Sailing on Banderas Bay is a simple kind of luxury. This 6-hour cruise puts you on a big sailboat for a relaxed day of whale-and-sea-life chances, plus swimming with provided gear and an open bar that stays flowing. You’ll enjoy the mix of time at the water, not just staring at it, and a crew that runs the day with real calm confidence.

I especially like the small-group feel (up to 30 people, and it can be much fewer in practice), because it makes the boat feel more like a day with friends than a cattle line. I also love the food setup: a proper lunch with fruit, guacamole, a gourmet sandwich, and dessert, plus snack-style offerings timed throughout the trip.

One drawback to plan around: the snorkeling can be a mixed bag depending on water conditions, and getting in and out is by jump and small metal ladders, so it’s not the best choice for mobility limits or serious sea sickness.

Key things to know before you go

• Premium open bar for the full cruise: drinks are kept moving while you’re sailing and hanging at the water stops
• Swim options built in: snorkeling and SUP are included, with equipment provided
• Daily route changes with conditions: where you stop depends on wind and sea conditions
• Toilets on the lower deck: plan your movement accordingly during the day
• Water entry is hands-on: you jump off the boat and use metal ladders to climb back
• Port fee is extra in cash: MX$40 per person paid at the marina

Where the cruise starts in Puerto Vallarta (and what the dock fee costs)

Your morning begins at the Vallarta Adventures location inside Marina Vallarta (Mástil 13). The tour starts at 9:30 am, and it ends back at the same meeting point, so you’re not trying to solve a maze of buses later in the day.

There’s no hotel pickup here, which is good if you like control and hate waiting around. You will pay a small port fee at the marina in cash: MX$40 per person. It’s the only extra cost you should expect based on what’s listed.

Boarding a clean big sailboat with an all-star crew vibe

This is often described as a catamaran on some listings, but on the water you’ll be on a large sailboat. That matters because sailboats tend to feel calmer and more “true sailing” when the wind is cooperating. One highlight from real experiences: the boats are reported as very clean, and the day feels organized from the moment you step aboard.

Comfort is a big deal on a 6-hour cruise. You’ll find toilets on the lower deck, and the rest of the boat is set up for lounging and taking in the bay views without feeling crowded.

Crew attitude is where this tour gets its highest praise. Names you may hear include Sergio (captain) and crew members like Rubin, Christian, and Walter. If you’re hoping for a staff that’s attentive without hovering, this is the right match.

How the day plays out on Banderas Bay (Los Arcos, beaches, and cove time)

The route is chosen daily based on what the sea is doing that day. That’s actually a good thing. Wind, current, and visibility change, and the crew is steering toward the best mix of sailing time and water time.

A common pattern looks like this: you’ll head out toward scenic areas around Puerto Vallarta, and you may use the motor part of the way to get to a better spot for activities. In several real-world experiences, the cruise includes time near Los Arcos before heading back with sailing time as conditions allow.

At some point, you’ll get options to get into the water:

• a stop for swimming and a stretch of calm water time
• snorkeling in protected areas like a secluded cove
• SUP (stand-up paddleboarding) for a slower, scenic way to “travel” across the bay surface

You’ll also likely see rugged rock formations and the kind of horizon views that make photos look effortless.

Important water mechanics: you jump off the boat to enter the water. To get back aboard, you use small metal ladders. That’s normal for this style of cruise, but it’s worth taking seriously if you have balance concerns.

Premium open bar plus lunch that feels like more than snacks

This is one of those tours where the drinks aren’t an afterthought. The open bar is described as free-flow during the cruise, and the staff keeps bringing beverages on a steady rhythm while the day moves from sailing to water time to food breaks.

Food is timed to match the day, not dumped on you all at once. The sample menu shows:

• infused water and seasonal fruit
• guacamole with pico de gallo and tortilla chips
• a gourmet sandwich with serrano ham, tomato, pickle dressing, manchego cheese, arugula, and homemade bread
• dark chocolate brownie

In real experiences, the lunch can also feel like a spread—people reported fresh fruit, guacamole, meat-and-cheese trays/charcuterie-style options, and even fresh ceviche and a fruit tart depending on the day. Either way, the goal is simple: keep you fed and happy without turning the day into a long restaurant meal.

One fair note: if you’re very picky about mixed drinks, you may find some cocktails just okay rather than amazing. The bigger win here is that drinks keep coming, and the overall food-and-service rhythm stays consistent.

Tip from experience: bring sunscreen. It sounds obvious, but sailing days in the sun can sneak up fast, especially when you’re busy and enjoying yourself.

Wildlife spotting: humpback whales, dolphins, manta rays, and turtles

This tour runs on a hope-and-watch rhythm, not a guarantee. The listed chance includes humpback whales in season, along with dolphins, manta rays, and sea turtles.

What people tend to love is that the crew watches actively and adjusts when there’s something to see. Several experiences mention multiple stops focused on whale sightings, which increases your odds of getting a real look rather than a quick “was that it?” moment.

Not every wildlife sighting is close. One experience described whales far away, but still exciting. If you’re the type who enjoys the search as much as the payoff, this works well.

Also: snorkeling life can be strong when conditions cooperate. A snorkel guide has been reported pointing out puffer fish, and in at least one experience, a guide helped with close-up encounters (like spotting and even holding an octopus when conditions allowed). You don’t book this expecting aquarium-level certainty, but you should expect a guide who knows what to look for.

Snorkeling and SUP: included gear, real water time, and one fair warning

Snorkeling and paddleboarding are included, and equipment is provided. That means you can show up without packing your own setup or hunting for rentals.

Where people differ is in what they think “snorkeling” should feel like. Some experiences report great underwater life and good conditions. Others say snorkeling visibility was underwhelming due to water clarity, which can happen in any coastal area and isn’t something you can control.

SUP tends to be a steadier option for fun. People described paddleboarding as enjoyable even when snorkeling wasn’t perfect, and some days include calm-water fun like lily pad time.

If you get motion sensitivity easily, plan carefully. One experience specifically warned that this isn’t the best option for sea sickness or mobility limitations because of water entry and ladder access. If you’re prone to feeling rough on boats, you’ll want to be realistic.

Small-group luxury at a sensible price: is $129 worth it?

At $129 per person, you’re paying for a true “package day.” You get the 6-hour cruise, lunch, open bar, and snorkeling plus SUP equipment. You’re also not spending extra time arranging separate activity rentals.

The port fee is extra (MX$40 cash), and there’s no hotel pickup. Still, for many people the value comes from two places:

1) open bar throughout the day, which removes the constant decision-making of what to buy

2) included water activities with gear, so the day stays simple and you actually use the time

The group size cap is 30, which already helps. Multiple real experiences mention only 8 to 11 people on board, which is where this tour can feel like a private sailing day more than a commercial excursion.

If you want a “party boat” vibe with constant noise, you might find this tour too relaxed. But if you want good service, time in the water, and a smooth pace, the pricing makes sense.

Who should book this Puerto Vallarta luxury sailing day (and who should reconsider)

This is a strong pick for couples and friend groups who want:

• a calm day on the water
• real time for swimming
• an open bar without the chaos
• staff who feel attentive and well trained

It’s also great for people who like wildlife spotting, even if you don’t get whales every time. A day on Banderas Bay is gorgeous even without the big animals showing up close.

Consider skipping or switching tours if you:

• have mobility limitations that make ladder climbing difficult
• get sea sick easily
• expect consistently crystal-clear snorkeling every hour

If you’re somewhere in the middle, you can still have a fantastic day—just mentally budget for snorkeling conditions to be variable and lean into SUP and beach-and-cove time when visibility isn’t ideal.

Should you book Puerto Vallarta Luxury Sailing with Premium Open Bar & Lunch?

If you want a smooth, upscale day with premium drinks, a real lunch, and multiple ways to enjoy the water (snorkel or SUP), this cruise is easy to recommend. The service focus is clear, the boat is reported as clean and comfortable, and the small-group feel is a major part of why the ratings are so high.

Book it if you like your time structured but relaxed: sailing, then water, then food, then sailing again. Pass it up if you need perfect snorkeling visibility or you’re not comfortable with ladder access and jumping into the water. Either way, plan for sun, bring practical water shoes if you use them, and get ready for a day that feels more like a private charter than a big-group excursion.

FAQ

Where is the meeting point for the cruise?

The tour starts at Vallarta Adventures | Marina Vallarta, Mástil 13, Marina Vallarta, 48335 Puerto Vallarta, Jal., Mexico.

What time does the sailing tour begin?

The start time is 9:30 am.

How long is the Puerto Vallarta luxury sailing experience?

It runs for about 6 hours.

Is hotel pickup included?

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

Do I need to pay anything at the marina?

Yes. There is a port fee of MX$40.00 per person that you pay in cash at the marina.

What’s included in the tour besides sailing?

Day cruise, lunch, open bar, and snorkeling plus paddle boarding (with equipment provided).

Is there an open bar during the cruise?

Yes. The tour includes a premium open bar.

What water activities can I do?

You can swim and choose snorkeling and/or stand-up paddle boarding. Snorkeling and paddle boarding equipment is provided.

What is the minimum age to join?

The minimum age is 10 years old.

Are there any limits on group size?

Yes. The tour has a maximum of 30 travelers. Toilets are on the lower deck.