Full-Day Private Sailing Cruise Puerto Vallarta with Snorkeling

The best part of this Puerto Vallarta outing is the freedom of having the boat to yourself. You can spend the day near Los Arcos, swim off the coast at Mismaloya, watch for whales or dolphins, or simply sit back with fresh guacamole as the mountains slide past. I especially like the private group setting and the crew’s personal touch, with names such as Luis, Angel, Felix, and Jorge repeatedly connected to thoughtful service. The guacamole, fruit, chips, and snacks are another real plus.

There is one important catch: this is sold as a sailing cruise, but the sails may not always be raised. At times the boat runs under engine power, and snorkeling conditions can change with the season. If you need a guaranteed day under full sail or clear underwater visibility, ask questions before booking.

Key points at a glance

• Private boat for up to 15: Your group gets exclusive use of the sailboat and crew.
• Los Arcos and Mismaloya: The route centers on Puerto Vallarta’s most scenic southern coast, with time for swimming and water activities.
• Strong crew service: Luis, Angel, Felix, Jorge, and others are praised for friendly, attentive care and local stories.
• Food is part of the pleasure: Guacamole, chips, snacks, fruit, drinking water, ice, and sometimes fresh salsa are provided.
• A six-hour outing: The cruise begins and ends at the Marina Vallarta boat ramp.
• Sailing is not guaranteed: Wind, weather, and operating choices may mean a slower engine-powered ride.

A private day on Banderas Bay

This cruise gives you roughly six hours on the water, with no strangers sharing your boat. That matters more than it may sound. A private charter lets your group set the rhythm: you can linger in the cockpit, swim longer, spend more time looking for whales, or skip an activity that does not suit everyone.

The boat is identified as Echos of Summer, a 48-foot Maple Leaf center-cockpit sloop built in the 1970s. One experienced sailor praised its solid feel, smooth ride, padded foredeck, and covered cockpit. Another person found the usable sitting area more limited than expected, especially when the sea was rough. Both points are worth keeping in mind. The boat can feel spacious for a group of nine, but it is still a working sailboat, not a wide floating lounge.

The crew is a major part of the experience. Captains and first mates have included Luis, Angel, Felix, Jorge, Cesar, Alberto, Chuy, Francisco, Ramona, Paula, and others. Their roles vary by departure, but the pattern is clear: the crew helps with gear, serves food and drinks, explains local sea life, and adjusts the route when practical.

Leaving Marina Vallarta

You meet at the Marina Vallarta boat ramp at Proa 22, Puerto Vallarta 48335. The cruise returns to this same point, so you do not need to arrange a separate ride at the end.

The meeting point is central and close to the cruise ship area, but it may not be as obvious as a large tour office. If you are coming from a cruise ship, allow time for a short taxi ride to the marina. One past passenger found the location confusing and had to call the operator for help, so I would keep the confirmation details handy and avoid arriving at the last minute.

Once aboard, the crew handles the practical work. Snorkeling equipment is included, along with water, ice, guacamole, and snacks. Alcohol is not included, so you should not expect beer, wine, or spirits to be part of the package.

Los Arcos: scenery first, water activities second

The first main stop is Los Arcos de Mismaloya, the cluster of dramatic rock formations south of Puerto Vallarta. This is the visual centerpiece of the route. The boat gives you a water-level view of the rocks, the southern coastline, and the mountains behind them.

The area can be a good place to swim, snorkel, and use a paddleboard when sea conditions cooperate. You may see colorful fish or sea turtles, but underwater visibility is not fixed. One account describes green water and limited marine life at a particular time of year, while other outings included enjoyable snorkeling and sightings of turtles.

That variation is normal for a coastal outing, but it is worth understanding before you pay for the trip. Los Arcos is beautiful even when snorkeling is mediocre. If the water is murky, the boat ride, rock formations, swimming, and views still carry the day. If clear water is your main goal, treat snorkeling as a possible bonus rather than the sole reason to book.

The crew provides the mask, snorkel, fins, and related equipment. Bring up your preferred fin size before leaving, especially if you need large fins. One past passenger specifically suggested that larger sizes should be available.

Mismaloya and the southern coast

The second named stop is Mismaloya. This coastal area is known for its small bay, scenic shore, and connection to Puerto Vallarta’s southern coast. Here you might swim, paddleboard, snorkel, or simply enjoy the boat at anchor.

The private format is especially useful at this point. A large public excursion often has a fixed schedule and a set activity period. Here, the crew can spend more time on the activity your group actually wants, at least within the limits of weather, daylight, and the boat’s route.

Some outings have included a stop at a fishing village or a beach restaurant for lunch, reached by a smaller water taxi. That is not listed as a guaranteed part of this cruise, and one otherwise happy group wished lunch had been included. If a village meal matters to you, ask about it before departure instead of assuming it is part of the standard plan.

Snorkeling, swimming, and paddleboarding

You can expect the crew to help you get into the water and use the equipment safely. Past groups have swum, snorkeled, and paddleboarded, with crew members providing guidance and helping less confident swimmers.

Do not expect a formal marine biology program, but crew members such as Angel and Francisco have shared information about local sea life, birds, and Puerto Vallarta. That informal conversation adds useful context without turning the day into a lecture.

The water experience depends heavily on conditions. Several outings included enjoyable snorkeling, sea turtles, and even a humpback whale with her calf nearby. Another outing found the water too poor for worthwhile snorkeling, so the group swam instead. A private boat gives you more flexibility, but it cannot change visibility or guarantee wildlife sightings.

If you are not steady on your feet, take the boat’s layout seriously. Getting around on deck can be awkward when the sea moves, and one past passenger found the boat less suitable for someone with balance concerns. The crew may help with boarding and transfers, but the activity still takes place on a boat, not a flat pier.

The food: simple, fresh, and unusually important

The included food is not a full meal, but it is more than a token snack. Guacamole and chips are central to the experience, and several outings also included fresh fruit platters, pineapple salsa, and mint lemonade. The guacamole, in particular, receives repeated praise, with Angel and the owner often credited for preparing it.

This matters because six hours on the water can leave you hungry. A bowl of guacamole, chips, fruit, and snacks gives you something substantial between swims. You still need to clarify lunch plans if your group expects a proper meal.

Drinking water, ice, and nonalcoholic refreshments are included. Alcoholic drinks are not. If you want to bring or arrange alcohol, ask the operator about the current rules before you go.

How much time is spent sailing?

The experience is marketed as a sailing cruise, and wind-powered travel can be a memorable part of a day on Banderas Bay. One experienced sailor reported strong performance and a smooth ride under sail, while other accounts say the sails were never opened and the boat moved slowly under engine power.

That difference is the biggest practical uncertainty. A boat may motor because of wind direction, safety, timing, sea conditions, or the captain’s judgment. Engine travel also means you may notice exhaust, especially if the boat is moving slowly.

I would book this for the private time on the bay, not for a guaranteed lesson in sailing. If the sails go up, enjoy it as a bonus. If your main goal is to feel the boat heel under wind and spend the day under sail, confirm that expectation directly with Anamar Sailing Adventures.

Crew service and the feel of the day

The crew receives the strongest praise across the experience. Past groups describe attentive service from the moment they meet at the pier, with crew members helping with food, drinks, water gear, boarding, and route choices.

Luis is repeatedly associated with strong boat handling and calm leadership. Angel is often described as energetic, hardworking, funny, and especially attentive. Felix, Jorge, Cesar, Alberto, Chuy, Francisco, and others have also been singled out for friendly service and local information.

That does not mean every departure will feel identical. Crew assignments can change, and the route depends on conditions. Still, the operating style appears focused on personal care rather than rushing a large group through a fixed program.

The best match for this trip is a family, couple, or group of friends that values time together more than a packed schedule. It also works well for a birthday, holiday, or reunion. One family used it for a 30th birthday, while another celebrated Christmas on the water and saw a large pod of dolphins.

Price and value for a group of 15

The listed price is $985.73 per group of up to 15 people. That sounds steep if you are booking for two, but it becomes much more reasonable with a larger party. At the full limit, the cost works out to about $66 per person. For six people, it is about $164 per person, before any optional transport or other expenses.

That price includes the boat, crew, snorkeling equipment, water, ice, guacamole, and snacks. It does not include alcohol, and lunch at a village or beach restaurant is not guaranteed.

The strongest value comes from exclusivity. You are paying for a private boat rather than simply purchasing seats on a shared cruise. If your group wants room to talk, control the pace, and choose between swimming, sightseeing, wildlife watching, and resting, the price can make sense.

For two people, the cost is harder to justify unless privacy is your top priority. A shared cruise will usually cost less, but it will not offer the same control or personal attention.

Who should book this Puerto Vallarta cruise?

I would choose this outing if you want:

• A private day with family or friends
• A relaxed route rather than a tightly timed schedule
• Swimming, snorkeling, and paddleboarding in one outing
• Scenic views of Los Arcos and the southern coast
• Fresh guacamole, fruit, chips, and simple snacks aboard
• Crew support with water activities and local information
• A special occasion on the bay
• The chance to look for whales, dolphins, turtles, and other sea life

I would think twice if you need guaranteed full-sail travel, a formal lunch stop, excellent snorkeling, or easy movement on a boat. The experience also may not suit anyone who has serious balance or mobility concerns, since deck movement and water transfers can be demanding.

The cancellation policy is strict: the experience is non-refundable and cannot be changed after booking. Check your date, group size, meeting point, and expectations before paying.

Should you book it?

Book this private cruise if your ideal Puerto Vallarta day means fresh food, mountain views, a comfortable boat, time in the water, and a crew that pays attention to your group. The repeated strengths are clear: service, scenery, food, and the freedom that comes with a private charter.

Do not book it solely because you expect six hours of open-sail travel or perfect snorkeling. Those parts depend on conditions and operating choices. For the best fit, think of this as a private day on Banderas Bay with sailing when possible, not a guaranteed sailing lesson.

FAQ

Where does the cruise begin and end?

The cruise starts at the Marina Vallarta boat ramp at Proa 22, Marina Vallarta, 48335 Puerto Vallarta, Jalisco, Mexico. It ends back at the same meeting point.

How long does the experience last?

The cruise lasts approximately six hours.

How many people can join the private cruise?

The boat can accommodate a private group of up to 15 people.

What activities are available?

The experience can include snorkeling, swimming, paddleboarding, sightseeing, and sailing. The exact activities depend on conditions and the route selected by the crew.

Is snorkeling equipment provided?

Yes. Snorkeling equipment is included.

What food and drinks are included?

The cruise includes drinking water, ice, guacamole, and snacks. Some outings have also included fruit, chips, pineapple salsa, or nonalcoholic drinks. Alcoholic beverages are not included.

Is the cruise suitable for most people?

Most people can participate, and service animals are allowed. However, the activity takes place on a moving sailboat, so anyone who is unsteady on their feet should consider the deck movement and boarding requirements carefully.