use for a beach day, then bump it up a notch for the boat sun.

Los Arcos National Park Stop: Caves and Granite Arches

A popular stop for this private option is Los Arcos National Park, located south of Puerto Vallarta. This is where the experience gets more “wow” in a way you can feel in your body, not just your camera.

Los Arcos is known for naturally occurring rock formations rising out of the sea, with wildlife both above and below the water. The plan here focuses on exploring caves and floating through giant granite arches. That combination is great because you get variety: views from the boat, then water time with snorkeling gear if that’s your priority.

It’s also described as one of the best snorkeling areas in the bay. If snorkeling is high on your list, this is the stop you want to ask for when customizing the route.

The main consideration is simple: you’ll need to be comfortable getting in and out of the water and keeping up with short transitions. If your group prefers to stay mostly on the boat, you can still enjoy the scenery, but you may want to communicate your comfort level in advance so the day matches your pace.

Customizing Your Route and Choosing the Right Meeting Point

This is a true private boat tour, and that word matters because you can customize where you go in Bahia de Banderas. The experience is structured so your crew can plan around your group’s interests—whether that’s snorkeling at Los Arcos, more time cruising, or more action with the water toys.

Before you book, you’ll need to pick a meeting place. That requirement isn’t “administrative fluff.” It’s what keeps your day smooth once you’re on the clock. If you’re not sure where to meet, you can reach out to Gil, the owner, for help arranging a different meeting point or transportation options that fit.

I like that this tour makes customization part of the promise. You’re not stuck with a rigid, fixed stop list. It’s a better fit for groups who want to spend time where they’ll actually enjoy it, instead of checking boxes.

Also pay attention to the practical details that affect your day: the tour uses a mobile ticket, confirmation is typically received within 48 hours (subject to availability), and the site is near public transportation. If your group is mixing rides, plan who’s responsible for meeting the group on time.

Price and Value for a Private Group Charter

At $3,275 per group for up to 15 (with the yacht designed for groups up to 20), the price is best understood as paying for a whole private experience rather than buying a per-person ticket to a shared ride. That’s why the group size matters: the more people you split it among, the easier it feels.

What you get inside that price is also what makes the value feel real. You’re not just paying for boat time. You’re paying for open bar, fresh snacks, and a bundle of included equipment and activities: snorkel gear, kayaks, paddle boards, float gear, and supervised Jet Ski.

When I’m judging value on a day like this, I look for two things: (1) does it include the expensive stuff, and (2) does it keep you from paying extra once you’re there. Here, the bar and the water activity gear are the expensive categories, and they’re included. That lowers the “surprise costs” factor.

One more value point: landing and facility fees are included, so you’re not hit with a last-minute add-on just to make the day happen.

Who Should Book This Chica 55′ Day on the Water?

This tour is a strong match if you want a mix of action and comfort in one stop. It suits groups who want real together-time on a private boat, with enough variety that different people can enjoy different parts of the day.

I’d especially recommend it if your group includes at least one person who wants Jet Ski time and at least one person who wants easy-to-use water activities like snorkeling, paddle boarding, or floating. The included gear makes it easier to avoid awkward downtime.

It can also work well for special days, because open bar plus a private setting feels like a treat without needing hours of planning.

If your group’s priority is a very long, slow cruise with minimal water time, you may prefer a different style of boat day. The 4-hour format is active, and the plan is built for doing.

Should You Book This Chica 55′ VIP Yacht and Jet Ski Tour?

If you want a private, all-inclusive boat day with serious activity options, I think this is a smart booking. The included open bar, fresh snacks, and supervised Jet Ski access are the kind of benefits that make the price feel more grounded once you’re out on the water.

Book it if your group will actually use the included gear and you’re comfortable with a short, energetic plan. Skip it if you want no-activity sightseeing only, or if you’re not willing to handle the meeting point requirement and show up ready to start.

If you’re on the fence, reach out to Gil to confirm your meeting plan and route ideas. That kind of upfront clarity helps you get the day you’re picturing.

FAQ

How long is the Private Luxury Yacht Chica 55′ VIP + Jet Ski experience?

It runs for about 4 hours.

How many people can be on the yacht?

It’s designed for groups up to 20, and the price is listed per group up to 15.

Is hotel pickup included?

No, hotel pickup and drop-off are not included.

What drinks are included in the all-inclusive package?

The open bar includes options like water, coffee, juices, sodas, mineral water, pina colada margaritas, beer, wine, tequila, and Champagne.

Is snorkeling equipment included?

Yes. Snorkel equipment is included, along with kayaks, paddle boards, a water mattress, and a water tube.

Is Jet Ski use included, and is it supervised?

Yes. Jet Ski use is included and described as supervised and unlimited during the experience.

What is the cancellation policy?

You can cancel for a full refund up to 24 hours in advance. If you cancel within 24 hours of the start time, you will not receive a refund.