Puerto Vallarta · CRUISES & BOAT TOURS

The 15 Best Boat Trips in Puerto Vallarta

50 tours  ·  from $47

Half of Banderas Bay only makes sense from the water. The 15 below run from a two-hour snorkel down to Los Arcos to a full day under sail with lunch aboard, each priced and clear about how much swimming time you actually get.

Puerto Vallarta Best Zipline Canopy + Tequila and Speed Boat Ride - The rainforest course, with 19 lines and plenty of stairs
Cruises & Boat Tours, Puerto Vallarta Tequila Tastings, Puerto Vallarta Zipline Tours, Tour Reviews, Zip Lines

Puerto Vallarta Best Zipline Canopy + Tequila and Speed Boat Ride

1.Puerto Vallarta Best Zipline Canopy + Tequila and Speed Boat Ride

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 3,786 reviews · 5 hours (approx.) · from $120Our pick

Fly across 19 jungle ziplines with guides such as Pepe, Edgar, Fernando, and Chica, then cool off in river pools, use kayaks, visit the animal sanctuary, and taste tequila. Choose a speedboat or land transfer. Expect steep steps, a five-hour outing, and extra costs for food, photos, and port fees.

“Loved the tour, it was very cool to see a lot of vallartas destinations.. absolutely will do this tour again”

Check availability →Read our full review

Mega Yacht ALL INCLUSIVE Yelapa Waterfall & Snorkeling Adventure - Yelapa offers a slower change of pace
Cruises & Boat Tours, Puerto Vallarta Snorkeling Tours, Puerto Vallarta Waterfall Hikes, Puerto Vallarta Yacht Charters, Sailing, Snorkeling, Tour Reviews, Yelapa Boat Trips

Mega Yacht ALL INCLUSIVE Yelapa Waterfall & Snorkeling Adventure

2.Mega Yacht ALL INCLUSIVE Yelapa Waterfall & Snorkeling Adventure

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 2,515 reviews · 6 hours (approx.) · from $117

Cruise Banderas Bay aboard Chica Locca’s spacious catamaran with hosts such as Ricky Ricardo and DJ David. You’ll get breakfast, fajitas, snacks, an open bar, snorkeling, kayaks, paddleboards, a Yelapa waterfall walk, and optional onboard massage time.

“This was the highlight of our whole trip. An absolutely blast and everyone working on the boat was awesome. Special shoutout to Ricky the host!”

Check availability →Read our full review

Outdoor Ziplining, Waterfalls & Speed boat in Puerto Vallarta - The Unimog climb and mule ride into the Sierra Madre
Cruises & Boat Tours, Puerto Vallarta Waterfall Hikes, Puerto Vallarta Zipline Tours, Tour Reviews

Outdoor Ziplining, Waterfalls & Speed boat in Puerto Vallarta

3.Outdoor Ziplining, Waterfalls & Speed boat in Puerto Vallarta

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 1,796 reviews · 6 hours 30 minutes (approx.) · from $129

Race from Puerto Vallarta to Boca de Tomatlan by speedboat, then ride a 4WD and mule into the Sierra Madre for ziplines, waterfall rappels, bridges, rivers, and slides. English-speaking guides such as Cesar, Tania, May, and Loza keep the pace lively and safety-focused.

“Do not book with VIATOR. Their customer service will not work with you for bookings changes due to airline delays or bad weather. The tour operator was willing to change the reservation but Viator would not. When I called the tour operator they offered for a new date with no extra charge!”

Check availability →Read our full review

Rhythms of the night, Sunset Cruise, Candlelit Dinner & Alma Show - Arriving at torchlit Las Caletas
Cruises & Boat Tours, Dining Experiences, Dinner Experiences, Evening Experiences, Puerto Vallarta Sunset Cruises, Show, Tour Reviews

Rhythms of the night, Sunset Cruise, Candlelit Dinner & Alma Show

4.Rhythms of the night, Sunset Cruise, Candlelit Dinner & Alma Show

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 1,667 reviews · 5 hours (approx.)

Sail from Puerto Vallarta to Las Caletas for a sunset cruise, candlelit international buffet, open bar, and a large outdoor show with music, dance, acrobatics, and fire performers. The evening lasts about five hours and includes standard seating, but expect extra port and island fees.

“Everything was wonderful. A lot of people at the show, but it was very organized going from the show to dinner. The show was incredible, felt like I was in Disney World. Highlight of our vacation!”

Check availability →Read our full review

Boat and Snorkel Tour to 5 Islands of Los Arcos - Meeting in Zona Romántica and riding to Mismaloya
Cruises & Boat Tours, Los Arcos Snorkeling Tours, Puerto Vallarta Snorkeling Tours, Tour Reviews, Tours

Boat and Snorkel Tour to 5 Islands of Los Arcos

5.Boat and Snorkel Tour to 5 Islands of Los Arcos

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 1,176 reviews · 3 hours 30 minutes (approx.) · from $48

Meet in Puerto Vallarta’s Zona Romántica, ride a public bus to Mismaloya, then take a small boat around Los Arcos’ five islands. Guides such as Bruno, Andrés, Guillermo, Diego, and Sebastián explain the birds and marine life, lead a 30-minute snorkel, and leave time for the beach.

“The views were phenomenal. But, communication on site lacking. We showed our ticket to tour guide and yes in the right place. We left at 9:30, our booking time. We were supposed to be on the following bus. Didn’t know the shuttle was a public standup bus for 20 min ride. We were called by your company after the earlier tour guide told them we went early. I was reprimanded for not being I. The eight bus. And they waited for us. An international call to get scolded. The boat in ad doesn’t look like the ponga we were in. If you are older with mobility limitation, not for you.…”

Check availability →Read our full review

Luxury Yacht & Snorkel with All inclusive Open bar and lunch - The long ride south is part of the experience
Cruises & Boat Tours, Drinking Tours, Lunch Experiences, Puerto Vallarta Snorkeling Tours, Puerto Vallarta Yacht Charters, Sailing, Tour Reviews, VIP

Luxury Yacht & Snorkel with All inclusive Open bar and lunch

6.Luxury Yacht & Snorkel with All inclusive Open bar and lunch

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 754 reviews · 5 hours (approx.) · from $119

Cruise Puerto Vallarta’s Bay of Banderas aboard a Leopard catamaran limited to 40 people. Expect a scenic ride, snorkeling near Majahuitas, paddleboards, lunch, and an onboard premium open bar. The route may include Los Arcos and the Malecón, depending on sea conditions.

“Bring sunscreen and dramine if you’re prone to motion sickness. Had a wonderful time! Great crew! Fun time.”

Check availability →Read our full review

Mega Catamarans ALL INCLUSIVE Remote Paradise Beach Adventure - The Quimixto waterfall choice
Cruises & Boat Tours, Puerto Vallarta Catamaran Cruises, Sailing, Tour Reviews

Mega Catamarans ALL INCLUSIVE Remote Paradise Beach Adventure

7.Mega Catamarans ALL INCLUSIVE Remote Paradise Beach Adventure

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 470 reviews · 6 hours 30 minutes (approx.) · from $135

Spend about 6.5 hours sailing from Puerto Vallarta to Playa Chica Locca and Quimixto. Expect breakfast, lunch, an open bar, kayaks, paddleboards, snorkeling, a waterfall hike, and a lively crew led by hosts such as Isaias and Papi Chulo.

“Amazing Crew and Host. From the boat ride to the drinks, food and ATV ride to the waterfall this was a top 5 day in all of our years of traveling”

Check availability →Read our full review

Puerto Vallarta, Luxury Sunset Sailing - Sailing across Banderas Bay
Cruises & Boat Tours, Evening Experiences, Puerto Vallarta Catamaran Cruises, Puerto Vallarta Sunset Cruises, Sailing, Tour Reviews, VIP

Puerto Vallarta, Luxury Sunset Sailing

8.Puerto Vallarta, Luxury Sunset Sailing

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 415 reviews · 3 hours (approx.) · from $99

Spend about three hours sailing Banderas Bay aboard a premium Beneteau catamaran, or a 50-foot sailboat depending on the departure. Expect wine, an open bar, imported cheese, bruschetta, guacamole, and sunset views near Puerto Vallarta’s Malecon. Captain Sergio and Captain Ruben have earned special praise.

“The crew was excellent and the whole experience overall was professional and the boat was new and clean. Well worth the trip.”

Check availability →Read our full review

Whale Watching Cruise In Puerto Vallarta & Nuevo Vallarta - Breakfast, lunch, and an open bar
Cruises & Boat Tours, Nuevo Vallarta Tours, Puerto Vallarta Whale Watching, Tour Reviews, Whale Watching

Whale Watching Cruise In Puerto Vallarta & Nuevo Vallarta

9.Whale Watching Cruise In Puerto Vallarta & Nuevo Vallarta

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 398 reviews · 4 hours (approx.) · from $99

Sail Bay of Banderas on a spacious catamaran with live commentary, breakfast, Mexican lunch, and an international open bar. The crew looks for humpback whales, dolphins, sea turtles, mothers, calves, breaches, and tail flukes. The tour lasts about four hours and returns to Puerto Magico.

“Great experience, the staff was awesome and the boat was nice. We saw lots of whales and dolphins! The food and drinks were wonderful as well.”

Check availability →Read our full review

Bioluminescence & sunset local boat tour to Los Arcos Sanctuary - From Margarita Grill to the marina
Cruises & Boat Tours, Evening Experiences, Los Arcos Snorkeling Tours, Puerto Vallarta Bioluminescence Tours, Tour Reviews, Tours

Bioluminescence & sunset local boat tour to Los Arcos Sanctuary

10.Bioluminescence & sunset local boat tour to Los Arcos Sanctuary

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 327 reviews · 3 hours (approx.) · from $83

Ride from Zona Romántica to Los Arcos with guides such as Alex or Victor, watch the sunset, learn about the marine sanctuary, then swim among glowing plankton after dark. The best display comes in the water, especially on a moonless night. Snorkel gear, life vests, towels, and water are provided.

“That was awesome! Alex was a fantastic guide! Our boat ride was interesting, with ops for sunset photos, info on local marine life and what creates the bioluminescence. Getting I the water and experiencing the bioluminescence is an experience like no other!”

Check availability →Read our full review

Puerto Vallarta: Los Arcos Islands Boat Tour and Snorkeling - Meeting in town, then riding the local bus to Mismaloya
Cruises & Boat Tours, Los Arcos Snorkeling Tours, Puerto Vallarta Snorkeling Tours, Snorkeling, Tour Reviews, Tours

Puerto Vallarta: Los Arcos Islands Boat Tour and Snorkeling

11.Los Arcos Islands Boat Tour and Snorkeling

★★★★★★★★★★4.7 · 317 reviews · 3 hours · from $47Best value

Meet your guide in Puerto Vallarta’s Romantic Zone, ride a local bus to Mismaloya, then take a small boat to Los Arcos. Guides such as Armando, Andrés, Bruno, and Sebastián explain the islands and lead a snorkeling stop with fish, coral, and occasional turtles, rays, eels, or octopus.

“It was fun even thought i didn't know how to swim, the guide helped me through it. They were nice! Thanks again! 🥰”

Check availability →Read our full review

Puerto Vallarta Luxury Sailing with Premium Open bar & lunch - Starting at Marina Vallarta
Cruises & Boat Tours, Drinking Tours, Lunch Experiences, Puerto Vallarta Catamaran Cruises, Sailing, Tour Reviews, VIP

Puerto Vallarta Luxury Sailing with Premium Open bar & lunch

12.Puerto Vallarta Luxury Sailing with Premium Open bar & lunch

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 301 reviews · 6 hours (approx.) · from $129

Sail Banderas Bay from Marina Vallarta on a six-hour outing with lunch, premium open bar, snorkeling, and paddleboarding. The crew may visit Los Arcos or a quiet beach, depending on sea conditions. Recent crews have included Sergio, Rubin, Christian, and Walter.

“The sail boat ride was a great choice for our vacation. The best part was the staff, chef and captain! Great crew! The food was delicious and alcohol was flowing! Haha. We saw at least 5 whales, as well as dolphins! My only critique was that it was a bit over crowded. But other than that it was a lot of fun!”

Check availability →Read our full review

Private Yacht Charter ChicaFUN 3 Waterslides All Inclusive - Waterslides, swimming, and equipment
Cruises & Boat Tours, Private, Puerto Vallarta Yacht Charters, Sailing, Tour Reviews

Private Yacht Charter ChicaFUN 3 Waterslides All Inclusive

13.Private Yacht Charter ChicaFUN 3 Waterslides All Inclusive

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 214 reviews · 4 hours (approx.)

Charter ChicaFUN 3 for up to 15 people and shape a four-hour Puerto Vallarta outing around the Bay of Banderas. Your crew handles drinks, snacks, snorkel gear, kayaks, paddle boards, water toys, and waterslides, with owner Gil available to help plan the meeting point.

“We booked American tour in Christmas Eve and it was awesome. Saw whales and had lots of time to play in the water. Sexy Dave and friends were amazing. Gil….give them a raise.”

Check availability →Read our full review

Whale & Dolphin Watching Cruise in Puerto Vallarta All Inclusive - Breakfast first, open bar later
Cruises & Boat Tours, Dolphin Watching, Puerto Vallarta Dolphin Encounters, Puerto Vallarta Whale Watching, Tour Reviews, Whale Watching

Whale & Dolphin Watching Cruise in Puerto Vallarta All Inclusive

14.Whale & Dolphin Watching Cruise in Puerto Vallarta All Inclusive

★★★★★★★★★★4.0 · 212 reviews · 4 hours 30 minutes (approx.) · from $78

Cruise Puerto Vallarta’s bay in search of humpback whales and dolphins with bilingual guides, a marine biologist, hydrophone, breakfast, croissant lunch, and an open bar. The boat returns to the naval marina, but allow extra time for check-in and expect possible differences in boat size and tour length.

“Overall, I enjoyed the trip. The crew was very attentive the whole trip. I loved that the tour was in Spanish and English. I appreciated the open bar and lunch! We didn’t see very many whales but the crew was very persistent in trying to find them for us. We also saw dolphins along the way. Make sure you plan enough time to get there and get checked in.”

Check availability →Read our full review

Mega Yacht Limousine of the Sea 1: Puerto Vallarta - Cruising the Puerto Vallarta coast and Bay of Banderas
Cruises & Boat Tours, Puerto Vallarta Yacht Charters, Sailing, Tour Reviews

Mega Yacht Limousine of the Sea 1: Puerto Vallarta

15.Mega Yacht Limousine of the Sea 1: Puerto Vallarta

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 201 reviews · 4 hours (approx.)

You’ll cruise Puerto Vallarta and Bay of Banderas aboard a private yacht for up to 15 people, with a brand-name open bar, ceviche, guacamole, kayaks, paddle boards, and a two-hour stop at Playa Chica Locca. Gil and the Chica Locca crew can help shape the route.

“The service was amazing!! We had the best time! The food and drinks were great! We also got some great photos taken for us. Overall we had so much fun! I would definitely go again!”

Check availability →Read our full review

New in Cruises & Boat Tours

★ 4.5Pirate Show and Dinner on a Cruise in Puerto VallartaFrom $2689 reviews
★ 5.0Los Arcos Bioluminescence & Swim by BoatFrom $616 reviews
★ 5.0Brand New Sea Ray 250 – Private Luxury Boat in Puerto Vallarta18 reviews
★ 5.0Luxury Puerto Vallarta Shared Sailing Tour: Sail, Swim & DineFrom $20019 reviews
★ 4.5Custom 46′ Boat in Puerto & Nuevo Vallarta19 reviews
★ 4.52 Hours Catamaran Sunset TourFrom $9918 reviews
★ 5.0Private Boat Tour to Yelapa23 reviews
★ 5.0Private Boat Tour to Yelapa with Snorkeling and Waterfall HikeFrom $22021 reviews
★ 5.0Gay Luxury Sunset Cruise with Premium Open BarFrom $13921 reviews
★ 4.0Catamaran Yelapa Beach Tour with Snorkeling, Food and Open BarFrom $9423 reviews
★ 4.8Luxury Day Sailing Tour of Bay of BanderasFrom $11922 reviews
★ 5.0Private Luxury Yacht Sunset Cruise with Open BarFrom $81027 reviews
★ 5.0Private Sunset Sailing Cruise in Puerto Vallarta25 reviews
★ 4.8From Puerto Vallarta/Nuevo Vallarta: Whale Watching CruiseFrom $10326 reviews
★ 4.8Luxury Yacht Tour with Lunch and Open BarFrom $11923 reviews

Keep browsing

Marietas Islands Boat Tours21Los Arcos Snorkeling Tours20Yelapa Boat Trips16Puerto Vallarta Catamaran Cruises13Puerto Vallarta Sunset Cruises8Puerto Vallarta Yacht Charters14
Scroll to Top

Explore Banderas Bay

Pick a boat, a mountain track or a cart.

On the water

Marietas IslandsLos ArcosYelapaCatamaransSnorkelling

Up the mountain

ATV and RZRZiplinesJungle DaysWaterfall HikesHorseback

Eating and drinking

Taco WalksFood ToursTequila TastingsCooking ClassesChocolate

Out of town

SayulitaNuevo VallartaPunta MitaSan Sebastián del OesteMismaloya