Puerto Vallarta: Luxury Yacht Tour with Lunch and Open Bar

Snorkel, sail, relax in Puerto Vallarta. On this luxury yacht tour, I like the open bar style and the water time at Majahuitas Cove, where marine life sightings are part of the fun. One thing to consider is the schedule is fixed, so your time in the water and on deck is great, but it is not a linger-as-long-as-you-like kind of outing.

This is a half-day plan built around real coastline, not just drifting in open water. You get a sightseeing cruise, then you switch gears to snorkeling and stand-up paddleboarding at Playa Majahuitas, followed by lunch and a return sail back to Puerto Vallarta.

Key Takeaways Before You Go

• Majahuitas Cove water time: Snorkeling, stand-up paddleboarding, plus beach break.
• Open bar and lunch included: You are not budgeting for drinks or food while on the water.
• Marine life is the point: Keep your eyes up for dolphins, whales, turtles, and tropical fish.
• Port security is real: Expect airport-style checks at the federal cruise port before boarding.
• Boat size can vary: Some days feel roomy, others can feel like a larger group, depending on the vessel.

Luxury Yacht Day, with Real Time in the Water

If you want Puerto Vallarta in postcard form, this tour leans into it. The sailing portion gives you big Bay of Banderas views, then the itinerary actually hands you gear and time for water activities. That mix is what makes it feel like more than a “sit on a boat and hope” kind of outing.

The open bar matters because it makes the deck hangout part of the experience, not an afterthought. And once you reach Playa Majahuitas, you are not just looking at scenery, you are set up to get in and explore. Snorkeling equipment and a paddleboard are included, plus towels, so you can travel lighter.

The vibe is also supported by how the crew runs the day. Multiple reviews highlight attentive service and guides who keep everyone safe when the water gets choppier than expected. One guide name came up in feedback, Charlie, who stood out for being accommodating and kind.

That said, it is still a 5-hour tour with set departure and return times. If your ideal day is slow and flexible, you may find the total time a bit short for the price. (One reviewer basically said it felt brief for a half-day outing.) You can love the experience and still feel that tradeoff.

Pickup, Harbor Fee, and the Cruise-Port Security Line

Logistics are a big part of how smooth or stressful the morning feels. Here is what you need to know before you show up.

First, pickup is not “hotel pickup.” Instead, you have two meeting options:

• Las Palmas 39, Puerto Magico
• Another listed meeting option is also Las Palmas 39, Puerto Magico, with boats using different meeting arrangements

The activity says you should contact Vallarta Adventures in advance because different boats may use different meeting details. So do that to avoid any last-minute confusion.

Second, there is a $28 per-person harbor fee, and it is payable in cash. You will handle it at the port area.

Third, plan for airport-style security at the federal cruise port. Reviews mention going through a metal detector and paying the harbor fee before boarding. Build in extra buffer time, especially if you are arriving close to the recommended arrival window.

Finally, this tour runs rain or shine. That means what you wear matters: you want quick-dry layers and footwear that works on wet surfaces around the dock and boat.

Bay of Banderas Views on the Way Out

Once you are aboard, the day shifts from waiting to moving. The cruise segment is where the coastline starts doing its work. You glide out and get scenic views of the Bay of Banderas area, with time to settle into lounge seating and take in the horizon.

This is also when you start to notice how the tour balances “relax” with “look for wildlife.” The tour is set up for you to keep an eye on the water, and the guides tend to be on the lookout for dolphins and other marine life. In at least one departure described in feedback, whales and dolphins were spotted during the early cruising stretch.

If you are prone to seasickness, it helps to take practical steps:

• Stand or sit where you can see the horizon
• Stay hydrated with the included drinks
• Keep your head up and avoid staring at your phone for long periods

One important point: a review noted that waves were bigger than usual, but the crew made safety a priority and helped everyone feel secure. In other words, you do not have to assume it will be perfectly calm.

Majahuitas Cove: Snorkeling, Paddleboarding, and Wildlife Watching

Playa Majahuitas is the centerpiece, and the itinerary gives you a real chunk of time here. You will get free time plus organized snorkeling and stand-up paddleboarding.

The cove is described as a hidden beach just south of Puerto Vallarta, surrounded by lush tropical scenery. Even if you do not get in the water, it is the kind of place where you can still enjoy the setting from the shore and the boat.

Snorkeling: short enough to stay fun, long enough to feel worth it

Snorkeling is included, along with equipment. One review mentioned snorkeling around 30 minutes. That is not all-day snorkeling, but it is usually a good length for most people: long enough to see plenty, short enough that you are not cold or exhausted.

What to expect in the water depends on conditions, but the tour goals are clear: look for dolphins, sea turtles, and tropical fish. You are not guaranteed any specific species, but the itinerary is built for wildlife watching, not just a quick dip.

Paddleboarding: included, but you control your pace

Paddleboarding is also included. If you are comfortable on a board, you can explore around the cove area. If you are a first-timer, it is still a chance to try something active without needing to plan lessons or bring gear. (Your time is limited, so do not overthink it, just give it a shot.)

Beach time: where the tour gets its relaxed feel

You get time to hang out at the beach, which is where the day stops feeling like an agenda and starts feeling like vacation. Between deck lounging, water activities, and the beach break, it is a good rhythm for a half-day.

Also, it is worth keeping an eye out for photos. At least one review said the crew takes photos and you can purchase them later for about 160 USD. If you want those memories, keep that in mind. If you do not, no problem, just know it may be offered.

Lunch on a Yacht: Food, Drinks, and That Easy-Going Middle

After you finish the water time at Playa Majahuitas, the tour snaps into its comfort mode: lunch on board, then more sailing back.

Lunch is included, and the food is described as yummy in reviews. The open bar continues the casual feel, with plenty of drinks service mentioned in feedback. This part of the itinerary is not about a fancy meal, it is about getting you fed and re-centered after time in the sun and water.

One of the underrated values of a guided yacht tour is that you do not have to manage the timing. You do not need to find a restaurant, figure out transport, or worry about where your group is meeting. The day flows from cruise to cove to lunch and back.

How Big Is the Group, Really?

You will see different answers depending on the vessel. One review described a boat with about 25 people and said it did not feel crowded, with lounging spots available and even multiple bathrooms onboard. Another review said the boat had at least 50 people and that the half-day felt short for the price.

So treat it as a variable. The important thing is to look for ways you can make group size irrelevant to your experience:

• Choose a lounge spot early
• Ask the crew about the calmest viewing areas
• Be prepared for a busier atmosphere if you want a quiet, uncrowded experience

Price and Value: Is $119 Worth It?

At $119 per person, plus the $28 harbor fee payable in cash, you are paying for a few combined things:

• A luxury-style yacht ride with lounge seating
• A cruise that gives you coastline views in the Bay of Banderas
• Included water activities, snorkeling equipment, and a paddleboard
• Lunch and an open bar

If you were to piece this together on your own, you would likely spend more in time and money. You would need transport to a launch point, gear rentals, a guide for the water time (especially for snorkeling locations), plus food planning.

So where does the value swing? It swings on two factors:

1. How much you care about short, guided water time

This is not an all-day dive experience. If your main goal is long snorkeling, you may find it short.

1. How you feel about a half-day schedule

The itinerary moves, and you will hit each segment within a tight time box.

That is why this tour can feel like a slam dunk for one person and too pricey for another. If your ideal day is a polished, easy “try a lot of things” outing with included drinks and food, it fits well. If you want a long, slow, flexible ocean day, you might feel the time limit.

Who This Yacht Tour Fits Best

This is a strong match if you:

• Want snorkeling and paddleboarding without bringing gear
• Like the idea of an open bar and a guided day with food handled
• Enjoy spotting marine life like dolphins, turtles, and tropical fish
• Prefer a half-day plan that still feels like a real excursion

It also tends to work for couples and small groups because you can find your own spot on the deck and still have shared group energy when the crew calls everyone in for the next activity.

Not a fit if you have mobility limitations or use a wheelchair. The tour is not suitable for people with mobility impairments, and the information is explicit on wheelchair users.

Booking Tips That Actually Help

Before you book, do three practical things:

• Confirm your meeting point with Vallarta Adventures if you are using the meeting locations listed, since boats can differ
• Plan to arrive early for the port line, since security and the harbor fee come first
• Bring a passport or ID card, because that is required for entry

Also pack like it is a coastal water day. The tour includes towels, but you still want sunglasses, sunscreen, and a dry bag or a waterproof pouch if you are carrying a phone.

Should You Book This Luxury Yacht Tour?

Book it if you want an organized, good-value-feeling mix of coastline cruising, included snorkeling, and lunch with open bar in about 5 hours. The payoff is real when you like active water time, not just scenery.

Think twice if you hate fixed schedules, or if you are the type who feels shorted when an experience ends quickly. One review called out that the day can feel fast, and group size may be larger on some boats.

My take: this is a well-run Puerto Vallarta classic when your priority is to get out on the water, try snorkeling and paddleboarding, and come back fed and happy, without planning details yourself.

FAQ

How long is the Puerto Vallarta luxury yacht tour?

The tour duration is 5 hours.

Where do I meet the tour?

Pickup is available at two meeting options, including Las Palmas 39, Puerto Magico. Hotel pickup is not included, and you should contact Vallarta Adventures in advance to confirm the meeting point details for your reservation.

Is the harbor fee included in the price?

No. There is a $28 per-person harbor fee that is payable in cash.

What is included in the tour?

It includes snorkeling equipment, a paddleboard, towels, lunch, and an open bar.

What water activities do you do?

You will go sightseeing by boat, then at Playa Majahuitas you will have time for snorkeling and stand-up paddleboarding, plus free time.

Do I need a passport or ID?

Yes. You should bring a passport or an ID card.

What should I bring for the day?

Bring your passport or ID card. The tour also provides towels, and snorkeling gear and paddleboard are included.

What is not allowed on the tour?

Pets are not allowed. Luggage or large bags are not allowed.

What languages will the guide speak?

The live tour guide provides English and Spanish.

Is the tour wheelchair accessible?

No. It is not suitable for people with mobility impairments or wheelchair users.