Luxury Puerto Vallarta Shared Sailing Tour: Sail, Swim & Dine

Small boats make Puerto Vallarta feel personal. This 5-hour shared sailing day out of Los Peines mixes a classic sailboat with chef-selected snacks, an included lunch, and premium drinks, plus stops around Banderas Bay that give you a totally different view of Nuevo Vallarta, Bucerías, and La Cruz de Huanacaxtle. One thing to plan around: the trip depends on good weather, and if you get sea-sick, the ocean may be a factor.

What I like most is the whole vibe is built for comfort and ease: a small maximum group size (12), a meticulously cared-for boat, and attentive crew service from start to finish. The other big win is the value of the food and drink setup, with multiple drink options included per person and a real lunch rather than a token bite.

You’ll walk aboard, cruise with time to enjoy the views, and (when conditions cooperate) work your way back with a different look at the Malecon. It’s a smart pick if you want a “do less, see more” day on Banderas Bay.

Key highlights you should care about

• Max 12 people keeps it intimate without feeling cramped.
• Chef-chosen appetizers and a plated lunch (one main course per person, selected in advance).
• Five included premium drinks per person plus non-alcoholic beverages and bottled water.
• A real whale-watch approach with an alert captain and time spent scanning the water.
• Route variety: Nuevo Vallarta, Bucerías area, La Cruz de Huanacaxtle, and possibly the Malecon return.
• Comfort details matter, including an extremely clean onboard bathroom and easy boarding for people with less mobility.

A shared luxury sail that still feels like your day on the water

This tour hits a sweet spot: not private, but small enough that the crew can actually pay attention to you. With a maximum of 12 people, the day tends to move at a human pace. You can watch the shoreline slide by without doing the usual “line up, wait, rush” dance that some bigger boat trips turn into.

It’s also built around a full experience, not just sailing. You get onboard food and drinks that are meant to be part of the day. There’s a steady rhythm: snacks while you’re out sailing, an included lunch, then more drinks as you head back.

And yes, this one is for people who like a bit of classic sail energy. Even when the boat is motoring, the trip still feels like a proper sail day. The best part is that it doesn’t demand constant attention; you can sit, watch, chat, or keep your eyes on the horizon depending on what you enjoy.

Finding Los Peines on Isla Iguana before the 10:00am start

The meeting point is Los Peines, Isla Iguana, 48335 Puerto Vallarta, Jal., Mexico, and the tour starts at 10:00am. It ends back at the same place, so you’re not dealing with the stress of getting stranded across town.

If you’re arriving from a cruise port, plan for time on foot or a short ride. One practical detail from real-world experience: it can be about a 25-minute walk or a 5 to 10-minute drive from the ship area, so don’t assume you can stroll in without shoes, water, and sun protection.

This isn’t a complicated operation. You’ll get a mobile ticket, and the meeting area is described as near public transportation. For most people, that means you can keep your day simple: get there, board, and enjoy the sea time without a long transfer.

Stop 1: Nuevo Vallarta from a new angle, beach and hotels included

The first move after boarding is more about perspective than sightseeing boxes. You’ll head out “before Nuevo Vallarta” to see the other side of the city—especially the hotels and a wide expanse of beach—from a viewpoint you just don’t get from land.

Why that matters: from the water, the shoreline reads differently. You’ll notice how the coastline bends, where the beaches open up, and how the hotel zone sits against the bay. It’s the kind of view that makes photos look less like a postcard and more like a real place you’re actually exploring.

The only real drawback here is also true for all bay sailing: it’s still outdoors. If the day is hot, you’ll want sun coverage. If it’s cooler or cloudy, bring something light. One small tip that came up for people on overcast days: a sweater helps.

Stop 2: The Bucerías angle you won’t get from the shore

Next up, you’ll see the bay and the Bucerías area from another direction—another chance to appreciate how wide the water opens up and how different neighborhoods sit along the coastline.

This is also where the tour’s “shared but high-comfort” feel shows. The boat layout gives you space to watch without constantly shifting around. And because the group is capped at 12, you’re not fighting a crowd at the rail.

If you’re the type who likes wildlife spotting, this section matters too because the captain can start scanning early. Even if you don’t catch anything right away, the movement around the bay gives you the best shot at those horizon moments.

La Cruz de Huanacaxtle: a fishing town setting with sailboats as the backdrop

Another stop is La Cruz de Huanacaxtle, a fishing town in Nayarit with a large bay and a long-established presence of sailboats. In practical terms, it’s a change of scenery that keeps the day from feeling like a single long cruise with no landmarks.

Why I think this stop works: fishing towns tend to be more “working” and less staged. You get that sense of what the coastline is used for—boats doing boat things, water doing water things—without turning the day into an urban tour.

It also adds depth to the sailing portion. This isn’t just a loop around a single viewpoint. It’s a progression along the water, so each leg feels slightly different in light, coastline shape, and overall vibe.

Whale and dolphin time: what to expect when the captain is scanning

The tour is set up for wildlife time, and the captain is described as alert and willing to spend time looking. People have also reported a range of sightings, including whales, dolphins, and even turtles and seabirds—though, of course, nature decides what you actually see.

The best takeaway for you is how they handle it: you’re not shoved along on a tight schedule where wildlife spotting gets treated like a bonus. There’s time built in to look carefully, and that’s the difference between “we saw something once” and “we had a real look.”

If wildlife watching is a top priority, dress for visibility. That means sun protection, and staying comfortable enough that you can keep your attention on the water without getting restless. And if you know you’re sensitive to motion, plan ahead so you can still enjoy the search.

Chef-led lunch and the premium bar setup (yes, drinks are included)

This is where the tour’s value really shows up. You’ll get:

• Snacks: 3 appetizers selected by the chef on board
• Lunch: one main course per guest, selected in advance
• Alcoholic beverages: five drinks per person from a premium cocktail menu (including wine and signature drinks)
• Non-alcoholic beverages throughout, including natural juices and soft drinks
• Bottled water

On paper, “five drinks” could mean a limited list. In practice, the included bar style matters more than the raw number. People describe cocktails as thoughtfully made and presented. If you prefer not to drink alcohol, you’re not stuck with a sad soda—there are good mocktail options and other non-alcoholic choices.

The food gets real attention too. A standout mentioned repeatedly: the lunch option that included red snapper. Even people who focus on food rather than wildlife tend to leave impressed because appetizers and lunch are handled like part of the experience, not an afterthought.

Two practical notes for you:

• Eat what you can early and pace yourself. The day has multiple food/drink moments.
• If you’re prone to sea sickness, this is still an open-water experience. One person onboard needed extra care due to nausea, and the crew response was compassionate—but the smart move is to be prepared before you board.

Sailing back toward Puerto Vallarta’s Malecon (when conditions allow)

With the right weather conditions, the plan includes making it back toward the Malecon of Puerto Vallarta, including views of the arches and the church from another side. That’s a fun payoff because it connects your time on the water with the city’s most recognizable waterfront icons.

The key detail is that this return depends on weather. So if you’re the type who hates uncertainty, keep expectations flexible. The itinerary is structured, but the ocean is the boss. When the weather cooperates, the scenery shift back toward the Malecon can feel like a satisfying finish line.

One small, memorable detail from real sailing days: people liked being able to see the sails up during the return stretch. Even if you don’t care about sailing mechanics, that moment tends to add a touch of theater to the last part of the day.

Price and value: what about $200 covers (and what doesn’t)

At about $200.01 per person for roughly 5 hours, this pricing makes sense because so much is included. You’re paying for:

• onboard food (snacks + lunch)
• premium alcohol and non-alcohol options
• bottled water
• a small-group sail with a full crew
• time on the water in one of the best areas for bay views and potential wildlife

What’s not included is also clearly stated: private transportation and all fees and taxes MX$41.00 per person. So your true “budget number” should add that tax/fee amount, plus any transport you need to get to Los Peines.

I also like that the day is roughly 5 hours. Too many tours in this price tier try to stretch you across half a day with constant waiting. Here, you spend your time where you want it most: on the water.

Who this sail is best for (and who should rethink it)

This tour fits best if you want a comfort-forward sailing day with excellent food and drinks and you’re happy with a shared group under 12 people. It also suits couples, friend groups, and people who want a break from walking around town.

You should consider it carefully if:

• You get sea sick easily. The boat ride can trigger nausea for some people, and while the crew can help, you’ll be happier if you plan for it.
• You’re looking for a strict schedule of land stops. This is first and foremost a sailing-and-water experience, and weather changes the exact ending near the Malecon.

One more plus for families and older adults: boarding seems manageable. There’s a specific mention that it was easy to get on and off for a grandma type of situation. That suggests the boat is set up with normal practicality in mind.

Should you book AdaSailing’s Sail, Swim & Dine day?

If you want a Puerto Vallarta sailing tour that feels both luxury and relaxed, this is a strong choice. The combo of a small cap, chef-led food, and an included premium bar is a good deal compared with many tours where drinks are watered down or food is minimal. Add in the captain’s wildlife-scanning approach, and you’ve got a day that can surprise you in the best way.

My advice: book it if your priority is time on Banderas Bay with real onboard hospitality. If your priority is guaranteed land sightseeing, you might feel impatient when weather affects the Malecon return. Otherwise, this is the kind of outing that tends to become a “we have to do this again” memory.

FAQ

Where does the tour start?

It starts at Los Peines, Isla Iguana, 48335 Puerto Vallarta, Jal., Mexico.

What time does the sailing tour begin?

The start time is 10:00am.

How long is the experience?

The duration is about 5 hours.

How big is the group?

There is a maximum of 12 travelers.

What language is the tour offered in?

The tour is offered in English.

What’s included with the price?

You get 3 chef-selected appetizers, lunch (one main course per guest selected in advance), five drinks per person from the premium cocktail menu (including wine and signature drinks), non-alcoholic beverages throughout (including natural juices and soft drinks), and bottled water.

What is not included?

Private transportation is not included, and all fees and taxes of MX$41.00 per person are not included.

Is the tour dependent on weather?

Yes. The experience requires good weather, and if it’s canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund.

Can I cancel for a refund?

Yes, cancellation is free. You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund. If you cancel less than 24 hours before the start time, the amount paid is not refunded.