A private boat, and you call the shots. This ChicaFUN 4 charter lets you tailor your route in Bahía de Banderas while still targeting top-time snorkeling at Los Arcos National Park.

I especially like the way it’s set up as a true day-on-the-water experience: all-inclusive food, drinks, and water toys keep the vibe effortless.

What I really like is how the crew runs the day. You get plenty of chances to swim and snorkel with gear provided, plus kayaking and paddle boards, all while the captain helps shape where you’ll cruise next.

One thing to think about: you must select your meeting place before booking, and hotel pickup/drop-off is not included.

Key highlights worth knowing

• Custom route in Banderas Bay: tell the captain what you want to see, and they’ll take it from there.
• Los Arcos National Park focus: caves, granite arches, and prime snorkeling in one main stop.
• All-inclusive on the water: margaritas, beer, wine, piña coladas, champagne, and more, plus coffee, juices, and sodas.
• Water toys and gear provided: snorkel equipment, kayaks, paddle boards, and flotation items.
• Family-friendly energy: the setup includes deck-time fun like slides/jumping off (best if you’re traveling with kids).
• Limited to your group: private charter means you’re not sharing the boat with strangers.

Private Charter Power: You Pick the Route, Not Just the Package

This is a private yacht charter for up to 10 people, which matters more than it sounds. On a small boat, you can move with the flow of the day instead of living inside someone else’s schedule. You’re not stuck watching a checklist from a bigger tour; you’re steering the experience.

The big advantage here is that the itinerary is built to be flexible. You get a Puerto Vallarta coastline cruise, and then Los Arcos National Park is the main anchoring point south of the city. After that, you can customize where you want to go within Bahía de Banderas, and the crew takes care of the rest.

In practice, that’s the difference between a “great excursion” and a “we’ll talk about this later” day. You can lean into swimming, snorkeling, whale-spotting time, or just slowing down and enjoying the bay views.

The 4-Hour Flow: Coastline Cruising, Bay Time, and Los Arcos

The tour runs about 4 hours, so it’s long enough to enjoy multiple water moments, but short enough to avoid dragging your day into late afternoon. Plan for a solid chunk of time where the main event is the boat ride plus two big elements: cruising the bay and getting your water time at Los Arcos.

Cruising Puerto Vallarta’s coastline and the Bay of Banderas

Before the Los Arcos stop, you’ll cruise along the Puerto Vallarta coastline and around the Bay of Banderas. This is when the mood usually starts to click: the water goes from “looks nice from land” to “wow, this is why people come here.”

If you’re someone who likes views more than checkboxes, this portion is your warm-up. You’ll get open-water angles on the shoreline and the bay, and it sets you up for the next part, where the scenery changes from coastal views to rock formations and wildlife in the water.

Quick consideration: since it’s a private charter, you can spend more time drifting at your preferred spots, but you should also confirm with your captain how they’re thinking about timing once you get close to Los Arcos.

Los Arcos National Park: arches, caves, and a top snorkeling stop

South of Puerto Vallarta, Los Arcos National Park rises out of the sea with naturally occurring rock formations. This is where the snorkeling becomes the headline. The rock formations are surrounded by wildlife above and below the water, so you get that rare combo of scenery and sea life without needing a long transfer.

Expect the kind of water time that feels playful but still organized. The idea is to explore the caves and float through the giant granite arches while you snorkel. If your group likes exploring water features by float time rather than just “swim and hope,” this stop fits that style well.

What to do to enjoy it most: bring your snorkel-ready energy early. Put on gear during the approach if your crew suggests it, and don’t wait until you’re right at the rocks when visibility and timing may shift.

Snorkeling and Water Toys: More Than a Place to Stop

This charter is built around activity time. It’s not just a boat that takes you somewhere pretty and then moves on. You’re expected to use the water equipment.

Included gear and toys:

• Snorkel equipment
• Kayaks
• Paddle boards
• Water mattress and water tube
• Landing and facility fees

That list matters because it creates options for different comfort levels in your group. One person can snorkel; another can paddle; someone else can relax on the flotation while still feeling like they’re part of the “water game.”

In the reviews, the water toy time shows up again and again, especially for families. The deck setup can make it easy for kids to enjoy the boat without needing constant attention from adults. Even when someone is a little hesitant at first, having multiple ways to play helps.

Practical thought: if you’re bringing a range of ages, tell the captain what everyone is comfortable with early. You’ll waste less time and get more real swim-and-hang-out momentum.

All-Inclusive Drinks and Snacks: Why It Changes the Day

For many people, the best part of a boat trip is not only the water, it’s the lack of decision-making. Here, alcoholic beverages are included, along with a full list of non-alcohol options.

Included drinks and refreshers include:

• Margaritas, beer, wine, piña coladas, champagne
• Water, coffee, juices, sodas, mineral water
• And they’ll serve what you choose to drink

Food is handled in a similar way. You get snacks like fresh made guacamole with blue corn chips, plus potato chips.

On a boat, snacks and drinks aren’t just a bonus. They keep energy up for snorkeling and paddling, and they reduce the “let’s eat later” stress that often ruins momentum. Instead, you can stay in the moment, drink something cold, then hop back into the water.

One more tip: pace yourself. It’s easy to overdo it when the day feels like a vacation movie, but snorkeling and paddle boards go better when you’re steady and clear-eyed.

Crew and Captain: Service That Keeps the Day Moving

The captain and crew are a key part of why this charter gets such strong marks. A common theme is constant attention, quick service, and people feeling looked after without feeling managed.

You’ll hear names like Alex, Lalo, Ricky, and deck staff such as Ramses and Mario. Across the stories, the pattern is consistent: cups stay full, food shows up when it should, and the crew stays interactive instead of disappearing into the background.

One review mentions the crew being especially good at catering to children, including deck fun like slides/jumping off the deck and keeping even young kids safe and entertained. That doesn’t mean every situation will be identical, but it does tell you the crew understands how to run a mixed-age day.

If you’re the kind of person who likes talking to people on tours, you’ll probably enjoy the crew’s energy. If you prefer quiet, you can still enjoy the service, but you may want to steer your captain toward the route and the swim times you want.

Whale-Watching Chances Without the Full-Day Grind

Los Arcos isn’t only about arches and caves. Part of the joy of this type of charter is that the bay can deliver wildlife surprises during the cruising time.

In past trips, humpback whales have been spotted in the background while cruising around the bay. You shouldn’t count on that every day, but the charter format gives you a realistic chance because you’re out on the water and moving through the right area rather than rushing straight back.

How to maximize your chances: pay attention when the crew points things out, stay ready for a quick pause in cruising, and keep your phone/camera accessible without dropping the “enjoy it” focus.

Price and Value: What $1,300 Gets You for Up to 10

At $1,300 per group (up to 10 people) for about 4 hours, the price can look steep if you’re comparing it to a big group tour. But that’s not the right comparison.

This is a private boat, so you’re paying for:

• privacy (no strangers onboard)
• control of the route within Bahía de Banderas
• included snorkeling and water equipment
• all-inclusive drinks and snacks
• crew + captain time dedicated to your group

If you split the cost across a full group, it stops being “luxury-only pricing” and starts looking like a cost that’s closer to the value of a well-run day when you factor in drinks, gear, and water time. Even if you don’t fill all 10 spots, the experience still tends to feel like a full service day rather than a “transport plus a quick stop” excursion.

My practical take: if your group includes 6–10 people, this often makes more sense than buying multiple standard tickets. If you’re traveling as a pair or small group, it can still be worth it if you really care about privacy, drinks, and on-water gear being included.

Getting to the Boat: Meeting Point Rules That Matter

This charter offers pickup, but hotel pickup and drop-off are not included. The key detail is that you must choose your meeting place before submitting your reservation. That means you’ll want to confirm the exact location ahead of time so your group isn’t scrambling the morning of.

There’s also a helpful option if you need an alternate meeting point. The owner, Gil, can help if you request transportation to the meeting point. If you’re coming from a hotel or you have a group with mixed mobility, this is worth asking about early.

Because it’s near public transportation, you’re not locked into only one way to get there. Still, boat days run on a tight clock, so arrive early enough to avoid last-minute stress.

Who This Boat Charter Fits Best

This private charter is a strong fit if you want:

• a private day on the water (small group, your pace)
• snorkeling plus play (snorkel gear, kayaks, paddle boards, flotation toys)
• all-inclusive drinks and snacks so nobody has to think about food
• a route that includes Los Arcos National Park and gives you options in the bay

It’s especially good for mixed-age groups and families, given the emphasis on deck-time fun and active water equipment. If your group is mostly adults who want a chill cruise with swim breaks, you can still make this work by leaning into the coastline cruising and controlling how much snorkeling you do.

Should You Book ChicaFUN 4 All Inclusive?

Book it if your group will use the inclusions. This one works best when you actually plan to snorkel, paddle, or float around with the water toys, and when you want the simplicity of all-inclusive drinks and snacks.

Skip it or think twice if:

• you hate planning meeting points (you’ll need to choose one before booking)
• your group wants a highly structured, fixed itinerary with no flexibility
• you’re expecting hotel pickup/drop-off as part of the price

If you want a private, active boat day that mixes Bay of Banderas views with Los Arcos National Park snorkeling, this charter is easy to recommend.

FAQ

What does the all-inclusive ChicaFUN 4 package include?

It includes snorkel equipment plus kayaks and paddle boards, along with a water mattress and water tube. You’ll also get alcoholic beverages and non-alcohol drinks (water, coffee, juices, sodas, mineral water) and snacks like fresh made guacamole with blue corn chips and potato chips. Landing and facility fees are included too.

How big is the group for this private charter?

It’s private and limited to your group, with a maximum of up to 10 people.

Where is pickup available, and is hotel pickup included?

Pickup is offered, but hotel pickup and drop-off are not included. You must choose your meeting place before booking, and if you need a different meeting point you can request assistance by calling Gil, the owner.

What’s the main stop for snorkeling?

Los Arcos National Park is the key stop. You’ll cruise south of Puerto Vallarta, explore caves, and float through the granite arches while snorkeling.

What’s the drink situation on board?

Alcoholic beverages are included, along with coffee, juices, sodas, mineral water, and water. The list includes items like margaritas, beer, wine, piña coladas, and champagne.

Are gratuities included?

No. Gratuities are not included and are optional.

What’s the cancellation policy?

You can cancel for a full refund if you cancel up to 24 hours in advance of the experience’s start time. If you cancel less than 24 hours before the start time, you won’t get a refund.