Luxury Yacht & Snorkel with All inclusive Open bar and lunch

The best part is the crew. This five-hour cruise pairs a polished Leopard catamaran with coastal views, a stop at Majahuitas Beach, snorkeling, paddleboards, lunch, and an unlimited premium open bar. I especially like the small maximum of 40 people and the attentive service from crew members such as Juan Luis, Alex, Diego, Charlie, Jennifer, and Felipe. The main catch is that luxury may be stretching the truth: the boat is comfortable and well-kept, but space can feel tight, the meal may be a basic sandwich, and the water activities depend heavily on sea conditions.

I also like that you reach parts of the Bay of Banderas that you cannot see from shore. The ride can bring views of the Puerto Vallarta Malecón, Los Arcos, whales, dolphins, turtles, and other coastal sights. Just know that the cruise may spend close to an hour reaching the activity area, while actual snorkeling time can be fairly short.

Key points before you book

• Majahuitas Beach is the star stop: You spend about 1 hour and 20 minutes at this secluded cove, surrounded by tropical forest.
• The group is capped at 40 people: That feels more personal than the large party boats carrying close to 100.
• The crew earns most of the praise: Service is attentive, friendly, and often personal, with drinks and food brought to your seat.
• Snorkeling is nature-dependent: Fish sightings can be good, but coral is limited and the water may be rough.
• Lunch is better described as casual than luxurious: Expect fruit, guacamole, chips, shrimp cocktail, and a deli-style sandwich, depending on the day.
• Bring motion-sickness medicine and cash: The boat ride can be choppy, and tips, port charges, or optional photos may cost extra.

Setting out from Puerto Vallarta’s maritime terminal

The tour begins at 8:00 a.m. at Vallarta Adventures in the Puerto Mágico maritime terminal, near the hotel zone. You make your own way there because hotel pickup and drop-off are not included. The activity returns to the same point after roughly five hours.

Give yourself extra time to find the terminal and complete check-in. One practical detail is easy to miss: the port may require a small local fee before departure. The published tour information also lists a $40 per-person Bay of Banderas admission charge, while on-site accounts have described charges in pesos, including a 30-peso port fee and a 40-peso Bay fee. Because the amounts and currency appear inconsistent, confirm the current charge when booking and bring local cash.

Once aboard, you settle into a crewed Leopard catamaran. The boat is attractive and comfortable, but do not picture a private yacht with wide-open lounges and endless room for bags. With up to 40 people aboard, you can expect a social setting. The boat usually feels less crowded than the biggest party cruises, yet personal space and storage can be limited.

The long coastal ride toward Majahuitas

The first stretch is a scenic cruise south along the Bay of Banderas. This is not a quick shuttle to the beach. Depending on the route and sea conditions, the boat may spend nearly an hour underway before snorkeling begins.

That ride is part of the experience, but it shapes the value. If you want nonstop swimming, you may find the schedule slow. If you enjoy sitting with a drink, watching the coast, and letting the crew handle the details, the pace works well.

The route can include views of the Puerto Vallarta Malecón from the water. This gives you a different angle on the city, with the shoreline unfolding behind the boat. You may also pass Los Arcos, the famous rock formations south of town, though the captain chooses the route based on conditions. Los Arcos is not guaranteed as a formal stop.

Keep your eyes open during the ride. Humpback whales have been spotted on the way to and from Majahuitas, and the boat may pause when a whale appears. Dolphins and turtles are also possible. These sightings are never promised, but they can turn a simple transfer into the most memorable part of the day.

Majahuitas Beach and the water activities

Majahuitas is a secluded cove south of Puerto Vallarta, backed by thick tropical vegetation. It feels quieter than the city beaches, and the cove gives the tour its strongest sense of escape.

The scheduled stop lasts about 1 hour and 20 minutes, though the time in the water and the time at the beach can vary. You may snorkel, paddleboard, use a floating mat, or try a banana boat if that activity is operating on your departure. The equipment is provided, including snorkeling gear and stand-up paddleboards.

One important detail: reaching the beach may require swimming from the catamaran to shore. That means you may not be able to carry towels, phones, or other belongings with you. You can spend part of the stop wet and without access to your bag, so leave valuables behind or ask the crew about secure storage before entering the water.

The beach itself is attractive, but it is not a developed resort. Do not expect a row of shops, lounges, or a long list of land activities. The appeal is the cove, the water, and the forested setting. On some departures, the beach bar serves beer, water, juice, or hibiscus water rather than the full cocktail menu available on the yacht.

What snorkeling is really like

The snorkeling is enjoyable for many people, especially if you want an easy introduction rather than a serious marine excursion. You may see schools of colorful fish, and sightings of turtles, rays, or other wildlife can occur. The crew helps organize the activity, and guides such as Diego have received warm praise for making people feel comfortable in the water.

Still, set your expectations at a sensible level. This is not a coral reef tour. Some accounts describe limited coral and only modest marine life, while others report plenty of fish. Conditions change with the season, visibility, and weather. A manta ray or sea turtle may appear, but you should not book this trip solely for a guaranteed wildlife encounter.

The water can also be rough. One couple became seasick during a choppy outing, and other people have described motion sickness on the ride. If you are prone to seasickness, consider taking Dramamine before departure according to the product directions. Sit where the boat moves least, look toward the horizon, and avoid beginning the morning with a heavy meal.

Life jackets may be required whenever you are in the water. That can feel awkward while snorkeling or using the water equipment, but you need to follow the crew’s safety instructions.

Lunch, drinks, and the meaning of all-inclusive

Food begins with light items such as fresh fruit, guacamole, chips, and sometimes shrimp cocktail. A deli-style lunch follows, often a sandwich with dessert or additional fruit. Many people find the food tasty and plentiful, but the word gourmet would be too generous. Some departures have offered seafood, while others have served a fairly ordinary sandwich.

If you have a shellfish allergy, take this seriously. Shrimp may be part of the food service, and you should notify the operator in advance rather than assume a separate meal will be ready. The available information does not promise a dedicated allergy menu.

The unlimited premium open bar is one of the tour’s main selling points. On the yacht, drinks are served throughout the cruise, and the crew often brings them directly to your seat. Mango margaritas have received special praise, along with beer and other adult beverages.

The beach service is more limited. You may find beer, water, juice, or hibiscus water rather than premium cocktails. In practical terms, the open bar is strongest aboard the catamaran, not necessarily at Majahuitas.

Tipping is not included. Bring local cash for the crew, especially if you appreciate attentive service. Optional professional photos and video are also extra. A digital photo package has been priced around $100 in past departures, so decide early if you are interested. If not, you can politely decline rather than feel pressured at the end.

Is this really a luxury yacht?

The boat is a major reason to choose this cruise, but the label needs context. Compared with a large excursion boat carrying around 100 people, a 40-person Leopard catamaran feels more relaxed and personal. The crew can reach you more easily, and the overall atmosphere is usually friendly rather than chaotic.

At the same time, this is a shared excursion, not a private charter. Seating and storage can be limited. The washroom situation may also feel less comfortable than you expect from the word luxury. If you want a private sun deck, a quiet cabin, or hotel-level amenities, you may come away disappointed.

The strongest luxury feature is the service. Crew members such as Captain Juan Luis, Victor, Alex, Diego, Sylvino, Judy, Charlie, Felipe, and George have been singled out for being warm, funny, attentive, and helpful. Names and crew assignments change, but the service culture appears to be a consistent strength.

Who will get the most from this cruise?

I would choose this tour if you want a relaxed day on the water with several activities built into one package. It works particularly well for couples, birthday groups, and bachelorette parties that value music, drinks, photos, and friendly service as much as snorkeling.

It also suits first-time visitors who want to see Puerto Vallarta from the sea without arranging separate equipment rentals. The crew handles the gear, food, drinks, and timing, which makes the day easy.

Families can enjoy it too, but check the minimum age of 10 and think carefully about the water activities. The banana boat can be rough, and children need close supervision. The sea may be choppy, and the swim from the catamaran to the beach is not ideal for anyone uncomfortable in open water.

I would choose another outing if your priority is serious snorkeling, long beach time, or a quiet luxury setting. The snorkeling can be brief, the beach has few facilities, and a good portion of the five-hour schedule is spent cruising.

Price and value at $119

At $119 per person, the value depends on how much you use the package. You receive a five-hour yacht cruise, crew service, lunch, snorkeling equipment, paddleboards, and an open bar. Paying separately for a boat ride, food, drinks, and water equipment could quickly approach that total.

The price feels fair when you want an easy all-in-one outing and plan to enjoy several drinks and activities. It feels less attractive if you do not drink, care mainly about snorkeling, or expect a high-end meal. You are paying for the full package, not just the beach stop.

Also budget for possible port or Bay of Banderas charges, tips, and optional photography. Those extras can change the final cost. I would confirm the fees in writing and decide in advance whether the photo package interests you.

Practical advice for a smoother morning

Wear a swimsuit under light clothing, bring sunscreen, and pack only what you need. Since you may swim to shore, keep phones and valuables in a dry bag or leave them with the crew if secure storage is available.

Bring motion-sickness medicine if you need it, and avoid assuming the sea will be calm. Conditions determine the route, the Los Arcos pass, the snorkeling site, and the exact timing.

The tour is offered in English, confirmation is provided at booking, and most people age 10 or older can participate. Drones are prohibited because of federal rules protecting the flight path of endemic birds. Mexico’s maritime ports also prohibit drugs, electronic cigarettes, and vapes, so leave them at home.

Free cancellation is available up to 24 hours before the 8:00 a.m. start. Poor weather or an insufficient number of bookings can lead to a cancellation, in which case you can receive a different date or a full refund.

Should you book it?

I would book this cruise if you want friendly service, an attractive boat, a secluded cove, and a generous drinks package in one half-day outing. The crew is the safest reason to choose it, and the coastal ride can produce excellent views and surprise whale sightings.

I would skip it if the word luxury has you expecting a private yacht, a refined lunch, extensive snorkeling, or a full cocktail service on the beach. At $119, it is a solid package for a social day at sea, but not a private escape. Bring motion-sickness medicine, confirm extra fees, protect your belongings, and treat the schedule as weather-dependent. Do that, and Majahuitas can be a very pleasant break from Puerto Vallarta’s busy shore.

FAQ

Where does the tour begin?

It begins at Vallarta Adventures in the Puerto Mágico maritime terminal, at Heroica Escuela Naval, Boulevard Francisco Medina Ascencio 30-G1, in Puerto Vallarta’s northern hotel zone.

What time does the cruise start?

The scheduled start time is 8:00 a.m.

How long does the experience last?

The cruise lasts approximately five hours and ends back at the same meeting point.

Is hotel pickup included?

No. You need to make your own way to the Vallarta Adventures terminal.

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 there a minimum age?

Yes. The minimum age is 10.

Is Los Arcos guaranteed?

No. The boat may pass Los Arcos depending on the sea conditions and the route selected that day.

What happens if bad weather cancels the tour?

You can be offered another date or a full refund if poor weather causes the operator to cancel.