Want your own slice of Banderas Bay? This private yacht experience with three waterslides turns a typical cruise into your group’s water-day in Puerto Vallarta. You can also customize where you go within Bahia de Banderas, so the day feels less like a schedule and more like a plan you control.

I especially like the open bar setup and the fact that snacks are built into the package. I also like that the boat comes with enough water toys to keep different energy levels happy, from snorkeling gear to kayaks and paddle boards.

One thing to think about: this is not hotel pickup. You’ll need to pick your meeting place before you book, and transportation help is something you request.

Key things to know before you go

• Private charter for up to 15 people, so you set the tone (and the volume).
• Three waterslides plus a full set of extras like snorkel gear, kayaks, and paddle boards.
• Brand-name open bar with a long drink list, from beer and wine to tequila and margaritas.
• Fresh snacks included, including guacamole and ceviche with blue corn chips.
• Weather-flexible crew, including adjustments if conditions are rough.
• You choose the meeting place ahead of time, since hotel pickup isn’t included.

ChicaFUN 3: A Private Boat Day That Actually Feels Private

A big part of why this charter works is simple: you don’t share the boat with strangers. For a group of up to 15, that matters. You can swim, snack, and move between activities without feeling like you’re waiting for a turn.

The ChicaFUN 3 vibe is built around nonstop water fun, led by an experienced captain and a crew that stays hands-on. In real terms, that means you get help with what you need on the water, not just a checklist at the dock.

The day also has a planning advantage. Instead of being locked into one route, you can customize where you’d like to visit in Bahia de Banderas, with the cruise along the Puerto Vallarta coastline and the Bay of Banderas as the core.

Waterslides and Water Toys: The Included Fun You Can Use Right Away

The title isn’t exaggerating. This boat day includes three waterslides, and that alone changes the rhythm of the trip. It’s not only about sightseeing. It’s about the moments: laughing, taking turns, and building your own mini-adventure on the deck.

Beyond the slides, you get use of snorkeling equipment, kayaks, paddle boards, and water inflatables like a water mattress and water tubes. That lineup is great because it gives options for different comfort levels. If some people want to snorkel and others just want to float, nobody needs to sit out.

One small but important detail: the crew can help with practical things while you’re in the water. For example, I’ve seen accounts of staff bringing drinks to guests in the water and even helping with personal items. That kind of service turns a “fun idea” into a smoother day.

All-Inclusive Open Bar: What It Means for Your Group’s Budget

This is one of the most value-heavy parts of the package. The charter includes an open bar with brand-name options. The list is broad, from water, coffee, juices, and sodas to beer, wine, tequila, and mixed drinks like margaritas and pina coladas, plus champagne.

Why I like this for budgeting: it removes the awkward math. Once you’re out on the water, you shouldn’t have to think about paying extra for every round. For groups that include both adults who want cocktails and people who just want something refreshing, this setup keeps the day easy.

And it’s not only about alcohol. The open-bar phrasing includes basic drinks too, so kids and non-drinkers (if they’re in your group) aren’t stuck with limited options. Pair that with included snacks and you have fewer surprise expenses than many day tours.

Snacking on a Boat: Guacamole, Ceviche, and Real-Time Hunger Control

Included snacks are fresh and made on board: guacamole and ceviche with blue corn chips plus potato chips. That’s the kind of meal detail that matters on the water, where everyone gets hungry at the same time.

I also like the practical part: you don’t have to hunt for food after you’re already soaking wet. The snacks are just there, which keeps the fun moving.

If your group tends to snack throughout the day, the included spread helps you plan better. If your group eats light, you’ll still be covered, because you can control timing around slides and water activities.

Your 4-Hour Plan: Customize the Bay, Then Relax Into It

This charter runs about 4 hours. The structure is flexible, but the heart of the itinerary is consistent: cruising around the Bay of Banderas with time for water play.

Here’s how to think about the flow:

Cruise along Puerto Vallarta and the Bay of Banderas

You’ll start with a cruise along the Puerto Vallarta coastline and around the Bay of Banderas. Even if you’ve never been to the area, this gives you that classic “from the water” perspective—boats, coastline views, and a sense of distance from the busy parts of town.

Time for slides and water toys

The waterslides and included gear are the main event. You’ll want to plan for several swim sessions rather than treating this like one long swim. Turning the day into multiple short rounds works better, especially for mixed-age groups.

Custom stops within Bahia de Banderas

Your tour is described as private and customizable. That means you can work with the crew to decide what makes sense for your group. If your goal is more cruising than hopping between swimming spots, you can shape it that way. If your group wants lots of water time, your captain can steer the plan accordingly.

One useful note: a longer full-day version exists. For a 7-hour option, you can choose either the Marietas Islands or Yelapa Falls, but not both in the same day. That’s a helpful option if you’re planning a once-in-a-lifetime “bigger day” later.

Meeting Point Reality Check: Why It’s the One Detail to Fix Early

This tour works best when you lock in logistics early. Hotel pickup and drop-off are not included, and you must choose your meeting place before submitting your reservation.

In plain terms, don’t wait until the last minute to figure out how you’ll get to the dock area. If your group is coming from multiple places or you want a simpler arrival, you can request help with an affordable luxury transportation arrangement by contacting Gil, the owner.

Also keep in mind that the meeting point is described as near public transportation. That’s good news if you want an option that doesn’t rely on a private car for everyone.

If you’re traveling with kids or older adults, this is extra important. A smoother start often leads to a calmer, happier boarding experience, and you’re going to spend the day on the water.

Service on the Water: Helpful Crew, Fast Adjustments, Less Stress

The crew is a major reason this charter earns such strong ratings. I like that they’re described as fun and hands-on, not distant.

More importantly, they can adjust when conditions change. For instance, there’s an example of staff accommodating a trip during high winds. That’s not a small detail. Weather can make or break a boat day, and a crew that can adapt helps protect the trip’s main goal: fun time on the water.

You’ll also want to pay attention to how the staff handles the “small emergencies.” That includes holding items you don’t want to lose and supporting people as they switch between slide time, snorkeling, and floating. The smoother the service, the more your group stays in the moment.

Value and Price: Is $1,940 for Up to 15 a Good Deal

The price is $1,940 per group for up to 15 people for about 4 hours. If you spread it across a full group, you’re looking at roughly $129 per person. If you’re not at full capacity, the per-person cost climbs, which is normal for private charters.

Where the value comes in isn’t just the boat. It’s the combination of:

• waterslides and multiple water activities included
• brand-name open bar
• fresh snacks onboard
• snorkel and float gear, plus water toys like kayaks and paddle boards

Many boat experiences sell the boat and then bill separately for the fun parts. Here, the package is designed so your group can use the included gear immediately without tracking extra charges.

For families and mixed-age groups, the “everyone can do something” factor adds value too. You’re not paying for one activity that only a few people enjoy.

Who This Private Charter Fits Best

This is a strong fit if you want a water-focused day with minimal friction. I’d especially point it toward:

• Families with a wide age range, since the setup includes slides and calmer options like floating or paddle boards.
• Groups of friends who want drinks included and don’t want to keep leaving the water for snacks.
• Anyone who wants a private experience without feeling locked into a scripted route.

If you’re the type of group that loves planning details, it helps to know you can customize destinations within Bahia de Banderas. If you’re the type that prefers to relax, the cruise plus ready-to-use water fun is still a winning formula.

A Few Smart Tips to Make the Day Smoother

These are the small things that can improve the day fast:

• Pick a meeting place and plan arrival timing early. The tour requires it, and hotel pickup isn’t included.
• Bring a simple plan for who does slides first, who snorkels first, and who just floats. It reduces decision stress once you’re on board.
• In sun-and-water conditions, keep personal items organized. The crew can help, and having a plan means fewer lost-moment worries.
• Treat the day like multiple mini-sessions. Slides, snacks, and water toys each work best in rounds rather than one long stretch.

Also, if you’re hoping for wildlife sightings, keep expectations open. There are accounts of whale sightings on days like this, but it’s not something you should build your entire day around.

Should You Book ChicaFUN 3, or Look Elsewhere?

Book this if your group wants a private yacht with waterslides, included gear, and an open bar that keeps the day budget-friendly. It’s built for mixed energy levels, and the crew’s hands-on service seems to be a big part of why people feel taken care of.

Consider alternatives if your priority is a fixed sightseeing itinerary with specific named stops every time, or if you strongly prefer hotel pickup as part of the package. Since you’ll choose your meeting place in advance and hotel pickup isn’t included, you’ll want a plan that fits your travel style.

If you’re deciding between a standard group cruise and this private charter, this one is worth it when:

• you have enough people to make the per-person cost reasonable
• you want the waterslides and included water toys to be the centerpiece
• you value having drinks and snacks handled for you while you’re out on the water

FAQ

How many people are included in this private yacht charter?

The group size is up to 15 people.

How long is the ChicaFUN 3 tour?

The duration is about 4 hours.

Is pickup included with the tour?

Hotel pickup and drop-off are not included. Pickup is offered, but you must coordinate the meeting place in advance. You can also request help with transportation by contacting Gil, the owner.

What’s included in the open bar?

The bar includes brand-name drinks. You can choose from options like beer, wine, tequila, champagne, margaritas, pina coladas, and also non-alcoholic options like water, coffee, juices, and sodas.

What water activities and equipment are included?

You get use of snorkel equipment, kayaks, paddle boards, water mattress, and water tubes. The boat also features three waterslides.

Can the captain customize where you visit?

Yes. This is a private boat tour, and you can customize where you would like to visit within Bahia de Banderas.

Is this a private tour or shared with other groups?

It’s private. Only your group participates.

What is the cancellation policy?

You can cancel for a full refund up to 24 hours in advance. If you cancel less than 24 hours before the start time, you don’t receive a refund.