Snorkel off a small luxury catamaran. This 5-hour Bay of Banderas cruise feels special thanks to the max 40 travelers vibe and an unlimited open bar at sea. You’re also riding a Leopard catamaran toward spots most people can’t reach on foot. One thing to plan for: the ocean decides the pace, and a few travelers noted rougher conditions can bring on seasickness.

I like that the day balances real water time with real food. At Majahuitas Cove, you get snorkeling gear and stand-up paddleboards included, and the lunch comes in a tasty Mexican style (guacamole, chips, shrimp cocktails, fruit, and more). The main drawback is space and logistics: some people reported limited room for bags and the beach landing can mean you’re mostly going hand-to-shore without towel-carrying comforts.

The Float to Majahuitas: Why This Cruise Feels Like a VIP Day

This tour is built around comfort and control—by keeping the group small and the crew focused on you. On bigger Vallarta boat days, you often feel like part of a moving crowd. Here, with the stated limit of 40 people, it’s easier to move around, ask questions, and actually hear instructions when it’s time to get in the water.

The other value piece is the mix of experiences. You don’t just “snorkel and leave.” You cruise past major coast landmarks from the water, then spend focused time at Majahuitas Beach, with paddleboarding available in between. If you’re doing this as a half-day plan, it’s a good way to see a lot without turning the day into a constant transfer game.

Where You Go From Puerto Vallarta (And Why Sea Conditions Matter)

You start at Vallarta Adventures near Terminal Marítima N Puerto Mágico, with an 8:00 am departure. From there, you head south along the Bay of Banderas, and the exact route adjusts based on sea conditions.

That matters because it changes what you’ll see from the boat. On calmer days, you may pass by Los Arcos and get sea views of landmarks like the Malecon Boardwalk. If the ocean is choppy, the crew may shift the route and timing to keep things safe and comfortable.

This is also why the whole day can feel consistent even when it’s not identical. Some travelers described a smooth, scenic cruise and an enjoyable pace. Others said the snorkeling time felt short due to conditions. You’re paying for an ocean day, so think of the schedule as flexible—not a stopwatch.

The Leopard Catamaran Ride: Comfort, Crew Attention, and Small-Group Energy

You’re on a deluxe Leopard catamaran, and the boat size is a big part of why people recommend this one. Several reviews praised the crew’s attentiveness, and you’ll often see the same theme: drinks and food stay topped up without you hunting staff.

You may meet guides and captains who show up by name in reviews—people like Captain Victor, Captain John Luis, and guides such as Diego Chihuahua. The key is that the staff seems to run this like a guided experience, not just a ride to a beach.

If you’re someone who hates waiting around, the best part is how the crew handles the flow. People said they didn’t have to constantly get up for drinks or ask where lunch was. And if you’re celebrating—bachelorettes and birthdays were called out specifically—the crew’s service style tends to make it feel more like a planned party than a cattle-queue outing.

Majahuitas Beach Stop: The Cove Time That Makes the Day

Majahuitas Cove is the main reason to choose this tour. It’s described as a secluded beach area just south of Puerto Vallarta, bordered by lush tropical scenery. Even when snorkeling conditions aren’t perfect, the beach stop tends to land well because you’re arriving early, before the big crowds.

On the water side, the experience includes snorkeling gear and stand-up paddleboards. That gives you two ways to enjoy the sea without feeling locked into one activity. If you’re new to snorkeling, the guides are there to help you get set. If you’re more confident, you still get to spend time at your pace.

What to watch for: a few reviews mention having to swim from the boat to the shore, which affects what you can bring. One person said they couldn’t keep towels with them since you can’t really walk around the landing dry. So if you hate soggy stuff, go light on gear you care about.

Snorkeling at the Spot: Expect Fish, Varying Water, and Real Guidance

Snorkeling is included, and some travelers saw plenty of colorful fish. A few also spotted sea turtles, and whales were seen during the cruise portion on some days. Still, it’s not a guarantee that you’ll see dramatic coral scenes every time. One reviewer noted limited coral and mentioned the snorkel site wasn’t special for a seasoned tropical diver.

Here’s the practical way to think about it: you’re booking an easy, guided ocean adventure with equipment provided. You’re not booking a fragile, high-end reef safari. If you want a guaranteed “wow” under every cloud condition, no one can promise that.

Also, plan for water time that might be shorter than you’d hope. One couple said they snorkeled for about 20 minutes before heading to the beach. Others felt they got enough time to swim and relax. The crew runs the day around the ocean, so bring patience, not expectations of fixed minutes.

One more safety note that came up: you may be required to wear a life vest anytime you’re in the water. That can feel annoying in the moment, but it’s a common safety approach on small boats with lots of water play.

Open Bar and Lunch: The Value Add (With a Realistic Reality Check)

Let’s talk money’s worth. This price includes an unlimited premium open bar and a lunch. That’s a big deal in Puerto Vallarta where drinks can turn into the hidden cost on boat tours.

In practice, many people said they kept getting drinks without asking. Some called out the mango margaritas as a highlight. Food was also repeatedly praised: guacamole, chips, shrimp cocktails, fresh fruit, and deli-style lunch items.

Now the honest part. A couple of reviews said the lunch didn’t match the hype—sandwiches were described as fairly ordinary, and one person mentioned no seafood showed up on their trip. Another said the open bar on the island was more limited (beer, water, and juice) rather than full cocktail options.

So I’d frame it this way: you should expect plenty to eat and drink on the boat, and you’ll likely get a satisfying Mexican lunch. But if you’re very picky about seafood variety or cocktail selection at the beach stop, you should keep your expectations grounded.

Extra Water Toys: Paddleboards and Banana Boat Vibes

Stand-up paddleboards are included, which is a great add-on because you can switch activities if snorkeling conditions aren’t ideal. Paddleboarding also gives you a different view of the cove area—slow, calm, and fun for people who want a lighter pace.

Some reviews also mention a banana boat ride and other beach-side water fun. One person warned it can get rough depending on how the boat driver runs it, and a parent advised extra care for kids in the water. If you see the banana boat offered that day, treat it like a bonus rather than the centerpiece.

Wildlife and Views: Los Arcos, Whales, Dolphins, and Big Coast Photography

This is the part you can’t fake with photos on land. The cruise gives you sea-level angles of the coast, including potential passing views of Los Arcos. The Malecon Boardwalk is also mentioned as something you’ll see while cruising through the bay.

On wildlife, some travelers reported seeing dolphins and turtles. Others said whales (including humpback whales) were spotted on the return trip, and the boat stopped when they were sighted. If wildlife matters to you, this tour can deliver those moments—just don’t count on it every day.

And yes, the photography is part of the experience. There’s often a photographer onboard and at the beach stop, including video/photo capture. Multiple reviews said photo packages cost extra, with one mention of around $100 USD for digital photos. If you’re budget-conscious, decide ahead of time whether you want the package.

Price and Value: What $119 Buys You in Real Terms

At about $119 per person for a 5-hour luxury-style half-day, the value is the package deal. You’re not just paying for a boat ride. You’re paying for:

• snorkeling equipment
• stand-up paddleboards
• a full lunch-style meal
• and an unlimited open bar

Then there’s one more cost you should expect: the Bay of Banderas admission/port fees aren’t included. The data lists a $40 per person admission fee, and reviews mention additional mandatory port fees paid in pesos. Translation: bring some cash and don’t plan on rounding to the exact total on the booking screen.

If you compare this to day trips that fill 80–120 people into a boat, the small group alone can feel worth it. Many people framed it as a “relative bargain” if you avoid upsells that add cost later. Even without upsells, the included food and drinks are a big part of why people feel satisfied.

Logistics That Can Make or Break Your Day

Here’s what I’d plan around before you go, based on what people actually ran into.

Motion sickness: If you’re prone to it, pack Dramamine. One review specifically advised taking it, and others said the waves made them seasick.

Port and meeting point: The meeting spot is described as a bit messy getting into the port. Once you’re checked in, the process seems to go smoothly.

Bags and belongings: People mentioned there wasn’t much space to put bags and that belongings/towels can be tough if you must swim to shore. Keep your valuables minimal and plan for wet gear.

What to wear: Bring swimwear and something you can get wet. If you want comfortable beach time, you’ll want a quick-drying cover-up and shoes you don’t mind losing grip on wet sand.

Snacks vs hunger: One person said you don’t really need breakfast for the early trip, but if you wake up hungry, a light snack before the 8:00 am start is still smart. You’ll be eating lunch later anyway.

Who This Tour Is Best For (And Who Should Think Twice)

This cruise fits best for couples, groups, and families who want an easy, guided Puerto Vallarta ocean day without doing a big production. It’s also a strong pick for people who care about service style—reviews repeatedly mention attentive crews and a lively vibe with music and constant drink service.

It’s also ideal if you want a mix of snorkeling plus downtime at a secluded cove, rather than rushing from one place to another.

If you’re a serious marine-life hunter, go in with realistic expectations. Some reviewers felt marine life was limited compared to what they hoped for, and coral scenery may not be the main story.

If you hate waves or can’t handle motion, think carefully. The tour is great on calmer days, but rougher seas can change how comfortable you feel.

Should You Book This Luxury Yacht & Snorkel in Puerto Vallarta?

Book it if you want a small-group Puerto Vallarta snorkeling experience with included lunch and an open bar, and you like the idea of seeing coastline landmarks from the water. The Majahuitas Cove stop is the heart of the day, and the crew attention is a consistent theme.

Skip or re-think it if you need guaranteed snorkeling length or a major coral-heavy reef scene. Also be honest about motion sickness risk and your tolerance for wet landing logistics and life vest rules.

If you do book, do it smart: bring sunscreen, a motion-sickness helper if you need it, and a little local cash for port/admission fees. And decide early about photo purchases so you’re not stressed at the end of the day.

FAQ

How long is the Luxury Yacht & Snorkel tour?

It’s about 5 hours.

What time does the tour start, and where does it meet?

It starts at 8:00 am. The meeting point is Vallarta Adventures at Terminal Marítima N Puerto Mágico.

How many people are on the boat?

The tour has a maximum of 40 travelers.

Is lunch included, and what kind of food is served?

Lunch is included as a deli-style meal. The food described includes items like guacamole, shrimp cocktails, chips, fresh fruit, and other lunch selections.

Is snorkeling gear and paddleboarding included?

Yes. Snorkeling equipment and stand-up paddleboards are included.

Is the open bar unlimited, and is it premium?

The tour includes unlimited premium open bar.

Are there extra fees for the Bay of Banderas?

Yes. A Bay of Banderas admission fee is listed as $40.00 per person, and some people also mentioned mandatory port fees paid in pesos.

Is hotel pickup included?

No. Hotel pickup and drop-off are not included.

Are drones allowed?

No. Drones are prohibited under regulations provided for the tour.

What is the cancellation window?

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