Review · YACHT CRUISES WITH AN OPEN BAR

Private Yacht Charter ChicaFUN 4 All Inclusive

★ 5.0 · 8 reviews 4 hours (approx.) Operated by Chica Locca Tours · Bookable on Viator
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Four hours can feel like a full vacation. ChicaFUN 4 gives your group a private boat, a flexible route around Banderas Bay, open access to water toys, and a steady supply of drinks and snacks. I especially like the freedom to choose your stops and the attention families receive from the crew. The main drawback is practical: at $1,300 for up to 10 people, you need a reasonably full group to get good value, and arranging your meeting point takes care.

The strongest part of this outing is the mix of easygoing service and active time on the water. You can snorkel, paddle, kayak, float, or simply sit back with a margarita while the crew handles the details. Los Arcos National Park adds a memorable natural stop, though sea conditions and the exact route can affect how much time you spend there.

Key points to know before booking

Private Yacht Charter ChicaFUN 4 All Inclusive - Key points to know before booking

  • Private boat for up to 10 people: Your group has the yacht to itself, with no strangers shaping the schedule.
  • Los Arcos is the signature stop: Granite arches, caves, and marine life make this the best choice for snorkeling near Puerto Vallarta.
  • Water toys are included: Snorkel gear, kayaks, paddle boards, a water mattress, and a water tube are available.
  • Drinks and snacks are covered: Beer, wine, margaritas, piña coladas, champagne, soft drinks, coffee, juices, and fresh guacamole are included.
  • You choose the meeting point: This must be selected before you submit the reservation, and hotel pickup is not included.
  • Best value comes with a full group: The $1,300 price covers up to 10 people, making the per-person cost much more attractive at eight to ten guests.

What ChicaFUN 4 is really offering

This is not a fixed sightseeing cruise where everyone follows the same script. It is a private boat charter built around your group’s priorities. You can tell the crew where you want to go in Banderas Bay, then let the captain shape the route around time, conditions, and your interests.

That flexibility matters in Puerto Vallarta. One group may want a calm afternoon with drinks and a swim. Another may want to spend more time snorkeling near Los Arcos. Families may care most about the water toys, while a group celebrating a birthday or wedding may prefer a relaxed cruise with food, music, and sunset views.

The advertised price is $1,300 for up to 10 people, or $130 per person if you fill every place. At five people, it becomes $260 each. That is not a budget boat ride, but it covers a private yacht, crew, activities, food, and a wide drink selection. For a full group, the price compares well with booking several seats on a shared cruise, especially if privacy matters.

The four-hour length is long enough for a real outing but short enough to fit into a busy Puerto Vallarta stay. You should not expect a full-day expedition to every corner of the bay. Instead, think of it as a polished half-day on the water with room for swimming, sightseeing, and relaxing.

Leaving Puerto Vallarta and finding your rhythm

Private Yacht Charter ChicaFUN 4 All Inclusive - Leaving Puerto Vallarta and finding your rhythm

The day begins at the meeting point you select during booking. This detail deserves attention because the company requires you to choose that location before submitting your reservation. Hotel pickup and drop-off are not included, although assistance with affordable private transportation to the meeting point can be requested.

I would confirm the exact departure location, arrival time, and transportation plan before the day of the charter. The company says confirmation arrives within 48 hours, subject to availability. That gives you time to sort out taxis or other transport rather than trying to solve the issue at the marina.

Once aboard, the mood appears to be relaxed rather than formal. The crew handles drinks, snacks, gear, and water activities while the captain guides the boat. Reports from several outings praise crew members such as Alex, Lalo, Ricky, Ramses, and Mario for being friendly, attentive, and active with the group. Crew assignments can change, so treat those names as examples of the service style, not a guaranteed lineup.

The food is simple but well suited to a boat day. Fresh guacamole with blue corn chips and potato chips gives you something salty between swims. Some outings also included catered fajitas, though that should not be assumed as part of every ChicaFUN 4 booking. Ask ahead if you want a larger meal.

Cruising the Banderas Bay coastline

Private Yacht Charter ChicaFUN 4 All Inclusive - Cruising the Banderas Bay coastline

The main cruise takes you along Puerto Vallarta’s coastline and around Banderas Bay. The boat gives you a different view of the city, with the shore receding behind you and open water in every direction.

This is also the part of the trip where flexibility pays off. You can spend more time moving through the bay, pause for swimming, or head toward Los Arcos. The captain’s local judgment helps shape the day, but you should still tell the crew what matters most to you early on. If snorkeling is your priority, say so before the boat gets underway. If you mainly want a quiet cruise, make that clear too.

The bay can also bring surprise wildlife sightings. Humpback whales appeared in the background during one family outing, and another group booked an afternoon specifically for whale watching. Sightings are never guaranteed, but the winter whale season can add a memorable bonus to a coastal cruise.

The crew’s service is one of the most praised parts of the experience. Drinks are kept flowing, and the staff may bring water or beverages to you while you are swimming. That sounds like a small touch, but it changes the feel of the day. You do not need to keep climbing aboard every time you want a drink.

The trade-off is that an all-inclusive bar can become the center of attention. If you want a quiet nature trip, set that expectation with the crew. If your group wants a party atmosphere, the setup is ready for it.

Los Arcos National Park and its granite arches

South of Puerto Vallarta, Los Arcos National Park is the natural highlight of this charter. Huge granite formations rise from the sea, creating arches, caves, and sheltered spots where you can look for marine life.

The area is one of the bay’s best-known snorkeling locations. Snorkel equipment is included, so you do not need to rent a mask and fins separately. You can also use the paddle boards, kayaks, water mattress, and water tube, depending on what the crew brings out and what conditions allow.

Los Arcos works well because it gives the charter a clear destination without locking you into a rigid schedule. You can admire the rocks from the boat, swim near them, or explore the water around the formations. For many groups, this is the moment that makes the trip feel like more than a simple boat ride.

Keep your expectations sensible. The supplied information does not promise a specific amount of snorkeling time, a particular marine species, or calm water. The captain will need to account for weather and sea conditions. If you have young children or weak swimmers in your group, tell the crew. The reviews describe families with children enjoying the boat and water toys, including a five-year-old, but each child’s comfort level is different.

The rocks are also a good reason to bring sun protection and a dry place for phones. Those are practical items not listed as inclusions, and the open water offers little relief from the sun.

Water toys that make this more than a sightseeing trip

Private Yacht Charter ChicaFUN 4 All Inclusive - Water toys that make this more than a sightseeing trip

The included equipment gives your group several ways to use the water. Snorkeling is the obvious choice at Los Arcos, but paddle boards and kayaks suit people who want a little movement without a fast-paced activity.

The water mattress and tube are better for pure relaxation. Families can split up, with some people swimming and others floating nearby. That variety is important on a private charter because not everyone in a group wants the same kind of day.

Children appear to be especially well served by the setup. Families have enjoyed the slides and jumping from the deck, though you should confirm the exact equipment available on your boat and follow the crew’s safety instructions. The activities are included, but supervision remains the responsibility of adults in the group.

You also have the option of doing very little. A private yacht is valuable partly because you do not need to join every activity. Sit with a cold drink, watch the coast, and let the more energetic members of your group use the boards and kayaks.

Drinks, snacks, and the all-inclusive value

Private Yacht Charter ChicaFUN 4 All Inclusive - Drinks, snacks, and the all-inclusive value

The drink list is unusually broad for a four-hour charter. It includes water, coffee, juices, sodas, mineral water, margaritas, beer, wine, piña coladas, and champagne. The company also says you can request what you would like to drink.

That range makes the charter easy for mixed groups. Someone can have coffee or soda while another person orders a margarita. Families do not need to build their day around finding a restaurant halfway through the outing.

The included guacamole and chips are useful rather than elaborate. They take the edge off hunger while you are swimming and cruising. If you expect a full lunch, ask about catering before you book. A separate outing included fajita catering, but that does not mean it is automatically part of this package.

Alcohol and water activities require a little judgment. If you plan to snorkel, kayak, or paddle board, pace yourself and drink water. The crew can keep glasses filled, but you decide how much activity and alcohol makes sense for your group.

Landing and facility fees are included, which helps keep the quoted price clearer. Gratuities are optional and not included. Given how strongly the service is praised, you may want to budget for a tip if the crew gives you the attentive day promised.

Families, celebrations, and group fit

Private Yacht Charter ChicaFUN 4 All Inclusive - Families, celebrations, and group fit

ChicaFUN 4 suits groups that want control over the day. Families can use the water toys and ask the crew to adapt activities for children. Couples and friends can focus on drinks, views, and swimming. A small wedding group or birthday party can create a private event without sharing the boat with strangers.

The experience also works for different ages because participation is flexible. A strong swimmer can snorkel near the arches, while someone less interested in the water can stay aboard. That is easier to manage on a private charter than on a fixed group cruise.

The boat is not the best fit for someone who wants a low-cost, tightly scheduled excursion. It is also not ideal if your group dislikes making decisions. You are paying partly for the ability to customize the route, so have a basic idea of your priorities before departure.

Most people can take part, and the activity is private to your group. Still, the information does not provide detailed accessibility specifications. If anyone in your party has mobility needs, contact the company before booking and ask about boarding and onboard arrangements.

A note about transportation and communication

Private Yacht Charter ChicaFUN 4 All Inclusive - A note about transportation and communication

The company does not include hotel pickup or drop-off. Transportation to the meeting point can be arranged on request, but it is not part of the listed price.

This matters because one large group had a poor shuttle experience, paying heavily for transportation and finding the return ride overcrowded. The company apologized and said it was reviewing the issue. I would take that as a clear reason to compare the offered transport with a taxi or other local option, especially for a large party.

For a group of up to 10, the simplest approach may be to arrange your own ride and confirm the marina or meeting location directly. The owner, Gil Drory, is listed as a contact for meeting point questions and transportation help. Written confirmation of the meeting details is worth having before departure.

Cancellation and booking timing

You can cancel at least 24 hours before the start time for a full refund. Cancellations or changes made within 24 hours are not refunded or accepted, and cut-off times use Puerto Vallarta local time.

The experience is booked about 34 days ahead on average, so I would not leave a preferred date until the last minute. Confirmation is sent within 48 hours, subject to availability. Check your date carefully, then confirm that your selected meeting point appears correctly.

A past booking problem involving another tour was handled with a private boat and an alternative plan, which shows that direct communication can help when something goes wrong. It is still better to check the date and route before you arrive at the marina.

Should you book ChicaFUN 4?

Book this charter if you have a group of friends or family, want privacy, and value an adaptable day more than the lowest possible price. A full party of 8 to 10 gets the strongest value from the $1,300 rate. Los Arcos, the water toys, open drink service, and fresh guacamole give the four hours plenty to do.

I would also recommend it for families who want both activity and downtime. The crew’s friendly service and willingness to help children are major strengths. If your group wants a celebration, the private format gives you room to set the tone.

Think twice if you have only two or three people and are mainly seeking an inexpensive snorkeling trip. A shared boat may cost less. Also, sort out transportation early, choose the meeting point carefully, and ask about meal options if chips and guacamole will not be enough.

For the right group, ChicaFUN 4 is less about checking off sights and more about having your own small day at sea. That freedom, paired with strong service and a generous drinks list, is what makes the charter worth considering.

FAQ

How much does ChicaFUN 4 cost?

The private charter costs $1,300 per group, with up to 10 people included.

How long is the yacht charter?

The experience lasts approximately four hours.

Is the boat private?

Yes. Only your group participates in this private tour.

Can the itinerary be customized?

Yes. You can customize where you would like to visit in Banderas Bay, with the crew taking care of the arrangements.

Is Los Arcos National Park included?

Los Arcos National Park is listed as a stop on the experience. It is known for granite arches, caves, wildlife, and snorkeling.

What water equipment is provided?

Snorkel equipment, kayaks, paddle boards, a water mattress, and a water tube are included.

Are food and drinks included?

Yes. Included drinks range from water, coffee, juices, and sodas to beer, wine, margaritas, piña coladas, and champagne. Fresh guacamole with blue corn chips and potato chips is also included.

Is hotel transportation included?

No. Hotel pickup and drop-off are not included. Transportation assistance to the meeting point can be requested, and you must choose your meeting place before submitting the reservation.

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