Puerto Vallarta: Luxury Yacht Tour with Lunch and Open Bar

Puerto Vallarta’s best boat day is not just about sitting in the sun. This five-hour yacht trip carries you across the Bay of Banderas to Majahuitas Cove, where you can snorkel, paddleboard, swim, or simply stretch out while the crew handles lunch and drinks. I like the mix of active water time and easy deck lounging, plus the chance to spot dolphins, turtles, tropical fish, and possibly whales.

I also like that the trip includes the gear, towels, lunch, and open bar, so the $119 price covers more than the boat ride itself. The main caution is time: roughly three hours are spent cruising to and from the cove, leaving about two hours for water activities. The harbor fee adds another $28 in cash per person, and boat size can vary.

Key points to know before booking

• Majahuitas Cove is the main event: Expect rainforest-framed coast, beach time, snorkeling, swimming, and paddleboarding in one stop.
• The ride is part of the experience: The outbound and return cruises provide wide views across the Bay of Banderas and Puerto Vallarta’s coast.
• Lunch and drinks are included: You get an open bar, hors d’oeuvres, a meal, towels, and water-sports equipment.
• Marine life is possible, not promised: Dolphins, sea turtles, tropical fish, and whales have been seen during the trip, but nature sets the schedule.
• The harbor fee is extra: Bring $28 per person in cash for the federal cruise-port fee.
• Confirm the departure details: Boats leave from meeting points associated with Las Palmas 39 and Puerto Mágico, and Vallarta Adventures asks you to confirm the exact location in advance.

Setting out across the Bay of Banderas

The boat leaves Puerto Vallarta and heads into the Bay of Banderas, one of the main reasons to choose this outing. You get a changing view of the shoreline, open water, and the southern coast rather than a short ride straight to a beach.

The scenic cruise takes about 1.5 hours in each direction. That is a good amount of time if you enjoy being on the water, taking photos, watching for sea life, or claiming a sunny spot on deck. It is less appealing if you want a full afternoon at the beach or expect nonstop snorkeling.

The yacht is arranged for comfort, with lounge seating and places to sunbathe. One recent boat had about 25 people and several bathrooms, while another account described a vessel holding at least 50. That difference matters. You should not book this expecting a small private charter. The boat and group feel may vary, and a larger departure can make the water activities feel more organized than personal.

The crew serves drinks during the ride, and the trip begins with light food such as fruit on at least some departures. That helps make the long cruise feel like part of the outing rather than dead time.

Arriving at Majahuitas Cove

Majahuitas Cove is a beach area south of Puerto Vallarta, backed by tropical rainforest. Its appeal comes from the contrast with the city: after the marina and open bay, you reach a quieter coastal setting where the focus shifts to swimming and sea life.

You get about two hours at the cove. That window may include snorkeling, stand-up paddleboarding, swimming, and free time on or near the beach. You can choose your pace. If you want to use every included activity, plan to move efficiently. If you would rather sit with a drink and enjoy the setting, there is room for that too.

The cove is especially useful for mixed groups. One person can snorkel while another paddles, swims, or stays on deck. That flexibility is one of the tour’s strongest features because nobody has to spend the entire stop doing the same thing.

Snorkeling conditions can change with wind, waves, visibility, and the day’s exact location. The trip includes snorkeling equipment, but the experience may be more about a pleasant swim and a quick look at tropical fish than a long reef session. A recent departure included about 30 minutes of snorkeling and additional time near an island where people could swim from the boat.

If you hope to see whales, keep your expectations sensible. Whales and dolphins were spotted on recent outings, and the Bay of Banderas can offer memorable wildlife sightings. Still, no crew can guarantee animals will appear, and the main reason to book is the coast and water time, not a promised wildlife encounter.

Snorkeling, paddleboarding, and swimming time

The water activities are simple, accessible options rather than a serious sports program. Snorkeling equipment and a paddleboard are included, and towels are provided. You do not need to arrange a separate rental at the beach.

I like this setup because you can test each activity without committing to a full rental period. Paddleboarding offers a quiet way to look back at the coast, while snorkeling lets you search for tropical fish closer to the waterline. Swimming is the easiest choice if you want no equipment at all.

The trip is not suitable for people with mobility impairments or wheelchair users. Boarding a yacht, moving around the boat, and getting into the water require a reasonable level of physical ability. The information does not specify the exact method for entering the water, so anyone with balance or movement concerns should ask Vallarta Adventures before paying.

The water stop can also feel short for active swimmers. With about two hours at Majahuitas and several activities competing for your attention, you may need to choose your priority. I would snorkel first if sea life matters most, then use remaining time for swimming or paddleboarding.

Lunch, open bar, and time on deck

After the water activities, lunch is served during the return cruise. Hors d’oeuvres and a fruit snack may also be offered during the day, and the open bar runs as part of the service. Recent feedback praised both the food and the steady drink service.

This is where the price begins to make more sense. You are not paying only for transport to Majahuitas. You are also getting a staffed yacht, water equipment, towels, lunch, and drinks without having to leave the boat to find food or a beach bar.

The open bar suits people who want a relaxed social day. It is also useful for anyone who would rather avoid planning meals and refreshments in the heat. You should still think about your own comfort on a moving boat, especially if the sea is rough. One recent outing had larger waves than usual, although the crew took care to keep the group safe.

Deck space gives you another choice. You can sit in the shade, find a lounge seat, or sunbathe when you are not in the water. The trip works best when you treat the cruise itself as part of the day. If you view the 1.5-hour return as wasted time, the overall value will feel weaker.

How the timing affects the value

The advertised duration is five hours. The working pattern is about 1.5 hours cruising out, two hours at Majahuitas, and 1.5 hours returning. That makes the experience a half-day boat excursion with one main coastal stop.

A recent departure involved arriving around 8:00 a.m., passing through port procedures, boarding around 8:30, and returning in the early afternoon. Exact start times can vary, so check availability when booking and confirm the meeting instructions.

The schedule is tightly planned. That is good for keeping lunch, water activities, and the return trip on track. It also means you should not expect to linger at the beach if the group is due back on the yacht.

One critical detail is the federal cruise-port security process. Everyone must pass through airport-style security, and large bags or luggage are not allowed. Bring your passport or ID card, but leave bulky items behind. The harbor fee is not included, costs $28 per person, and is payable in cash.

Hotel pickup and drop-off are not included. The listed meeting information refers to Las Palmas 39 and Puerto Mágico, but there can be different boats using the two meeting locations. Contact Vallarta Adventures before departure to confirm exactly where you need to go.

Group size, crew service, and onboard comfort

The crew is a major part of the experience. The service includes food and drink delivery, help with water activities, and safety guidance when conditions become choppy. Charlie received particular praise for being kind and accommodating, and other departures were described as friendly and attentive.

That personal service helps smooth out the practical parts of a boat day. You do not need to organize snorkeling gear, paddleboard access, towels, or lunch on your own. The crew also keeps the schedule moving, which is useful when several activities must fit into a short stop.

Still, this is a shared excursion, not a private yacht charter. The available accounts describe boats ranging from around 25 people to at least 50, so the level of space and attention can change. If you want quiet sailing, personal route choices, or a secluded beach visit, a private charter may suit you better.

The boat can be comfortable for a shared tour. One recent departure had four bathrooms and plenty of lounging areas, although that setup should not be treated as a guarantee for every boat. Ask about the assigned vessel if onboard facilities are important to you.

What the $119 price really buys

At $119 per person, the tour is not the cheapest way to reach a beach near Puerto Vallarta. You also need to add the $28 cash harbor fee, bringing the known cost to $147 per person before any optional purchases.

The value improves if you plan to use the included features. Lunch, an open bar, snorkeling gear, paddleboard access, towels, guided service, and a full yacht cruise would cost extra if arranged separately. You also get a coordinated trip to Majahuitas without having to plan transport, food, and equipment on your own.

The value drops if you mainly want beach time. Two hours at the cove can feel brief, particularly when the cruise takes more than half the total duration. The experience is best understood as a scenic yacht day with a water stop, not as a long beach stay.

Photography may also add to the final bill. One departure offered photos for purchase at about $160, though this is not part of the included package. You can enjoy the tour without buying them, but be prepared for optional photo sales at the end.

A strong rating of 4.8 from 23 bookings points to a consistently well-received experience, but the smaller sample and differing reports about boat capacity suggest you should keep your expectations flexible. The service and food are likely strengths; the exact crowd level and sea conditions are less predictable.

Who should book this yacht tour

I would recommend this trip to couples, families with older children, and groups of friends who want a polished half-day on the water. It suits you especially well if you enjoy switching between activities rather than spending the whole day on a beach.

It is also a good match if you like having costs bundled together. The open bar and lunch remove much of the usual planning, while the included gear means you can snorkel or paddleboard without arranging rentals.

You may prefer another option if you need wheelchair access, have limited mobility, dislike group excursions, or want a long snorkeling session. It is also not ideal if you are counting every dollar, since the harbor fee is substantial and the total includes a fair amount of cruising.

Bring identification, cash for the harbor fee, swimwear, sun protection, and only a small personal bag. The tour runs rain or shine, so check the forecast but do not assume light rain automatically cancels the outing.

Should you book it?

Book this yacht tour if your ideal Puerto Vallarta day includes a comfortable boat, coastal views, lunch, drinks, and a short menu of water activities. The combination is convenient, friendly, and easy to enjoy, and sightings of dolphins or whales can turn the cruise into something special.

Skip it if you want a private boat, a long beach stay, or guaranteed wildlife. The $119 price, plus the $28 port fee, is fair when you use the food, drinks, equipment, and service, but the tour asks you to accept a shared boat and a schedule that gives you only about two hours at Majahuitas.

FAQ

How long is the Puerto Vallarta yacht tour?

The tour lasts five hours, including the outbound cruise, time at Majahuitas Cove, lunch, and the return cruise.

What activities are available at Majahuitas Cove?

You can snorkel, swim, use a stand-up paddleboard, or spend free time enjoying the beach and surrounding coast.

Is snorkeling equipment included?

Yes. Snorkeling equipment is included in the tour price.

Is paddleboarding included?

Yes. A paddleboard is included for use during the water stop.

Is lunch included?

Yes. Lunch is included, along with hors d’oeuvres and, on some departures, a fruit snack.

Does the tour include an open bar?

Yes. An open bar is included during the yacht trip.

How much is the harbor fee?

The federal harbor fee is $28 per person. It is not included in the tour price and must be paid in cash.

Is hotel pickup included?

No. Hotel pickup and drop-off are not included. You should confirm the exact meeting point with Vallarta Adventures before departure.

What should I bring?

Bring a passport or ID card. Large bags and luggage are not allowed.

Can wheelchair users join the tour?

No. The tour is not suitable for wheelchair users or people with mobility impairments.