Puerto Vallarta looks different from the water. This half-day trip on a Leopard catamaran takes you past landmarks you can spot from land, then into Majahuitas Cove for snorkeling, paddle time, and an open bar setup that’s hard to beat for the price.

I love how small the group stays, capped at 40 people, which makes it feel less like a cattle car and more like a real day on the sea. I also like the included lunch and how the crew keeps the momentum going, with drinks and food service timed around the water activities.

One thing to consider: the ocean can be choppy, and that can mean rougher sailing, shorter water time, or some motion sickness. Bring patience for sea-condition changes, especially if your stomach is sensitive.

Key things to know before you go

• Small group (max 40): more personal attention and less crowding at the snorkeling and beach stops
• Majahuitas Cove (ticket included): secluded cove time with a jungle backdrop and a true beach break
• Unlimited premium open bar: drinks are kept flowing during the cruise and on the water
• Snorkeling plus paddleboards: you get both options with included equipment
• Route depends on sea conditions: you might see Los Arcos and the Malecón from the sea, but timing shifts are normal

Why this half-day yacht-and-snorkel plan works in Puerto Vallarta

This is the kind of Puerto Vallarta trip that fits real life. It starts at 8:00 am, runs about 5 hours, and still gives you a boat ride, a serious beach stop, and time in the water without eating your entire day.

The big win for me is the mix: you’re not choosing between views, snorkeling, and food. You get them in one package, on a catamaran setup that’s built for comfort while still feeling like an excursion, not a short ferry hop.

And because the group is limited to 40 people, you usually get that “we’re in this together” energy. It also helps when conditions change. When the captain adjusts the route for waves and visibility, a smaller group tends to move and regroup faster.

Price and extra fees: what $119 usually turns into

The sticker price is $119 per person, and the tour is listed as about 5 hours. That includes a cruise on a deluxe Leopard catamaran, unlimited premium open bar, snorkeling equipment, stand-up paddleboards, and a lunch that’s served in a deli-style format.

Two budget items matter. First, there’s an admission fee for the Bay of Banderas listed as $40.00 per person that’s not included. Second, some people mention additional port charges in pesos when they arrive, so it’s smart to carry a bit of cash for whatever gets collected on-site.

If you’re trying to judge value, here’s the honest way I’d look at it: you’re paying for the boat, the crew service, the included alcohol, and the convenience of having snorkeling and beach time stacked together. If you care most about drinking and having a managed day on the water, this price can make sense. If you only want snorkeling and would rather skip the beach and bar, you might find better deals elsewhere.

Getting to Vallarta Adventures and starting on time

This tour does not include hotel pickup or drop-off. You meet at Vallarta Adventures | Terminal Marítima Puerto Mágico (near the Heroica Escuela Naval), in the Zona Hotelera Nte.

Getting there early helps. One practical tip: arrive with enough time to find the entrance and get checked in before departure. If you’re prone to motion sickness, the morning start can be good, but you still want a calm buffer because the sailing can kick up once you’re out.

Also note: minimum age is 10, and you’ll want to keep expectations realistic for kids and teens in choppy water. Life vests are part of the water rules, and the beach logistics can require a swim from the boat.

Cruise views: Bay of Banderas, Los Arcos, and the Malecón from sea level

The cruise part is not just travel time. You’ll head along the Bay of Banderas toward the south side of Puerto Vallarta, and the exact route shifts based on sea conditions.

On a clear, calmer day, you may pass by Los Arcos. You’ll also likely get a view of Malecon Boardwalk from the water as you sail through the bay. Even when you’re not staring at the water every second, it’s the kind of slow cruising that makes photos easy and stress low.

A good mental model: think of the cruise as your warm-up and your photo window. Then the real action hits at Majahuitas.

Majahuitas Beach stop: secluded time with real logistics

Majahuitas is the star stop. Your crew brings you to the iconic Majahuitas cove, a secluded beach area south of Puerto Vallarta surrounded by tropical scenery. Admission is included, and the beach stop is about 1 hour 20 minutes.

Here’s what to plan for: access can be via swimming from the boat. Some people report that you can’t bring towels because you need to get into the water and then reach shore. That matters if you’re the type who likes to dry off fully, lounge with a towel, and keep your stuff dry.

So I’d pack like this:

• sunscreen and a cover-up for when you’re on the boat or walking wet
• a small item you don’t mind getting damp
• life-vest friendly habits (see the safety section below)

If you want a beach break that feels earlier and quieter than the bigger crowd, this is often the most relaxing part of the itinerary.

Snorkeling and paddleboarding: gear is included, but conditions still rule

This tour includes snorkeling equipment and also stand-up paddleboards, so you can choose your own flavor during the water time. The crew guides the flow, and you’ll typically get a short snorkeling window before moving to beach time.

One key consideration: snorkeling quality depends on day conditions. Some people love the fish they saw; others felt the spot had limited coral and marine life. That’s not a reason to skip—just a reason to keep expectations grounded. In clear water, it can be a joy. In rougher water, you’ll likely spend more time focused on staying comfortable than on hunting fish.

Paddleboarding is a great alternative if snorkeling feels like too much after waves. You’re not stuck with only one activity.

Also, you may be required to wear life vests anytime you are in the water, which can feel different from other snorkel days. It’s for safety, and once you treat it as part of the routine, you’ll enjoy the time more.

If you want a human touch, look out for snorkeling support from crew members such as Diego Chihuahua, who has been named in the experience details. Having a calm guide makes a short snorkeling session feel much more “worth it.”

Lunch and the open bar: what’s included, and what can vary on the beach

Lunch is included, and it’s described as a deli-style meal. The menu highlights include items like guacamole, shrimp cocktails, and fresh fruit, plus chips and a Mexican-style spread that keeps things filling without turning into a full restaurant service.

Drinks are where the tour really leans into its promise. It’s an unlimited premium open bar on the cruise, and the crew is usually proactive about keeping cups filled. Many people highlight that service stays attentive, so you don’t have to hunt down drinks between activities.

Still, be aware of a common reality: the “open bar” feel can differ once you’re on the beach. Some reports describe limited options on the island stop, like beer and non-alcohol options, rather than the full premium cocktail line.

If alcohol is your top priority, I’d treat the cruise portion as the sure bet and enjoy the beach bar as a bonus rather than a guarantee of specific cocktail varieties.

How the group size changes the vibe on the water

With a max of 40 people, you generally get a more manageable experience than tours that pile everyone onto bigger boats. You’ll likely have an easier time hearing instructions and finding your spot when it’s time to snorkel or board paddleboards.

That said, “smaller group” doesn’t automatically mean “huge space.” Some people note it can feel cozy. Also, storage for bags may be limited, and there may not be a perfect place to stash everything during the transitions from boat to water to beach.

So pack light. Bring what you’ll actually need during the active parts, and keep valuables on you when you can. If towels and extra gear must stay dry, plan accordingly.

Seasickness and timing: why the ocean can rewrite the itinerary

The itinerary is flexible. The cruise route is entirely determined by sea conditions, and the captain can adjust timing.

That’s why you might end up with a shorter snorkeling window and more beach time (or vice versa) depending on waves and comfort levels. One common advice from experienced riders is simple: if you’re sensitive to motion, bring Dramamine and take it early.

Also, the sailing can feel long before the first water activity for some schedules. It’s still part of the experience, but you’ll enjoy it more if you’re not expecting to jump into the water immediately.

A good strategy: treat this as a sea-day plan, not a strict clockwork itinerary.

Safety rules and what to pack like a smart sailor

This tour includes water activities with equipment, and safety is taken seriously. You may be asked to wear life vests during water time, and you should follow crew instructions closely.

Bring:

• sunscreen (you’ll be out in the sun on the boat and at the beach)
• sunglasses and something for your hair if wind bothers you
• a plan for dampness since beach access can involve swimming

Also, the operator notes a federal no-drone policy and a strict No-Drug Policy (including electronic cigarettes and vapers). So leave anything like that at home.

Photo service and the small extras that can surprise you

There’s a strong chance you’ll be photographed throughout the day. Multiple crew members act as part of the experience, and a photographer is often present during the cruise and activities.

Be ready for a likely upsell at the end. One report says a digital package can cost around $100 USD, so decide ahead of time if you want photos or if you’ll pass.

If you’re celebrating something (birthday, bachelorette, proposal energy), having photos can make the day feel extra “event-like.” And if you’d rather keep it simple, you can still enjoy the water without buying anything.

Who should book this, and who should choose something else

This fits best if you want:

• a small-group boat experience on a catamaran
• snorkeling plus paddleboarding without extra planning
• included food and an unlimited open bar vibe

It’s also a nice option for couples, friends, and groups who want a shared day that feels social but not crowded.

Choose a different style of tour if:

• you only care about long, high-coral snorkeling and expect sea-life abundance every minute
• you strongly need towels and dry shore convenience without any swimming from the boat
• you have a very rigid plan for how long snorkeling should last regardless of weather

Should you book the Luxury Yacht & Snorkel in Puerto Vallarta?

I’d book it if you like this formula: boat views, a real beach cove, short-to-moderate snorkeling, plus food and drinks that don’t feel like an afterthought. The 40-person cap and the crew-led flow are the main reasons this can feel better than mega-boat options.

I’d be cautious if you’re very sensitive to motion or if you need a towel-friendly, fully dry beach setup. Bring motion-sickness help, pack smart for dampness, and treat sea-condition changes as part of the deal.

If you want an easy, fun Puerto Vallarta half-day that mixes water time with comfort, this one is worth your attention.

FAQ

How long is the Luxury Yacht & Snorkel tour?

It runs about 5 hours (approx.).

What time does the tour start?

The start time is 8:00 am.

Where is the meeting point?

You meet at Vallarta Adventures | Terminal MarítimaN Puerto Mágico, Heroica Escuela Naval on Blvd. Francisco Medina Ascencio 30-G1, Zona Hotelera Nte., Puerto Vallarta.

What’s included in the price?

Included are the day cruise on a luxury yacht, unlimited premium open bar, lunch (deli style), snorkeling equipment, and stand-up paddleboards.

Is there an extra fee for the area?

Yes. The Bay of Banderas admission fee is listed as $40.00 per person and is not included.

How many people are on the tour?

The experience has a maximum of 40 travelers.

What is the minimum age?

The minimum age is 10.

Are drones allowed?

No. Drones are prohibited due to federal regulations intended to protect the flight path of endemic birds.

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