Luxury Yacht & Snorkel with All inclusive Open bar and lunch

The best part of this five-hour catamaran trip is the mix of scenery, service, and water time. You cruise south along the Bay of Banderas, stop near Majahuitas, and spend the day with lunch and drinks already covered. I like the smaller 40-person limit, and I like that the crew handles food, drinks, gear, and safety while you enjoy the coast.

I also like the chance to see Puerto Vallarta from the water, with possible views of Los Arcos, the Malecón, dolphins, turtles, and humpback whales. The main caution is that luxury may be stretching the point: the boat is comfortable and well-kept, but some passengers find it cozy, and the food can be more ordinary than the advertising suggests.

Key points to know before booking

• Majahuitas is the main event: You get about 1 hour and 20 minutes at this secluded cove, with time for snorkeling, swimming, paddleboarding, and beach relaxation.
• The onboard service is the strongest feature: Crew members such as Alex, Diego, Juan Luis, Victor, Daniel, and others have earned praise for attentive, friendly service.
• The snorkeling is pleasant but conditions vary: You may see colorful fish, turtles, manta rays, or whales, but the site has little coral and can be rough in wind or swell.
• The open bar is best on the yacht: Premium drinks are included onboard, but the beach stop may offer only beer, water, or juice.
• Bring motion-sickness medicine: The boat may travel close to an hour before the first activity, and several people have felt seasick in choppy conditions.
• Watch for extra costs: Photos are not included, and the port or Bay of Banderas fee should be confirmed before departure.

A catamaran morning on the Bay of Banderas

This outing begins at 8:00 a.m. from Vallarta Adventures at the Maritime Terminal in Puerto Mágico. You make your own way there because hotel pickup and drop-off are not included. Allow extra time to find the terminal and complete any required entry or port payment.

The boat is a Leopard catamaran with room for no more than 40 people. That limit matters. Puerto Vallarta has many large boat trips, and a 40-person vessel feels far less crowded than a party boat carrying around 100 people. Still, do not picture a private yacht with a cabin, wide-open decks, and room for everyone to spread out. On a full departure, seating can feel close, and there is limited space for bags.

The crew is a major reason this trip earns so many strong ratings. Names that have come up include Alex, Diego, Charlie, Jennifer, Felipe, Juan Luis, Sylvino, Judy, George, Victor, and Daniel. Crew assignments change, but the pattern is clear: expect a lively team that serves drinks, explains activities, helps with equipment, and keeps the mood friendly.

I would arrive early, especially if you are carrying sunscreen, a change of clothes, or medication. There may not be a proper place to keep larger personal items, and once you swim from the boat to shore, you cannot easily bring everything with you.

The long ride south is part of the experience

The boat heads south along the Bay of Banderas. The exact route depends on sea conditions, so the crew may pass Los Arcos or give you a view of the Malecón from the water. These sights are not guaranteed stops. Think of them as possible highlights during the cruise, not fixed attractions with time on land.

The Malecón looks different from offshore. You see Puerto Vallarta’s shoreline as one broad sweep, with the city on one side and the open bay on the other. Los Arcos, if conditions and the route allow, adds the classic rock formations that appear in many Puerto Vallarta photographs.

The first activity may not begin quickly. Some passengers report sailing for nearly an hour before snorkeling. That is not necessarily wasted time, since the cruise offers the best coastal views of the morning, but you should know what you are buying. This is not a short transfer straight to a reef. It is a scenic boat outing with water activities built into it.

The bay can be smooth, but it can also turn rough. If you are prone to motion sickness, bring Dramamine or another medicine you normally use, and apply sunscreen before boarding. The crew can help, but they cannot control the ocean.

Snorkeling near Majahuitas

The crew selects the snorkeling area according to the sea conditions. You receive snorkeling equipment, and paddleboards are available as part of the water activities. The stop is designed for casual swimmers rather than serious underwater exploration.

Visibility and marine life can vary. Some outings have produced colorful fish, while other people have seen very little. Sightings of a manta ray, sea turtle, dolphins, and even whales have been reported, but wildlife is never promised. You may find more fish than expected, but this is not a major coral reef site. Experienced tropical snorkelers may find the underwater scenery modest.

The snorkeling time can also feel short. Reports range from roughly 20 minutes in the water to a more generous period that includes other activities. You wear a life vest in the water, which some people find restrictive. That rule may be frustrating if you are a strong swimmer, but it is part of the operation and should be expected.

If you bring your own mask, you may prefer it to the supplied gear. The equipment is serviceable, but one passenger specifically recommended bringing personal gear if you have it. You can also choose to skip snorkeling and use a paddleboard, swim, or simply remain on the catamaran.

Majahuitas is the calm center of the day

Majahuitas Cove is the main destination. It sits south of Puerto Vallarta and is surrounded by tropical forest, with a more secluded feel than the city beaches. The boat remains offshore, and you may need to swim to the beach. That detail shapes the entire stop.

You cannot easily carry a towel, phone, bag, or camera from the boat to shore. If you want dry belongings, leave them onboard. You may spend part of the beach visit wet, and there may be little to do beyond relaxing, swimming, and taking part in the available activities.

The scheduled time at Majahuitas is about 1 hour and 20 minutes, though the actual time at the beach can feel shorter once swimming, equipment, and boarding are counted. Some departures include a banana boat ride, but it is not listed among the guaranteed inclusions. If it is important to you, ask before booking.

The banana boat can be rough. One child and an adult ended up in the water during a fast ride, so families should use judgment and listen closely to the crew. Paddleboards and floating mats offer gentler options.

The beach bar is another point to understand. The all-inclusive premium open bar applies primarily to the yacht. At Majahuitas, the available drinks may be beer, water, or juice rather than the full selection of cocktails served onboard. If you are expecting mango margaritas on the beach, you may be disappointed.

Lunch is included, but set your expectations carefully

Food usually begins with snacks such as fruit, chips, guacamole, and shrimp cocktail. Some outings include dessert. The main meal has been described as a deli-style sandwich or charcuterie-style lunch rather than a plated restaurant meal.

That distinction matters because the tour presents the food as a luxury feature. Some people find it fresh, tasty, and filling. Others consider the sandwich average and feel that the meal does not match the price or the word luxury. Seafood availability may also vary, despite seafood being part of the advertised food description.

If you have a shellfish allergy, tell the provider before departure and ask exactly what alternatives are available. A passenger with a shellfish allergy could eat some of the meal but not the shrimp. Do not assume a substitute will be prepared unless it is confirmed in advance.

You probably do not need a large breakfast before the early start. Food is served during the morning and early afternoon, though the timing and menu can vary with the day’s schedule.

The open bar works best once you are back aboard

The onboard bar is one of the clearest benefits of the $119 price. Premium drinks are included, and the crew generally brings refreshments directly to your seat. Mango margaritas have received special praise, and beer, cocktails, and other drinks flow more freely after the water activities.

This is not a formal cocktail cruise. You are in swimwear, moving between a catamaran, the water, and a beach. Still, the attentive drink service gives the day a festive feel, especially for birthdays, bachelorette groups, and friends celebrating together.

The word unlimited should mean consistent service for everyone. One very negative account described receiving only one alcoholic drink, while most passengers appeared to receive more. That sounds unusual compared with the rest of the feedback, but it is worth speaking up politely if you are being missed. The open bar is included, not a favor reserved for certain seats or groups.

Bring cash for tips if you want to recognize the crew. Tips are not listed as included, and the crew’s service is one of the main reasons many people consider the trip worthwhile.

Why the price can make sense

At $119 per person, this trip costs more than a basic sightseeing cruise, but you receive a boat ride, lunch, drinks, snorkeling equipment, and paddleboards in one package. You also get a smaller capacity than many mass-market bay cruises.

I think the price works best if you value attentive service and a relaxed boat day more than a serious snorkeling site. The crew keeps food and drinks moving, helps with activities, and creates a social atmosphere without the scale of a large party vessel.

The value is weaker if you mainly want a beautiful beach and strong underwater scenery. The ride can take close to an hour before snorkeling, beach time may feel limited, and the reef area has little coral. Add the cost of optional photos, possible port charges, and tips, and the final spend can rise.

Photography is available during the trip, but the photo package is not included. Previous passengers have reported a price around $100 for digital photos. That price is substantial, so decide early if you want the pictures. You can politely decline and avoid any awkward sales conversation at the end.

The fee information also deserves a check before you go. The booking details list a $40 per-person Bay of Banderas admission fee, while some passengers have described paying 40 pesos per person or a separate 30-peso port fee. Since these amounts and labels do not match, confirm the current charge with Vallarta Adventures before departure.

Who will enjoy this trip most

I would recommend this outing to couples, families with children aged 10 and older, solo visitors who enjoy social tours, and groups celebrating a special occasion. It is especially good for people who want a polished morning on the water without arranging lunch, drinks, and equipment separately.

A group of 10 to 14 friends can have a great time here, though the boat is shared. The music, food, bar, and water activities make it a natural choice for a birthday or bachelorette outing.

I would be more cautious if you suffer from motion sickness, need a quiet boat, require lots of personal storage, or want a long beach stay. It is also not ideal for anyone seeking advanced snorkeling, a coral-rich site, or a true private-yacht experience.

Most people can participate, but the tour requires getting into the water and possibly swimming to shore. The minimum age is 10. Drones are prohibited because of federal regulations protecting the flight path of endemic birds, and Mexico’s maritime ports prohibit drugs, electronic cigarettes, and vapes.

Practical details for the morning

The tour starts at 8:00 a.m. and returns to the same Maritime Terminal. You arrange your own transportation to the meeting point. The activity lasts about five hours, though weather and sea conditions can affect the route and timing.

Wear a swimsuit and bring sunscreen, a hat, and a dry change of clothes. Use a waterproof phone pouch if you bring your phone near the water, but remember that you may not have room for a large beach bag. If you plan to swim ashore, keep towels and valuables on the yacht.

Free cancellation is available up to 24 hours before the start time for a full refund. Late cancellations and changes are not accepted for a refund. The trip requires suitable weather and a minimum number of participants. If the operator cancels for either reason, you can receive a different date or a full refund.

Should you book the Luxury Yacht and Snorkel tour?

I would book it if you want a social, well-served catamaran day with drinks, lunch, coastal views, and a pleasant stop at Majahuitas. The smaller group, friendly crew, and easy all-in-one format make it more appealing than a crowded party boat.

I would skip it if the word luxury sets a high bar for you. The vessel is comfortable rather than lavish, the sandwich may be ordinary, the beach bar may offer only basic drinks, and the snorkeling depends heavily on conditions. Go for the boat, crew, scenery, and easygoing day on the bay. Treat the snorkeling and beach stop as pleasant extras, and the $119 price is easier to justify.

FAQ

How long is the Luxury Yacht and Snorkel tour?

The experience lasts approximately five hours, beginning at 8:00 a.m. and ending back at the Maritime Terminal.

Where does the tour depart?

It departs from Vallarta Adventures at the Maritime Terminal in Puerto Mágico, located at Heroica Escuela Naval, Boulevard Francisco Medina Ascencio 30-G1, Zona Hotelera Norte, Puerto Vallarta.

Is hotel pickup included?

No. You must make your own way to the meeting point, and the tour returns there at the end.

What is included in the price?

The price includes the luxury yacht cruise, onboard premium open bar, deli-style lunch, snorkeling equipment, and stand-up paddleboards.

Is snorkeling guaranteed at Los Arcos?

No. The route depends on sea conditions. The boat may pass Los Arcos, but the main water stop is near Majahuitas and the exact route can change.

What is the minimum age?

The minimum age is 10.

Can I cancel for a full refund?

Yes, if you cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled start time. Cancellations or changes made less than 24 hours before departure are not refundable. Weather or minimum-participant cancellations may result in a different date or a full refund.