Luxury Yacht & Snorkel with All inclusive Open bar and lunch

Sea time is the real attraction here. This five-hour cruise carries no more than 40 people along the Bay of Banderas toward Majahuitas, with snorkeling, paddleboards, lunch, and an open bar included. I especially like the attentive crew and the chance to see Puerto Vallarta from the water, including views of the Malecón and, when conditions allow, Los Arcos.

The Majahuitas stop is another strong point. Its tropical cove feels far removed from town, and the mix of swimming, snorkeling, paddleboarding, music, and drinks makes for an easy half-day outdoors. The main caution is that the word luxury may set your expectations too high. The catamaran is pleasant and better suited to 40 people than many large party boats, but some passengers find the seating close and the food more ordinary than the marketing suggests.

This trip is best for you if you want a social boat day with service, drinks, and a pretty beach stop rather than serious reef snorkeling. Sea conditions can change the route, the swim time, and the wildlife, so come ready for a good outing on the Pacific, not a fixed script.

Key points to know before you book

• Maximum of 40 people: The boat is smaller and calmer than the large party cruises, though space can still feel tight when everyone is aboard.
• Majahuitas is the main stop: You get about 1 hour and 20 minutes at the secluded cove, with time for water activities and beach relaxation.
• The route depends on the ocean: Los Arcos and the Malecón may be viewed from the boat, but neither is guaranteed.
• Food is included, but expectations should stay modest: Fruit, guacamole, chips, shrimp cocktails, and sandwiches or deli-style food are described across the experience. The exact menu may vary.
• The open bar is strongest on the yacht: Beer, cocktails, water, and other drinks are available aboard, while the beach service may be limited to beer, water, and nonalcoholic drinks.
• Plan for motion and wet belongings: The cruise can take close to an hour before the first activity, and you may need to swim from the yacht to shore at Majahuitas.

What the $119 price really buys you

At $119 per person, this is not the cheapest way to reach the southern beaches of Puerto Vallarta. You are paying for a full service boat outing rather than simple transport. The price includes the catamaran cruise, crew service, lunch, snorkeling equipment, stand-up paddleboards, and unlimited premium drinks on the boat.

That package can be good value if you want several parts of your day handled for you. I like that you do not need to rent water equipment or search for a lunch stop. The crew brings food and drinks around, and many people find the service one of the best parts of the outing.

Still, the value depends on how much you use the extras. If you do not drink alcohol, do not care about paddleboards, and mainly want time at a beach, a simpler boat trip may suit you better. If you enjoy a pleasant ride, social service, music, swimming, and a drink in hand, the price is easier to justify.

The word premium also needs a little context. The boat is described as a deluxe Leopard catamaran, and it is well-maintained according to several accounts. But the experience is not a private yacht charter. With up to 40 people, you share the deck, seating, water equipment, and washroom. One person described the setup as cozy, with limited room for bags.

There may also be an extra Bay of Banderas charge listed at $40 per person. Other information connected with the trip refers to port or bay charges of 30 to 40 pesos. Because the amounts are not consistent, check the current total before you pay. Carry local cash in case the operator requires a small port fee at check-in.

Starting at Puerto Mágico at 8:00 a.m.

The meeting point is the Vallarta Adventures terminal at Puerto Mágico, at Terminal MarítimaN on Boulevard Francisco Medina Ascencio in the Hotel Zone Norte. The listed start time is 8:00 a.m., and the tour returns to the same place after roughly five hours.

There is no hotel pickup or drop-off. You need to reach the terminal yourself, and the port entrance can feel a little confusing. Arriving early is smart, especially if you need to pay a local fee or find the right check-in area. One couple arrived about 30 minutes ahead and found that useful.

Once on board, the pace is relaxed. This is not a rush from one attraction to the next. The boat may spend close to an hour making its way south before the first water activity. That cruise is part of the experience, but it is worth knowing in advance if you are expecting immediate snorkeling.

The crew introduces the outing and keeps the service moving. Names praised during different trips include Alex, Diego, Juan, Pablo, Captain Victor, Captain Juan Luis, Charlie, Jennifer, Felipe, Sylvino, Judy, and George. The exact team changes, but the repeated pattern is friendly, attentive service, with staff helping people into the water and keeping food and drinks moving.

Cruising past the Malecón and toward Los Arcos

The boat heads south across the Bay of Banderas. From the water, Puerto Vallarta looks different. The Malecón becomes a long waterfront strip rather than a place you walk, and the city sits against the hills beyond it.

The cruise may pass Los Arcos, the famous rock formations south of town. This is a good chance to see the formations from sea level, but the route is controlled by the day’s ocean conditions. Do not book this trip solely to guarantee a close look at Los Arcos.

The same applies to wildlife. Dolphins, sea turtles, manta rays, and humpback whales have been spotted during different outings. The crew may pause when whales appear, which can be a memorable bonus. But wildlife is never promised, and you should treat it as luck rather than part of the fixed program.

The long ride can be smooth and scenic, but it can also produce motion sickness. One couple found the waves uncomfortable, while another person specifically advised bringing Dramamine if you are prone to seasickness. Sit where you feel most stable, drink water, and do not wait until you feel ill before taking precautions.

Snorkeling near Majahuitas

The main water activity takes place near the southern coast, close to Majahuitas. You receive a mask, snorkel, and related equipment, though one person preferred using personal gear. Stand-up paddleboards are also included.

Conditions make a major difference here. Some outings produce colorful fish and the occasional turtle or manta ray. Other times the marine life is sparse, and several people found the snorkeling period short, around 20 minutes. There is little or no coral mentioned, so this is better viewed as a pleasant warm-water swim than a major reef excursion.

If you are new to snorkeling, the setting should work well. Crew members provide help and guidance, and Diego was specifically praised for helping with the water activity. If you are an experienced tropical snorkeler looking for extensive coral and dense marine life, you may find the site underwhelming.

Life jackets may be required whenever you are in the water. That rule can feel restrictive if you are a confident swimmer, but it is important to follow the crew’s instructions. The water equipment is included, which keeps the logistics simple, but the amount of time in the water may not satisfy anyone seeking a full snorkeling session.

Majahuitas Cove and its practical limits

Majahuitas is the emotional center of the trip. The cove is tucked beneath tropical forest, and arriving by boat gives you access to a shoreline that is not reached by road. The setting is peaceful and photogenic, especially before larger boats arrive.

The scheduled stop lasts about 1 hour and 20 minutes, but the actual time on the beach or in the water can vary. Some accounts describe just over 30 minutes at shore, while others had plenty of time to swim and enjoy the cove. That difference likely reflects sea conditions, operating choices, and the day’s route.

One practical detail matters: you may need to swim from the catamaran to the beach. That means you cannot simply carry a dry bag, towel, phone, or camera ashore unless the crew provides a way to do so. Keep valuables secured on the boat and bring only what you are prepared to get wet.

The beach itself is not a developed resort. There may be little to do beyond swimming, sitting in the water, using the paddleboards, and taking part in an optional ride such as the banana boat. If you want shops, shaded lounges, or a long menu of activities, Majahuitas may feel too quiet.

The beach drink service is also less generous than the yacht bar. Beer, water, hibiscus water, or other simple refreshments may be available, but do not count on the full cocktail selection while ashore. The best bar service takes place back on the catamaran.

Lunch, cocktails, and the photo sales pitch

Food is served during the outing. The description includes guacamole, chips, shrimp cocktails, fresh fruit, and a deli-style lunch. People have also described fruit, guacamole, a sandwich, dessert, and a charcuterie-style meal.

The menu appears to vary, and this is one area where expectations need care. Some people praised the food as delicious and plentiful. Others felt the sandwich was average and said the meal did not match the idea of gourmet yacht dining. If lunch quality is central to your decision, think of it as convenient boat catering, not a destination meal.

Shellfish is another point to consider. Shrimp is part of the advertised food, and one person with a shellfish allergy could not eat that portion. If you have an allergy or dietary restriction, contact the operator before booking and confirm what alternatives are available. Do not assume the included menu will automatically suit you.

The open bar is a clear attraction. On the yacht, drinks are served throughout the trip, including cocktails such as mango margaritas, along with beer and other beverages. The crew is often praised for keeping glasses filled without making you leave your seat.

There is also an onboard photographer or videographer. The photos are not included in the ticket price. Digital packages have been offered for about $100, and some people considered the pictures worth buying. If you are not interested, say so early and politely, so you are not drawn into a sales conversation later.

Drones are prohibited by federal regulation because of the flight path of endemic birds. Do not bring one. Mexico’s maritime ports also enforce a strict no-drug policy that includes electronic cigarettes, vapes, and drugs of any kind.

Who will enjoy this boat day most

I would choose this cruise for a couple, a small celebration, or a group of friends that wants a polished social outing. Bachelorette groups have enjoyed the music, drinks, food, and easy schedule, while families have liked the mix of swimming and sightseeing.

The minimum age is 10. Families should pay attention to the water activities, especially the banana boat. It can be rough, and one person reported ending up in the water with a child. Follow the crew’s instructions and decide carefully how much activity is suitable for younger swimmers.

This is also a good fit if you value service. The crew is the most consistently praised part of the experience. Staff members help with equipment, explain the activities, serve drinks, and create a friendly mood without requiring you to plan every detail.

I would look elsewhere if you want a quiet private charter, a large beach day with plenty of amenities, or serious snorkeling. I would also be cautious if you dislike boat motion, do not want to share close quarters, or expect every advertised food and activity item to be available exactly as pictured.

Practical advice for a smoother day

Wear a swimsuit from the start and bring sunscreen. A hat and a small waterproof pouch are useful, but keep belongings limited because there may be no convenient place for bags and you may swim to shore.

Bring local cash for any port or admission charge and for tips. The listed extra fee information is not fully consistent, so confirm the current amount before departure. Keep a card available if you might want to purchase the photo package.

Eat lightly before boarding if you are sensitive to motion, but there is no need for a heavy breakfast. The tour begins early, and food is served during the morning. If you use motion sickness medicine, take it according to your normal routine.

Keep your expectations flexible. The boat may pass Los Arcos, stop for whales, or see dolphins and turtles, but the captain changes the route according to the sea. That flexibility protects safety, though it means the day will not unfold exactly like a brochure photograph.

Should you book the Majahuitas yacht and snorkel trip?

Book it if you want a well-served day on the water, a scenic ride, drinks, simple lunch, and a secluded cove. The 40-person limit is a real benefit compared with boats carrying around 100 people, and the crew receives strong praise for being warm, funny, and attentive.

Skip it if the word luxury makes you picture a private yacht, a gourmet lunch, spacious lounges, or a long coral snorkeling session. At $119, the trip offers a lot of convenience, but the strongest value comes from the service and overall atmosphere, not from the food or underwater scenery alone.

For most people, I would call it a good Puerto Vallarta outing with clear limits. Arrive early, prepare for waves, protect your belongings, confirm extra fees, and treat wildlife and Los Arcos as welcome surprises. Do that, and you are likely to enjoy the day more.

FAQ

How long is the yacht and snorkel tour?

The tour lasts approximately five hours.

What time does the experience begin?

The listed start time is 8:00 a.m.

Where does the tour begin and end?

It begins at Vallarta Adventures at Puerto Mágico, Terminal MarítimaN, Boulevard Francisco Medina Ascencio 30-G1, Puerto Vallarta. It ends back at the same meeting point.

Is hotel pickup included?

No. Hotel pickup and drop-off are not included, so you must reach the meeting point yourself.

What is included in the price?

The experience includes a luxury yacht cruise, unlimited premium open bar on the yacht, deli-style lunch, snorkeling equipment, and stand-up paddleboards.

Is the beach stop guaranteed?

Majahuitas Beach is the scheduled main stop, but the route and timing can change according to sea conditions.

Will the yacht pass Los Arcos?

It may pass Los Arcos, but this depends on the sea conditions and the route selected that day.

Is snorkeling equipment provided?

Yes. Snorkeling equipment is included. Stand-up paddleboards are also provided.

What is the minimum age?

The minimum age is 10.

Can I cancel for a full refund?

Yes. You can cancel at least 24 hours before the start time for a full refund. Cancellations or changes made less than 24 hours before departure are not refunded or accepted. If poor weather or an insufficient number of bookings cancels the tour, you are offered another date or a full refund.