Luxury Yacht & Snorkel with All inclusive Open bar and lunch

The best part of this five-hour outing is the blend of coastal cruising and water time. You leave Puerto Vallarta behind, pass the Malecón and possibly Los Arcos, then reach Majahuitas, a secluded cove backed by tropical forest. Snorkeling gear and paddleboards are supplied, and the crew keeps food and drinks moving.

I like the small 40-person limit, especially compared with the much larger boats operating in the bay. I also like the attentive service, generous drinks, and the chance to spot whales, dolphins, turtles, and seabirds along the way. The main caution is that luxury may be stretching the truth: the yacht is comfortable and well-kept, but the space can feel cozy, the snorkeling may be brief, and lunch may be a fairly ordinary sandwich rather than the seafood spread some people expect.

Quick take: what matters most

• Majahuitas is the star stop: You get a forest-framed cove, swimming, snorkeling, and time near the beach.
• A maximum of 40 people keeps the boat manageable: It feels more personal than the big party boats, though it is not private.
• The cruise can take nearly an hour before activities begin: Much of the morning is spent enjoying the bay from the boat.
• The open bar is strongest onboard: At Majahuitas, drinks may be limited to beer, water, and juice.
• Lunch is included, but expectations matter: Plan on deli-style food, fruit, guacamole, chips, and possibly seafood items, not a formal restaurant meal.
• Sea conditions control the route: Los Arcos, the Malecón view, snorkeling time, and beach access can change on the day.

A comfortable catamaran, not a private yacht

You meet at Vallarta Adventures in the Maritime Terminal, also called Puerto Mágico, at 8:00 a.m. The port can feel confusing at first, so arriving early is sensible. Once aboard, the crew takes over the practical details and begins the slow run south along the Bay of Banderas.

The boat is a Leopard catamaran with room for up to 40 people. That limit is one of the tour’s strongest selling points. You avoid the packed feel of boats carrying close to 100 people, but you should not picture a private charter with wide-open decks and a quiet cabin for every couple.

The arrangement is social. On a full departure, personal space can be limited, and there may not be a convenient place for bags. Bring only what you need for the morning. You will want sunscreen, a swimsuit, and perhaps a waterproof phone pouch, but large beach bags are awkward when you need to move around the boat or swim ashore.

The crew earns much of the tour’s good reputation. Names that have been praised include Juan Luis, Sylvino, Judy, Charlie, George, Victor, Daniel, Alex, Diego, Jennifer, Felipe, and Captain John Luis. Crew assignments can change, but the pattern is clear: service is a major part of the experience. Drinks are often brought to your seat, staff help with the water equipment, and the guides keep the mood lively without requiring you to organize anything.

The first hour across the Bay of Banderas

Do not book this trip expecting to reach the snorkeling site right away. The outward cruise can last close to an hour, depending on the route and sea conditions. That time is not wasted if you enjoy being on the water, but it can feel slow if your main goal is swimming.

The payoff is the view. From the boat, you see Puerto Vallarta from a different angle, including the Malecón boardwalk along the southern side of the city. The coastline has a pleasant rhythm of beaches, rocky points, and green hills. You may also pass Los Arcos, the famous rock formations south of town, although this is not guaranteed.

The captain may slow or stop when wildlife appears. Humpback whales have been seen during the run, and the bay can also produce sightings of dolphins and sea turtles. None of these animals can be promised, and the crew cannot control the route or the wildlife, but the slow pace gives you a fair chance to watch the water.

Sea conditions are important. A calm morning makes the ride smooth and the views easy to enjoy. On rougher days, motion sickness can affect even people who normally feel fine on boats. If you are prone to it, bring the medication you normally use, such as Dramamine, and take the advice to arrive prepared. Keep your eyes on the horizon and avoid starting the morning with a heavy meal.

Majahuitas: the most appealing stop

The main destination is Majahuitas Beach, a secluded cove south of Puerto Vallarta. It is surrounded by tropical forest and feels much more removed from the city than the Malecón view suggests.

The scheduled stop lasts about 1 hour and 20 minutes, but that time includes the practical work of getting people into the water and moving between activities. Snorkeling itself may be closer to 20 minutes on some departures, with beach time lasting just over 30 minutes. If you want a long, lazy afternoon on shore, this is not that kind of trip.

One unusual detail is that you may need to swim from the boat to the beach. That makes the cove feel special, but it creates limits. You cannot easily carry a towel, camera, or dry bag to shore, and you may spend time standing wet rather than settling into a beach chair. Plan to enjoy Majahuitas in the water, not as a fully equipped beach resort.

The cove is attractive even when the snorkeling is modest. You may see colorful fish, and sightings of a manta ray or sea turtle are possible, but this is not a major coral reef destination. Some people find the marine life worthwhile, while experienced tropical snorkelers may find the site ordinary, with little coral.

Life jackets may be required whenever you are in the water. That rule can feel restrictive if you are a confident swimmer, but it is part of the operator’s safety approach. Snorkeling gear is included, though you may prefer to bring your own mask if you want a more reliable fit.

Snorkeling, paddleboards, and the banana boat question

The included water activities are snorkeling and stand-up paddleboarding. Floating mats may also be available, and several departures have offered a banana boat ride. The banana boat is not clearly listed among the included features, so treat it as an activity that may or may not operate on your departure rather than a firm promise.

When it runs, it can be the most energetic part of the day. One account describes it as a rough ride, with a child ending up in the water. If you are bringing children, ask the crew about current conditions and safety before joining. The activity is better suited to people who enjoy a jolt of speed than to anyone seeking a calm swim.

Paddleboards offer the opposite mood. They give you a quiet way to look around the cove and use the water without committing to the rougher ride. Availability depends on the day and on how many people want equipment at the same time.

The snorkeling area is best approached with realistic expectations. It can be pleasant and fish-filled, but visibility and animal life change with weather, season, and water conditions. This tour is primarily a boat-and-cove outing with snorkeling included, not a specialist marine-life expedition.

Lunch, drinks, and what all-inclusive really means

Food begins with items such as fruit, chips, guacamole, and shrimp cocktail, followed by a deli-style lunch. Some descriptions and experiences include a sandwich, dessert, or a small charcuterie-style meal. Food quality receives plenty of praise, but the main course is not consistently described as a substantial seafood lunch.

That distinction matters at $119 per person. If you expect grilled fish, a plated meal, or an upscale dining service, you may feel shortchanged. If you see lunch as a convenient, filling meal between water activities, the package makes more sense.

Tell the operator about dietary needs before departure. A shellfish allergy can make the shrimp portion unusable, and the supplied information does not promise a special replacement meal. You should not assume the menu can be changed onboard.

The unlimited premium open bar is one of the tour’s biggest draws. On the catamaran, service is generally generous, with beer, mixed drinks, mango margaritas, water, and other refreshments available. The crew often brings drinks and food to you, so you do not need to queue at a bar.

Do not assume the same bar follows you to the beach. At Majahuitas, the available drinks may be beer, water, and hibiscus water or juice. Premium cocktails are not reliably served ashore. If the open bar is your main reason for booking, remember that the strongest part of that benefit is the cruise itself.

Drink responsibly. A five-hour boat trip with sun, motion, swimming, and alcohol can catch up with you quickly. Water, sunscreen, and a slow pace will make the day much more comfortable.

Is $119 a fair price?

The $119 price is reasonable for a small-group boat day if you value attentive service, an open bar, lunch, equipment, and a comfortable route along the bay. You are paying for the whole package, not just 20 minutes of snorkeling.

The price looks less attractive if you mainly want a long snorkeling session. Much of the outing is spent cruising, and the actual water activities may be brief. A basic snorkeling trip could offer more time in the water for less money, while a private charter would provide more space for a much higher price.

The group limit helps the value. Forty people is not intimate in the private-yacht sense, but it is far easier to manage than a boat with 80 or 100 people. The service feels more personal, and you have a better chance of getting help with equipment or a drink without a long wait.

Budget for extra charges and add-ons. The stated information lists a $40 per-person Bay of Banderas admission fee as not included. Some departures have instead involved a smaller fee in pesos and a separate port fee of 30 pesos per person. Confirm the current charge before you arrive, and bring local cash as well as a card.

Photos and video are optional purchases. An onboard photographer may take polished pictures throughout the trip, and a digital package has been priced around $100. That can be worthwhile for a birthday or bachelorette group, but it is not included in the tour price. Decide early if you are interested so you are not surprised at the end.

Who will enjoy this outing most?

I would choose this trip for a couple, family, or group of friends who want a polished morning on the bay with several activities and plenty of service. It works especially well for birthdays, bachelor or bachelorette celebrations, and anyone who enjoys music, drinks, and a social boat atmosphere.

It is also a good fit if you are staying in Puerto Vallarta or Nuevo Vallarta and want to see the southern coast without arranging transport to each beach. The sea views, possible wildlife, and stop at Majahuitas offer more variety than a simple beach day.

I would think twice if you need a quiet, private setting, have serious motion sickness, or want a serious snorkeling experience. You may also be disappointed if the word luxury makes you expect spacious lounging areas, a gourmet meal, premium drinks on the beach, and a long stay ashore.

Drones are prohibited under federal rules because of protections for endemic birds and flight paths. Drugs, vaping devices, and electronic cigarettes are also prohibited at Mexico’s federal maritime ports. The minimum age is 10, and most people can participate, but you need to be comfortable boarding a boat, using a life jacket, and entering the water.

Practical details for a smoother morning

Wear a swimsuit under light clothing and pack sunscreen, a hat, sunglasses, and a small waterproof pouch. Keep valuables to a minimum because storage for belongings can be limited and the beach stop may require swimming from the boat.

Arrive early at the Maritime Terminal for the 8:00 a.m. start. The activity ends back at the same meeting point after roughly five hours. Hotel pickup and drop-off are not included, so arrange your own way to the terminal.

The tour needs suitable weather and a minimum number of participants. If poor conditions cancel the trip, you can receive a different date or a full refund. You can also cancel for a full refund up to 24 hours before the start time, but changes or cancellations inside that window are not accepted.

Should you book the Majahuitas yacht tour?

Book it if your ideal Puerto Vallarta day means a good boat, attentive crew, coastal views, a secluded cove, several water activities, lunch, and drinks without having to plan each detail. The 40-person cap and the crew service give it an advantage over mass-market boat trips.

Skip it if you are paying for the word luxury alone. The boat is comfortable, but not private; the snorkeling is pleasant rather than exceptional; and the lunch can be basic. For the right person, this is a fun, easygoing day on the Bay of Banderas. Just treat Majahuitas as a scenic water stop, not a full beach resort, and confirm the extra fees and food details before booking.

FAQ

How long is the yacht and snorkeling tour?

The experience lasts approximately five hours, beginning at 8:00 a.m. and ending back at the Maritime Terminal.

Where does the tour start?

You meet at Vallarta Adventures in the Maritime Terminal, also called Puerto Mágico, at Heroica Escuela Naval and Boulevard Francisco Medina Ascencio 30-G1 in Puerto Vallarta.

Is hotel pickup included?

No. Hotel pickup and drop-off are not included, so you must make your own way to the meeting point.

How many people can join the tour?

The maximum group size is 40 people.

What is included in the price?

The package includes the yacht cruise, unlimited premium open bar, deli-style lunch, snorkeling equipment, and stand-up paddleboards.

Is snorkeling guaranteed at Los Arcos?

No. The route depends on sea conditions. The boat may pass Los Arcos, but it is not guaranteed on every departure.

What food is served?

Food can include fruit, chips and guacamole, shrimp cocktail, sandwiches, dessert, and other deli-style items. Specific offerings may vary, and a special meal for allergies is not guaranteed.

Are drinks available at Majahuitas Beach?

Drinks at the beach may be limited to beer, water, and juice or hibiscus water. The broader premium open bar is primarily available onboard.

What is the cancellation policy?

You can cancel at least 24 hours before the start time for a full refund. Poor weather or failure to reach the minimum number of participants may also result in a different date or a full refund.