Puerto Vallarta Private Yacht Adventure: 5 Hours + 1 Hour Free.

Los Arcos is the star of this private yacht day. You cruise along Banderas Bay, stop to snorkel around the famous rock formations near Mismaloya, and have the freedom to linger on the water or visit Playa Colomitos or Playa Animas. You may also spot whales, dolphins, and plenty of fish, depending on conditions.

I like the private setting, especially for families or groups that want their own boat, music, snacks, and schedule. I also like the practical extras: snorkeling gear, a kayak, fishing equipment, towels, beer, water, and fuel are all covered. The main catch is that lunch on the beach costs extra, and one guest reported a 400 peso fee to return to the yacht after lunch.

Key points at a glance

• Los Arcos snorkeling: Explore the rocky arches near Mismaloya, where fish are often visible in the clear water.
• Six hours for one private group: The boat accommodates up to 12 people, making the per-person cost more attractive for a full group.
• Beach access by boat: Stop at Playa Colomitos or Playa Animas, with regional food available for an added charge.
• Fishing and kayaking included: You can switch between snorkeling, fishing, paddling, and relaxing on deck.
• Attentive crew: Captains Gabriel and Carlos received special praise for keeping a group comfortable and well supplied.
• Wildlife potential: Whales and dolphins have been seen, but sightings are never guaranteed.

Six private hours across Banderas Bay

This is a day for people who want the sea to be the main event. Rather than sharing a boat with a large crowd, you have the yacht for your own group of up to 12 people. That changes the feel of the outing. You can settle into the pace that suits your group, put on music through the Bluetooth sound system, and move between activities without being tied to a large tour schedule.

The route takes you along Banderas Bay, with views of the Puerto Vallarta coast, the mountains, and open blue water. The yacht includes a captain and sailor, so you can focus on the day rather than navigation, fuel, or handling equipment.

The advertised duration is six hours, described as five hours plus one free hour. That is a useful amount of time for a few different stops. You are not limited to a quick swim before heading straight back to port, but the day still has a clear time limit. Ask about the exact starting time when you check availability, since departure times vary.

Los Arcos and snorkeling near Mismaloya

The most memorable stop is likely Los Arcos, the well-known group of rock formations near Mismaloya. The arches rise from the sea and create one of Puerto Vallarta’s most recognizable coastal scenes. From the yacht, you get a view that is impossible to match from the road.

The snorkeling stop gives you a chance to see fish in the water around the rocks. One person also caught a fish while using the included fishing gear, so you can bring a little patience and try both activities. The snorkeling equipment and life jackets are included, which saves you from arranging rentals separately.

Conditions matter here. Water clarity, wind, waves, and wildlife can change from one day to the next. You should think of the snorkeling as a chance to see marine life, not a guaranteed aquarium visit. Still, the setting alone makes this a worthwhile part of the outing, and the private boat gives you a comfortable base between swims.

Towels are supplied, but comfortable clothes and shoes are still wise. Cash is also important, especially if you plan to eat on the beach.

Playa Colomitos or Playa Animas by boat

The yacht can take you to Playa Colomitos or Playa Animas for time on shore. These stops add variety to the day. After time on the water, you can stretch your legs, sit on the beach, and eat typical regional dishes if you choose.

The beach meal is not included in the yacht price. That is worth planning for, since a private boat day can feel all-inclusive until you reach shore and see the restaurant bill. One guest found lunch very good but somewhat expensive. Another practical detail is more important: a guest reported paying 400 pesos to get back to the yacht after lunch.

Treat that 400 peso charge as something to confirm before you sit down to eat. The supplied information does not explain exactly when or why the fee applies, but it may be connected to the return transfer from the beach to the yacht. Ask the crew about the full lunch and return arrangement at the start of the day. A few clear questions can prevent an awkward surprise.

If you prefer to keep spending under control, you can focus on the included snacks and drinks and treat the beach stop as time to walk and relax. The supplied snacks are modest, two bags of chips, but they are useful between stops.

What is included on the yacht

The package covers the basics that make a day at sea easier:

• Captain and sailor
• Fuel and port tax
• Snorkeling equipment
• Life jackets
• Towels
• Kayak
• Sport fishing gear
• Bluetooth sound system
• Twelve beers
• Twelve bottles of water
• Two bags of chips
• One ice pack

The quantities are easy to understand. Twelve beers and 12 bottles of water fit the maximum group size, though a smaller group will have more per person. If you are bringing a full group, do not assume the supplied water will cover every personal need for a long, hot day. The information confirms bottled water is provided, but it does not state that extra drinks or food can be added, so ask ahead if your group has special needs.

The kayak is a nice bonus, since it gives you another way to enjoy a beach stop or calm stretch of water. The fishing gear adds another option for people who are not interested in snorkeling. You can make the outing active, lazy, or a mix of both.

The crew can shape the whole day

A boat trip depends heavily on the crew. The captain handles the route and safety, while the sailor helps with equipment, drinks, towels, and the small details that keep everyone comfortable.

Gabriel and Carlos received especially strong praise after one group of six spent the day fishing, snorkeling, visiting beaches, and relaxing on the boat. The group found the yacht comfortable for six people and appreciated the crew’s attention from start to finish. That is useful context for larger parties: six should feel roomy, while a group of 12 will make better use of the full capacity but have less open space.

The service has also been described as friendly and attentive by several people who booked the trip. That does not mean every day will feel identical, but it suggests the human side of the experience is one of its strongest features. If you have a celebration, a family outing, or a group with different interests, a responsive crew matters.

The listed guide languages are Spanish and English. You should be able to communicate with the crew in either language.

Whales, dolphins, and fish

The bay can provide more than scenery. Whales and dolphins have been spotted during this trip, and fish were seen while snorkeling at Los Arcos. These sightings add a sense of discovery to the day, but they remain dependent on nature.

Do not book this as a guaranteed whale-watching tour. The information confirms sightings, not a dedicated wildlife schedule or guarantee. Your better reason for booking is the combination of a private boat, Los Arcos, beach time, and flexible activities. If whales or dolphins appear, they are a welcome extra.

The same applies to fishing. Sport fishing gear is included, and one group caught a fish. That is encouraging, but it does not mean every group will catch something. Think of fishing as a relaxed option between swims rather than the central promise of the trip.

Is $1,050 a good price?

The listed price is $1,050 per private group of up to 12 people. For a full group, that works out to $87.50 per person before any beach food or extra return fee. For six people, it is $175 per person. For two people, the cost is much harder to justify.

That is the key value question. This is not priced like a simple shared boat ride. You are paying for privacy, a six-hour outing, the crew, fuel, port tax, gear, snacks, drinks, and the ability to use the boat as your own base. A full family or friend group can get good value from that package, especially if everyone wants a day on the water.

A small party should compare carefully. If only two or three people are booking, a shared excursion may cost less, though it will not offer the same privacy. This private yacht makes the strongest financial sense when you can divide the price among six to 12 people.

The beach meal is the main extra expense to keep in mind. Since typical regional dishes are available at an additional cost, and one person found lunch pricey, set aside a separate food budget. Confirm the reported 400 peso return fee before lunch.

Who will enjoy this most?

I would recommend this for a family or friend group that wants several choices in one day. One person can snorkel, another can fish, someone else can paddle the kayak, and others can stay on deck with a drink. That mix is much easier on a private boat than on a fixed group excursion.

It also suits people who value comfort and personal space. The yacht has room for up to 12, but a group of six should have a particularly comfortable amount of space based on the available information.

This may not be the best fit if you want a tightly planned sightseeing tour with a long list of land attractions. The focus is the bay, the coast, the water, and the beaches. It is also less suitable if you want a guaranteed whale encounter or a meal included in the base price.

Small details that make the day easier

Wear comfortable clothes and shoes that work around water. Bring cash for beach food and any return charge. Towels and life jackets are supplied, so you do not need to arrange those separately.

Ask about the starting time when you book. The activity lasts six hours, but the available departure times depend on the date. It is also smart to confirm how the Playa Colomitos or Playa Animas stop will work, especially if you plan to eat there.

The activity offers free cancellation up to 24 hours before departure for a full refund. You can also reserve now and pay later, which helps if your Puerto Vallarta plans are still changing.

The group is private, and the service is offered in Spanish and English. Some booking content may appear in its original language, so check the details carefully before paying.

Should you book this Puerto Vallarta yacht trip?

Book it if you have a group large enough to share the cost and you want a relaxed day with real choice. The best parts are the private boat, Los Arcos snorkeling, the beach stops, and the included gear and refreshments. The crew’s attentive service, especially the work credited to Gabriel and Carlos, adds confidence.

Think twice if your party is very small, your budget is tight, or you want lunch included. Also confirm the beach return arrangement and the reported 400 peso fee before you go.

For six to 12 people, this is a strong way to enjoy Banderas Bay without spending the day in a crowded boat. For a smaller group, calculate the per-person cost first. That simple check will tell you if the privacy and flexibility are worth it.

FAQ

How long is the private yacht experience?

The activity lasts six hours. It is described as five hours plus one free hour.

How many people can join the private group?

The price covers a private group of up to 12 people.

What languages are available?

The tour is offered in Spanish and English.

Is snorkeling equipment included?

Yes. Snorkel gear and life jackets are included.

Does the trip visit Los Arcos?

Yes. The experience includes snorkeling near the arches of Los Arcos by Mismaloya.

Can I go fishing?

Yes. Sport fishing gear is included, although catching a fish is not guaranteed.

Is a kayak included?

Yes. A kayak is included with the yacht service.

Are food and drinks included?

The package includes 12 beers, 12 bottles of water, two bags of chips, and one ice pack. Food purchased at the beach costs extra.

Can I visit Playa Colomitos or Playa Animas?

Yes. The yacht can drop you at Playa Colomitos or Playa Animas for beach time.

What happens if I need to cancel?

You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund. You can also reserve now and pay later.