Luxury Yacht & Snorkel with All inclusive Open bar and lunch

A half-day on a Leopard catamaran, a secluded cove, snorkeling, paddleboards, lunch, and an open bar: this is the basic appeal of Vallarta Adventures’ cruise from Puerto Vallarta to Majahuitas. The boat heads south across the Bay of Banderas, with possible views of Los Arcos and the Malecón from the water.

I like the limited group of up to 40 people, which feels far more manageable than the giant party boats that can carry roughly 100. I also like the crew service. Names change by departure, but Alex, Diego, Charlie, Jennifer, Felipe, Juan Luis, and others have been praised for keeping drinks moving and helping with water activities. The main caution is that luxury is a generous label: the boat is comfortable and well maintained, but lunch may be an ordinary sandwich, and snorkeling time can be shorter than you expect.

Key points before you book

• Majahuitas is the star of the day: The secluded cove sits south of Puerto Vallarta, backed by tropical forest and reached by boat.
• The cruise lasts about five hours: A large part of that time is spent sailing, so this is as much a coastal cruise as a snorkeling trip.
• The group is capped at 40 people: You get more room and calmer service than on a mass-market boat, but it is not a private charter.
• Lunch and onboard drinks are included: Expect fruit, chips, guacamole, shrimp cocktail options, and a deli-style meal, though the exact food can vary.
• Water gear is supplied: Snorkels, masks, and stand-up paddleboards are available. A banana boat has also operated on some departures, but it is not listed among the guaranteed inclusions.
• Sea conditions control the route: Los Arcos, the Malecón, snorkeling time, and the exact beach schedule can change with the water.

Starting at the Maritime Terminal at 8 a.m.

You meet at Vallarta Adventures in Puerto Mágico, at the Maritime Terminal on Boulevard Francisco Medina Ascencio. The listed start time is 8 a.m., and the activity ends back at the same place about five hours later.

There is no hotel pickup or drop-off, so you need to arrange your own way to the terminal. Allow extra time for the port entrance. The meeting point itself is straightforward once you are inside, but the approach to the terminal can feel a little confusing, especially if you arrive by taxi or are unfamiliar with Puerto Vallarta’s hotel zone.

The tour has a minimum age of 10. Most people can participate, but you should think honestly about motion sickness and comfort in open water. One person reported that rough waves affected several people in the group, while another specifically recommended bringing sunscreen and motion-sickness medicine if you are prone to seasickness.

There is also an extra charge connected with the Bay of Banderas or port access. The tour information lists a $40 per-person admission fee, while departure details have also been described as a 40-peso Bay fee plus a 30-peso port fee. Because the amounts and descriptions do not line up neatly, confirm the current charge before departure and carry local cash.

Sailing south across the Bay of Banderas

Once aboard, the boat spends close to an hour making its way toward the southern coast. This matters when you compare this outing with a shorter point-to-point snorkeling trip. You are not rushing straight to the water. You are paying for a scenic cruise, time on the catamaran, and attentive drink service as well as the beach stop.

The Bay of Banderas gives you broad coastal views that are impossible to get from the road. From the water, you may see Puerto Vallarta’s Malecón from a different angle, along with the southern shoreline and rocky formations.

The route is not fixed. Sea conditions determine how far the catamaran goes and which landmarks it passes. Los Arcos may be included, but it is not guaranteed. If seeing Los Arcos is the main reason you are booking, keep your expectations flexible.

Wildlife is another pleasant possibility rather than a promise. Departures have spotted humpback whales during the ride, and the crew has sometimes stopped when whales appeared. Dolphins, turtles, manta rays, and fish are also possible sightings. The Bay is a living body of water, not an aquarium, so the quality of wildlife viewing changes from day to day.

The catamaran provides a comfortable platform for enjoying the ride. You can sit back, listen to music, take in the coast, and order drinks without constantly reaching for your wallet. Several people have praised the crew for bringing food and beverages directly to their seats.

Snorkeling near Majahuitas

The snorkeling stop usually comes after the long outward sail. Masks and snorkels are provided, and a guide helps with the water activity. Diego has been singled out for his assistance on some departures, while other crews have included people such as Charlie, Jennifer, Felipe, and Juan Luis.

Conditions make a big difference here. Some outings produce colorful fish, and sightings have included a sea turtle and a manta ray. Other departures have found limited marine life and little or no coral. If you are an experienced tropical snorkeler looking for a major reef, this is probably not the strongest reason to choose the cruise.

The snorkeling period can also be brief. Reports range from roughly 20 minutes to a more leisurely water session, depending on conditions and the schedule. The boat may need to balance snorkeling with the beach visit, lunch, and the return sail.

Life jackets may be required whenever you are in the water. That rule can feel restrictive if you are a confident swimmer, but it is part of the operating procedure described by people on recent departures. Ask the crew about the water rules before you jump in.

The supplied equipment is useful, though you might prefer to bring your own mask if you have one that fits well. You should also bring sunscreen and avoid leaving valuables loose on deck. Storage for bags and personal belongings is limited.

Majahuitas Cove and its short beach stop

Majahuitas is the most special setting on the trip. The cove is secluded, reached by boat, and surrounded by tropical greenery. It gives you a taste of the southern Bay’s quieter coastline without requiring a long land journey.

The stop is scheduled for about 1 hour and 20 minutes, but the actual time on shore can feel shorter once swimming and transfers are included. In some conditions, the catamaran cannot pull directly onto the beach. You may need to swim from the boat to shore, which makes it difficult to carry towels, phones, or bags.

That arrangement has two sides. It helps keep the beach stop simple and avoids the look of a crowded dock, but it is inconvenient if you want to dry off, read, or keep personal items beside you. The beach itself has fewer organized activities than the promotional photographs may suggest. Paddleboards, floating mats, and snorkeling equipment are available from the boat, and banana boat rides have taken place on some departures, but do not assume every activity will run every time.

The beach bar service is also more limited than the onboard bar. At the cove, reports describe beer, water, and hibiscus water or juice rather than the full range of premium cocktails available on the yacht. If you are expecting a cocktail in hand while sitting on the sand, you may be disappointed.

Still, Majahuitas can be the best part of the outing. Arriving before larger boats gives the cove a quieter feel, and leaving before the bigger crowds arrive can make the stop feel pleasantly private. You will get the most from it if you treat the beach as a short nature stop and swim rather than as a full resort beach club.

Lunch, drinks, and the meaning of all-inclusive

The onboard food is included, but the description needs a little interpretation. The tour lists a deli-style lunch with guacamole, shrimp cocktails, chips, and fresh fruit. People have also described fruit, guacamole, a sandwich, dessert, and a charcuterie-style spread.

The strongest food experiences include tasty, fresh items and enough food that you do not need a large breakfast before the early departure. The weaker point is consistency. Several descriptions call the main meal an average sandwich rather than a gourmet lunch, and seafood has not appeared on every departure.

If you have a shellfish allergy, tell the operator before booking and remind the crew at check-in. One person could not eat the shrimp and found the remaining food acceptable, but the available information does not promise a dedicated allergy-safe menu.

The premium open bar is mainly an onboard benefit. Beer, wine, cocktails, and other drinks are served during the cruise, and the crew is often praised for prompt, generous service. Mango margaritas have received a special mention, and the atmosphere can become lively after snorkeling, with music and dancing on some trips.

Do not read unlimited open bar as unlimited premium drinks everywhere. The beach stop may offer only beer, water, and juice. Also, one poor experience described a serious problem with inconsistent alcohol service. That appears to be an exception rather than the general pattern, but if drink service matters to you, ask the crew early in the trip how to order.

Tips are not included. Carry local cash for the crew. A card may be useful if you decide to buy the photo package.

Is $119 a fair price?

At $119 per person, the value depends on how you use the day. A basic snorkeling trip may cost less, but it may also put far more people on a boat and provide less attentive service. Here, your price covers the catamaran cruise, crew, lunch, snorkeling equipment, paddleboards, and onboard premium drinks.

I think the price is reasonable if you want a relaxed boat day with several components in one package. The value is strongest for couples, small groups, and celebrations that care about service, music, and the feel of being on a yacht more than serious reef snorkeling.

The value weakens if you are mainly paying for luxury design, a long snorkeling session, or a full seafood lunch. The boat is nice and comfortable, but descriptions of it as truly luxurious may set the bar too high. You should also budget for the port or Bay of Banderas fee, tips, and optional photographs.

The onboard photographer takes professional photos and video throughout the day. A digital package has been priced at about $100 in some departures, though the current amount should be confirmed. Photos are not included in the tour price. If you do not want them, say so at the start so you and the photographer are not wasting time.

Who will enjoy this Puerto Vallarta cruise?

I would choose this tour for:

• Couples who want a scenic morning on the water with drinks and food included
• Families with children aged 10 or older who enjoy swimming and gentle water activities
• Small celebration groups, including birthdays and bachelorette parties
• People staying in Puerto Vallarta or Nuevo Vallarta who want to see the coast from offshore
• Anyone who prefers a 40-person boat to a large party vessel

I would look elsewhere if you want a quiet luxury charter, extensive coral snorkeling, long hours on a sandy beach, or a guaranteed visit to Los Arcos. Strong swimmers should also note the possible swim from the boat to the beach and the life-jacket requirement.

The cruise is generally easy to join, but it is not fully hands-off since hotel transfers are not included. 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, including electronic cigarettes and vapes, so leave those items behind.

Weather, cancellation, and practical planning

The route depends on the sea, and poor weather can cancel the outing. If that happens, you can choose another date or request a full refund. The activity also requires a minimum number of participants, and a cancellation for that reason comes with the same choice of another date, another experience, or a refund.

You can cancel for a full refund up to 24 hours before the local start time. Changes or cancellations made within 24 hours are not accepted for a refund.

Wear a swimsuit and bring sunscreen. Keep personal belongings light because storage is limited and the beach transfer may require swimming. If you are sensitive to motion, take sensible precautions before sailing.

FAQ

How long does the yacht and snorkel tour last?

The experience lasts approximately five hours. It begins at 8 a.m. and returns to the Vallarta Adventures meeting point at the Maritime Terminal.

Is hotel pickup included?

No. You must make your own way to Vallarta Adventures at Puerto Mágico, Maritime Terminal, Boulevard Francisco Medina Ascencio 30-G1.

What food is included?

Lunch is included and is described as deli-style, with items such as guacamole, chips, shrimp cocktail, fresh fruit, sandwiches, and dessert. The exact menu may vary by departure.

Are drinks included?

Yes. An unlimited premium open bar is included onboard. At Majahuitas, the available drinks may be limited to beer, water, hibiscus water, or juice.

Is snorkeling equipment provided?

Yes. Snorkeling equipment and stand-up paddleboards are included. A banana boat has operated on some departures, but it is not listed as a guaranteed inclusion.

What is the cancellation policy?

You can cancel up to 24 hours before the local start time for a full refund. Poor weather or failure to meet the minimum number of participants may lead to a rescheduled date or a full refund.

Should you book it?

Book this cruise if your ideal Puerto Vallarta morning includes a comfortable catamaran, a friendly crew, steady drinks, a secluded cove, and a mix of swimming and light adventure. The excellent service and smaller group are the strongest reasons to choose it, and the coastal ride can produce memorable whale sightings.

Skip it if you are expecting a private yacht, a gourmet seafood lunch, or serious reef snorkeling. Go in knowing that Majahuitas is a short beach stop, the route may change, the water can be rough, and extra fees and photo sales are possible. With those limits clear, this is a good-value boat day, especially for a small group that wants scenery, food, and fun without the biggest party-boat crowds.