Reviewed · SAILING
Private Chica SAILING Adventure Puerto Vallarta ALL INCLUSIVE
The best bay day starts with your own boat. This private Chica Sailing Adventure gives you a 41-foot sailboat, a three-person crew, and five hours to shape the outing around your group. I like the private setting, which avoids sharing the boat with strangers, and I like the useful mix of snorkeling, paddle boards, swimming, sailing, and quiet time. The main catch is that the listed price covers up to eight people, while the tour description also mentions groups as large as 16, so larger parties should confirm the exact cost and boat setup before paying.
The crew receives repeated praise for friendly service, good food, and a relaxed sense of fun. Names that come up include Gonzalo, Victor, Alex, Eder, Lalo, Pepe, and others, and the crew has helped with birthday cakes, sunset cruises, whale sightings, and family outings. Just remember that hotel transport is not included, and the hot fajita lunch costs an extra 200 pesos per person.
In This Review
- Key points at a glance
- A private boat makes the biggest difference
- Leaving from Paradise Village Public Pier
- Four hours along the Bay of Banderas
- Snorkeling, swimming, and paddle boards
- Food, drinks, and the extra fajita option
- Whale watching is seasonal, not guaranteed
- Sunset cruises and special occasions
- What the $1,155 group price really means
- Who will enjoy this sailing trip most
- Booking, cancellation, and useful planning tips
- Should you book the Chica Sailing Adventure?
- FAQ
- Where does the Chica Sailing Adventure begin?
- How long does the experience last?
- Is this a private tour?
- How many people can join?
- What food is included?
- Are drinks included?
- Is lunch included?
- What water equipment is provided?
- Is hotel transportation included?
- Can I cancel for a refund?
Key points at a glance

- A private 41-foot sailboat: Your party has the boat to itself, with a crew focused on your group’s pace and interests.
- No fixed route: You can request sailing, a secluded bay, snorkeling, swimming, paddle boarding, a sunset cruise, or a mix.
- Food and drinks included: Expect an open bar, ceviche, guacamole, blue corn chips, and other snacks. Morning trips also include fruit, muffins, coffee, and juice.
- Water gear is provided: Snorkel equipment, paddle boards, a water mattress, and a tube are included.
- Whale season adds a bonus: Humpback whales and other marine life may be seen in the Bay of Banderas during the right months.
- Plan your meeting point carefully: The main departure point is Paradise Village Public Pier in Nuevo Vallarta, and you must choose the meeting place before submitting the reservation.
A private boat makes the biggest difference

The appeal here is not simply getting out on the Bay of Banderas. Puerto Vallarta has many boat trips, but a private charter lets you decide how much action and how much lounging you want. That matters on a five-hour outing. You are not locked into a group schedule or waiting for strangers to finish swimming.
For a couple, the boat can feel like a special occasion rather than a standard excursion. For a family or a group of friends, it gives you space to talk, eat, play music, and move between the shaded and open parts of the boat. The crew handles the practical work, so you can focus on the coastline and the water.
The boat is described as a 41-foot sailboat. One review also refers to a much larger Chica Locca boat with room for more than 50 people, which may belong to another vessel in the company’s fleet. Since the tour information mentions groups up to 16 but lists pricing for up to eight, I would confirm the boat, maximum capacity, and group supplement if you have more than eight people.
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Leaving from Paradise Village Public Pier
The main meeting point is Chica Locca Tours Paradise Village Pier at the Paradise Village Public Pier on Boulevard Nayarit in Nuevo Vallarta. The marina area is the practical starting point, with public transport nearby, but hotel pickup and drop-off are not included.
Allow time to reach the pier without rushing. You will want to arrive ready for a boat day, with your meeting details settled in advance. The operator requires you to choose the meeting place before completing the reservation, so do not treat that field as a minor formality.
The first part of the outing is listed as about 20 minutes at the home marina and meeting point. This is not a sightseeing stop in the usual sense. It is the handoff from land to sea, where the crew gets your group aboard and confirms what you want from the day.
That brief planning chat is important because there is no set itinerary. Tell the crew early if your priority is snorkeling, sailing, a quiet cove, swimming, paddle boarding, or a sunset. If the group has mixed interests, say so. The captain and crew can then shape the time on the bay around your group.
Four hours along the Bay of Banderas

Most of the tour takes place cruising the Bay of Banderas and along the Puerto Vallarta coastline. The bay gives the boat plenty of room for a changing day: open-water sailing, coastal views, marine life, and stops for water activities.
If you want a calmer outing, you can ask for time at a secluded bay. The available water gear makes this more than a ride past the shore. You can use the snorkel equipment, paddle boards, water mattress, or tube, then return to the boat for a drink and a snack.
The open-water portion can also be active. The crew can sail the boat or show you how sailing works, depending on your interest. If you prefer to sit back, that is fine too. A private charter earns its price by letting you choose between hands-on sailing and an easy cruise.
The reviews describe crews that explain the area, adjust to the group’s mood, and keep an eye on comfort and service. Alex, Eder, and Alonso were praised for sharing information about the bay, while Lalo was singled out for making a sunset trip feel comfortable and enjoyable. This personal attention is one of the strongest reasons to choose a private outing.
Snorkeling, swimming, and paddle boards

The water activities are included, so you do not need to rent extra equipment once you are on board. Snorkel gear is available, along with paddle boards, a tube, and a water mattress.
The exact quality of snorkeling will depend on the day’s conditions and the location selected by the crew. The tour does not promise a particular reef or wildlife encounter. Still, having several options is useful. If visibility is not ideal, your group can spend more time swimming or relaxing on the floating equipment.
The paddle boards add a little exercise without turning the trip into a strict sports outing. You can try one for a few minutes or make it the main activity at a calm stop. The water mattress is better suited to slow floating and conversation.
Families can use the gear, and one review specifically praised the crew for accommodating children. Still, the published information does not give age rules, life-jacket details, or swimming requirements. Ask the operator directly if anyone in your party has limited swimming ability or special needs.
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Food, drinks, and the extra fajita option

The included food is designed for grazing rather than a full sit-down meal. You can expect ceviche, fresh guacamole, blue corn chips, and potato chips. Morning departures also include fresh seasonal fruit, muffins, coffee, and juices.
The reviews place heavy emphasis on the food and drink service. Ceviche received repeated praise, and several people found the snacks better than expected for a boat trip. That helps the five-hour schedule feel generous, since you are not forced to bring a full meal for the group.
The open bar includes water, coffee, juices, sodas, mineral water, beer, wine, tequila, champagne, margaritas, piña coladas, and other requested drinks. The phrase all inclusive needs a small footnote: the hot Mexican fajita lunch is not part of the base price. It can be added for 200 pesos per person.
The fajitas are worth considering for an afternoon or sunset departure, especially if you do not want to arrange dinner after returning to shore. One group specifically said the fajita add-on was worth the extra cost. For a morning trip, the included fruit, muffins, coffee, and juice may be enough, particularly if you plan to eat before boarding.
Alcohol is plentiful, so pace yourself. Five hours on a moving boat, in warm weather, can make drinks feel stronger than they do on land. Water and nonalcoholic drinks are included, making it easy to alternate.
Whale watching is seasonal, not guaranteed

Humpback whales visit the area in season, and the Bay of Banderas can also bring sightings of other marine life. Several outings included memorable whale encounters, including one cruise that passed close to three whales and another that saw pods nearby.
That is a fine bonus, but it should not be the sole reason you book. The tour description does not promise whales, a particular season, or a guaranteed sighting. If whale watching is your main goal, ask Chica Locca about current conditions and the best time of year before reserving.
The private format helps here because you can tell the crew what matters most. A group focused on whales may want more cruising time, while a group focused on swimming may prefer to settle into a quiet cove. The lack of a rigid route is a real advantage.
Sunset cruises and special occasions

A sunset departure gives the experience a different feel. Instead of treating the boat as a floating activity platform, you can use the final part of the day for coastal views, drinks, music, and dinner.
Lalo and the crew earned praise for a sunset cruise, with the boat providing a comfortable place to watch the light change over the bay. Another group added the fajita dinner to an afternoon and evening outing and found it worthwhile.
The charter also suits birthdays, bachelor or bachelorette gatherings, anniversaries, and family celebrations. The crew has arranged a birthday cake quickly during an outing, and other groups used the trip for a 40th birthday and a bachelorette celebration. Those details suggest a crew willing to help with small touches, though you should request any special arrangement before departure rather than relying on a surprise.
Music may be part of the atmosphere, but it is not presented as a fixed feature. One group appreciated that the crew read the mood and played music that suited them. If your party has strong preferences, mention them when planning.
What the $1,155 group price really means

The listed price is $1,155 per group of up to eight people. That works out to about $144 per person for a full group, before considering any optional fajita lunch, transport, or photos. For a couple, the per-person cost is much higher, but the private boat and dedicated crew may still appeal if privacy matters more than bargain pricing.
The value improves as your group fills the boat. Eight people sharing a private five-hour charter with drinks, snacks, water gear, and crew service can be a sensible splurge for a special day. You are also paying for flexibility, not just the hours on the water.
The price does not include hotel pickup and drop-off. It also does not include souvenir photographs. A photographer can be reserved, but that is an added purchase. If you want a hot lunch, add 200 pesos per person for fajitas.
For groups larger than eight, contact the operator before booking. The description says a great charter for up to 16 people, but the published rate is specifically for up to eight. Confirm the extra-person price and whether everyone will be on the same 41-foot boat.
Who will enjoy this sailing trip most
I would choose this experience for a group that wants control over the day. It fits couples seeking a private cruise, families that want several water activities, and friends planning a birthday or sunset gathering.
It is also a good match for people who dislike fixed tour scripts. You can sail, learn a little about sailing, stop for swimming, use the paddle boards, watch for whales, or simply sit with a drink and enjoy the bay.
It may not be the best choice if you want a low-cost shared boat ride, a guaranteed whale sighting, or a tightly scheduled list of landmarks. The open-ended plan is a strength for flexible groups, but it requires you to speak up about your priorities.
Most people can participate, and the meeting point is near public transportation. The information does not provide detailed accessibility guidance, so ask in advance about boarding if anyone has mobility concerns.
Booking, cancellation, and useful planning tips
Confirmation is sent within 48 hours of booking, subject to availability. Since the experience is private, I would reserve well ahead, especially for a preferred sunset time, birthday date, or whale season. It is commonly booked about 23 days in advance.
You can cancel for a full refund up to 24 hours before the start time. Cancellations or changes made inside that window are not refunded or accepted, and the cut-off uses local time.
Before you submit the reservation, settle these points:
- Choose and confirm the meeting place.
- Verify the price for your exact group size.
- Ask which boat will be used for groups above eight.
- Request the fajita lunch if you want a hot meal.
- Ask about arranging a photographer or birthday detail.
- Tell the crew if your priority is snorkeling, sailing, whales, swimming, or sunset.
The current score is 4.9 from 43 ratings, with a 98 percent recommendation rate. The praise is consistent on the points that matter most: friendly crew, attentive service, good food and drinks, comfortable sailing, and flexible activities.
Should you book the Chica Sailing Adventure?
Book it if you want a private, flexible half-day on the bay and are willing to pay for personal service. The strongest value comes with a full group of up to eight, when the boat, crew, drinks, snacks, and water equipment spread across several people.
I would be especially keen on it for a birthday, anniversary, family outing, or sunset celebration. Couples can enjoy it too, but should compare the private price with smaller shared cruises. Confirm the boat size and price for larger groups, and remember that transport, photos, and fajitas cost extra.
FAQ
Where does the Chica Sailing Adventure begin?
The main meeting point is Chica Locca Tours Paradise Village Pier at the Paradise Village Public Pier on Boulevard Nayarit in Nuevo Vallarta.
How long does the experience last?
The experience lasts about five hours. Around 20 minutes is allocated to the marina and meeting point, with about four hours spent cruising the Bay of Banderas.
Is this a private tour?
Yes. Only your group participates in the private activity.
How many people can join?
The listed price covers a group of up to eight people. The tour description also mentions groups of up to 16, so larger parties should confirm pricing and boat capacity before booking.
What food is included?
Included food consists of ceviche, fresh guacamole, blue corn chips, and potato chips. Morning departures also include seasonal fruit, muffins, coffee, and juices.
Are drinks included?
Yes. The open bar includes water, coffee, juices, sodas, mineral water, beer, wine, tequila, champagne, margaritas, piña coladas, and other drinks.
Is lunch included?
A hot Mexican fajita lunch is available for an additional 200 pesos per person. It is not included in the base price.
What water equipment is provided?
The tour includes snorkel equipment, paddle boards, a water mattress, and a water tube.
Is hotel transportation included?
No. Hotel pickup and drop-off are not included. The main pier is near public transportation.
Can I cancel for a refund?
Yes. You can receive a full refund if you cancel at least 24 hours before the experience starts. Cancellations or changes made less than 24 hours before the start time are not refunded or accepted.
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