Luxury Yacht & Snorkel with All inclusive Open bar and lunch

Majahuitas day feels like a small-group escape. This half-day Leopard catamaran cruise mixes boat views, snorkeling gear, and an open bar vibe along the Bay of Banderas.

I really like the size: it caps at 40 travelers, so the day doesn’t feel like a cattle chute. I also like the built-in comfort items—snorkeling and stand-up paddleboard gear plus a deli-style Mexican lunch.

One thing to consider is the ocean part of the plan. Sea conditions control the route, and if the water gets choppy, motion sickness is a real possibility—pack accordingly.

Key things to know before you sail

• 40-person cap keeps this from feeling like the big-boat tours
• Snorkeling gear + paddleboards are included, so you can switch activities easily
• Majahuitas Cove is the main stop, with rainforest scenery and time to swim and relax
• Unlimited open bar is included, but what you get on the island can vary by setup
• Extra fees may apply, including the Bay of Banderas fee

From Vallarta Adventures to Majahuitas: The real vibe of this 5-hour cruise

This is a morning-into-early-afternoon style tour from Puerto Vallarta designed for people who want time on the water without giving up their whole day. You meet at Vallarta Adventures at Terminal Marítima (Zona Hotelera Norte) and the sail time runs about 5 hours from the 8:00 am start.

The big idea here is simple: you cruise past coastal landmarks you can’t see from sidewalks, then you get dropped at Majahuitas for snorkeling and beach time. On board, the crew keeps things moving—drinks available, food handled table-style, and a steady schedule that doesn’t drag too much.

And because the sea is in charge of the route, expect a little flexibility. The plan includes cruising south along the Bay of Banderas, with possible passes by Los Arcos and views of the Malecón area depending on conditions.

Price and logistics: what $119 buys (and what can add up)

At $119 per person, this lands in the mid-to-upper range for Puerto Vallarta boat tours. The value comes from the combination: small group size, unlimited premium open bar, snorkeling equipment, paddleboards, and a lunch package included.

That said, don’t ignore the fine print that hits your final total. The listing shows an extra Bay of Banderas admission fee of $40.00 per person that isn’t included. One set of experiences also mentioned a mandatory port fee of 30 pesos collected before departure, so if you’re budgeting, assume you’ll pay something at check-in even after buying the tour.

Also note: there’s no hotel pickup or drop-off. You’ll want to be on time at the meeting point, and you should expect the port area to be a little chaotic before you get inside the check-in flow.

The boat ride itself: views you can only get from sea level

The cruise portion is not just a transit time. It’s part of the entertainment. You’re sailing along the Bay of Banderas toward the south of Puerto Vallarta, which is where the coastline starts to look more dramatic and less like a city postcard.

Along the way, you might pass sights like Los Arcos and you’ll likely get sea-level views of the Malecón Boardwalk area while cruising through the bay. The exact timing and whether you catch these spots depends on conditions, but the goal stays the same: make the ride scenic enough that even the waiting doesn’t feel wasted.

This is also a good moment to settle in with drinks and sunscreen. One practical tip from real-world experience: if you’re prone to motion sickness, consider bringing Dramamine and taking it early. Choppy water isn’t the operator’s fault, but it can change how much you enjoy the snorkel part.

Majahuitas Cove: snorkeling and beach time, realistically paced

Majahuitas is the highlight stop. The cove sits just south of Puerto Vallarta and it’s surrounded by tropical rainforest, so you get that classic “vacation off the main road” look when you arrive.

You should plan for a real mix of activities, not one long block. Typical sequencing is: cruise to the cove, get snorkeling and swimming going, then shift into beach time. Your exact timing depends on the sea that day, but a common pattern is a shorter snorkeling window followed by time to relax on the water.

Snorkeling conditions: what to expect

Snorkeling is included with gear provided, and you’ll be guided and assisted by the crew on-site. One important practical note: some experiences mention that you may need to wear life vests anytime you’re in the water. It’s for safety, but it can feel odd if you’re used to snorkeling without them.

As for what you’ll see underwater, results can vary. Some people find plenty of colorful fish, while others report limited coral and not a ton of marine life on the surface. You’re still likely to get a fun swim, but if your goal is reefs and huge biodiversity, manage expectations and treat the snorkel as an enjoyable water activity rather than a guaranteed marine-fantasy showcase.

Getting to the beach: towels and belongings

Majahuitas is a cove setting, and that affects how you land and what you can bring. Some experiences mention that you may have to swim in to reach shore, which means you might not be able to bring towels or keep belongings safely on the beach. That can turn into a bit of “stand around dripping” if you planned to dry off with ease.

Bring what you can keep dry or what you don’t mind leaving behind. If you’re the type who hates wet clothes sitting in the sun, pack a small change plan and wear your swim gear early.

Lunch on board: Mexican flavors without the hunt

Lunch is included and it’s described as a deli-style meal, with the kinds of items you’d expect from an all-in-one beach day: guacamole, shrimp cocktails, chips and fresh fruit. You’ll also find seafood and snacks mentioned in experiences, but the exact mix can vary slightly by day.

The good part is pacing. Food is available around when you want it, not 2 hours too late. And several experiences emphasize that the crew makes sure drinks keep flowing while you eat, which makes the whole meal feel less like a scheduled break and more like part of the cruise rhythm.

A couple of notes to keep you grounded:

• Some sandwiches are reported as more ordinary than the word luxury might suggest.
• If you have a shellfish allergy, you may need extra caution since shrimp is a common component of the meal.

Open bar reality: unlimited drinks, but island options can change

The tour includes an unlimited premium open bar, and that’s a big reason the overall experience feels fun for a lot of people. On board, people describe drinks being kept topped up without needing to chase anyone.

Still, don’t assume every drink is the same everywhere on the route. One set of experiences mentions that on the island stop, the bar setup was more limited—beer and water rather than the full cocktail spread. The takeaway: if your dream is a specific premium cocktail at the beach, be ready to improvise.

If alcohol isn’t your thing, the open bar still signals a more relaxed mood. You’ll often find water and soft drinks available too, and the crew tends to keep refreshment flowing.

Paddleboards, banana boats, and the water-adventure menu

One strong inclusion is stand-up paddleboards. If you like variety, this is one of the best reasons to choose this tour over a snorkel-only option. Paddleboarding works well in a calm cove because you can switch from snorkeling to “try something new” without changing boats.

Some experiences also mention a banana boat ride being offered. If you’re given that option, take it for the fun-factor—but expect it to be rougher. One family experience noted it can get rough enough that a child could end up in the water if they’re not careful.

If you’re traveling with kids or anyone who isn’t comfortable with rougher water, ask on board what the conditions are and whether a calmer option is available. Then decide once you see how the driver handles it.

Crew and service: what really makes it feel VIP

The tour experience hinges on the crew, and that shows up across many experiences: attentive service, friendly energy, and constant drink and food support. People have highlighted specific crew members—like Alex, Diego Chihuahua (during snorkeling), and captains with names such as Captain Victor or John Luis—which points to an organized team that knows how to keep the day running.

There’s also a “small-group help” effect. With a 40-person cap, the crew can actually move through the boat and check in. That makes a difference if you’re new to snorkeling or you just want things handled without asking twice.

Photos on board: nice souvenirs, and they cost extra

A photographer often takes pictures and video during the outing, especially around snorkeling and onboard moments. That part can be great for couple and celebration trips. The practical catch: photos aren’t automatically included with the tour price.

One reported digital package price was around $100 USD. If you hate surprise add-ons, watch for the end-of-tour pitch and decide on the spot. If you’re cool with it, it can turn the day into an easy memory grab.

Who should book this Puerto Vallarta yacht snorkel?

This tour fits best if you want a half-day water outing with:

• a smaller group (40 max),
• snorkeling and paddleboard time,
• lunch included, and
• a party-friendly open bar atmosphere.

It’s also a solid choice for:

• couples who want a romantic day at sea without a long travel day,
• friend groups (bachelorette birthdays show up a lot with this format),
• families with kids 10 and up, since the minimum age is 10.

If you’re a hardcore reef chaser, treat the snorkeling as “fun and scenic” rather than “guaranteed coral show.” And if you’re very sensitive to motion, you’ll want to prepare for that with medication and a strategic seat choice.

Should you book it? My honest take

I’d book this if you want a relaxed Puerto Vallarta day where the main work is just showing up and getting in the water. The combo of snorkel gear + paddleboards + lunch + unlimited drinks in a 40-person format is the kind of value that adds up fast.

I’d think twice if your priorities are:

• long, deep snorkeling time at one top-tier reef spot,
• lots of beach amenities once you land (some setups mean you’ll swim in and keep belongings minimal),
• or if you hate any chance of feeling your meal is more basic than the word luxury.

If you go, come prepared for the sea. Bring sunscreen, consider motion sickness help, and keep your expectations flexible about the exact snorkeling and island bar setup. Then you’ll get the main payoff: a smooth, good-time cruise with Majahuitas as the star.

FAQ

How long is the Luxury Yacht & Snorkel tour in Puerto Vallarta?

The duration is about 5 hours.

How many people are on this tour?

The maximum group size is 40 travelers.

What time does the tour start?

It starts at 8:00 am.

Is snorkeling equipment included?

Yes. Snorkeling equipment is included, and the tour also provides stand-up paddleboards.

Is lunch included, and what kind is it?

Yes, lunch is included as a deli-style meal. Items mentioned include guacamole, shrimp cocktails, chips, and fresh fruit.

Is there an open bar?

Yes. The tour includes an unlimited premium open bar.

Where do I meet for the tour?

You meet at Vallarta Adventures, Terminal Marítima N Puerto Mágico.

Do I need to pay anything besides the tour price?

Yes. The Bay of Banderas admission fee is listed as $40.00 per person and may be collected separately at the time of the experience. Some experiences also mention a mandatory port fee.

Are drones allowed?

No. Drones are prohibited due to federal regulations meant to protect endemic birds.

What is the minimum age to join?

The minimum age is 10.