Bay of Banderas by yacht is a Puerto Vallarta move. I love the mix of open bar + real time in the water (snorkel and paddleboard), and I also like how the day is structured for comfort, with lounging and crew-led stops. One thing to weigh: it is a 5-hour outing with a quick rhythm, so it may feel shorter than you expect if you are paying for a longer cruise.

You’ll start with sightseeing out on the Bay of Banderas, then shift to a beach-and-water break at Majahuitas Cove, then end with lunch and the return cruise. The payoff is marine-life chances in some of the region’s best-looking water—plus the convenience of towels, snorkeling gear, and lunch already handled. If you are not into getting in and out of the water, this one might feel a bit too activity-based.

Key reasons this yacht-and-snorkel day works

• Majahuitas Cove: a small cove feel with tropical rainforest around it, plus snorkeling and paddleboarding time
• Open bar and lunch included: you’re not juggling purchases while you’re focused on swimming and watching the bay
• Marine life spotting: dolphins, sea turtles, whales, and tropical fish are all on the menu as possibilities
• Smooth, crew-led timing: sightseeing, water stop, lunch, then back—no DIY effort required
• Real comfort details: lounge seating on deck, towels provided, and multiple bathrooms on board
• Security and harbor fee upfront: a known checklist that helps you show up ready

Luxury yacht timing in Puerto Vallarta: 5 hours that stay focused

This is built as a half-day “best-of” sailing: get out onto the Bay of Banderas, hit a standout snorkeling beach, eat lunch onboard, then go back. At $119 per person, the price is only part of the story—what matters is what stays included and how much of the day is actually time on the water.

The itinerary keeps moving in a good way. You get about 1.5 hours for the cruise and sightseeing before the water break, then roughly 2 hours at Playa Majahuitas, then back into another 1.5 hours of cruise time with lunch. That means you are not spending most of the trip in a line or in transit. It also means you should be ready for a packed-feeling schedule—this isn’t a slow, all-day sail.

Getting there: two pickup points, and the security line you must plan for

In Puerto Vallarta, logistics can either make or break the first hour of your day, so I like that this tour is clear about where you meet. You have two pickup location options:

• Las Palmas 39, Puerto Mágico
• Las Palmas 39, Puerto Magico (same meeting area listed both ways)

One key detail: you are dealing with airport-style security at the federal cruise port area. You should expect a metal-detector style screening step before boarding. The harbor fee is also a must-know. You will pay a $28 per person harbor fee in cash upon arrival (it is not included in the base price).

A practical tip from real-world timing: some departures run with guests arriving early, going through the steps, and then boarding right around the official launch time. Plan to show up earlier than you think you need. It keeps stress low and helps you start your day relaxed instead of rushing.

Out on the Bay of Banderas: lounging, wildlife hopes, and what the crew actually does

Once you are underway, the vibe shifts fast from “meet and check in” to “sit back and watch.” The cruise portion is designed for scenic views and spotting marine life while you lounge. This is also where the open bar earns its keep. You’re not stuck waiting for a later meal break to enjoy the day.

What you are looking for out on the bay:

• dolphins and tropical fish (common hopes on this route)
• sea turtles and other marine life (depending on conditions and where the crew steers)
• whales are possible on the sightings side, based on what guests have reported

The crew’s job isn’t just serving drinks. They also manage safety and pacing. One useful note: conditions can change. If the waves feel bigger than usual, guides can adjust and keep things safe. That matters because once you are on deck, you want someone confident about where people should stand, sit, and when to move.

Group size can vary by boat. One experience reported a smaller feel around 25 people, while another mentioned a larger group closer to 50. Either way, the layout matters. Multiple bathrooms and plenty of lounge spots help. Still, if you strongly prefer a tiny group, you may want to keep an open mind about crowd feel.

Majahuitas Cove: snorkeling and paddleboarding time in one of the area’s best stops

Playa Majahuitas is the star stop. It is described as a hidden beach just south of Puerto Vallarta, surrounded by lush tropical rainforest. That matters because the setting makes the water stop feel more like an actual place you visited instead of just a random swim break.

You get about 2 hours here, and the included gear makes it easy to jump in:

• snorkeling equipment is included
• paddleboard is included
• towels are provided
• you also get free time on the beach area

What you do with that time:

• snorkel in the water near the cove (great for tropical fish and coral-like underwater life when conditions cooperate)
• paddleboard if you want something more active than floating
• swim around while keeping an eye out for sea life

Wildlife expectations are reasonable but not guaranteed. The tour experience is set up for spotting: guests have reported dolphins and whales during the broader cruise and marine life like sea turtles in the broader area. Real talk: visibility and animal movement depend on the day. But the crew generally picks locations with the best odds.

A timing note you should know: even with snorkeling included, the actual on-water snorkeling window can feel short in some schedules. One sailing described about 30 minutes of snorkeling time, then more time spent cruising or swimming at another spot. If you want lots of extended snorkeling, you may find you enjoy it more if you treat it as a highlight rather than an all-day reef session.

Lunch and the return cruise: keeping the comfort high while the day winds down

After the beach stop, lunch happens onboard, paired with the final cruise back. This is where the tour feels like a “luxury day out” instead of a basic boat trip.

Lunch and food details you can count on:

• lunch is included
• the tour also typically features snacks early in the day (fruit snack was mentioned on one sailing)
• there are drinks service throughout the cruise sections

On board, comfort details matter on a water day. One reported setup included four bathrooms, plus lots of lounging spots. That kind of onboard infrastructure is what keeps the day feeling easy, even with a larger group.

There is also usually an optional photo offering. One report mentioned onboard photos being available later for around $160. If you love keeping travel photos, you can decide then. If you do not, just ignore it and enjoy the water.

Price and value check: what $119 really buys (and the extra fee)

Let’s do the math honestly. The base price listed is $119 per person, but you should also budget for the $28 per person harbor fee paid in cash. That puts the all-in amount closer to $147 per person before any optional purchases like photos.

So is it worth it? For many people, it is, because you are getting:

• cruise time plus a major cove stop
• open bar
• lunch
• snorkeling equipment and a paddleboard
• towels and onboard comfort features

If you were trying to assemble this day on your own—boat, equipment rental, guided stop, and food—the convenience alone usually costs more than the base ticket. On the other hand, one downside voiced in experience feedback is that the cruise feels short for the money, especially if you expected a longer time purely at sea and in the water. That is the trade. This is a well-paced half-day with included extras, not an all-day adventure.

My practical way to decide: if you want a smooth day with minimal planning and you like the idea of snorkeling plus lounge time, the value lands well. If your top priority is maximum hours in the water, you might feel the schedule tightens quickly.

Who this tour is best for (and who should skip it)

This is a strong fit if you want:

• a comfortable luxury feel without having to plan equipment or timing
• a mix of sightseeing and active water time
• a day where food and drinks are handled
• a decent chance to see marine life while relaxing on deck

It is less suitable if you:

• need mobility assistance or use a wheelchair (it is not suitable for people with mobility impairments and wheelchair users)
• want a very slow pace with lots of downtime
• plan to bring pets (pets are not allowed) or oversized luggage

Also, the tour includes key items so you travel lighter. You should still bring passport or an ID card, since that is required. And keep luggage minimal—no luggage or large bags are allowed.

Smart planning tips before you go

A few small prep moves make this kind of boat day smoother:

• Bring your passport or ID card.
• Expect rain or shine. Bring your attitude, not your plans.
• Keep an eye on the “known fees” list. The harbor fee is cash-only and not included.
• Wear what you can move in comfortably. You’ll be on deck, then in and out of the water.
• If you care about where you meet, confirm your exact meeting point in advance. There are different boats tied to two meeting locations, and you want to be on the correct one.

If you are sensitive to motion, it’s worth noting that waves can be bigger than usual on some sailings. The good news is the crew is there to keep things safe and organized if conditions shift.

Should you book this Puerto Vallarta luxury yacht tour?

Book it if you want an efficient, comfortable half-day that blends open bar, lunch, and real water time at Majahuitas Cove. It’s especially appealing if you like the idea of snorkeling equipment and a paddleboard being ready to go, with towels and onboard comfort keeping the day easy.

Skip it or look for a different format if you strongly prefer:

• longer snorkeling time than a quick cove stop
• a smaller group experience (boat size can range, and crowd feel can change)
• wheelchair-friendly access

If you want a classic Puerto Vallarta “get out on the water” day with minimal hassle, this one makes a lot of sense—just go in expecting the schedule to be tight, not endless.

FAQ

Where does pickup happen for this Puerto Vallarta yacht tour?

Pickup is available from two meeting locations: Las Palmas 39, Puerto Mágico (also listed as Las Palmas 39, Puerto Magico). Contact Vallarta Adventures in advance to confirm the exact meeting point details for your reservation since different boats are used.

How long is the tour?

The duration is 5 hours.

Is hotel pickup included?

Hotel pickup and drop-off are not included.

What is the harbor fee and is it included in the price?

A $28 per-person harbor fee is required and is payable in cash. It is not included in the base price.

What do I do at Playa Majahuitas?

You’ll have time at Playa Majahuitas with free time plus water activities including snorkeling and stand up paddleboarding.

What’s included in the tour price?

Included items are snorkeling equipment, a paddleboard, towels, lunch, and an open bar.

What do I need to bring?

Bring a passport or ID card.

Does the tour run if it rains?

The tour takes place rain or shine.

Is the tour suitable for wheelchair users or people with mobility impairments?

No. The tour is not suitable for people with mobility impairments or wheelchair users.