Puerto Vallarta from the water feels like a cheat code. This private yacht charter mixes 6 waterslides with an all-inclusive setup, plus a crew that knows how to keep the day fun for groups. I also like that you can customize your route in Bahia de Banderas instead of being locked into one canned stop.

You’ll get an open bar and practical water-time extras like snorkel gear, kayaks, paddle boards, and water loungers. It’s the kind of “everybody has something to do” day that works well for families and mixed-age groups, especially when the crew keeps the energy rolling (and yes, there can even be a professional photographer onboard).

One thing to consider: you’ll need to pick your meeting place in advance, and hotel pickup and drop-off aren’t included. If your group depends on door-to-door transport, plan early.

Quick reasons to book Chica Fun

• 6 waterslides built into the day, so the fun isn’t just scenic it’s active
• All-inclusive open bar with options from beer and wine to tequila, margaritas, and piña coladas
• Water gear included: snorkel equipment, kayaks, paddle boards, plus water mattress/tube
• Customize Bahia de Banderas so you’re not stuck with a one-size-fits-all route
• Family-friendly crew energy, with staff who know how to work with kids and celebrations

Private yacht + 6 waterslides: what that combo changes

A yacht tour with waterslides turns a normal boat day into something more like a floating water park with a view. The best part for your group is that it reduces decision fatigue. Different people can want different things—floating, snorkeling, paddling, or going again and again on the slides—and nobody has to wait for the “main attraction” moment.

This is also a group-friendly format because it stays private. Only your group is onboard, which usually means less time herding people and more time controlling the vibe. And since the charter is designed for a maximum group size of up to 15, it tends to feel social without being chaotic.

Price and group value (up to 15 people)

The price is $1,940 per group for about 4 hours, up to 15 people. That matters because you’re not paying per person in the traditional sense—you’re paying to reserve the boat experience for your group.

To judge whether it’s good value, look at what you’d otherwise buy separately in Puerto Vallarta:

• Drinks and snacks (this includes an open bar plus snacks like fresh guacamole and chips)
• Rental gear for snorkeling or water activities (snorkel equipment, kayaks, paddle boards are included)
• The “we get the boat to ourselves” portion, which is often where private tours really cost more

If your group is big enough to fill the boat, this starts to feel like a smart splurge rather than an outsize luxury. If you’re a small group, it can still be worth it if waterslides and an open bar are central to your day plan—but do the math first based on how many people you’ll bring.

What the 4-hour timeline actually feels like

With a tour duration of about 4 hours, the flow tends to be: meet up, cruise, do water activities, then enjoy a final stretch before wrapping up. That’s long enough for slide time and multiple water activities, but short enough that it doesn’t drag.

What you should aim for is momentum. Don’t treat it like a sit-and-watch tour only. Plan to rotate through activities: snorkel first while the group is fresh, then paddle board or kayak for a bit, then slide time. That way you actually use the included gear instead of letting it sit there while you snack and talk.

Also, you’ll want to check weather expectations close to departure. This experience requires good weather, and on a marine day, conditions affect how smooth everything feels.

Stop 1: Puerto Vallarta on a private route (customizable Bahia de Banderas)

The first portion of the day is centered on Puerto Vallarta, with a private boat option where you can customize where you’d like to visit inside Bahía de Banderas. This is valuable because it lets you match the boat to your group’s style. Some groups want more coastline views and chill time; others want specific scenery or water features.

Admission is listed as free for the stops associated with this portion, so you aren’t hitting random ticket costs mid-day. The “practical win” here is that a private captain can help you make the most of time on the water, rather than spending the day moving between far-apart places.

A heads-up: there’s mention of a 7-hour full day option where you can choose between Islas Marietas or Yelapa Falls (you can’t do both in the same day). So if your dream itinerary includes either of those, consider whether you want the longer format instead of squeezing everything into the 4-hour window.

Stop 2: Cruising the Bay of Banderas with activities onboard

The second part is all about cruising the Puerto Vallarta coastline and around the Bay of Banderas. Even if you do nothing else, this stretch can be a highlight because you’re seeing the region from the water, not from streets or viewpoints.

What makes it more than just a cruise is what’s included during the time on the water:

• Snorkel equipment for exploring what you can see beneath the surface
• Kayaks and paddle boards for active sightseeing
• Water mattress and water tube for relaxing float time

This is where the itinerary becomes flexible in real life. If your group wants to snorkel, you can focus that energy into one block. If your crew leans more toward floating and sliding, you can keep the activity pace lighter. It’s also the kind of onboard setup that works well for mixed groups—kids can play, adults can watch, and everyone still feels like they’re participating.

In at least one celebration experience I reviewed, the group even spotted a spotted eagle ray while snorkeling. That kind of surprise is exactly what makes “cruise plus water time” better than a strict schedule.

Drinks, snacks, and the onboard energy that matters

This charter is built around all-inclusive activities, including a brand name open bar. The list includes everything from water, coffee, juices, sodas, mineral water to drinks like piña coladas, margaritas, beer, wine, tequila, and champagne, depending on what you choose.

That matters because it changes how you experience the day. You don’t spend energy asking what’s extra. You can also keep the day flowing. When the snacks and drinks are handled, you’re more likely to stay on schedule for activities instead of breaking into long pauses.

Snacks include fresh made guacamole with blue corn chips, plus potato chips. That’s a smart choice for a day on the water because it’s filling enough to keep energy up, but not so heavy that it ruins the “go ride the slides” plan.

If you’re hungry in the middle, there’s also an optional fajita lunch that has been described as outstanding. If fajitas are your thing, I’d treat it as an easy add-on rather than an afterthought, since it’s tied to your day onboard.

The crew experience: Alex, Isaiah, and Noah set the tone

The difference between a good boat day and a great one is often the crew. In these experiences, staff have been praised for being fun, friendly, and really good with kids. One birthday day included kids dancing with the guest of honor, and the crew helped keep attention on the celebration without forcing a rigid itinerary.

Specific guide names show up too. Alex has been called out as the best guide, and Isaiah and Noah are mentioned as part of a top-notch crew. When you have people like that running the show, you can relax into the experience instead of worrying about timing, equipment, or where to line up for the next activity.

Gear included: how to use it without wasting time

Included snorkel gear and water equipment are only a win if you actually use them. My practical advice: set a simple plan at the start.

• Do a snorkel session early, when the group is energized
• Then rotate to paddling (kayaks/paddle boards) while you still have momentum
• Finish with slide time so nobody is worn out before the fun part

If your group has both strong swimmers and kids who want slide-only time, the onboard layout usually supports that mix. You’re not one big unit in the water—you can stagger activities while still enjoying the same day.

Photo package opportunity (worth it if you want reminders)

One detail that can change your post-trip happiness: there can be a professional photographer onboard, and a picture package is offered for an extra spend. If your group is the type that forgets to take photos during the day, this can be a good way to capture the slides, the cruise, and the water time without everyone passing around a phone.

I’d treat it as optional. If you already have a good group photographer habit, you might skip. If not, you’re basically buying convenience and coverage.

Meeting place and pickup: how to avoid stress

Hotel pickup and drop-off are listed as not included, even though pickup is offered in the broader tour summary. Translation: you should expect to coordinate your exact meeting point details before you go.

The experience is clear that you must choose your meeting place before submitting your reservation, and you can request help with affordable luxury transportation to the meeting point. The owner, Gil, is specifically mentioned as the person to call for assistance.

This is one of those details that can make or break your day. If your group is relying on last-minute planning, you might run into confusion. If you plan the meeting point early, you’ll likely feel smooth and calm from minute one.

Who this tour fits best

This charter is a great match if you want:

• A private group day in Puerto Vallarta with active water fun
• An all-inclusive plan so you aren’t constantly budgeting drinks and snacks
• A mix of activities for different energy levels (slides, snorkeling, paddling, floating)

It also works well for celebrations because the crew style can support group moments. A multi-kid birthday energy is very much in line with what this day is built for.

If your group’s priority is just a quick photo cruise with minimal effort, you might find the waterslides and equipment feel like “more than you asked for.” In that case, consider whether you’d rather focus on viewpoints from shore.

Weather and sea conditions: the reality check

Because the tour requires good weather, you should plan with flexibility in mind. Marine days can change quickly, and sea conditions affect comfort, safety, and how enjoyable the slides and water time feel.

If you’re traveling in a season where weather is stable, you’ll likely be fine. If your trip dates are tight and you can’t move plans, it’s worth choosing dates with some cushion so you’re not stuck making decisions at the last minute.

Should you book the Private Yacht Charter Chica Fun?

If your idea of a perfect Puerto Vallarta day includes 6 waterslides, an open bar, and plenty of water gear for snorkeling and paddling, then yes, I think this is the kind of tour that’s worth the money. The private setup for up to 15 people is also a big part of the value, because you’re buying the boat for your group, not just a ticket.

Book it if:

• You’re traveling with a group that can actually fill the charter and share the cost
• You want active fun, not just sightseeing
• You’d rather have drinks and snacks handled so the day stays carefree

Pass or rethink if:

• You need guaranteed hotel pickup and want zero coordination for meeting points
• Your group doesn’t care about waterslides or water activities (since those are core to the experience)
• You’re planning around weather risk with no flexibility

FAQ

Is this tour private?

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

How long is the Private Yacht Charter Chica Fun?

The duration is about 4 hours.

What’s the group size limit?

The tour is priced per group for up to 15 people.

What does the all-inclusive package include?

It includes all-inclusive activities, use of snorkel equipment, kayaks, paddle boards, water mattress and water tube, and an open bar with brand name drinks. Snacks are included too, including fresh made guacamole blue corn chips plus potato chips, along with landing and facility fees.

What isn’t included in the price?

Gratuities are not included (optional), and hotel pickup and drop-off are not included.

Is pickup available?

Pickup is offered, but hotel pickup and drop-off are not included. You must choose your meeting place before booking, and you can request a different meeting point or assistance with transportation by calling Gil.

Where do you go during the trip?

You customize where you would like to visit in Bahía de Banderas. The day includes a Puerto Vallarta portion and cruising around the Bay of Banderas.

What is the cancellation policy?

You can cancel for a full refund up to 24 hours in advance. If you cancel less than 24 hours before the start time, the amount you paid won’t be refunded.

What language is the tour offered in?

The tour is offered in English.

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