Whales and cocktails, no rush. This Puerto Vallarta luxury sailing trip turns Banderas Bay into a slow, sun-soaked day with snorkeling + SUP gear and premium open bar included, plus a lunch that’s more than just snacks.

I really like the vibe and setup: the boat is kept very clean and the crew runs a tight, friendly ship. You’ll also like how the day mixes lounging time with water time, and how small-group moments happen often (one review noted just 8 people, another had 10–11), not the chaotic energy of a party boat.

One thing to weigh: getting in and out involves jumping off the boat, then using small metal ladders to climb back aboard. If you’re prone to sea sickness or you have mobility limits, this physical part of the day may be a challenge, even though the crew is attentive.

Key Takeaways Before You Go

• Banderas Bay route changes daily based on conditions, so you’re not stuck doing the exact same loop.
• Open bar runs alongside lunch and snacks, not just a token drink at the start.
• Snorkel and SUP are included with provided equipment and staff support.
• Wildlife spotting is a real possibility (humpback whales in season, dolphins, manta rays, sea turtles).
• Los Arcos and dramatic rock scenery are part of the sailing rhythm.
• Plan for a cash dock fee (MX$40 per person) at the marina.

Getting There: Marina Vallarta and That Small Dock Fee

The tour starts at 9:30am at Vallarta Adventures, Marina Vallarta, Mástil 13. There’s no hotel pickup in the info I’m working from, so you’ll want to plan an easy ride or short transfer to the marina.

One practical detail that matters: there’s a port/dock fee of MX$40 per person, paid in cash at the marina. It’s small, but if you forget, it can slow your boarding while someone scrambles for an ATM.

Your Sailboat Day: Clean Comfort, Bathrooms, and Easy Lounge Time

This is a true sailing experience—think a large sailboat/charter style craft rather than a tiny speedboat. The big comfort win is that the boat is reported as extremely clean, and the staff keeps things moving so you’re not standing around waiting.

Toilets are located on the lower deck, so if you’re trying to keep everything low-effort, you’ll want to take care of bathroom runs before you settle in for a swim stop.

How the Day Flows: Los Arcos, Malecon Views, and Not-Too-Hurried Sailing

Expect a 6-hour cruise that’s paced like a luxury day on the water: sail when conditions allow, motor when it makes sense, then settle back into sailing again. In reviews, I saw a common pattern: they may use a motor to Los Arcos for time and positioning, then sail back with calmer, scenic cruising.

You’ll spend time around the sights near Los Arcos and the rock formations that make Banderas Bay feel dramatic even when you’re just lounging. The route is selected daily based on conditions, so what you see isn’t a scripted checklist—it’s more like your day on the bay responding to the water and wind that day.

The Water Part: Snorkeling, SUP, and Jumping Off the Boat

This is the part where the tour earns its name. You get snorkeling and paddle boarding (SUP) with equipment included, and you’ll have real time in the water rather than a quick, rushed peek.

Here’s the important mechanics detail: to enter the water you jump off the boat, and to get back on board you use small metal ladders. If you’re a confident swimmer, this is usually no big deal. If you’re not, you’ll want to be honest with yourself and ask the crew for the safest entry/exit method for you.

Snorkeling can be great, but it’s also nature. One reviewer noted snorkeling was underwhelming due to water visibility, not because the crew did anything wrong. My advice: when conditions look a little murky, don’t assume it’s worthless—ask your snorkel guide where visibility or fish activity seems best, and spend time watching the surface and edges too (dolphins and rays aren’t always far away, but you do have to be patient).

You may also get moments that feel extra fun, like spending time on a floating platform and paddling in calmer water. Reviews mention using paddle boards and enjoying playful breaks in the middle of the day, which is exactly what you want when you’re tired of holding your breath and waiting for the next wave.

Wildlife Chances: Whales, Dolphins, Manta Rays, and Sea Turtles

This cruise gives you a real shot at wildlife spotting. In season, there’s a chance of humpback whales, plus dolphins, manta rays, and sea turtles.

A few useful reality checks:

• Wildlife sightings are rarely guaranteed. Even when you see whales, you might be looking from a distance.
• The crew’s job is to keep you in the right area and watching—some reviews specifically mention multiple whale sightings during the day.

If you’re a wildlife person, I’d treat this like whale watching with a built-in comfort plan: you can lounge, then get moving for a swim/SUP break, then scan again without feeling like you’re stuck in “only one activity all day” mode.

Food and Drinks: Premium Open Bar Plus a Lunch That Actually Feeds You

The open bar is a major part of the appeal here. Reviews call out that drinks kept coming throughout the cruise, and that the experience felt like a “private yet fun” day rather than a party-boat drinking binge.

Food is the other half of the value. The sample menu includes:

• Infused water & seasonal fruit
• Guacamole with pico de gallo and tortilla chips
• A gourmet sandwich (serrano ham, tomato, pickle dressing, manchego cheese, arugula, homemade bread)
• Dark chocolate brownie

In feedback, I also saw hints that lunch and snack spreads can be more elaborate depending on the day—things like fresh fruit trays, charcuterie-style spreads, and even ceviche were mentioned. Either way, the theme is the same: you’re not just grazing. You’re getting meals at the right times so you can enjoy the water without feeling shaky or hungry.

Two drink notes to keep expectations realistic:

• One traveler said mixed drinks were just OK.
• Another said the drinks felt fresh and made individually rather than tasting like weak batch cocktails.

My practical takeaway: pace yourself, drink water between swims, and don’t judge the bar by one drink. The overall rhythm seems designed to keep you comfortable, not sloppy.

Group Size and Vibe: Small-Group Luxury Without Stiffness

The tour caps at 30 travelers, but the mood in reviews is consistently “small group” energy—often around 8 to 11 people. That changes everything. You get more attention, shorter waits for drinks, and a calmer feel while you’re on the water.

You’ll also find it’s social in a relaxed way, not a loud scene. One review mentioned the music playlist was a hit, with upbeat vibes that matched the day without taking over your conversation. Another noted the experience felt like private time with friends rather than a cattle-call.

What’s Included (And What You’ll Need to Budget For)

Included:

• Day cruise
• Lunch
• Open bar
• Snorkeling & paddle boarding
• Equipment for the water activities

Not included:

• Hotel pickup and drop off
• Port fees (MX$40 per person cash at the marina)

At $129 per person, the value hinges on what you’re doing with your day. If you’re planning to snorkel and want a proper lunch plus drinks, this package stacks benefits in one block of time. And because the time on the water is the main event, you’re not paying extra to piece together activities across town.

Who Should Book This (And Who Might Want to Skip It)

This cruise is a great match if you want:

• A luxury sailing day on Banderas Bay rather than a speed-focused outing
• Swimming and water sports with gear handled for you
• A calm, attentive crew and a clean boat
• A wildlife-focused experience when conditions allow

It might be less ideal if:

• You get sea sick easily (you’ll be on the water for hours, and the boarding style involves jumping off the boat)
• You have mobility limitations that make ladders and jumping hard to manage
• You care deeply about snorkeling visibility every time—water conditions can vary

Age minimum is 10 years. Most people can participate, but the physical water entry piece is still the main factor to judge.

Tips That Make a Real Difference

Here’s what I’d do to set yourself up for an easy day:

• Bring cash for the MX$40 dock fee.
• Wear sunscreen and reapply. One review called this out directly, and it’s hard to enjoy a sun-heavy boat day without it.
• Pack a hat you can secure. One captain even turned around to retrieve a hat that blew off, which tells you they care—but prevention is better than recovery.
• Expect stops to be weather/wind dependent. The route changes daily, so keep a flexible mindset and enjoy the sailing.

Also, bring the right attitude for a sea day: this works best when you’re not chasing every minute like a checklist. It’s built for relaxed enjoyment, with activities slotted in at the right times.

Should You Book This Luxury Sailing Tour?

If your ideal Puerto Vallarta day is sailing first, then swim/snorkel/SUP, with lunch and drinks included, this one makes sense. The combination of a clean, comfortable boat; small-group feel in practice; and the steady attention from the crew is the kind of “why didn’t I do this sooner” experience that people keep talking about.

I’d only hesitate if you know jumping off the boat and ladder re-entry would be hard for you, or if snorkeling is your one and only must-have and you’re very sensitive to visibility changes. For everyone else, it’s a strong value way to enjoy Banderas Bay without turning the day into a logistics project.

FAQ

What time does the sailing tour start?

The start time is 9:30am.

Where does the tour begin?

The meeting point is Vallarta Adventures | Marina Vallarta, Mástil 13, Marina Vallarta, 48335 Puerto Vallarta, Jal., Mexico.

How long is the experience?

The duration is about 6 hours.

What is the price per person?

The price is $129.00 per person.

What does the tour include?

It includes the day cruise, lunch, an open bar, and snorkeling and paddle boarding with equipment provided.

What extra costs should I plan for?

You’ll pay a port/dock fee of MX$40.00 per person in cash at the marina. Hotel pickup/drop off is also not included.

Is there a minimum age?

Yes. The minimum age is 10 years, and there are no exceptions.

Are there toilets on the boat?

Yes. Toilets are located on the lower deck.

Is free cancellation available?

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