Sun and sea with a real VIP feel. This half-day trip in Puerto Vallarta keeps things small (max 40) and packs in boat views you cannot get from the Malecon. You’ll get snorkeling gear plus a tasty lunch, and the unlimited open bar is a big part of the fun. One thing to consider: time in the water and on shore can feel tight depending on sea conditions, and the ride can be bouncy.

What I like most is the mix of activities without feeling rushed: cruise along the Bay of Banderas, snorkel at Majahuitas, then relax at the cove. The lunch setup is also a plus, with guacamole, shrimp cocktails, fruit, and chips and guac’ all built into the day. A possible drawback is that not every stop is run like a full lounge day—on the beach, the “open bar” experience can be more limited than you might expect, and motion sickness is a real risk when waves pick up.

Small-group cap (40 people) makes it feel more personal than the big-boat scene.

Unlimited premium open bar keeps the mood easy from cruise time to the beach.

Snorkel + paddleboard gear included means you can show up and just go.

Majahuitas Beach is the main event, a secluded cove by lush rainforest.

Sea conditions control the route, so expect a flexible plan.

Photo upsells are common, with digital packages offered at checkout.

A small-group Leopard catamaran day on Bay of Banderas

This tour runs out of Puerto Vallarta in the morning, starting at 8:00 am from Vallarta Adventures at Terminal Marítima in Puerto Mágico (Zona Hotelera Nte.). You’ll head out on a Leopard catamaran with a stated max of 40 travelers, which is a sweet spot for staying social without being squeezed.

The vibe here is crew-led and hands-on. Even before you’re in the water, there’s a strong focus on keeping things moving smoothly—drinks get topped up often, and the staff is part of the experience. If you want a day on the water that still feels organized, this is one of the easier ways to do it without needing to plan every step.

One practical note: the route and sight stops are sea-condition dependent. That means some departures may pass by classic PV landmarks like Los Arcos and you’ll get your views of the Malecon boardwalk from the water, but exact timing can shift.

Price and what you actually get for $119

At $119 per person for a 5-hour (approx.) half-day, the headline value is that your big costs are bundled. You get a day cruise on a luxury yacht (catamaran), lunch, snorkeling equipment, and stand up paddleboards, plus an unlimited premium open bar.

That’s the “on paper” side. The “watch this” side is the extra fees that don’t get fully baked into the $119:

• The Bay of Banderas admission fee is listed at $40 per person (not included).
• You may also run into a mandatory port fee of 30 pesos per person before departure (this comes up in real-world check-in experiences, so it’s worth planning for).

So the true all-in price can be higher than the sticker. If you want to compare fairly with other tours, I’d treat it like this: the $119 covers a lot of the experience, but the day can add a fee on top depending on what’s collected at the port.

Then there’s the optional stuff that can add cost:

• There’s typically a photo/videography service on board. Digital packages have been sold around the $100 USD range in some cases, and it’s often easy to say no if you want.

If you’re the type who actually drinks during the cruise and enjoys paddleboarding and snorkeling gear with no extra rental stops, this tends to pencil out better. If you only want water time and minimal alcohol, you might feel like you’re paying for parts you won’t use.

The morning cruise: routes change, but the views stay good

Your day is built around cruising first, then activities. You’ll move south along the Bay of Banderas, with the exact path set by the day’s conditions. Expect a lot of coastline scenery and boat-time atmosphere.

Here’s what you can reasonably hope to see:

• Coastline and ocean views you can’t get from the street
• Possible passing by Los Arcos depending on route and weather
• A sea-level look at the Malecon boardwalk, viewed while you cruise through the bay

Also keep expectations aligned on timing. Some sailings feel like they spend more time on the water before the action begins. That’s not a flaw—it can be part of the pleasure, especially if you’re just in vacation mode. But if you’re hoping for nonstop snorkeling, I’d come in knowing that the schedule flexes.

Majahuitas Beach: the main stop and the key to the day

The heart of the experience is Majahuitas Beach, a secluded cove just south of Puerto Vallarta, surrounded by tropical rainforest. The tour includes admission for this stop, and it’s the moment most people are really booking for.

You’ll get entry into the cove area for swimming and relaxing. The crew guides the flow, and this is also where you’ll see the “VIP” feel show up—drinks keep coming, food is available, and the staff keeps an eye on people as they move between boat and water.

A big practical detail: getting to the beach can involve entering the water from the boat, not just stepping off onto a dock. That affects what you can safely bring ashore. If you’ve packed a favorite towel or electronics, keep it waterproof. Plan to travel light in your hands.

Snorkeling at the cove: short, gear-provided, and sea-dependent

Snorkeling gear is included, and the crew typically handles the setup and safety reminders. The snorkeling session length can vary. Some departures offer a quick hit before moving to beach time, so it’s smart to show up ready to go once you’re at the spot.

Wildlife sightings are possible. Depending on the day and conditions, people have reported seeing animals like dolphins and turtles, and in at least one case a manta ray and sea turtle were spotted.

One reality check: snorkeling isn’t guaranteed to look like a coral aquarium. Some people found the snorkeling to have limited coral, even if fish were present. So I’d treat it as a chance to see marine life and have an enjoyable time in clear water, not as a guaranteed “best reef on earth” experience.

Paddleboards and the “extra fun” factor

Stand up paddleboards are included, and this is where the day can turn into a mini water party. If you’re comfortable on a board, you’ll get more value from the tour than someone who only wants passive swimming.

Safety gear matters here too. Life vests are required when you’re in the water, and that can be a little annoying if you’re used to snorkeling without them. Still, it’s the responsible call.

Open bar: unlimited promise, but understand what “beach bar” can mean

The tour advertises unlimited premium open bar, and the cruise phase is usually where that shines. Drinks tend to be continuously available while you’re sailing and during the main action window, and staff keep things moving so you’re not hunting for a cup.

At the beach stop, the exact bar setup can vary. Some people found the beach bar options to be more basic—think beer and non-alcoholic drinks rather than full cocktail service. That doesn’t necessarily mean the “unlimited” part disappears; it means the type of service may change once you’re off the boat.

There’s also the issue of consistency. One experience included a claim that only one alcoholic drink was served to a pair for the entire tour. That’s not the norm in the overall ratings, but it’s enough to suggest a simple strategy: if you’re drinking, stay visible and ask early and often. A cheerful reminder to the crew usually fixes small service issues fast.

If you get seasick easily, the drinks won’t help. Bring motion sickness medication if that’s you, and plan on wearing a life vest and taking the waves seriously.

Lunch and food: what’s included and what to watch for

Lunch is included and it’s described as a deli-style spread with Mexican favorites. You should expect:

• Guacamole
• Shrimp cocktails
• Fresh fruit
• Chips and guac
• A meal style that can include sandwiches and additional items

In many cases, the food is described as made with care and presented as more than just snacks. A number of people also mention a charcuterie-style lunch and dessert.

But I’d be honest about expectations. Some people felt the meal didn’t match the level implied by the word luxury, especially when it came down to sandwiches and the lack of a more seafood-forward spread on their specific day. So if you’re a food-first traveler, come with flexibility.

If you have allergies

One review mentions a shellfish allergy, with the person unable to eat the shrimp component but finding other parts workable. If you have allergies, I’d treat this as a “tell the crew clearly” situation before food starts. Don’t assume substitutions without asking.

Packing tips that make the whole thing easier

This tour is all about being in and out of the water, then drying off later, so packing smart is a big deal.

Bring sunscreen and reapply—it’s a daytime cruise with sun exposure.

Pack motion sickness help if you’re sensitive; a few people reported getting seasick when the waves were up.

Wear a swimsuit you can live in for several hours, since you’ll be wearing life vests while swimming.

Expect towel logistics to be tricky if the beach requires entering the water from the boat. If you want a towel, keep it for your after-swim moment and keep it protected until you’re sure you can carry it safely.

Also consider power management for your phone. If you’re taking photos at sea, you’ll want a way to keep your phone safe from splashes.

The people make it feel VIP: names you might hear

The experience is very crew-driven, and the same names come up repeatedly in the real-world experience reports you shared.

If your captain or crew includes Captain Victor, John Luis, Alex, Juan Luis, or Diego Chihuahua for snorkeling guidance, you’re likely to get clear directions and a lively tone. Other names mentioned include Daniel, Pablo, Jennifer, Felipe, Sylvino, Judy, Charlie, and George.

Why this matters: on water days, small things—where to stand, when to enter, how to adjust fins or board stance—turn into the difference between stress and fun. When the crew communicates well, the tour feels effortless.

Who should book this tour, and who should skip it

Best fit

I think this tour fits best if you want:

• A small-group day cruise rather than a crowded boat
• A strong drinks + beach + water activities mix
• Snorkeling and paddleboarding without needing to bring gear
• A relaxed half-day plan that shows you PV from the water

It can be a great choice for couples, birthdays, and bachelorette groups, where the “easy fun” vibe matters as much as the scenery.

Consider skipping if…

This may not be ideal if:

• You’re extremely prone to seasickness and you hate bouncy boats
• You expect a long, reef-style snorkeling session with lots of coral
• You need guaranteed full cocktail service at the beach stop
• You have strict allergy needs and want very specific meal components without surprises

Should you book this Puerto Vallarta yacht and snorkel day?

If you want a 5-hour slice of PV with a small boat, included snorkeling gear, paddleboards, lunch, and unlimited open bar, this is one of the better ways to spend a morning that still leaves you time to do other things later in town.

Before you book, do three quick checks:

• Budget for the Bay of Banderas admission fee and possible port fee so you’re not shocked at checkout.
• Pack for water logistics (and towel protection) since the beach can require swimming in.
• If you care about cocktails at the beach, plan for the bar to be more basic than the cruise phase.

If those points don’t bother you, you’ll likely love the combination of scenery, water time, and that friendly crew energy that makes the day feel like a step up from the big-boat crowd.

FAQ

How long is the Luxury Yacht & Snorkel tour?

It runs for about 5 hours.

What time does the tour start?

The start time is 8:00 am.

Is the open bar included?

Yes. The tour includes an unlimited premium open bar.

Is snorkeling equipment included?

Yes. Snorkeling equipment is included, along with stand up paddleboards.

Is lunch included?

Yes. Lunch is included and is served deli-style with items like guacamole, shrimp cocktails, fresh fruit, and chips and guac’.

Do I need to pay extra fees?

Yes. The Bay of Banderas admission fee ($40 per person) is listed as not included. A mandatory port fee (30 pesos per person) may also be collected prior to departure.

Where do I meet the tour?

The meeting point is Vallarta Adventures | Terminal MarítimaN Puerto Mágico (Zona Hotelera Nte., Blvd. Francisco Medina Ascencio 30-G1).

What’s the age requirement?

The minimum age is 10.

Can I bring a drone?

No. Drones are prohibited.

Is cancellation free?

Yes. You can cancel for a full refund up to 24 hours before the experience starts.

You Might Also Enjoy

Zadar:Speedboat Tour Thrill Ride with Snorkeling on 3 islandMnemba Island: Dolphin Swim & Snorkeling with Optional LunchÎle aux Bénitiers: Snorkeling w/Dolphins Boat Tour & LunchReykjavík: Silfra Fissure Snorkeling between Two Continents