A private boat day feels different fast. This all-inclusive charter on ChicaFun 1 gives you a friendly crew, waterslides, and the freedom to pick your Bay of Banderas route for about 4 hours near Puerto Vallarta.

I especially like the all-in format: snorkel gear, paddle boards, kayaks, flotation toys, and a steady flow of alcoholic drinks plus snacks. You’re not stuck just sitting; you can swim, snorkel, and play around Los Arcos and the southern beaches like Yelapa, Colomitos, and Majahuitas.

One thing to factor in: the boat’s departure area may require a 40–50 minute drive from Puerto Vallarta, so plan your morning timing accordingly.

Key Things That Make ChicaFun 1 Worth It

• Waterslides on a private yacht: fun is built in, not tacked on.
• All-inclusive snorkeling and water toys: snorkel gear, paddle boards, kayaks, and flotation gear are included.
• Los Arcos National Park snorkeling: rock arches and marine life, with cave-style swimming areas.
• Custom route options: your group can shape where you go inside the Bay of Banderas.
• Crew energy that keeps the day moving: drinks, help in the water, and even birthday touches when needed.

ChicaFun 1 All Inclusive: What You Actually Get for Your Money

This charter is priced per group (up to 15 people) and runs about 4 hours. At $2,490 per group, it can work out to a surprisingly good deal when you split costs among friends or a family group, compared with paying individually for separate boats, guides, and water activities.

The “all-inclusive” part matters because it removes most of the annoying decision-making during your day on the water. You get snorkel gear, paddle boards, kayaks, and flotation items like water mattresses and tubes. Add the built-in waterslides, and you’ve got a mix of active fun and chill time that works whether your group is adventurous or just wants a great beach-and-drink day.

Food and drinks are also handled for you. You’ll have snacks including fresh-made guacamole with blue corn chips, plus potato chips. The drink list is broad: water, coffee, juices, sodas, mineral water, margaritas, beer, wine, piña coladas, champagne, and more. For a day that’s mostly on open water, that’s exactly what you want—no running out to buy anything after you’re already relaxed.

Building Your Bay of Banderas Route (Without a Spreadsheet)

One of the most practical perks here is the custom flow. You cruise the Puerto Vallarta coastline and around the Bay of Banderas, then you get to shape your private boat tour so your group can focus on the spots you care about most.

On these waters, conditions and timing can change your ideal mix of swimming, snorkeling, and beach time. This tour is set up so you’re not stuck with one rigid plan. That flexibility is especially helpful if you’ve got mixed ages or different comfort levels in the water.

The itinerary you’ll typically experience includes big-name areas like Los Arcos and then heads south toward smaller, quieter beaches. That’s a smart way to balance “wow factor” with “slow down and hang out” time.

Coastal Cruise Near Puerto Vallarta: The Easy Part to Love

Before the snorkeling and beaches, there’s a cruise along the Puerto Vallarta coastline and around the Bay of Banderas. This is the “get your bearings” portion of the day—cooler water views, sailing time, and a chance to settle in while the crew handles everything.

If your group has people who are not die-hard swimmers, this part is still worth it. You’ll be outside, you’ll see the coastline from a new angle, and you’ll likely get your first round of laughs the moment you’re all together on a private boat. It’s also a good moment for photos and for deciding who wants to snorkel first.

Los Arcos National Park: Snorkeling Among Rock Arches

South of Puerto Vallarta, Los Arcos National Park rises out of the sea with iconic natural rock formations. This is one of the best areas in the bay for seeing marine life, and the structure of the area makes it fun to swim and explore.

What I like about this stop is the mix of scenery and water activity. You’re not just staring at rocks from the boat—you can explore caves and float through giant granite arches in the water. Even if you don’t consider yourself a strong swimmer, snorkeling here can feel manageable because you’re supported by the included gear and the crew can guide the experience.

One practical note: snorkeling quality depends on water conditions on the day. If the water is calmer, you’ll likely feel more comfortable moving around the arches and caves.

Yelapa: White Sand, Sapphire Water, and a Slower Pace

Yelapa is a charming coastal village south of Puerto Vallarta. The vibe is simple: white sand beach time plus clear water that’s great for snorkeling and splashing around.

This stop is a nice change of pace after Los Arcos. Los Arcos tends to be more about rock-and-water exploration, while Yelapa gives you a classic beach day component. If your group includes kids or people who want a less intense swim, this is often the moment where everyone relaxes at once.

Also, because this is a private boat option, you’re not competing with a crowd trying to do the same thing at the same time. That freedom usually translates into more comfortable water time and fewer stressful transitions.

Colomitos: A Smaller Beach Scene With Big “Remote” Energy

Colomitos is described as the smallest beach in Mexico, set within the mountains of the Sierra Madre. It’s the kind of place you’d expect to be hard to reach—and that’s exactly why it feels special.

This stop is usually about enjoying a quieter beach experience surrounded by dramatic mountain views. It’s a great choice if your group wants fewer people, more nature, and a more laid-back swim. The protected feel of a small beach area often helps groups enjoy time in the water without feeling like it’s a constant crowd-control situation.

The Remote Stop Factor: Beach Time That’s Boat-Only (or Hike-Plus)

The plan can include a remote beach that’s only accessible by boat or a roughly 1.5-hour hike from Boca de Tomatlán. You don’t need to be the hiking type to enjoy it, but it’s good context: this is not a “walk out from town” beach.

That changes the feel of the time you spend there. Boat access usually means the scenery and privacy are the point. If your group likes escaping the busy areas and you want that “how is this so calm?” feeling, this type of stop is a strong match.

Because it’s remote, you’ll want to be ready for the day’s rhythm: sunscreen, a hat, and a towel plan so you’re comfortable once you arrive.

Playa Majahuitas: A Favorite Beach for a Reason

Playa Majahuitas is often considered the best beach of Puerto Vallarta. The reason is pretty clear from the way it’s treated in this kind of day: it’s a beach stop that people talk about because it delivers a great mix of sand, water, and time to relax.

For most groups, Majahuitas is where the energy settles into “let’s just enjoy this.” You can swim, snorkel if conditions are good, and spend time out of the water without rushing to the next stop every few minutes.

Las Caletas: Designed for Relaxation

Las Caletas is presented as a magical private beach made for full relaxation. This is the part of the day that’s least about exploration and most about slowing down and enjoying the setting.

If you’ve got a mix of ages or energy levels, Las Caletas can be the easiest stop to love because it naturally supports different moods—some people want to stay in the water a while, others want to lounge, and everyone can take a break without feeling left behind.

Waterslides, Boards, Kayaks: How to Keep It Fun and Not Chaotic

ChicaFun 1 includes waterslides, plus the water-gear lineup: snorkel equipment, paddle boards, and kayaks. In practice, this kind of setup works best when you treat it like a menu instead of a checklist.

Here’s the simple approach I’d recommend if you’re planning around a group:

• Pick one “main activity” (snorkeling at Los Arcos or a beach swim).
• Then rotate the extra toys based on energy and sun.
• Keep an eye on who’s tired. People often want to do everything until they don’t.

The flotation toys (water mattresses and tubes) are great because they help non-experts enjoy being in the water without needing to master something technical right away.

If you’ve got kids, this is the kind of boat where everyone usually finds their lane quickly—especially with the waterslides.

Crew and Service Details That Matter on a Private Charter

The crew is a big part of why this charter gets such strong satisfaction. Names you can expect to hear include Alex (at the marina), Luis (leading the crew experience), and Joel (the bartender in one standout birthday outing).

What stands out is that the crew doesn’t just serve drinks and wave from the sidelines. They actively help keep the experience moving and comfortable. In one memorable group day, drinks were kept flowing constantly, and Joel even swam out to bring drinks on the ocean. That’s the kind of small-but-cool service detail that makes the boat feel like a party without turning sloppy.

There’s also a playful side to how the day can go in the water. In one outing, fishing line time turned into real fun when kids caught fish, and the crew cooked one catch onboard. That level of engagement is rare, and it’s part of why families often love this format.

Photo Opportunities: What to Expect

You can purchase souvenir photos, either during check-in or from a photographer on the boat. If you’re the kind of person who wants “proof” the day happened, plan to spend a little time reviewing options when offered. It’s often the easiest way to capture group shots without everyone juggling phones while wearing snorkel gear or after a swim.

Price and Value: Private Yacht Without the Usual Trade-Offs

Let’s talk numbers in plain terms. $2,490 per group up to 15 means your per-person cost drops fast as the group size increases. If you’re a group of:

• 10: about $249 per person
• 15: about $166 per person

What you’re really paying for isn’t just boat space. It’s the bundled convenience: included snorkeling gear, water toys, waterslides, and a full set of food and drinks. When you add that to the fact it’s a private group (so you’re not sharing your schedule with strangers), it starts to look like value rather than a splurge.

Also, landing and facility fees are included, which helps keep the “surprise add-ons” feeling away.

Getting to the Marina: Meeting Place Rules You Should Follow

This experience includes pickup offered, but hotel pickup and drop-off are not included. That’s why the meeting-point detail matters.

You’ll need to choose your meeting place before submitting your reservation. If you want different meeting point help or better transportation to the marina, you can request it by contacting Gil, the owner. That kind of flexibility can be a big help if you’re staying outside central Puerto Vallarta or you don’t want to stress about timing and logistics.

One real-world consideration from a group day: the departure location wasn’t in Puerto Vallarta itself and required about a 40–50 minute drive. So if you’re trying to protect your schedule, treat the morning as if there’s travel time baked in.

Who This Private Charter Fits Best

This is a great match if you want a private day with a mix of activities:

• Families with kids who want waterslides and water toys
• Couples or friend groups who want flexibility in beach choice
• Anyone who cares more about time on the water than about navigating logistics

It also fits well if you want snorkeling without feeling like you need to be an expert. The gear is included, and the crew is part of the experience.

If you’re traveling solo, the private format might feel less cost-efficient, but you might still like it if you’re joining a small group or you want a highly controlled day.

Should You Book This Private Yacht Charter?

Book it if you want a private, all-inclusive day on the water with waterslides, snorkeling at Los Arcos, and a route that can focus on beaches like Yelapa, Colomitos, Majahuitas, and Las Caletas. The combination of drinks, snacks, and included gear means you’ll spend the day doing rather than planning.

Hold off if your schedule is tight or you hate the idea of traveling to a departure marina outside Puerto Vallarta. The drive time can matter, and since the day is only about four hours, you’ll feel it.

FAQ

Is this tour private?

Yes. This is a private tour/activity, and only your group will participate.

How long is the private charter?

It runs for about 4 hours.

How many people can fit in the group?

The price is per group for up to 15 travelers.

What does all-inclusive mean here?

It includes all-inclusive activities, use of snorkel gear, paddle boards, kayaks, water mattresses, and water tubes. Alcoholic beverages and soft drinks are included, along with snacks like fresh-made guacamole and blue corn chips.

Are drinks included?

Yes. Alcoholic beverages are included, along with water, coffee, juices, sodas, mineral water, margaritas, beer, wine, piña coladas, champagne, and more.

What beaches and areas are typically visited?

You’ll cruise the coastline and Bay of Banderas, with stops that can include Los Arcos National Park, Yelapa, Colomitos, Playa Majahuitas, and Las Caletas.

Is hotel pickup included?

Hotel pickup and drop-off are not included, but pickup is offered. You’ll need to choose your meeting place before submitting your reservation.

Can I request help with transportation to the meeting point?

Yes. If you need a different meeting point or assistance with transportation, you can request it by contacting Gil, the owner.

What isn’t included?

Gratuities are not included (optional). Souvenir photos can be purchased at check-in or from a photographer on the boat.

What’s 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 experience start time, the amount you paid is not refunded.

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