Luxury Yacht & Snorkel with All inclusive Open bar and lunch

The best part may be the sailing. This five-hour cruise carries no more than 40 people along Puerto Vallarta’s Bay of Banderas toward Majahuitas Beach. I like the attentive crew and the chance to see the coast from the water, including possible views of Los Arcos and the Malecón. The main caution is that luxury may promise more than the boat, meal, and beach setup deliver.

I also like that snorkeling gear, paddleboards, lunch, and an unlimited premium open bar are included in the $119 price. You should know, though, that the sea conditions control the route, snorkeling can be brief, and the food and beach drinks have not always matched the description.

Key points to know before you book

• Majahuitas is the main reward: You get about 1 hour and 20 minutes at a secluded cove backed by tropical forest.
• The cruise is limited to 40 people: That feels more personal than the large party boats common in Puerto Vallarta, though seating can still feel close.
• The crew earns the strongest praise: Names mentioned by past participants include Alex, Diego, Juan Luis, Victor, Daniel, Charlie, Jennifer, Felipe, and Pablo.
• The route is not fixed: Los Arcos and the Malecón may be included, but weather and sea conditions decide the final course.
• Snorkeling is not the whole day: You may spend nearly an hour cruising before reaching the activity area, with water time sometimes lasting only about 20 minutes.
• Extra costs need checking: The listed Bay of Banderas charge is $40 per person, while some recent accounts describe smaller port or bay fees in pesos. Confirm the current amount before departure.

Setting out from Puerto Mágico at 8 a.m.

You meet at Vallarta Adventures in the Puerto Mágico maritime terminal, at Terminal Marítima N, on Boulevard Francisco Medina Ascencio. The tour begins at 8 a.m. and returns to the same point.

The port can feel a little confusing on your first visit. Arriving early helps, especially since one couple arrived about 30 minutes ahead, paid the required fee, and had time to find the check-in area without rushing. Hotel pickup is not included, so you arrange your own way to the terminal.

Once aboard, the crew introduces the day and gets the drinks moving. Service is one of the reliable pleasures here. Several people praised staff members for keeping food and beverages coming without making you repeatedly leave your seat. The crew also receives credit for making birthdays, family outings, and bachelorette groups feel special.

The boat is a Leopard catamaran, crew-operated and well maintained according to several accounts. Still, I would set your expectations at comfortable and attractive rather than yacht-showroom luxury. With a maximum of 40 people, it is less crowded than a boat carrying around 100, but personal space can be limited and there is reportedly little room for bags.

A scenic ride across the Bay of Banderas

The first part of the outing is a cruise south along the Bay of Banderas. This is not simply transportation to the snorkeling site. It is a major part of the experience, and the trip can take close to an hour before the first water activity.

From the boat, you may see parts of Puerto Vallarta that are difficult to appreciate from shore. The Malecón Boardwalk looks different from the sea, with the city and coastline forming the backdrop. Depending on the route, the catamaran may also pass Los Arcos, the famous rock formations south of town.

The wording here matters: these stops are possible, not guaranteed. The captain changes the route based on waves, wind, and other conditions. If Los Arcos is high on your list, treat a passing view as a bonus rather than a promise.

The bay can also bring wildlife sightings. Humpback whales have been seen during the ride, and the boat may pause when one appears. Dolphins and turtles are also possible. Wildlife is never guaranteed, but the slow pace and open-water setting give you a reasonable chance to keep watch.

If you are prone to seasickness, prepare before leaving. One person specifically recommended sunscreen and Dramamine, and another described rough waves that affected several people. The longer cruise before the activities is pleasant on a calm morning, but it can feel uncomfortable when the sea is up.

Snorkeling near Majahuitas

The boat heads toward Majahuitas Cove, a secluded beach area south of Puerto Vallarta. Tropical forest surrounds the cove, and the setting is the kind of coastal scenery that makes the trip worthwhile even if the snorkeling is only average.

The crew provides masks, snorkels, and related equipment. You can also use stand-up paddleboards after reaching the activity area. Some accounts describe colorful fish, a manta ray, and a sea turtle, while others found the marine life limited and saw little or no coral.

That difference is important. This is a pleasant recreational snorkel, not a serious underwater expedition. If you are an experienced tropical snorkeler or diver seeking coral and a large variety of species, the site may seem ordinary. If you simply want to swim in clear coastal water, spot some fish, and enjoy a guided stop, it should fit better.

The actual water time may feel short. One account described roughly 20 minutes of snorkeling before the boat continued, while other experiences felt they had plenty of time for swimming and water activities. Conditions, group timing, and the day’s route likely affect this.

Life jackets may be required whenever you are in the water. That rule can feel awkward if you are used to snorkeling without one, but it is part of the water-safety setup described by past participants.

The included gear is convenient, though one person preferred using personal equipment. If fit and comfort matter to you, bringing your own mask may be worthwhile, provided the operator allows it.

Majahuitas Beach and the short shore break

The tour includes about 1 hour and 20 minutes at Majahuitas Beach. The cove is surrounded by greenery and feels more secluded than many public beach stops, especially when the boat arrives before larger vessels.

Do not expect a developed beach town. The appeal is the setting, not shops, streets, or a long menu of things to do. You may swim, relax, use a paddleboard, or take part in another water activity. Some accounts also mention a banana boat ride, but it is not listed among the core inclusions, so I would confirm whether it is operating on your departure.

The beach access can require swimming from the catamaran to shore. That has two practical consequences. First, you may not be able to carry towels, phones, or a bag onto the beach. Second, you could spend part of the stop standing around wet rather than settling into a dry beach chair.

There is also a difference between the boat’s bar and the beach service. The yacht offers the advertised open bar, while the beach setup has been described as beer, water, juice, or hibiscus water rather than a full selection of premium cocktails. If your idea of an open bar involves mixed drinks at every stop, this may disappoint.

For families, be careful with the banana boat if it is offered. One account described the ride as rough enough for a child and an adult to end up in the water. The activity can be fun, but you should judge it against your group’s comfort and swimming ability.

Lunch, snacks, and the open bar

Food begins with items such as fruit, guacamole, chips, and shrimp cocktails. Later, the main meal has been described as a deli-style or charcuterie-style sandwich, sometimes with dessert. Some people found the food delicious and filling, while others felt that an ordinary sandwich did not match the tour’s upscale presentation.

The seafood description also needs a little care. Shrimp is among the advertised food options, but the exact meal can vary. If you have a shellfish allergy, tell the operator before departure and ask what alternatives are available. One person with a shellfish allergy found that the shrimp could not be eaten, although other items were suitable.

The open bar is one of the strongest selling points. Premium drinks are included on the yacht, and several people praised the steady service, mango margaritas, beer, and other beverages. Crew members often bring drinks directly to you, which helps create the relaxed feel the tour is aiming for.

Still, unlimited does not mean every drink is served at every location. The beach selection may be limited, and one negative account described receiving only one alcoholic beverage. That experience does not match the broader pattern of attentive service, but it is a reminder to speak up politely if you have been missed.

If you enjoy a social outing, music and dancing can add energy on the return trip. If you prefer a quiet boat ride, the atmosphere may feel livelier than expected, particularly when groups are celebrating.

What the $119 price really buys

At $119 per person, the value depends on how much you use the package. You are paying for a five-hour boat outing, crew service, lunch, an open bar, snorkeling gear, paddleboards, and access to Majahuitas. You are also paying for a smaller boat experience, at least compared with the very large party vessels operating in the bay.

The price makes sense for you if the boat ride, attentive service, drinks, and beach setting matter as much as snorkeling. It is less compelling if you mainly want a long, serious snorkeling session or a truly luxurious lunch.

Photography is an optional extra. A photographer may take pictures and video throughout the trip, including staged shots on the boat and at the beach. The digital package has been priced at about $100 in recent accounts, so decide early if you want it. You can also politely decline and avoid spending time on the sales pitch.

Drones are prohibited because of federal regulations protecting the flight path of endemic birds. Some accounts mention drone footage being taken at the beach, but the official rule says you cannot bring or operate your own drone. Follow the stated regulation rather than relying on what you may see from the crew.

One confusing cost concerns local maritime or port charges. The information supplied for the tour lists a $40 per-person Bay of Banderas admission fee, while recent accounts refer to charges of 30 or 40 pesos. Since these figures do not match, confirm the current fee and currency before you arrive. Carry some local cash for required charges and tips.

Who will enjoy this catamaran most

I would choose this outing for a couple wanting a relaxed morning on the water, a group celebrating together, or a family with children aged 10 and up who enjoy swimming and boat activities. The staff’s warmth is a major reason the tour works well for birthdays and bachelorette groups.

It also suits you if you like a ready-made day. You do not need to arrange separate snorkeling equipment, lunch, drinks, or a beach transfer. The crew handles the practical parts while you watch the coast and decide how active you want to be.

I would hesitate if you dislike open-water motion, need a lot of personal storage space, or expect a quiet luxury yacht with refined food. I would also look elsewhere if coral reefs and extended snorkeling are your main goals.

The minimum age is 10, and most people can participate. You should be comfortable boarding a boat, wearing a life vest in the water, and possibly swimming between the catamaran and the beach.

Practical details that can save you trouble

Bring sunscreen, a swimsuit, and protection from the sun. Motion-sickness medicine may help if you are sensitive to waves.

Keep valuables to a minimum. Storage for bags is limited, and you may not be able to carry belongings during the swim to shore.

Plan for a five-hour outing, with a return to the original meeting point. The experience is offered in English.

Cancellation is free when made at least 24 hours before the 8 a.m. start time. Changes or cancellations inside that period are not refunded. Poor weather or an insufficient number of bookings can also cancel the trip, in which case you are offered another date, another experience, or a full refund.

Should you book the Majahuitas yacht cruise?

Book it if you want a sociable half-day with a friendly crew, open-bar service, coastal views, and a pleasant beach stop. The best parts are the sailing, the staff, the smaller group size, and the chance to spot whales or other wildlife along the bay.

Skip it if the word luxury sets a very high bar for you. The catamaran is comfortable rather than lavish, lunch may be a sandwich, the snorkeling can be short, and the beach bar is more basic than the yacht bar.

For the right person, $119 is fair for a full package and an easy day on the water. Just confirm the extra fee, ask about the day’s food and activities, and bring realistic expectations about snorkeling. That is the difference between a relaxing Puerto Vallarta outing and an expensive disappointment.

FAQ

Where does the tour begin and end?

The tour begins and ends at Vallarta Adventures in the Puerto Mágico maritime terminal, Terminal Marítima N, on Boulevard Francisco Medina Ascencio 30-G1 in Puerto Vallarta.

What time does the tour start?

The listed start time is 8 a.m.

How long is the experience?

The cruise lasts approximately five hours.

Is hotel pickup included?

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

What is included in the tour?

The package includes the luxury yacht cruise, unlimited premium open bar, lunch, snorkeling equipment, and stand-up paddleboards.

Is Majahuitas Beach guaranteed?

The itinerary includes Majahuitas Beach as the main stop, with about 1 hour and 20 minutes there. The wider route can change because of sea conditions.

Are Los Arcos and the Malecón guaranteed stops?

No. The catamaran may pass Los Arcos and the Malecón, depending on the sea conditions and route selected that day.

What is the minimum age?

The minimum age is 10.

Can I bring a drone?

No. Drones are prohibited because of federal regulations related to the flight path of endemic birds.

What happens if bad weather cancels the trip?

You are offered a different date or a full refund if poor weather causes the cancellation.