Puerto Vallarta Pirate Premium Sailing Cruise

This is the kind of shore day kids actually talk about later. You get a full-on pirate theme on a floating replica ship, then you head to Majahuitas Beach by water for snorkeling, kayaking, and beach games.

I especially like the way the crew builds interactive pirate games right into the sailing, not just as a one-time show. I also like that the day includes lunch plus open bar, which means you’re not doing extra budgeting once you’re onboard. One thing to consider: it’s a long 6-hour outing and the water can get a bit wavy, so pack motion-sickness help if you’re prone to it.

Marigalante and Majahuitas: What You’ll Be Doing

You start at Terminal Maritima in Las Glorias, then you’re out on Banderas Bay for a themed cruise that mixes entertainment and activities. The highlight is the beach stop at Majahuitas, which is accessed by boat and gives you a quiet, remote feel compared with being on the main beachfront strip.

This isn’t the kind of excursion for a silent, scenic nature walk. It’s designed for participation, and the energy is geared to families and mixed ages, with crew members staying attentive throughout.

One possible drawback to keep in mind: if you don’t speak Spanish, you may miss parts of instructions and how the pirate crew runs the day, since at least one guest found language made a big difference.

Key Highlights to Know Before You Go

• A replica ship with serious stage energy on the Santa María–style wooden vessel (Marigalante)
• Games and contests aboard the ship, so kids and teens have something to do during the sailing
• Majahuitas Beach by water only, making it feel remote and special for a shore excursion
• Snorkeling and kayaking equipment included, so you don’t scramble for rentals at the beach
• Lunch and open bar included, which makes the day easier to manage financially
• Maximum 80 travelers, a size that keeps the experience from feeling like a cattle run

The Value Question: Is $240 Worth It?

At $240 per person for a roughly 6-hour excursion, you’re paying for a themed experience, not just transportation to a beach. In return, you’re getting multiple built-in components: pirate entertainment, interactive games, lunch, and an open bar, plus snorkeling gear and a kayak option.

For families, that combo can feel like better value than buying separate tickets for a boat ride, a beach day, and water activities. For adults traveling without kids, it can still be fun, but you’ll likely enjoy it most if you’re comfortable leaning into the performance and participating.

The biggest “value signal” here is what’s included. You’re not paying extra for snorkeling equipment, and you’re not stuck finding lunch after you land. That matters on a day that already takes a chunk of your time in port.

Where You Start: Terminal Maritima and the 9:00 AM Reality

The meeting point is Terminal Maritima at Blvd. Francisco Medina Ascencio, in Las Glorias, Puerto Vallarta (48333). The start time is 9:00 am, and the activity returns you back to this same meeting point.

Plan to arrive early. One useful heads-up from guests: getting to the marina around 8:15 am helps because check-in can take a while. If you show up right at the start time, you’ll spend part of the “fun day” rushing instead of settling in.

Also note this is a mobile-ticket experience. That’s convenient, but make sure your phone battery is healthy, because you’ll want easy access to your ticket at check-in.

Marigalante: The Santa María-Style Wooden Ship Experience

Your first stop is Marigalante, described as a real-wood replica of Columbus’s Santa María. It’s built with three wooden masts and triangular sails, and the ship is huge enough to feel like more than a small party boat.

This matters because the ship isn’t just a backdrop. It’s the venue for the pirate show and for the onboard contests and games that keep everyone moving and engaged. If you’ve ever done excursions where you wait around too much, this structure helps prevent dead time.

A practical note: this is a full-day-style schedule with a staged flow. You’ll likely want to wear comfortable clothing you can move in on deck, since activities happen while you’re aboard.

The Pirate Show and On-Deck Games: More Than a Performance

On this cruise, the entertainment isn’t only “watch and clap.” You’re pulled into the action through games, contests, and pirate antics while the ship sails through Banderas Bay.

This is where I see the strongest family-friendly design. Multiple guests praised how pirates worked hard to include each family group, and some mention getting personal attention from a specific pirate, like Flucky, Mike, Silver, Flash, and Pepe. That kind of role-based attention can turn a theme into a memory.

You should also expect a light, sometimes cheesy humor style. One guest noted the show can be cheesy at times, though the crew’s energy makes up for it. For kids and teens, that tone usually lands well, especially when they’re part of the games.

Sailing the Bay: Timing, Group Size, and Feeling Safe

The itinerary is built around a cruise segment through Banderas Bay, and the tour caps at 80 travelers. That headcount is big enough for a lively atmosphere, but small enough that you’re not lost in a crowd.

Safety shows up in how the crew runs the day. Guests consistently mentioned the crew went above and beyond and kept people feeling safe throughout the trip. That’s important when you’re traveling with kids, since you want calm competence, not chaos.

Water conditions are another reality check. One guest specifically warned that you should avoid ignoring motion sickness risk, since the ride can get wavy. If you’re even mildly sensitive to waves, bring what works for you (ginger, wristbands, or medication you’ve tried before).

Majahuitas Beach: Secluded Water Access and Easy Water Fun

Majahuitas Beach is reached by boat only, and it’s about 29 km from Puerto Vallarta. That “access by water only” detail is a big deal, because it helps the beach feel like a destination rather than a quick stop on the main strip.

This is also where the excursion shifts from onboard pirate energy to beach time. You get a block of time to relax, swim, and explore the shoreline at a slower pace than you’d get during typical urban tours.

The included equipment is a key reason this stop works well. You’ll have snorkeling equipment and you can kayak. The data doesn’t guarantee every activity is mandatory, but the intent is clear: you can do water activities without extra rental cost.

A reasonable strategy: if you’re traveling with mixed-age kids, let the snorkeling/kayak time be the structured block, then use the rest for downtime. Beach time is where families actually breathe and reset.

What You’ll Eat and Drink (and Why It Helps)

Lunch is included on the cruise, and there’s an open bar. For many families, this is the hidden win because it keeps your day simple: fewer stops, fewer decisions, and less money spent on food and drinks you would otherwise buy separately.

Food quality came up in positive ways in guest feedback, and the overall vibe seems to be that meals are part of the “day plan,” not an afterthought. Add in the pirate-themed atmosphere and you can see why the day feels like one continuous event rather than a series of logistics.

If you’re traveling with teens, having food and drinks onboard can reduce the usual “I’m hungry” friction that wrecks pacing. If you’re traveling with younger kids, it keeps everyone fueled for the activities without constantly stepping away to hunt for snacks.

The Long Day Question: 6 Hours Sounds Simple, But It Adds Up

This cruise runs about 6 hours. That’s not a quick in-and-out excursion, so treat it like a half-day commitment that will shape the rest of your port schedule.

In practice, the pacing is built to keep things happening. Still, you’ll spend time sailing, listening, participating, then transferring your energy to the beach segment. If you’re the type who needs constant quiet, you might find the pirate show and on-deck games a lot.

Also remember: check-in can take time, and you’ll want to be ready on deck when the activities start. If you show up late or feel rushed, the day can feel longer than it actually is.

Language and Comfort: When Spanish Matters

Most travelers can participate, but one review flagged a big consideration: you may need a fluently spoken Spanish level to fully enjoy the experience and understand instructions.

So here’s my practical take. If you don’t speak Spanish well, you can still likely enjoy the visuals and general pirate energy, especially during the show and activities. But you may miss some specifics in how rules for games are explained or how the crew communicates during transitions.

If you fall into this category, you’ll do better if you go in with a flexible mindset: follow cues, watch what others do, and don’t assume every detail will be translated for you.

Seasickness and Deck Comfort: Pack Smart

One guest advice stands out: the ride can get wavy. That’s not a reason to skip the cruise, but it’s a reason to pack like you expect some motion.

Bring what you normally use. Even a simple plan helps:

• If you’re sensitive to motion, use your tried-and-true method before you’re already feeling it.
• Wear clothes you can handle on a deck (sun and breeze happen together).
• Bring a light layer if you get cool in sea air.

If you’re traveling with kids, this is especially worth thinking about early. Better to prevent discomfort than to manage it mid-cruise.

Who This Pirate Premium Sailing Cruise Fits Best

This is strongest for families and groups who want a fun, participatory excursion instead of a quiet sightseeing day. Guests repeatedly praised how the pirates handled kids and how crew members paid close attention to each family group.

It also works for teens, since the day includes games and entertainment that aren’t boring. One guest suggested it’s great for teens too, while another noted it’s especially suited for families with children.

If you’re an adult traveling solo or as a couple, you can still have a good time. The cruise is structured like a show plus activity, and the included food and drinks help.

If you want a beach escape with minimal organized chaos, this might feel a bit too theme-heavy. Consider it if you’re excited to play along.

Booking Smarts and What to Bring

You’ll typically book this kind of shore excursion about two months in advance on average (63 days is the common timing here). If you’re traveling in high season or on a port schedule that sells out, booking early is a smart move.

A few practical points:

• Bring a phone with good battery for the mobile ticket.
• Arrive around 8:15 am if you want a calmer check-in.
• Pack sun protection and water-friendly footwear for the beach.
• If you might feel motion, bring your solution ahead of time.

The ship has onboard activities, and the beach stop includes water fun, so don’t overpack with “only for land” items. Think comfortable and ready.

Final Verdict: Should You Book This?

Yes, I’d book it if you want an easy family-friendly day with built-in fun. The best reasons are the mix of onboard pirate entertainment, included water activities at Majahuitas, and the practical value of lunch plus an open bar.

I’d think twice if you’re highly sensitive to waves, dislike participatory shows, or rely heavily on understanding spoken instructions in Spanish. For those cases, you can still enjoy parts of the day, but your experience may depend more on your comfort with the theme and the language situation.

If you’re looking for a straightforward way to make port time feel like a full event, this pirate sailing cruise does that job. Just plan to arrive early, dress for sun and sea air, and go in ready to play.

FAQ

How long is the Puerto Vallarta Pirate Premium Sailing Cruise?

It’s about 6 hours.

What time does the tour start?

The start time is 9:00 am.

Where do we meet for the cruise?

You meet at Terminal Maritima, Blvd. Francisco Medina Ascencio, Las Glorias, 48333 Puerto Vallarta, Jalisco, Mexico.

Do I need a printed ticket?

No. This experience uses a mobile ticket.

Is lunch included?

Yes, lunch is included.

Are snorkeling and kayaking included?

Snorkeling equipment is included, and kayaking is available during the Majahuitas Beach time with equipment provided.

Is there an open bar?

Yes, there is an open bar included.

Is there a limit on group size?

The tour has a maximum of 80 travelers.

What is the cancellation policy?

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