Four hours on the water can feel like a whole vacation. This private Chica 55′ VIP cruise turns Puerto Vallarta and Bahía de Banderas into an all-in-one beach day: cruising, drinks, water toys, and a jet ski session without juggling extras.

I especially like two things: the brand-name open bar (from beer and tequila to margaritas and champagne) and the way the crew loads you up with activities—snorkel gear plus things like kayaks, paddle boards, and even a water mattress/tube. You’re not stuck just watching from the rail.

One thing to consider: there’s no hotel pickup included, so you’ll need to commit to your meeting point before you book. If you want easy door-to-boat transport, plan that part in advance.

Key things to know before you go

• Private by default: It’s set up for your group only, so you won’t be sharing the boat with strangers.
• Open bar is the real deal: You can choose from a listed range of drinks, including beer, wine, tequila, margaritas, and champagne.
• Jet ski is included and supervised: You get unlimited supervised use, plus the extra gear for time in the water.
• Snorkel-ready planning: Snorkel equipment is included, and one popular route option is Los Arcos National Park.
• Your route is customizable: You can tailor where you go in Bahía de Banderas based on what your group wants.
• Meeting point matters: You must select your meeting location when reserving; ask about help if you need it.

The Chica 55’ VIP feel: what makes this yacht day different

This is a private yacht experience built for groups up to 15 (with the yacht designed for groups up to 20). That matters because the vibe stays more like a “we’re together” day than a crowd-control tour. You get time to talk, snack, and move around without feeling rushed or squeezed.

The pacing is also smart for a half-day. You’re out there for about four hours, cruising Puerto Vallarta’s coastline and the Bay of Banderas. That’s long enough to get a real sense of the coast, but short enough that even a busy day in town still works.

And the all-inclusive part isn’t just a marketing line. Drinks, landing/facility fees, snacks, and the water gear are included. When all that’s handled, you spend your mental energy on the fun: where you want to swim, when you want to ride, and how long you want to stay near a good spot.

Jet ski + water gear: the fun menu that keeps you moving

The big headline is the jet ski. You get supervised unlimited use, which is exactly what you want for two reasons: you can actually plan your turns without racing the clock, and you’re not figuring out safety on the fly.

Along with that, the included water toys cover a few different “energy levels,” so the whole group can enjoy the day even if people want different things:

• Snorkel equipment for time in the water
• Kayaks and paddle boards for slower exploration
• Water mattress and a water tube for classic floating fun

You don’t have to be an expert athlete to use this stuff. Still, if your group has anyone who gets tired quickly, it helps to rotate activities. Do jet ski first (it’s usually the most attention-demanding), then snorkel or paddle when everyone’s warmed up.

Also, you’ll want to show up ready to be wet. Bring a swimsuit you don’t mind re-wearing, and keep any valuables in something secure. The tour includes the gear, but it won’t magically solve what you bring with you.

Cruising Puerto Vallarta and Bahía de Banderas the smart way

The cruise portion is the backbone. You’ll head along the stunning Puerto Vallarta coastline and around the Bay of Banderas. Even if your main goal is the jet ski, this part matters because it sets the whole mood.

This is also where the “customize your day” approach helps. Instead of one fixed route that ignores your interests, the experience gives you room to tailor where you go in Bahía de Banderas. If your group wants more time in one area, or if you’re aiming for a specific kind of scenery, you have that flexibility.

One practical takeaway: a private boat day works best when your group agrees on the big priorities before you meet. For example, if snorkel is a must, say that early. If the priority is jet ski time, make sure you don’t spend the first hour just drifting. On a four-hour window, your choices change how the day feels.

Los Arcos National Park: why the granite arches are worth it

A popular private route option is Los Arcos National Park, located south of Puerto Vallarta. This is one of those places where the scenery is doing double duty: it’s dramatic above the water and alive below it.

Here’s what you can expect in the type of cruising/snorkeling plan described for this area:

• Naturally occurring rock formations rising out of the sea
• Wildlife both above and below the water
• Time to explore caves
• A chance to float through granite arches
• Snorkeling that’s often considered among the best in the bay

If you’re the group member who wants photos, this is a strong bet. The rock formations give your background instant drama. If you’re the group member who wants fish and clarity, the snorkeling setup (snorkel equipment included) is what turns the area from scenery into actual water-time.

A quick consideration: park-and-arch areas can be more or less comfortable depending on water conditions on the day. The tour has a crew and captain guiding you, so you can follow their call on where to spend your best time.

Open bar and snacks: when “all-inclusive” actually means it

Let’s talk about the part that turns a boat excursion into a celebration. The open bar is described as brand-name and all-inclusive, with options that range from basics to full-on treat drinks:

• Water, coffee, juices, sodas, and mineral water
• Pina Colada margaritas
• Beer, wine, tequila
• Champagne

This list matters because it covers different tastes. You’re not stuck with a single cocktail that everyone shares out of the same bottle. It’s set up for you to order what you actually want.

Food is also included, and it’s not just boring chips. You’ll have fresh snacks like ceviche and guacamole, plus blue corn chips and potato chips. The practical value here is simple: you can snack while you’re in motion instead of stopping later to hunt for food. On a four-hour outing, that keeps the energy up.

If you’re sensitive to heat, plan your drinking and timing so you still feel good for snorkeling or paddling. The drinks are included, but your body is still the one doing the work in the sun.

Crew and safety: what “VIP” looks like on the water

“VIP” can mean anything in travel marketing. Here, it’s more about how the day runs. The crew experience is a standout in the feedback you’ll see, and one review notes that the crew delivered a top-notch experience while keeping everyone entertained and safe—especially during both boat time and jet ski time.

That safety detail is worth taking seriously. Jet skis are fun, but they’re not casual. The experience includes supervised jet ski use, and that structure can make the difference between feeling confident and feeling anxious.

There’s also a sense of coordination that keeps the whole day smoother: you’re not waiting around for equipment handoffs, and you’re not stuck wondering what happens next. On a private boat, that coordination is where “luxury” becomes real.

And yes, there’s even a chance to get a whale-spotting kind of moment along the way, based on one review that called it out. You shouldn’t book expecting wildlife on cue every day, but it’s a reminder that the cruise can include memorable sightings.

Price and value: is $3,275 per group a smart deal?

The listed price is $3,275.00 per group for up to 15, for about four hours. That sounds high on paper—until you look at what’s actually included.

You’re paying for:

• A private luxury yacht experience
• All-inclusive alcoholic beverages with a stated range (not just beer)
• Fresh snacks (ceviche, guacamole, chips)
• Snorkel equipment and multiple water activities
• Unlimited supervised jet ski use
• Landing and facility fees

If your group fills closer to the max (15 people), the per-person math becomes much easier to swallow. Even if you don’t fill every seat, you’re still buying a package that replaces a stack of separate costs: boat charter + drinks + snorkeling rentals + jet ski access.

One more value point: the booking rhythm tends to be proactive, with this kind of trip often booked about 22 days in advance on average. If you’re traveling in a busier stretch, earlier planning can be the difference between picking your preferred day and settling for whatever is left.

Who this boat trip fits best (and who should think twice)

This experience is a great fit if you want a private, all-inclusive water day without the usual scavenger hunt.

It tends to work especially well for:

• Friend groups who want jet skis and drinks without splitting costs all day
• Families or mixed-age groups that want a variety of activities (snorkel, paddle, float, and cruise time)
• People who prefer a customized route in Bahía de Banderas instead of one-size-fits-all sightseeing

One consideration is logistics around getting to the meeting point. Hotel pickup and drop-off aren’t included. You’ll need to pick a meeting place before booking. If you want help finding affordable luxury transport to the meeting point, the owner (Gil) is listed as a contact for that.

Also, while most travelers can participate, this is still an active, time-on-the-water experience. If your group has anyone who struggles with boats, water sports, or being in the sun for hours, plan accordingly and ask what conditions are like that day.

The most practical way to plan your day on this yacht

Here’s how I’d set this up so it feels smooth from the first minute:

• Confirm your meeting place before you submit your reservation. This is non-negotiable for the tour.
• Decide what your group wants most: jet ski time, snorkeling (like Los Arcos), or just cruising with the open bar.
• Assign a quick “activity rotation” plan so no one misses the fun. Jet ski first, then snorkel or paddle.
• Keep your expectations realistic about wildlife and water conditions. You might get amazing moments; sometimes you just get great cruising and solid snorkeling.

If you’re bringing cameras, remember you’ll be on open water with wind and spray. A simple protective pouch helps. You’ll thank yourself later when your shots are clear instead of foggy.

Should you book this Puerto Vallarta yacht + jet ski?

I’d book this if your idea of a perfect half-day includes private boat time, an open bar that’s actually included, and a mix of water activities—especially jet ski plus snorkeling gear. The all-inclusive setup makes it easier to enjoy the day without doing math every time someone asks for a drink or a new activity.

I’d pause before booking if your group needs hotel pickup included, or if meeting logistics could be a hassle. Because you must choose the meeting point in advance, and the tour doesn’t automatically handle door-to-boat transportation.

If you’re ready to take control of your Bahía de Banderas day—complete with cruising, Los Arcos–style scenery options, and jet ski fun—this is the kind of outing that turns planning into memories fast.

FAQ

How long is the private yacht experience?

It lasts about 4 hours.

What’s included in the all-inclusive package?

The tour includes an open bar with brand-name drinks, snacks (fresh ceviche, guacamole, blue corn chips, and potato chips), snorkel equipment, kayaks, paddle boards, a water mattress, and a water tube. It also includes supervised unlimited jet ski use, plus landing and facility fees.

Is hotel pickup included?

No. Hotel pickup and drop-off aren’t included. Pickup is offered, but you’ll need to arrange the meeting point and get yourself there as part of the plan.

Is this a private tour?

Yes. It’s a private tour/activity, and only your group participates.

How many people can go?

The price is per group up to 15. The yacht is designed for groups up to 20.

Is the jet ski included?

Yes. You get supervised unlimited use of the jet ski.

Do you get snorkeling time and gear?

Yes. Snorkel equipment is included, and one popular area option is Los Arcos National Park.

What’s the cancellation policy?

Free cancellation is available. You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund; cancel less than 24 hours before the start time and you won’t get a refund.

You Might Also Enjoy

Fjordcruise in a Luxury Yacht Arctic QueenBosphorus Night Cruise on Luxury YachtSimilan Islands Luxury Catamaran Day Tour (Phuket / Khao Lak)Dubrovnik: Full Day Private Sail Boat tour to Elaphiti&Blue Cave