Half Day Private Sailing Cruise Puerto Vallarta with Snorkeling

Set sail for a quieter side of Puerto Vallarta. This four-hour private cruise combines Los Arcos snorkeling, calm-water swimming, paddleboarding, coastal views, and food prepared on board. You get your own boat and crew rather than sharing the day with a large group, which makes the outing feel relaxed and personal.

I especially like the generous group size, up to 15 people, and the simple food included: guacamole, salsa, chips, fruit in some cases, bottled water, and ice. The main thing to keep in mind is that snorkeling conditions can change, and one recent outing went to another swimming area instead of Los Arcos.

Key points to know before booking

• Private boat for up to 15 people: The price is $812.50 per group, so the value improves sharply with a larger family or group of friends.
• Los Arcos and Mismaloya: The route is built around two of Puerto Vallarta’s best-known coastal areas, with time for swimming, snorkeling, and paddleboarding.
• Food is part of the experience: Guacamole, salsa, chips, bottled water, and ice are included, with fresh fruit and optional meals reported on some cruises.
• Crew service gets high marks: Captains and crew members named in the feedback include Angel, Francisco, Felix, Luigi, Marcos, Ricky, Louis, and Chilis.
• Conditions shape the day: Snorkeling depends on water conditions, and the exact stop may change for safety or visibility.
• Bring your own music or drinks if desired: The boat has speakers, and you can bring personal provisions. Some groups also added an open bar or ordered fajitas.

Leaving Marina Vallarta for the Bay

Your cruise begins at the Marina Vallarta Boat Ramp, at Proa 22 in Marina Vallarta, Puerto Vallarta. The tour returns to this same meeting point after about four hours.

The meeting point is useful for anyone already staying near Marina Vallarta, and it is also close to public transportation. Still, the marina can be confusing if you have not been there before. One group had trouble finding the exact ramp and simply followed map directions until the crew greeted them. I would allow extra time and keep the operator’s contact details handy.

This is a private activity, so only your party joins the boat. That matters more than it may sound. You can settle into your own pace instead of waiting for strangers, listening to a group leader address 30 people, or rushing everyone back into the water. Families can spread out, friends can play their own music, and anyone who wants a quiet ride can find a shaded place to rest.

The boat is described as comfortable and spacious. A group of five adults and three children had plenty of room, while a group of five found it easy to relax without feeling crowded. Towels, pillows, shaded seating, and life vests were available on at least some departures. Equipment and boat amenities can vary, so it is sensible to confirm any special needs before paying.

The captain and sailor handle the boat, while the crew also serves food and helps with water activities. Past groups praised the warm, attentive service, including help for children and care for people who became seasick on choppy water.

Sailing past Puerto Vallarta’s coastal views

The ride itself is one of the main reasons to book this outing. You sail across the bay with views toward the mountains, downtown Puerto Vallarta, beaches, and the rocky coast south of town.

I like that this is not only a transportation step between two swimming stops. The boat gives you a moving view of the bay, and the pace allows you to watch the coastline rather than race from one activity to the next. The wind and tide shape the ride, so the trip may feel smooth and calm one day and noticeably choppy another.

The crew also points out sea life and local sights. Groups have seen dolphins, whales, and sea turtles from the boat, though these sightings are not promised. In January, one family changed its plans from swimming because jellyfish were too active, then enjoyed whale and dolphin watching instead. Francisco was praised for explaining the animals in a way that worked for both adults and children.

That flexibility is important. The cruise is best understood as a private day on the bay, not a guaranteed wildlife or snorkeling expedition. If the water is rough, visibility is poor, or jellyfish make swimming unpleasant, the crew may adjust the plan.

Food begins early in the outing on some trips. Fresh fruit, chips, and drinks have been served during the ride, followed by guacamole and other food after swimming. This gives the cruise a pleasant rhythm: sail, snack, stop for water time, then eat while heading back.

The boat has speakers, and you may bring your own music. That is a small but useful detail for a private group. You can create a quiet afternoon, a family playlist, or a more festive atmosphere without having to match another group’s taste.

Los Arcos National Park, the planned highlight

The first main stop is Los Arcos de Mismaloya, a group of dramatic rock formations in the bay’s southern area. The stop is planned for about 90 minutes, enough time to swim, snorkel, paddleboard, or simply sit in the water and enjoy the setting.

Los Arcos is especially appealing because the scenery works even if you do not want to snorkel. You can look up at the rock formations from the boat, float in the water, or use the paddleboard. For children and less confident swimmers, the crew has provided life vests and floating equipment on past outings.

Snorkeling is dependent on conditions. Some groups reported seeing large tropical fish and enjoying excellent visibility. Others found the snorkeling disappointing or were taken to another area instead of Los Arcos. That difference is not a minor detail. If your main goal is to see fish at Los Arcos, ask about current conditions before departure and understand that the crew may change the stop.

The equipment is included, with masks and other snorkeling gear available. A paddleboard and a floating mat have also been provided on past trips. You should not assume every piece of equipment will suit every person perfectly, but the range of water gear makes the stop more flexible than a simple swim break.

This is also where the crew’s practical help matters. Angel used a fish guidebook to show children what they might see, while other crew members helped groups get settled in the water. That kind of attention can turn a basic swim into an easier, more enjoyable experience for families.

The tour description lists admission to Los Arcos as free. One person felt disappointed after the boat stopped elsewhere and noted that the expected park visit was part of the value calculation. If Los Arcos is essential to your plans, confirm the intended route and ask what happens if sea conditions prevent the visit.

Mismaloya for swimming and a slower afternoon

The second listed stop is Mismaloya, also planned for about 90 minutes. This is the part of the cruise built around relaxing in the water rather than sightseeing alone.

You can swim, paddleboard, or rest near the beach. If conditions allow, you can also snorkel and look for tropical fish. The appeal here is the choice. One person can swim, another can use the paddleboard, and someone else can stay aboard under the shade with a drink.

The stop can feel calm and unhurried, but the water is still a natural setting. Conditions vary, and the quality of snorkeling may not match the best days at Los Arcos. I would treat the water activities as a welcome option rather than the sole reason to pay for the cruise.

For families, Mismaloya may be the easiest part of the day. Children can use the floating equipment, adults can take turns in the water, and the private boat means your group does not have to follow a rigid schedule. Past outings included children as well as older family members, with the crew helping everyone stay comfortable.

The return sail gives you more views of the coast, mountains, and downtown Puerto Vallarta. Depending on your departure time and weather, the light may be especially attractive late in the day. The schedule mentions enjoying a sunset, but you should not assume every four-hour departure will include sunset. The exact timing depends on when you book.

Guacamole, fruit, and optional meals

The included food is modest but well chosen for a boat trip. You receive guacamole, salsa, chips, bottled water, and ice. Several groups also enjoyed fresh fruit, and Angel, Chilis, and other crew members received praise for preparing food on board.

The guacamole is a recurring highlight. It is served as a fresh snack after time in the water, when salty chips and something cool to drink are exactly what you want. Some groups also received ceviche, tuna sashimi, or a larger fruit plate, but those extras should not be treated as guaranteed parts of the base package.

You can add food after booking. Fajitas were ordered by some groups and were enough to feed larger parties. An open bar was also available as an extra, while other groups bought their own beer and soda at a nearby market. The boat has a cooler, so ask what is included and what you may bring before you shop.

For a four-hour outing, the included snacks may be enough. If your group expects a full lunch, adding fajitas could make the day easier. I would especially consider this for families or groups spending the entire afternoon on the water, since swimming and sun often leave people hungrier than expected.

The food also adds to the sense that this is a hosted private outing rather than a basic boat transfer. The crew is not only steering the boat. They are serving snacks, helping with equipment, and adjusting the day around your group.

What $812.50 means for your group

The advertised price is $812.50 per group of up to 15 people. At full capacity, that works out to about $54 per person. For 10 people, it is about $81 per person. For five people, it is about $162.50 per person.

That makes the group size the key value question. A party of 10 to 15 gets a strong deal for a private boat, crew, snorkeling equipment, paddleboard access, water, ice, and snacks. A family of five pays more per person, but still gets privacy, space, and control over the pace. A couple or very small group may find the price harder to justify unless the private setting is especially important.

Compared with a shared boat, you are paying for control and comfort. You do not have to fit another group’s timetable, music, food preferences, or swimming ability. That privacy has real value for birthdays, reunions, family trips, and groups that want both social time and quiet space.

The price does not guarantee perfect snorkeling or a specific wildlife sighting. It also does not appear to include optional meals or an open bar. Think of the base price as payment for the private boat experience and crew, with food and drinks available at different levels depending on what you add.

The experience is often booked about 20 days ahead. Since it is private and limited by boat availability, I would not wait until the last moment for a large group. The cancellation policy is strict: the booking is non-refundable and cannot be changed for any reason.

Who will enjoy this sailing cruise most

I would recommend this cruise most strongly to families, groups of friends, and multigenerational parties who want a private half-day on the water.

It suits you if you value:

• A boat reserved only for your group
• A relaxed schedule with swimming and snacks
• Coastal views rather than nonstop activity
• A choice between snorkeling, paddleboarding, and resting
• Crew members who interact warmly with children
• The option to add meals or drinks

It may not suit you if snorkeling is your only priority. Water conditions can change, and the exact stop may vary. A dedicated snorkeling trip may be a better match if you care more about underwater time than privacy, food, and sailing.

It is also not ideal for anyone who dislikes boat motion. One outing had choppy water, and two people became seasick. The crew helped with water and a bucket, but preparation still matters. If you are sensitive to motion, ask about sea conditions and consider bringing whatever remedy you normally use.

The tour is offered in English, and service animals are allowed. Most people can participate, but you should discuss mobility or medical concerns with the operator before booking because the available information does not describe boarding conditions in detail.

Final call: book it for the private day, not just the snorkeling

I would book this experience if you have a group large enough to share the cost and want a comfortable, flexible day on Puerto Vallarta’s bay. The strongest parts are the private boat, kind crew, generous space, fresh guacamole, and freedom to swim or rest without a crowded schedule.

Before paying, confirm three things: the expected Los Arcos route, current water conditions, and the cost of optional food or drinks. If you accept that nature controls the snorkeling and you value the whole sailing experience, this is a strong choice. If you need guaranteed Los Arcos access or perfect underwater visibility, keep your expectations in check.

FAQ

How long is the private sailing cruise?

The cruise lasts approximately four hours.

How many people can join the private boat?

The price covers one private group of up to 15 people.

Where does the cruise start and finish?

It starts at the Marina Vallarta Boat Ramp, Proa 22, Marina Vallarta, Puerto Vallarta, 48335, Mexico. It ends back at the same meeting point.

Is snorkeling equipment included?

Yes. Snorkeling equipment is included, and a paddleboard and floating equipment have also been available on past departures.

What food and drinks are included?

The included items are guacamole, salsa, chips, bottled water, and ice. Fresh fruit and additional meals or drinks may be available as optional additions.

Can the snorkeling location change?

Yes. Snorkeling depends on water conditions, and the route or stop may change when conditions do not suit swimming or snorkeling.