Luxury Yacht & Snorkel with All inclusive Open bar and lunch

Sun, salt, and a private cove. This half-day Puerto Vallarta yacht trip keeps the vibe laid-back, with a small 40-person max and a real destination, Majahuitas Beach, not just a quick stop.

What I like most is the way the day flows from coast views you cannot get from land into water time, with snorkeling gear and paddleboards included.

My one watch-out: if the sea gets choppy, the ride can feel bouncy, and a few people report motion sickness, so pack accordingly.

Key highlights to know before you go

• 40-person max makes it feel more like a crew-led day out than a cattle-boat tour
• Majahuitas Cove is the main event, reached by boat with a secluded beach feel
• Unlimited premium open bar plus a lunch spread that includes guacamole and seafood options
• Snorkel gear and paddleboards included, so you are not waiting around for extras
• Sights like Los Arcos and the Malecón Boardwalk can appear from the water, depending on conditions
• Onboard photographers take pics during the trip, and digital packages cost extra

A half-day yacht that feels like a day on the water, not a production

This is the kind of tour that works because it respects your time. You start early (8:00 am) and you get out onto the Bay of Banderas fast enough to enjoy the morning light, then you spend the rest of the day on the water and at the cove. The boat is a Leopard catamaran, and the small group size matters more than you might think. When you are not squeezed in with 100 people, it is easier to move, get a drink, find a calm spot, and actually enjoy the ride.

The other big win is service. Multiple reviews mention crews that keep drinks topped up without you hunting people down, and that kind of attention changes the whole mood. A few names pop up again and again, like Diego Chihuahua during snorkeling, and crew members such as Alex, Jennifer, Felipe, Juan Luis, Daniel, and Captain Victor. Even when people had minor complaints about food or timing, the staff friendliness comes up over and over.

Still, I would set expectations honestly. Some folks felt the boat was not truly luxury, and the “premium” feeling can depend on how you define luxury, mainly because a catamaran is built for function and comfort on open water. Also, the sea decides part of the plan. Your route and timing shift based on conditions, so you are signing up for an ocean day, not a rigid agenda.

Price and the real value question: what you actually get for $119

At $119 per person for about 5 hours, the value lives in the inclusions. You are not just buying transportation and a beach break. You are getting:

• Day cruise on the Leopard catamaran
• Unlimited premium open bar
• Lunch (deli style) with options like guacamole, chips, seafood items, fresh fruit, and shrimp cocktails
• Snorkeling equipment and stand up paddleboards
• A crew-run experience with active time in the water

That mix is what you are paying for. If you try to piece it together yourself, you would still end up paying separately for boat time, gear rentals, and food, and you might not get the same all-day flow of drinks. Where the math can get tricky is “premium” expectations. One review notes that on the beach stop the bar felt more limited, with beer and juice or water rather than full cocktail variety. So it is unlimited, but the exact menu can vary by stop.

Then there is the extra fee angle. The operator lists an admission fee for the Bay of Banderas of $40.00 per person as not included. Reviews also mention a mandatory port fee of 30 pesos per person prior to departure on at least one day. Bottom line, plan to bring some local cash and expect a small add-on even if you already booked.

If you want a clean, no-stress day with food, gear, and drinks rolled together, this pricing can make sense. If you are chasing a top-tier, six-course yacht fantasy, you may feel slightly let down by the meal style and the fact that the ocean sets the tempo.

Morning start, boarding, and the way conditions shape the route

Your departure point is Vallarta Adventures at Terminal Marítima Puerto Mágico. The trip is timed for an 8:00 am start, which is a smart move in Puerto Vallarta. Early trips often mean calmer water and a better chance to enjoy Majahuitas before larger boats arrive.

From there, the cruise heads along the Bay of Banderas south of Puerto Vallarta. On some days, you may pass Los Arcos. You will also get sea views of the Malecón Boardwalk from the water. The exact sequence depends on what the sea is doing that day, and that is not a cop-out. It is how you stay comfortable and safe.

One practical thing to keep in mind: even with a catamaran, if the wind is up or waves build, you will feel it. A few reviews mention seasickness, including one case where the waves got rough enough that the wife was affected. If motion sickness is your thing, pack medication in advance. Dramamine comes up in reviews for a reason.

Also, note that the schedule can feel shorter than your imagination once you get to the water. One person reports snorkeling around 20 minutes, then a beach stop just over 30 minutes, followed by a slow return to port. That does not mean it is always the same, but it is a reminder: do not book this expecting an all-day endless snorkel session. It is a balanced half-day.

Majahuitas Beach: the secluded stop everyone talks about

Majahuitas Beach is the centerpiece. You cruise toward the iconic cove just south of Puerto Vallarta, surrounded by lush tropical rainforest. In plain terms, it is why this tour is worth it. You are not just seeing coastline from a distance. You are getting a real beach moment.

The cove also tends to feel more exclusive during the window you are there. At least one review describes arriving before larger boats showed up, which made the beach time feel quiet and early, then leaving before the crowds. That timing advantage is one reason early starts are worth it.

What you might not love is the logistics of getting to shore. Some reviews say you swim in, so you cannot casually carry towels or valuables onto the beach as if you were stepping onto a dock. If you want a dry bag approach, you will need a plan and you should assume you might get wet. People mention that once you are in, life vests are required anytime you are in the water, which is sensible but can feel awkward.

The upside: the snorkeling and swimming setup is straightforward. Some reviewers felt the snorkeling spot was relaxing and saw plenty of colorful fish. Others found marine life less impressive than expected, with little or no coral. That spread is normal in the Bay area. If you love fish watching more than coral detail, you may be happier with what you see.

Snorkeling and paddleboarding: included gear, short window, mixed reef expectations

Snorkeling gear and stand up paddleboards are included, so you do not have to make extra decisions once you are onboard. During the snorkel portion, a guide like Diego Chihuahua can help you get the most out of the water time, which is a big deal if you are new to snorkeling or just want to know where to look.

You should also know the snorkel time can be brief. One recent group reported about 20 minutes in the water. If you are the type who wants long, slow underwater sessions, that might feel too short. On the other hand, a shorter snorkel window can be a good match if you prefer spending time on the beach, taking photos, or doing paddleboarding too.

Marine life is a mixed bag day to day. Several reviews mention plenty of fish and even sightings like a sea turtle and manta ray. Others say they did not see much marine life or that the snorkeling spot had limited coral. What stays consistent is that you will spend time in the water with equipment provided and a crew managing the group.

One more practical note: bring sunscreen and consider motion-sickness help if you are sensitive. Between the cruise and the water activities, a few people recommend Dramamine as a smart backup.

Lunch, drinks, and the picky details that affect your experience

Let’s talk about the food and the open bar, because that is the emotional core of a yacht tour. The lunch is deli style and includes items like guacamole, shrimp cocktails, chips, fresh fruit, and a guac-and-snack setup that many people seemed genuinely happy with. Reviewers also mention snacks and drinks being kept coming without you getting up.

The unlimited open bar is a headline feature, and it is clear the crew aims to keep it flowing. Multiple reviews describe always having drinks available and the general vibe feeling fun, social, and relaxed. Some call out the mango margaritas, which tells me the drink experience is not just water and beer.

But there are a couple wrinkles to know. A few reviews say the beach stop bar was mostly beer and water, not the full premium cocktail lineup. One reviewer even felt the drink service was uneven, getting only one alcoholic beverage, though that is not the common theme. Another review says life vests in the water were required, which is safety-first, but it also changes the feel of splashing around.

On the lunch quality front, you will see a split. Many people call the food delicious and generous. A few others say sandwiches were ordinary or that the food description did not match what they received on their day. If your idea of lunch is a gourmet, sit-down restaurant meal, you might judge it more harshly. If your idea is a filling meal paired with a fun day at sea, it likely lands well.

If you have dietary restrictions, do not assume the shrimp is a guaranteed safe option. One reviewer with a shellfish allergy could not eat the shrimp but was still able to enjoy other items. That suggests some flexibility, but it also means you should tell the crew what you can and cannot eat before you order or serve yourself.

The sights from the water: Los Arcos, the Malecón, and whale sightings

The Bay of Banderas route is part of the entertainment. On the way, you might pass Los Arcos, and you should enjoy views of the Malecón Boardwalk from sea level. Those are the kinds of views that feel effortless because you are not waiting for buses or tickets. You are just cruising.

Wildlife adds that extra spark. Some reviews mention whales seen during the ride back, and the boat reportedly slowed down when whales were spotted. If that happens on your day, it is one of those moments where the whole tour turns quiet and everyone notices.

Also, dolphins and turtles get mentioned in the tour highlights, which fits the region. Do not plan your day around a guaranteed sighting, but do keep your eyes up and your phone ready.

Banana boat, paddleboards, and the safety feel of active water time

The tour includes stand up paddleboards, and several reviews also mention a banana boat ride being available during the beach stop. If that banana boat is offered on your day, know it can get rough. One family review warns that it can be bumpy, and a child even ended up in the water. That is not automatically dangerous, but it is a reality of inflatable rides behind a boat.

Life vests are required for time in the water. That comes up in reviews, and again, it is for safety. The trade-off is that it can be less romantic and more practical. If you like swimming without gear, this is not that kind of day, but if you like safety and confidence, you will probably appreciate the approach.

Bring a plan for what you keep with you. If you swim to shore from the boat, your “stuff strategy” matters. You may not be able to bring towels easily, and you might have to stand around dripping. It is fine, but expect the reality of a cove day.

The photos are fun, but budget for the add-on

This tour has a photographer on board, and the vibe can feel like a celebrity shoot. Multiple reviews call out that the photographer captures professional-looking pictures and that the experience includes photo and video moments throughout the day.

Here is the financial reality: digital packages cost extra. One reviewer mentions the digital package at around $100 USD, and notes it was worth it for them. If you hate surprise expenses, you might want to skip the package unless you see the shots you truly love.

Either way, the photography is a big reason the tour feels like it has “memory value.” Even if you are not buying the package, the onboard photos can help you document a day that would be hard to reproduce.

Who this tour fits best, and who should skip it

This is a great match if you want:

• A small-group catamaran day with a real beach stop
• Snorkeling and paddleboarding without renting gear
• A lunch and drink plan that is built into the price flow
• A crew that focuses on friendly, attentive service

It is also a solid pick for celebrations. Reviews mention bachelorette groups and birthdays, and the open bar and energetic crew vibe tends to work well for groups that want fun more than silence.

I would think twice if:

• You get motion sick and do not want to take precautions
• You expect an all-day snorkel session with long water time
• You are very strict about “luxury” meaning top-tier finishes, gourmet meals, and a guaranteed premium cocktail menu at every stop

If you are a seasoned tropical diver, one review suggests the snorkel site may not be extraordinary for coral-heavy expectations. That does not mean it is bad, it just means you should know what you are shopping for.

Should you book this Puerto Vallarta Yacht and Snorkel tour?

If your priority is an enjoyable half-day on the Bay of Banderas with included snorkeling gear, paddleboards, lunch, and an unlimited open bar, this tour is easy to recommend. The small group size makes it feel more comfortable, and the crew attention is the kind of quality you can feel within the first hour.

I would only hesitate if you are extremely picky about luxury details, want long snorkeling time, or you plan to avoid any possibility of extra on-the-day fees. The Bay of Banderas admission fee is not included, and you should budget for that. Also, bring sunscreen, consider motion sickness help, and plan for sea conditions to affect timing.

Book it if you want the classic Puerto Vallarta combo, boat views, Majahuitas cove time, and a low-effort day where the crew handles the details.

FAQ

How long is the Luxury Yacht & Snorkel tour?

It is about 5 hours (approx.).

What time does the tour start?

The start time is 8:00 am.

How many people are on the boat?

This experience has a maximum of 40 travelers.

Is lunch included?

Yes. Lunch is included as a deli-style meal.

What about snorkeling gear and paddleboards?

Snorkeling equipment and stand up paddleboards are included.

Is the open bar included?

Yes. The tour includes unlimited premium open bar.

What extra fees should I plan for?

The Bay of Banderas admission fee is not included, listed at $40.00 per person. The tour also notes a strict no-drug policy and that drones are prohibited. For cancellations, you can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.