Puerto Vallarta: Luxury Yacht Tour with Lunch and Open Bar

This yacht day mixes comfort with real sea time. You cruise the Bay of Banderas and hit the famous coastline south of Puerto Vallarta, with time to swim and snorkel at Majahuitas Cove. I especially like the included open bar and lunch setup, plus the fact that snorkeling gear and a paddleboard are part of the package. The one thing to watch is the added $28 per-person harbor fee (cash), plus the airport-style security process before you board.

I also like that the crew keeps the day moving and focused on actual water time and views. Guides such as Charlie are known for staying on top of safety, especially when the sea state gets a little bumpy. You can also keep your eyes open for dolphins and turtles, and in the right conditions you may even spot whales while cruising.

Key highlights worth knowing

• Majahuitas Cove time with options to snorkel, paddleboard, and swim
• Open bar plus lunch included, with lounge seating on deck
• Marine-life spotting chances such as dolphins, sea turtles, tropical fish, and sometimes whales
• Snorkeling equipment and paddleboards provided, so you can show up light
• Tidy 5-hour schedule that balances cruising with two hours at the beach

The Bay of Banderas cruise: views, speed, and real ocean time

Puerto Vallarta’s Bay of Banderas is one of those places where the water changes mood every few minutes. On this 5-hour luxury yacht tour, you get a long, scenic stretch of cruising along the coastline, plus a return run where you can enjoy the shoreline from the water again.

The boat setup is built for relaxing as much as sightseeing. You’ll find lounge seating on deck and plenty of room to move around without feeling glued to one spot. If you like photos, this route gives you repeated angles of the coast rather than one quick look from land.

The key value here is that the day isn’t only “look at water from a distance.” You’re on the sea, with actual water activities planned, and the onboard vibe makes it easy to switch from sightseeing mode to swim mode without hassle.

Majahuitas Cove: your two-hour beach-and-water playground

Your main stop is Playa Majahuitas, a small beach area just south of Puerto Vallarta, backed by tropical greenery. This is where you get the most hands-on time: swim, snorkel, and stand up paddleboard are all part of the plan during your free time window.

Why I like this stop: it’s timed so you’re not racing from one thing to another. You get about two hours to enjoy the cove, including a chance to get into the water where wildlife may be visible. The tour is specifically positioned for marine-life viewing, so keep an eye out for dolphins, sea turtles, and tropical fish.

One practical detail: snorkeling sessions are usually short and controlled. In one recent experience, snorkeling time was around 30 minutes, followed by more cruising and swimming in open water. That means you should treat snorkeling as a highlight—not a long, independent gear session.

Safety can depend on conditions. When waves were bigger than expected on one trip, guides made sure people stayed safe and still had fun. So if the sea is a little rough, expect the crew to guide where you can go and how you should handle the water.

Snorkel gear, paddleboards, and what you can actually do with them

Included items matter on tours like this, because they remove decisions. Here you get snorkeling equipment and a paddleboard, plus towels. That’s a big deal if you don’t want to rent gear or figure out how to transport it.

The paddleboard part is also more doable than people expect. Even if you’re not a confident rider, this is the kind of guided beach-time activity that lets you try without turning your vacation into a training camp. You’ll also see how the cove conditions feel before you commit.

What you should plan for: you likely won’t spend the whole day in the water. You’re working with a schedule—cruise time, cove time, lunch, and then the final return—so build your expectations around a few focused water moments rather than an all-day swim marathon.

Lunch and open bar: comfort that makes the schedule feel easy

One reason this tour attracts people who want a “vacation day” instead of an “activity day” is how food and drinks are handled. You get an open bar, plus hors d’oeuvres and a provided lunch during the cruise back.

Onboard comfort is more than fluff here. One trip experience mentioned there were four bathrooms on board, which is a real quality-of-life detail on a half-day outing. You’ll also have places to lounge and sit back while the boat does the work.

Food quality is generally part of the positive story. Lunch was described as tasty, and the snack kickoff (fruit) helped everyone settle in before leaving the harbor. If you’re the type who likes to eat well without hunting for a meal afterward, this is built to keep you on the “easy mode.”

One more thing to know: photos are offered and may cost extra at the end (one example put the price around 160 USD). If you don’t care about souvenir photos, you can just ignore the upsell. If you do, it’s handy to budget a little.

Onboard size and the vibe: around 25 or closer to 50

Group size can affect how calm the boat feels. One experience described a boat with about 25 people that didn’t feel crowded, with lots of lounging options. Another described a larger group—around 50—while still noting attentive staff and good food.

So what should you do with that info? Arrive with the mindset that you’re on a shared tour. Even with a luxury boat, you’re not booking a private yacht, so service and comfort can scale with the number of people onboard.

The upside of a larger group is that you’re more likely to have a lively atmosphere and more chances to see wildlife as people point things out. The downside is that certain moments—like getting to snorkeling or finding space on deck—can feel a bit more competitive.

Timing and logistics: security, meeting points, and the cash harbor fee

A smooth day starts before you step onboard. This tour uses two pickup/meeting locations, and the meeting point depends on which boat you’re assigned. The two listed options are Las Palmas 39, Puerto Magico (for both pickup and drop-off). You should contact Vallarta Adventures in advance to confirm the meeting point details tied to your reservation.

Plan on security that feels like an airport. You’ll pass through airport-style screening at the federal cruise port, including a metal detector. That’s normal here, but it changes what “arrive on time” means. Build in buffer time so you’re not rushing right up to departure.

Also add the $28 per-person harbor fee, payable in cash. This is separate from the tour price, and it’s one of the first things you’ll encounter at check-in. If you show up without cash, your day can start with an unnecessary scramble.

One experience described check-in and departure as a tight sequence (arrive around 8:30, depart around 9:00, then back to disembark around 13:30). That gives you a sense of pacing: once you’re on board, you’ll move through the stops on schedule.

What the itinerary really feels like hour by hour

Here’s how the day typically lands for your time and attention, not just the headline stops.

First, you’ll cruise and sightsee for about 1.5 hours. This is your first chance to settle in, scan the coastline, and keep watch for marine life while you’re still fresh and dry.

Then you reach Playa Majahuitas for roughly two hours. This is when you use the gear: snorkeling, paddleboarding, and swimming options are available during that window, plus time to relax on the beach area. It’s also where the “cove” setting matters most—sand, water, and rainforest backdrop give you a change of scenery from open cruising.

Next comes lunch and the return cruise, with another 1.5 hours of sailing time. Lunch is typically part of the calmer onboard section, when you can refuel and relax before the final drop-off.

The tradeoff with a half-day format is that the schedule can feel quick if you’re expecting long, unstructured ocean time. One viewpoint described it as fast and said the water moments felt short for the price. I’d frame it more as: this tour is designed to deliver several highlights without dragging, and you’ll get a sample of each activity rather than one activity stretched all day.

Price and value: $119 plus the extra harbor fee

At $119 per person for a 5-hour luxury yacht experience, you’re paying for a bundle: boat time, an onboard crew, open bar, lunch, snorkeling equipment, paddleboard, and towels. That’s not just “transport”—it’s the core services you’d otherwise have to price separately.

The two places where cost clarity matters are:

• The $28 per-person harbor fee paid in cash
• The fact that hotel pickup and drop-off are not included, since you meet at the listed port locations

So, is it worth it? For the right traveler, yes—especially if you value convenience and want the included water activities. You’re not arranging your own snorkeling trip, you’re not renting gear, and you’re not spending your afternoon switching locations for food.

For someone who wants very long time in the water or a smaller, slower group experience, the short half-day pacing can feel pricey. That doesn’t mean it’s poorly run—it means the product is aimed at efficiency and variety.

Who should book, and who should skip

This tour is a strong fit if you want:

• A relax-and-play day on the water
• Included snorkeling and paddleboarding without renting gear
• Open bar and lunch as part of the experience (not an afterthought)

It’s probably not the best choice if:

• You need wheelchair-friendly access. The tour specifically notes it’s not suitable for people with mobility impairments or wheelchair users.
• You rely on bringing luggage or large bags. Luggage or large bags aren’t allowed.
• You’re traveling with pets. Pets aren’t allowed.

The good news for planning: the tour runs rain or shine, so you’re less likely to lose the day entirely. Just be ready for sea conditions to vary.

Language support includes a live guide in English and Spanish, which helps a lot if you want real explanations about what you’re seeing.

Practical tips that will save you stress

Here are the small things that keep the day from turning into a scramble.

• Bring your passport or ID card. That’s required.
• Bring cash for the harbor fee ($28 per person).
• Expect airport-style security at the federal cruise port (metal detector included).
• Confirm which of the two meeting points applies to your boat, since the tour uses different boats from different locations.
• If snorkeling matters a lot to you, consider asking about any snorkeling options or upgrades offered by the crew. One experience specifically mentioned a snorkeling upgrade people liked.

Should you book this Puerto Vallarta luxury yacht tour?

Book it if you want a half-day that mixes sailing views, beach time, and included water activities with food and drinks handled for you. The combination of Majahuitas Cove time, plus open bar and lunch, is the core value, and the marine-life search adds a bit of surprise to the day.

Skip or rethink it if you’re expecting a long, slow, no-rush ocean day. The schedule is built to deliver multiple stops in a tight window, and that can feel short if you’re paying primarily for time in the water.

If you’re the type who likes structure, comfort, and a good chance of seeing dolphins and turtles (and possibly whales), this one fits Puerto Vallarta’s style: polished, scenic, and easy to enjoy.

FAQ

How long is the Puerto Vallarta luxury yacht tour?

The duration is 5 hours.

What’s included in the tour price?

Snorkeling equipment, a paddleboard, towels, lunch, and an open bar are included.

Is lunch included, or do I need to buy food?

Lunch is included in the tour.

Is there an open bar onboard?

Yes. An open bar is included.

What is the harbor fee and how do I pay it?

There is a $28 per-person harbor fee, payable in cash.

Is hotel pickup and drop-off included?

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

Do I need to bring an ID?

Yes. Bring your passport or an ID card.

Are pets allowed on the tour?

No, pets are not allowed.

Is the tour suitable for wheelchair users?

No. The tour is not suitable for people with mobility impairments or wheelchair users.

Do you run the tour in rain?

Yes. The tour takes place rain or shine.