A quiet way to see Puerto Vallarta. This private yacht outing mixes sailing views of Bahia de Banderas with real water time at Los Arcos de Mismaloya and Playa Las Gemelas. I like that it’s purpose-built for a small group, with snorkeling gear and sailing comforts handled for you. One thing to consider: the whole experience depends on good weather, and water temps can feel cool depending on the month.

I really like two parts here. First, the snorkeling setup is included, plus fishing rods and even a kayak on board, so you can pick your pace without paying extra. Second, Los Arcos is a naturally protected area where you have a strong chance of seeing colorful fish, octopus, and sea turtles.

The main drawback is simple: snorkeling time at Los Arcos is relatively short (about 30 minutes). If you’re hoping for a long, slow underwater session, you’ll want to make your first moments count.

Key things to know before you go

• Private yacht, up to 12 people: this is built for your group, not a big mixed crowd.
• Los Arcos de Mismaloya is included: admission is free, and it’s a protected ocean area.
• Gear comes with the boat: snorkeling equipment, fishing rods, and a kayak are included.
• Two beach-water rhythms: longer time at Playa Las Gemelas, then a quick snorkel at Los Arcos.
• Crew service and comfort: restroom on board, cooler/ice, and bottled water are part of the package.
• Bring your own food plans: lunch and alcohol aren’t included, but you can handle snacks your way.

Private yacht, real water time: what you’re buying in Puerto Vallarta

This is the kind of trip that feels small on purpose. You meet at Marina Vallarta and climb aboard a private yacht where the whole point is relaxing while the coastline does the work for you. You’re not waiting in a long line of tour buses. You’re not spending your day herding with strangers. It’s your group, your music (if you want it), your swims, and your camera breaks.

For the money, the value is less about paying for a boat that’s only “pretty,” and more about paying for a smooth combo of: (1) protected snorkeling time at Los Arcos, (2) scenic sailing through the south of Bahia de Banderas, and (3) actual beach-and-water stops that feel more like a day with friends than an outing with a schedule beatdown.

You also get enough on-board support that you can stay comfortable. There’s a restroom onboard, a cooler with ice, bottled water, plates and cups, and snorkeling equipment. That means you can focus on the experience instead of playing equipment scavenger hunt.

If you’re traveling as a couple or a small group, it can look pricey per person. But for private yacht days, the pricing usually makes more sense when you spread the cost across your group and you want the privacy to stay real.

Marina Vallarta meeting point and the 3–4 hour rhythm

Your start is Calle Popa C. Popa, Marina Vallarta, 48335 Puerto Vallarta, Jal., Mexico. The tour runs on a daily window of 10:00 AM to 4:00 PM, and the full experience is scheduled for about 3 to 4 hours.

That timing matters. It’s long enough to enjoy sailing views plus two distinct water stops, but short enough that you won’t feel locked into a whole day at sea. In practice, that means you should plan for a brisk, fun pace: arrive ready to get in the water, and treat the stops as opportunities to savor rather than marathon.

Also note the quick confirmation timeline. You’ll receive confirmation within 48 hours of booking, depending on availability. And because it’s a private activity, only your group participates.

Sailing south through Bahia de Banderas: the views before the swim

The trip starts by sailing through the south of Bahía de Banderas, with views that give you instant context for why Puerto Vallarta looks the way it does. You’ll pass in the direction of downtown Puerto Vallarta and the surrounding mountains, and you’ll get that classic coastal perspective where the shoreline curves and the water changes color by the minute.

Along the way, the route is designed for easy water breaks. You’ll pass beaches such as Playa Las Gemelas, Punta Negra, and Bungee. If you want a swim or a quick hang-out, there’s room to pause and enjoy the beach time.

This first leg is also where the included extras start to matter. Fishing rods are provided, so if you’re the type who likes to try a little casting from the boat, you can. If you’re not, it still adds to the vibe: it signals this isn’t just a transit segment to the snorkeling spot. It’s part of the fun.

Practical takeaway: if you’re prone to getting cold in the water, don’t wait until the last minute to test conditions. Do your first swim earlier in the trip so you can decide your pace. One recent guest noted that the water can feel cool in certain seasons, so being mentally prepared helps.

Playa Las Gemelas: beach time that feels relaxed and flexible

Your first true stop is Playa Las Gemelas. The scheduled time there is about 2 hours, and admission is free.

This stop is where you can choose your own mix of lounging and water time. Because it’s a beach-oriented location, it’s ideal for:

• a casual swim
• snorkeling if you want to get your bearings before Los Arcos
• hanging out for photos with fewer time constraints

It’s also the spot where the fishing rods can feel most natural. If you want to try them, this is the most straightforward place to do it—less “in transit,” more “set up and enjoy.”

One thing I’d plan for: two hours can fly by. If you want a longer snorkel session, remember you’ll likely have a quicker snorkeling window at Los Arcos later. So treat Las Gemelas as both a warm-up and a chance to enjoy the beach environment itself.

Los Arcos de Mismaloya: protected ocean, fast snorkeling, great wildlife odds

Next comes the big-name stop: Los Arcos de Mismaloya, scheduled for about 30 minutes with admission ticket free.

This is the part you book for if you care about wildlife viewing. Los Arcos is a naturally protected area, which tends to make the snorkeling experience feel safer and easier to manage than random open-water stops. It’s also the place where you’ll have the best chance of seeing colorful fish, octopus, and sea turtles.

Thirty minutes doesn’t sound long until you remember what this is: a private, guided-feel water moment built into a short overall outing. The goal isn’t to turn your whole day into a single underwater session. The goal is to get you to the right place and give you enough time to enjoy it without rushing everyone to exhaustion.

Photo strategy tip: if you’re planning to take pictures, do it in a way that doesn’t steal all your energy from snorkeling. Try a quick scan of the area first. Then snorkel. Then finish with pictures when you’re calmer in the water. The rocks and clear protected-water conditions usually make it easier to get satisfying shots without a complicated setup.

If you want maximum odds of a turtle sighting, pay attention to your first moments in the water. Wildlife viewing is rarely guaranteed, but protected areas typically improve your odds, and Los Arcos is specifically described as a prime snorkeling destination.

Snorkeling gear, fishing rods, and a kayak: why the extras matter

The included list here isn’t just padding. Each item supports a different kind of enjoyment, so you don’t all have to want the same thing.

Here’s what’s included:

• Snorkeling equipment
• Fishing rods
• Kayak
• Cooler and ice
• Plates and cups
• Bottled water
• Restroom on board

That kayak inclusion is a smart bonus for people who want time on the water without full snorkeling commitment. You can explore closer to the route at your own pace, and it’s a good option if conditions make snorkel time less comfortable.

And because you have snorkeling equipment on board, you avoid the common headache of borrowing gear at the last second or paying for rentals. That alone makes the experience feel smoother and more “private charter” than “tour bus with extra steps.”

Onboard comfort: restroom, privacy feel, and food you control

A yacht outing can feel frustrating if it’s all water and no comfort. This one covers the basics. There’s a restroom on board, and there’s a cooler with ice plus bottled water. Plates and cups are included, which makes it easier to bring your own snacks or to handle simple food plans.

Alcohol and lunch aren’t included, so you’ll need to plan your own meals. The upside is flexibility. If you like the idea of bringing something easy for your group—sandwiches, fruit, or anything you can pack without drama—this format supports that. If you’re traveling with people who get hungry at different times, having basic serving setup helps.

There’s also a vibe of attentive service and a clean vessel, based on what recent guests highlighted. And privacy is part of the appeal, especially for groups who want to relax without sharing the space with strangers. One nice detail: the top portion of the boat can feel like a more private zone, which helps when you want quiet time between swims.

Music is another small but meaningful comfort point. Some guests noted the yacht setup includes Bluetooth, so you can play your own playlist instead of relying on whatever audio the crew has on.

Price and value: $1,015 per group up to 12

The price is $1,015.00 per group for up to 12 people, for a 3 to 4 hour private experience. That is not cheap on a per-person basis if you’re only two people. But yacht tours are usually priced for the boat, not for seats.

Where it becomes value is simple:

• you share the cost across a group
• you get private use of the yacht for the whole outing
• you get included snorkeling equipment and key admission (Los Arcos)

Do the math your way. If you’re traveling with 10–12 people, the cost per person drops quickly compared with piecemeal tours where you pay separately for boat access, snorkeling gear, and destination entry.

If you’re traveling as a smaller party, think of it like this: you’re paying for a stress-free day. No waiting for multiple transfers, no rotating groups through the same stop order, and no “everyone listen up” energy. If privacy and a smooth schedule are high on your list, the cost can feel fair.

One more value point: the tour gives you a protected snorkeling target plus beach time, without requiring you to manage multiple vendors. That saves mental effort, and mental effort is real when you’re on vacation.

Weather and water temps: the one factor that can change your day

This experience requires good weather. If it’s canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund.

So how does that affect you as a traveler? Plan for flexibility. If your trip to Puerto Vallarta is on a tight schedule, keep an eye on forecast timing and consider booking your yacht day early in your stay so you have backup room if conditions change.

Water temperature can also affect comfort. One guest specifically noted that the water felt cool in certain months. If you’re sensitive to cold water, you might shorten how long you stay submerged or plan your snorkeling for the warmest time window of your day.

Who this trip is best for (and who might want something else)

This private yacht is a great match if you:

• want a private group experience with real water time
• care about snorkeling at a protected destination like Los Arcos
• like the idea of choosing your own pace between cruising, swimming, and exploring

It also works well for family and friends groups who want to relax together without dividing into smaller tours.

You might consider a different option if:

• you’re expecting a long snorkeling session (Los Arcos snorkeling time is about 30 minutes)
• you only want one swim location and nothing else
• your group needs guaranteed full-day meals (lunch isn’t included)

Should you book the private yacht with Los Arcos snorkeling?

If your goal is a private, comfortable half-day at sea with included snorkeling and a legit protected marine stop, I’d say yes. The structure makes sense: views and sailing first, a relaxed beach stop next, and then Los Arcos for wildlife viewing when conditions are best.

Book it especially if you’re traveling with enough people to make the group pricing feel reasonable, and if privacy is a big part of what you want from Puerto Vallarta. The combination of included equipment, admission to Los Arcos, and the simple comfort of having a restroom and water on board turns this into a day that feels easy, not complicated.

If you’re a hardcore snorkeler hunting for a long underwater block, you may find the Los Arcos time a bit short. But if you want a smart, well-paced outing where the boat logistics are handled and the snorkeling destination is the star, this is a strong pick.

FAQ

How long is the private yacht sightseeing and snorkeling tour?

It runs about 3 to 4 hours (approx.). Playa Las Gemelas is about 2 hours, and Los Arcos de Mismaloya is about 30 minutes.

How many people can go on this private tour?

It’s a private activity for your group, up to 12 people.

Where do I meet for the tour?

The meeting point is Calle Popa C. Popa, Marina Vallarta, 48335 Puerto Vallarta, Jal., Mexico. The tour ends back at the meeting point.

What snorkeling equipment is included?

Snorkeling equipment is included as part of the tour, so you don’t need to bring your own gear.

Is admission to Los Arcos de Mismaloya included?

Yes. Admission ticket for Los Arcos de Mismaloya is included (listed as free).

Is admission included for Playa Las Gemelas?

Yes. Admission ticket for Playa Las Gemelas is listed as free.

What else is included besides snorkeling gear?

Included items are a restroom on board, fishing rods, a cooler with ice, plates and cups, bottled water, and a kayak.

What is not included in the price?

Lunch and alcoholic beverages are not included.

What happens if the weather is poor?

This experience requires good weather. If it’s canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund.

What is the cancellation policy?

The experience is non-refundable and cannot be changed for any reason. If it’s canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund.

You Might Also Enjoy

Dubai Luxury Yacht Tour with Live BBQ & DrinksYacht Charter Madeira beach and Tampa BayPrivate Luxury 36′ Yacht from Fajardo to Icacos or PalominoPrivate Full-Day Yacht Tour in Maltese Islands