A morning on the Bay of Banderas feels like cheating. I like how this 40-person max Leopard catamaran keeps it personal, and I also love the unlimited open bar that keeps the vibe easy. One possible drawback: depending on the sea that day, waves can make snorkeling and the beach stop feel like a bit of a workout.

You’ll cruise south of Puerto Vallarta for big-water views, with chances to spot marine life and icons like Los Arcos and the Malecon from the sea. Then the main event is Majahuitas Beach, where you’ll have gear for snorkeling and paddleboarding and a Mexican lunch waiting onboard.

Quick hits before you book

• 40 travelers max means less jostling and a more VIP feel than the big-boats
• Majahuitas Beach is the highlight stop, with time to swim and paddle
• Snorkeling and SUP gear included so you don’t scramble for rentals
• Unlimited premium open bar with constant drink service during the cruise
• Route follows sea conditions, so timing and sights may shift
• Photos are a real thing onboard, and they can cost extra if you want the package

First look: a small-group yacht day that actually feels relaxed

This isn’t a cattle-car speed run. It’s built around a short, half-day rhythm: cruise out, gear up, swim, eat, drink, and cruise back—without the scramble you see on larger party boats. The cap of 40 travelers makes a difference fast, especially when you’re changing into swim gear and moving around the boat.

The main reason I think this is popular is simple: you get a classic Puerto Vallarta experience—boat views you can’t get from shore plus time in the water—without spending all day on the schedule. A lot of the quality comes down to the crew, and the names that show up repeatedly (Alex, Diego Chihuahua, Juan Luis, Captain Victor, Daniel, Pablo, Felipe, Jennifer, Sylvino, Judy, Charlie, George, and John Luis) suggest you’re in good hands when the day gets lively.

One thing to plan for: ocean motion is real. If your stomach hates swells, bring motion-sickness support. Even on a “nice sailing” day, the water can still be bumpy.

Leopard catamaran comfort and the 40-person max

The boat type matters here. A Leopard catamaran gives you more stability than many smaller single-hull boats, and multiple reviews mention smooth or fun sailing. The bigger win is that the onboard space doesn’t feel like you’re squeezed in like a bus line.

That said, small boats still have limits. People noted there’s limited room for bags and belongings, and you’ll want to travel light—phone, sunscreen, small towel if you can manage it, and maybe a light cover-up. Also, you should assume water activities come with rules, like wearing life vests when you’re in the water.

For families, couples, and groups celebrating something, the manageable size also helps the crew keep attention on everyone. You’ll likely feel guided during the snorkeling and activities rather than just pointed at a spot and sent on your way.

Price and value: what $119 covers (and what can cost extra)

At $119 per person, the value depends on two things: the included stuff you’ll actually use and whether you plan to drink and snack on the trip.

Here’s the “you’re covered” part:

• Unlimited premium open bar during the cruise
• Mexican lunch (guacamole, shrimp cocktail-style bites, fresh fruit, plus chips mentioned as part of the spread)
• Snorkeling equipment and stand-up paddleboard gear
• A day cruise on the yacht for about 5 hours

Here’s the “watch your bill” part:

• The Bay of Banderas admission fee is not included (listed as $40 per person).
• In practice, some people also mentioned a mandatory port fee showing up around 30 pesos per person. That isn’t in the core price breakdown you see up front, so budget a little extra just to avoid surprises.

I’d call this a solid deal if you want an all-in-one water day: boat time, water time, food, and drinks. If you’re mostly after snorkeling and you’re skipping the open bar, the value gets more mixed—especially since snorkeling quality can vary with water conditions.

The morning cruise: Bay of Banderas views, Los Arcos, and the Malecon from sea level

Your day starts at Vallarta Adventures | Terminal Marítima N Puerto Mágico at 8:00 am, and it loops back to the same meeting point. There’s no hotel pickup, so you’ll want to show up early enough to navigate the port area without stress.

From the water, the Bay of Banderas does what it’s famous for: it gives you those wide coastal views you can’t replicate from the Malecon. The route is meant to head south of Puerto Vallarta, and you may pass by:

• Los Arcos (depending on sea conditions and routing)
• The Malecon Boardwalk from the water (also depending on the day)

This is one of those parts that feels like “just cruising,” but it’s actually part of the value. Even when the snorkeling time is short, the scenic ride still delivers. If you’re the type who likes photos, this is when you’ll want to grab them—before the boat and water logistics take over.

Majahuitas Beach: the swim-and-relax centerpiece (and how it works)

The best part of the schedule is the Majahuitas Beach cove, listed as about 1 hour 20 minutes. The whole point is that it’s a secluded spot south of Puerto Vallarta with lush rainforest around it.

How it plays on the water:

• You’ll reach the cove and jump into snorkeling and swimming opportunities.
• You can also use the paddleboards if conditions allow and you feel confident enough in open water.

A key detail: plan for limited belongings at the cove. Multiple comments noted that you often can’t keep towels or bags right with you because you may need to swim in from the boat to get to shore. That’s not a reason to skip the tour, but it does mean you should bring only what you can keep track of and accept that you’ll be wet.

Also note: the “easy relax time” depends on the day’s motion. One review described wave-heavy conditions leading to seasickness for some people. If you’re sensitive, it’s smart to take motion precautions before you’re already feeling it.

Snorkeling time: short, gear-included, and condition-dependent

Snorkeling is included, and you don’t need to bring gear. Still, the time can be relatively brief. One review described snorkeling for about 20 minutes before heading to the beach.

What you’ll see can also vary. Some folks had great fish sightings, while others found marine life light or coral limited at their stop. That doesn’t mean the cove is “bad”—it means visibility, water movement, and the exact spot you’re guided to matter.

If your goal is lots of coral and an all-day reef experience, adjust expectations. If your goal is to get in the water in a beautiful cove with good guidance and decent fish, you’ll likely be happy.

Food and drinks: Mexican lunch, constant service, and the open bar reality

The food is a big part of why many people rate this so highly. The included lunch is described as deli-style, with items like guacamole, shrimp cocktail-style bites, fresh fruit, and chips, plus what sounds like sandwich-style food onboard. Reviews repeatedly say the crew keeps it flowing and that you don’t have to chase drinks.

Still, a couple of caution flags come up:

• Some reviewers felt the lunch items were ordinary versus how “gourmet” or “luxury” is marketed.
• One person noted that the open bar on the island wasn’t the full cocktail experience, describing it more like beer and water (and similar simpler options).

What this means for you: treat the open bar as a strong cruise perk. During the ride and onboard time, drink service seems frequent. At the beach stop, the exact menu can be simpler, depending on how they run service that day.

If you want premium cocktails specifically at the island, it’s worth going with a flexible mindset and enjoying whatever’s offered on the day. The bigger win is that drinks are included, so you’re not paying per round while you’re focused on swimming and hanging out.

Wildlife, rocks, and what you might spot from the boat

One of the best things about this tour is that you’re not just sitting at a beach. The cruise along the Bay of Banderas is set up for wildlife viewing.

What’s been reported:

• Dolphins and turtles are mentioned as possible wildlife
• Whale sightings can happen on the way back, with the boat stopping when whales were sighted for one group
• You’ll also pass by rock formations and iconic coastal spots like Los Arcos when conditions allow

The “variable” part is the sea. Because the route is determined by sea conditions, your exact sight list can change. Some days will feel like postcard-perfect conditions; other days will be more about safety and comfort. Either way, the coast views stay worthwhile.

Photos onboard: fun keepsakes, but know the cost

If you like remembering a trip with professional photos, this tour has you covered—kindly. A photographer is on board, and multiple people call out how well the pictures come out.

The catch: photos aren’t included in the tour price. One review said the digital package was around $100 USD. So if you’re trying to keep costs down, decide early whether you’ll buy the package. If you know you want just a couple of shots, it may still be worth it. If you never buy photos on tours, you might feel the pressure once you see how good the images are.

A practical tip from the vibe of the reviews: bring your best smile, but also set your own boundary. You’ll enjoy the experience more if you’re not caught in the “oops, now I’m buying everything” moment.

The small inconveniences that can shape your day

This is where I help you avoid surprises. Based on the range of feedback, here are the things most likely to affect your comfort:

• Motion sickness risk: if the sea is rough, even a catamaran can feel bouncy. If you’re prone, take a prevention plan before leaving port.
• Storage limits: limited space for bags means keep essentials on you and stow them smart.
• Beach logistics: you may have to swim in from the boat, which makes towel and bag handling tricky.
• Life vest rules: at least some setups require wearing life vests in the water, which can feel awkward at first if you’re used to casual snorkeling elsewhere.
• Snorkel expectations: one or two people felt the snorkeling was short or that marine life wasn’t what they hoped for. Others saw lots of fish. Think of snorkeling as a highlight, not a guaranteed reef-watching marathon.

None of these are deal-breakers if you go in prepared. But they’re worth knowing before you show up with a giant tote bag and a towel you can’t keep track of.

Who should book this Puerto Vallarta yacht-and-snorkel day

This tour is a good fit if you want:

• A half-day water experience with minimal planning
• A small-group vibe (40 max) with attentive crew service
• Snorkeling plus paddleboarding without rental hassles
• Food and drinks included, especially if you like a steady flow of beverages onboard

It’s also great for birthdays and bachelorette-style trips. Reviews repeatedly mention the crew making special moments feel supported, and the onboard vibe with music and frequent drink service can make it feel like a party with views.

If you’re the type who gets cranky about short snorkeling windows, variable visibility, or wet shore logistics, then this might feel “meh” compared to a full-day reef-focused outing. For those travelers, it may be better to prioritize a longer water plan.

Should you book this Luxury Yacht & Snorkel tour?

I’d book it if you want the Puerto Vallarta combo: boat views you can’t get on foot, an easy swim day at Majahuitas, and an onboard setup that feeds you and keeps drinks moving. The overall rating is strong, and the repeated praise for crew attention, food, and the small-group feel lines up with what you’d hope for at this price.

I’d pause if you’re extremely seasick-prone, need constant cocktail service at the beach stop, or expect a long, coral-heavy snorkeling session. This is more about the total experience—the cruise, cove, and included water activities—than a guarantee of hours of reef time.

If you do book: bring sunscreen, motion support if needed, and travel light. Arrive a bit early at the port so the first few minutes don’t feel like a scramble, and you’ll get the day you’re paying for.

FAQ

How long is the Puerto Vallarta yacht and snorkel tour?

It runs for about 5 hours, with the exact timing following the day’s sea conditions and activities.

What time does the tour start, and where do I meet?

The tour starts at 8:00 am at Vallarta Adventures | Terminal Marítima N Puerto Mágico. The activity ends back at the same meeting point.

Is hotel pickup included?

No. Hotel pickup and drop-off are not included.

How many people are on the tour?

The maximum group size is 40 travelers.

What’s included for snorkeling and water activities?

You get snorkeling equipment and stand-up paddleboards.

Is lunch included?

Yes. Lunch is included as a deli-style meal with items such as guacamole, shrimp cocktails, chips, and fresh fruit.

Is there an open bar, and is it unlimited?

Yes. The tour includes unlimited premium open bar, and drink service is described as frequent onboard.

Are there extra fees besides the $119 price?

Yes. Bay of Banderas admission is not included and is listed as $40 per person. Some travelers also reported a mandatory port fee around 30 pesos per person.

What’s the minimum age, and are there any rules for electronics like drones?

The minimum age is 10. Drones are prohibited due to federal regulations, and there is also a strict no-drug policy (including electronic cigarettes and vapers).