A private sailboat day with open-bar comfort.

This Chica Sailing Adventure lets you shape the time on the Bay of Banderas, from chill swimming breaks to a more adrenaline-leaning sail. I like that it’s truly private (your group only, not a mixed crowd), and I love the all-in vibe: brand-name open bar, fresh snacks, and sailing that feels built around your mood. The main thing to consider is logistics: there’s no hotel pickup, so you’ll need to get yourself to the marina meeting point.

On the water, the experience can be as relaxed or active as you want. In-season, you may even spot humpback whales, and the boat time includes the gear for snorkeling and paddle boarding. One possible drawback: the tour is only about 5 hours, so if you’re hoping for a long, slow, all-day cruise, you’ll want to pick your timing carefully.

Key Highlights You’ll Actually Care About

• Private by design: only your group goes out on the 41-foot Chica Sailing Adventure.
• Open bar + snacks included: you’re not stuck with basic drinks or “one small snack.”
• Water toys are part of the package: snorkeling equipment, paddle boards, and float options are included.
• You choose the vibe: sunset, sailing-focused time, or a secluded-bay style stop—no rigid itinerary.
• Whale season can add magic: humpback whales are possible during the right months.

Your Private 41-Foot Sailboat Day on the Bay of Banderas

This is the kind of Puerto Vallarta boat trip that feels like a proper rental, not a crowded shuttle. You’ll be on a 41-foot sailboat, built for sailing fun but also for hanging out—so the day can switch gears from “let’s move” to “let’s relax” without anyone rushing the schedule.

The best part for me is how the experience is framed around choice. You can plan for a romantic cruise, go for a more sailing-forward session, or aim for a quieter cove stop where swimming and snorkeling take center stage. And because it’s private, your group sets the tempo—music, activity level, and the kind of stops you want.

Paradise Village Pier: Where You Start, and Why “No Hotel Pickup” Matters

Your meeting point is Paradise Village Public Pier on Blvrd Nayarit in Nuevo Vallarta, with Chica Locca Tours as the operator. Pickup and drop-off aren’t included, so you’ll want to plan transportation ahead of time (taxi, ride share, or whatever works best where you’re staying).

This is one of those details that quietly shapes the whole trip. If you’re staying far from the pier, the “private” part can still feel great—but you’ll need the logistics sorted so you don’t end up stressed right before you step aboard. Also, you must choose your meeting place before submitting the reservation, so don’t wait until the last minute to finalize where you’ll check in.

Setting Your Own Route: How the Flexible Cruise Works

There’s no fixed itinerary in the strict sense. You meet at the pier, then you’re free to customize what the day looks like—while the crew handles the practical sailing side.

That flexibility matters because Puerto Vallarta conditions can change fast: wind, sea state, and where you’ll get the best water-time. A customizable plan lets your captain and crew steer toward the best version of your day—whether that’s more time sailing along the coastline or more time at a swim/snorkel stop.

Expect a format like this: you cruise the Bay of Banderas for a good chunk of time, then you build in water activities around what your group wants. Some groups lean hard into paddle boarding and snorkeling; others treat those as “when the mood hits” and focus more on relaxing on the water.

Bay of Banderas Cruise Time and Whale-Season Possibilities

Your cruising window is about 4 hours on the water around Puerto Vallarta’s coastline and the Bay of Banderas. That’s enough time to get that classic “wow, this coastline is dramatic” feeling, but it’s not so long that the day drags.

In season, humpback whales are possible. One of the most memorable details from the experience: people have reported seeing whales up close during their sailing day. If humpbacks are around, you’ll likely understand quickly why this is the sort of tour people get excited about—because a whale sighting changes the whole vibe instantly, and it’s not something you can guarantee on most tours.

Swim, Snorkel, Paddle Board, or Just Float: Included Water Toys

This isn’t a “watch from the boat” day. You get the equipment for snorkeling and paddle boarding, plus water float options like a water mattress and a water tube. That means you can do something active even if you don’t want to be in the water the entire time.

Here’s how I’d think about it before you go:

• If you’re a swimmer and want variety, snorkel gear + paddle boards let you switch activities.
• If you’re traveling with mixed comfort levels, the float items make it easy for everyone to participate without pressure.
• If you just want a break from walking around town, the water toys turn the boat into a mini beach hangout.

One nice practical detail: because the gear is included, you’re not hit with “pay extra for the basic equipment.” You can just use what’s available and enjoy the day.

The All-Inclusive Part: Open Bar, Ceviche, and Snacks That Don’t Feel Like Afterthoughts

The bar here is a big deal. It’s an open bar with brand-name options, including water, coffee, juices, sodas, mineral water, and drinks like piña colada, margaritas, beer, wine, tequila, and champagne—or whatever you choose to drink. That range matters. It means you can do casual sipping or go full celebration mode without having to calculate drink prices all day.

Food is also built into the vibe:

• Snacks include ceviche, fresh-made guacamole with blue corn chips, and potato chips.
• For morning tours, breakfast includes in-season fruit, muffins, and coffee/juices.

There’s an option to add a hot lunch of Mexican fajitas from the kitchen for an additional 200 pesos per person. If your group is the type that gets hungry mid-day, this add-on can be worth it because it turns the sail into a full-feeling meal day—not just snacks.

If you like capturing moments, there’s also a photographer option. You can also purchase souvenir photos, but reserving a photographer beforehand is the way to increase your odds of getting the kind of group shots you’ll actually want.

Crew Service and Personal Attention: Names You’ll Hear During Your Day

The crew is one of the strongest reasons people love this charter. Across the experience, the same theme shows up: the hosts are friendly, upbeat, and tuned into the group’s energy.

You might be welcomed by crew members like Gonzalo, Elon, Roberto, Alex, Eder/Eddar, Alonso, Victor, Lalo, Mario, Oswaldo, Pepe (Captain), Victorio, and others—so the specific names may vary by sailing date. But the pattern stays consistent: you’re taken care of without feeling like you’re performing.

The service style is also about real attention, not just smiles. People have described drinks staying full, food being excellent, and the day feeling personalized enough that the crew felt like friends by the time you returned. One standout detail: on a birthday celebration, the crew surprised the group with a cake within about 15 minutes—so if your trip is a celebration, tell them. This kind of small-in-the-moment care is exactly what makes a private charter feel worth it.

Price and Value: How $1,155 per Group Stacks Up

The price is $1,155 per group, up to 8. That sounds like a lot until you break it down by how the day is set up: private boat time, an open bar with brand-name drinks, snorkeling and paddle boarding gear, landing and facility fees, plus snacks (and breakfast on morning tours). Then you start to see why it can feel like good value—especially for couples or small groups who would otherwise pay for multiple separate activities.

There’s one nuance to note: the description also says it’s a great charter for groups up to 16. Since the published rate is per group up to 8, you should confirm exactly how headcount is handled for your specific booking. If you’re a larger group, it might still work out, but you’ll want everything confirmed before you pay.

My rule of thumb: if you’re comparing this to standard shared sailing tours, the private nature is the value engine. If you’re traveling with friends and you’ll actually use the water toys, and you want drinks/food included without add-on pricing drama, this charter format makes sense.

Small Trade-Offs to Plan For (So Your Day Stays Fun)

A few practical considerations can make or break your stress level:

• No hotel pickup/drop-off: you’ll need reliable transportation to Paradise Village Pier.
• You choose the meeting place before booking: double-check details so your check-in is smooth.
• It’s about 5 hours: great for a highlight day, but not an all-day escape.
• Weather and sea conditions matter: sailing days are more flexible than walking tours, but it’s still the ocean—so plan for changes in swim time depending on conditions.

Also, if you’re sensitive to boat motion, keep that in mind when you pick your day. The tour’s style is active enough that you’ll be moving around the deck, even if you’re mostly relaxing.

Should You Book This Chica Sailing Adventure?

Book it if you want a Puerto Vallarta boat day that’s private, activity-friendly, and good on the food/drink front. It’s especially appealing for couples, friend groups, and small celebrations—when you’ll benefit from a crew that can tailor the vibe and keep things moving without rushing.

I’d skip it or at least rethink if you can’t easily get to Paradise Village Pier or if you want a longer, slow itinerary with no time crunch. And if your group is hoping for a rigid schedule, this one is designed to be flexible—so you’ll need to be comfortable with customization happening on the water.

If you’re the type who loves coastline views, wants real water time with included gear, and doesn’t want to nickel-and-dime every comfort, this is a strong pick.

FAQ

How long is the Chica Sailing Adventure?

The tour is about 5 hours.

Is this a private tour or shared with other people?

It’s private. Only your group participates.

Where do we meet for the tour?

The meeting point is Chica Locca Tours Paradise Village Pier at Paradise Village Public Pier, Blvrd Nayarit, 63732 Nuevo Vallarta, Nay., Mexico.

Do you include hotel pickup and drop-off?

No. Hotel pickup and drop-off aren’t included.

What’s included with the open bar?

An open bar with brand-name drinks, including water, coffee, juices, sodas, mineral water, and options like piña colada margaritas, beer, wine, tequila, and champagne (and other choices you make).

What food and snacks are included?

Snacks include ceviche, fresh-made guacamole with blue corn chips, and potato chips. Morning tours also include in-season fruit, muffins, and coffee/juices.

Is snorkeling or paddle boarding included?

Yes. You get use of snorkel equipment and paddle boards, plus water mattress and water tube.

Is lunch available, or is it just snacks?

You can add a hot lunch of Mexican fajitas for an additional 200 pesos per person.

Is there a photographer option?

Yes. You can reserve a photographer to capture memories, and souvenir photos are also available for purchase.

What’s the cancellation policy?

You can cancel for free up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund. Within 24 hours of the start time, there’s no refund.