A yacht day beats another pool day. This one pairs smooth sailing in the Bay of Banderas with real water time in places like Majahuitas Cove, where you can spot marine life while you snorkel. I especially love the open bar plus the fact that you’re not stuck staring at scenery from one spot.

You’ll also enjoy the way the crew keeps things moving without rushing you. On board, there’s lots of lounge space, and one guide named Charlie stood out for being kind, accommodating, and focused on keeping everyone comfortable when the sea got a bit choppy.

One thing to consider: it’s a short 5-hour outing, so if you’re hoping for long, slow cruising, the timing may feel tight for the price.

Key Highlights You’ll Care About

• Majahuitas Cove water time: snorkeling, swimming, and paddleboarding at a tropical rainforest shoreline
• Bay of Banderas wildlife spotting: dolphins, turtles, whales, and tropical fish are part of the day
• Open bar + lunch included: hors d’oeuvres, drinks service, and a full lunch on the water
• Comfort built into the boat: lounge seating, towels, snorkeling gear, and even multiple bathrooms reported on board
• Service helps when conditions change: when waves got bigger than usual, crew members adjusted and watched safety closely
• You pay one extra fee on arrival: a $28 per-person harbor fee due in cash

Bay of Banderas by Yacht: Why This 5-Hour Format Works

Puerto Vallarta’s coast is gorgeous, but a lot of tours turn into a bus-and-lines routine. This yacht setup feels more like a half-day plan that actually fits the sea: you get cruising time, then dedicated beach and water time, then lunch and back to port.

The best part is the mix. You’re not paying just for views from a deck. You’re paying for a day where you can go from lounging to active snorkeling and paddleboarding without switching boats or adding extra stops.

Start at the Right Meeting Point: Pickup, Security, and the Harbor Fee

Your day begins at one of two pickup options: Las Palmas 39 at Puerto Mágico (most people use this), or another meeting point depending on the boat you’re assigned. The important detail is that there are different boats tied to different meeting locations, so confirm the exact meeting point details ahead of time.

Plan for airport-style security at the federal cruise port. That means metal-detector screening and a bit of waiting before you board. One visitor noted arriving early (about 30 minutes before departure), going through the security and harbor-fee step, then watching the boat depart shortly after.

Also budget for the $28 per-person harbor fee, which is not included and is paid in cash. If you show up without cash, you’ll lose time and goodwill.

Majahuitas Cove: Snorkel, Paddleboard, and Wildlife Watching

The highlight for most people is the stop at Playa Majahuitas, a cove just south of Puerto Vallarta with lush, tropical scenery. From there, the day turns from cruising to playing in the water.

You’ll have free time at the beach plus multiple ways to get wet:

• Snorkeling with provided equipment
• Stand-up paddleboarding (also provided)
• Swimming at the shore and in open water areas during the day

This is where wildlife can steal the show. The tour is designed for sightings of animals like dolphins, whales, sea turtles, and tropical fish. You’re not guaranteed a specific animal every trip, but the cove and surrounding waters are the kind of place where the odds are real, and the crew typically keeps an eye out.

A practical tip: if you’re new to snorkeling or paddleboarding, you’ll still likely have a good time because the schedule includes structured gear and a crew who can guide when needed. And if you’re more comfortable just floating and watching, you’ll still get great chances to see movement from the surface.

Sailing and Sightseeing: What the Coastal Cruise Time Gives You

Between the water activities, the boat ride matters. The route includes sightseeing and scenic cruising on the way out and back, so the day doesn’t feel like nonstop standing in line for the next activity.

A typical flow looks like this:

• A cruising block leaving port (about 1.5 hours)
• Time at Majahuitas (about 2 hours), including beach time and water activities
• Lunch back on board plus another cruising segment (about 1.5 hours)

That rhythm is why this tour feels “luxury-light but real.” You get the easy deck time where you can relax and let the boat handle the movement, without sacrificing the water part that makes Puerto Vallarta coast so memorable.

On-Board Luxury: Open Bar, Hors d’Oeuvres, and Lunch Without the Fuss

This is a true food-and-drink day. You’ll find:

• An open bar
• Delicious hors d’oeuvres
• Lunch included
• Towels provided
• Comfortable lounge seating
• Snorkeling gear and a paddleboard

In reviews, the food gets called out as tasty, and the drink service stays active rather than being one drink ticket and done. People also mention how the boat feels spacious even when the day’s group size is larger than you’d expect.

One little detail I like: the boat layout is built for hanging out. You’re not sitting on a single hard bench for five hours. There are places to sun tan, relax, and move around between lounge areas and bathroom locations. (Some boats have been reported with multiple bathrooms, which matters more than you think on a half-day.)

If you’re camera-ready: the tour may take photos during the day, with an option to purchase at the end. One visitor said the photo package price was around 160 USD, so if photos matter to you, decide in advance whether that’s worth it.

Timing, Sea Conditions, and Safety: The Reality Check

Five hours sounds like plenty—until you realize you’re sharing it between cruising, security, and actual water time. That’s the main reason some people feel the day is a bit short for the price.

Sea conditions can also affect how the water time feels. One trip had bigger-than-usual waves, and the crew did what good crews do: they watched safety closely, adjusted as needed, and kept everyone supported so the snorkeling and swimming time still happened.

Here’s how to think about it:

• If you’re flexible and enjoy being on the water, the time feels like a good slice of the day.
• If you’re looking for an all-day sailing experience with long stretches of cruising, you may want to compare against longer tours.

Also note that the tour runs rain or shine. If the weather turns, the day still happens—you’ll just get wet in different ways.

Group Size and Boat Variation: Why Your Experience May Feel Different

The tour can run with different boats and different group sizes depending on the departure. On some days, people reported around 25 on board; on other days, the number has been higher—around 50.

That doesn’t automatically mean you’ll feel cramped. The layout and lounge space can still make the experience feel comfortable. But if you’re sensitive to crowding, it’s worth knowing upfront that this is not a private yacht.

The good news is that the service level tends to keep things smooth: snacks, drinks, and attention to safety during water activities.

Price and Value: What You’re Really Paying For

At $119 per person for 5 hours, this isn’t the cheapest way to see Puerto Vallarta from the water. But it’s not overpriced in the usual way, because the included extras reduce the add-ons you’d otherwise pay for.

What’s included that changes the math:

• Open bar
• Lunch
• Hors d’oeuvres
• Snorkeling equipment
• Paddleboard
• Towels

What’s not included:

• The $28 harbor fee (cash)

So the value comes from bundling. If you’d otherwise pay separately for a boat, gear rental, a beach visit, and food/drinks, this can look reasonable fast.

The main “value question” is the time. Some people feel the day is too short to justify the cost, especially if the sea conditions limit how long you spend in the water. My take: if your top priority is a reliable half-day of sailing plus real snorkeling time, this price can make sense. If your top priority is long, slow cruising, you’ll likely feel the clock.

Who This Tour Suits Best (And Who Should Skip It)

This is a strong match if you want:

• A luxury-leaning day on the water without planning stress
• To be active: snorkel, paddleboard, and swim
• Wildlife odds: dolphins and turtles are part of the dream, and whales may appear too

It’s not a good match if you have mobility limitations. The tour isn’t suitable for people with mobility impairments or wheelchair users. Also, there are rules against pets and against luggage or large bags.

If you’re a couple or a small group that wants a fun, water-focused day with food and drinks handled, you’ll likely enjoy it. If you’re traveling with someone who hates crowds, double-check your comfort level with group size variance.

A Few Smart Prep Tips Before You Go

• Bring a passport or ID card.
• Skip large bags. You’ll pass through security and you’ll want to travel light.
• Bring cash for the harbor fee.
• If you’re prone to motion sickness, consider bringing what works for you. The schedule includes sailing time and water entry, and conditions can change.

And don’t overthink the gear. Snorkeling equipment and a paddleboard are included, so your job is mainly to show up ready to enjoy the water.

Should You Book This Puerto Vallarta Yacht Tour?

Book it if you want a half-day that feels like a real outing: cruising for scenery, then proper time at Majahuitas, plus snorkeling/paddleboarding, open bar, and lunch. It’s the kind of tour that saves you planning time while still giving you the experiences you came for.

Think twice if you’re price-sensitive and you want longer time on the water than five hours allows. Also skip if mobility is an issue, since the tour isn’t designed for wheelchairs or limited mobility.

If you do book, confirm your exact meeting point and plan for security and the cash harbor fee. That’s the difference between a smooth start and a rushed one.

FAQ

How long is the Puerto Vallarta luxury yacht tour?

The tour duration is 5 hours.

Where do I get picked up and dropped off?

Pickup and drop-off are available at two locations: Las Palmas 39, Puerto Mágico, with details depending on the boat. You should contact Vallarta Adventures in advance to confirm your meeting point details.

What activities are included?

You can snorkel and paddleboard, and there is time to swim at Playa Majahuitas and other stop areas during the cruise.

Is lunch included?

Yes. Lunch is included as part of the onboard services.

Is there an open bar?

Yes, the tour includes an open bar.

What extra fee might I need to pay?

There is a $28 per-person harbor fee that is not included and is payable in cash.

What snorkeling and water gear is provided?

Snorkeling equipment, a paddleboard, and towels are included.

What documents do I need?

You’ll need a passport or an ID card.

Is the tour canceled for bad weather?

No. The tour takes place rain or shine.

Is the tour refundable?

Yes. Free cancellation is available up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.