Luxury Yacht & Snorkel with All inclusive Open bar and lunch

Puerto Vallarta’s best views often come from the water, and this five-hour cruise gives you a relaxed way to reach Majahuitas Cove, a tropical beach south of town that you cannot reach by road. The route may also pass Los Arcos and the Malecón, with the captain changing course when sea conditions require it.

I like the small maximum group of 40 and the attentive, crew-served drinks and food. I also like that snorkeling gear and paddleboards are included, so you do not need to rent equipment separately. The main caution is that luxury may be stretching the truth a little: the catamaran is pleasant and better than a huge party boat, but space can feel cozy, lunch may be fairly ordinary, and the snorkeling time can be shorter than expected.

Key points before you book

• Majahuitas is the star of the day: The secluded cove, rainforest backdrop, and clear water make the beach stop more memorable than the snorkeling for many people.
• The boat holds up to 40 people: That is a more personal setup than the large party boats, though it does not mean you will have a private yacht.
• Lunch and drinks are included: Expect food such as guacamole, fruit, shrimp cocktail, and a deli-style sandwich, though the exact meal can vary.
• The route depends on the sea: Los Arcos and the Malecón may be viewed from the water, but neither is guaranteed.
• Shore drinks are more limited: The boat has the premium open bar, while the beach stop may offer only beer, water, or juice.
• Bring motion-sickness medicine if needed: The trip can spend close to an hour cruising before the first water activity.

A five-hour cruise with a slow start

The tour leaves at 8:00 a.m. from Vallarta Adventures at the Maritime Terminal in Puerto Mágico. You return to the same place after roughly five hours.

The first stretch is not an action sequence. You may spend nearly an hour sailing south along the Bay of Banderas before reaching the snorkeling area. That pace suits you if you enjoy coastal views, a drink in hand, and time on the water. If you want immediate snorkeling, it may feel slow.

The route is set according to the sea conditions that day. You may pass Puerto Vallarta’s Malecón from offshore, which gives you a fine view of the city’s waterfront without the noise and traffic of the boardwalk. Los Arcos may also appear along the way, but it is not a guaranteed stop or sight.

This flexibility matters. The captain may alter the route to keep the boat comfortable and safe, so you should treat the named sights as possibilities rather than fixed promises. On some departures, whales have been spotted during the ride, along with dolphins and sea turtles. Wildlife is never guaranteed, but keep your phone or camera ready.

What the Leopard catamaran feels like

The boat is a crewed Leopard catamaran marketed as a luxury yacht. I would describe it more carefully as a comfortable mid-size excursion catamaran with attentive service.

A maximum of 40 people is a real advantage. You are not dealing with a boat carrying close to 100 people, and the crew can usually keep drinks moving without making you line up at a crowded bar. The size also works well for birthday groups, couples, solo visitors, and small celebrations.

Still, 40 people is not an intimate private charter. Seating and deck space can feel close together, especially when everyone is aboard. There is also limited room for personal belongings. Keep your day bag small and avoid bringing anything you would dislike getting wet.

Several crew members have been singled out for friendly service on different departures, including Alex, Diego, Juan Luis, Victor, Daniel, Charlie, Jennifer, Felipe, Sylvino, Judy, and George. Crew assignments change, so you cannot request a particular person with certainty. The consistent theme is hands-on service, with staff helping during water activities and bringing drinks and food to your seat.

An onboard photographer may take pictures throughout the cruise. Digital photo packages have been sold for about $100, and they are not included in the tour price. You can decline them, but decide early if you do not want to participate in the photo session.

Snorkeling near Majahuitas

The snorkeling stop usually takes place near the secluded Majahuitas area. Equipment is supplied, and you can also use stand-up paddleboards. The cove is surrounded by tropical forest, and the setting is attractive even if the fish viewing is not exceptional.

Marine life can include colorful fish, and sightings of turtles, manta rays, and other animals are possible. Conditions vary by season, water clarity, and weather. You might see plenty of fish one day and much less the next.

If you are an experienced snorkeler looking for coral, this may disappoint you. The site is not known for large coral formations, and some departures have found the marine life modest. It is better suited to a casual swim and a pleasant first snorkel than to a serious underwater expedition.

The exact activity time also varies. The listed Majahuitas stop is about 1 hour and 20 minutes, but that time includes beach access and water activities. On some outings, snorkeling itself has lasted around 20 minutes, followed by a shorter beach visit. Ask the crew at the start how the time will be divided if snorkeling is your priority.

Life jackets may be required whenever you are in the water. That is sensible from a safety standpoint, though it can make relaxed swimming and snorkeling less comfortable. The supplied gear is serviceable, but if you own a well-fitting mask and snorkel, bringing your own may improve the experience.

Majahuitas Beach is the most appealing stop

Majahuitas is a secluded cove south of Puerto Vallarta, backed by thick tropical greenery. It is the part of the outing that feels most removed from town.

One practical detail matters: you may need to swim from the boat to shore. That means you cannot simply carry a dry bag, towel, phone, or camera onto the beach unless the crew provides a way to keep it dry. Some people have found themselves standing onshore in wet swimwear without their towels or belongings.

The beach itself is quiet and pleasant, but do not picture a full resort with loungers, shops, and a long menu of activities. There may be paddleboards, floating mats, or a banana boat, but the shore facilities are limited. If you want a structured beach club experience, this is not that.

The beach bar is also less extensive than the boat bar. Beer, water, and juice may be available, but premium cocktails are not something you should count on at shore. Save your preferred mixed drink for the return to the catamaran.

The banana boat can be a lot of fun, but it may also be rough. Hold on carefully, especially if you are bringing children. One account describes a child and an adult ending up in the water, so treat this as an active ride rather than a gentle float.

Lunch, snacks, and the open bar

Food begins with lighter items such as fruit, guacamole, chips, and sometimes shrimp cocktail. The main meal is described as a deli-style lunch, often a sandwich or charcuterie-style serving, followed by dessert on some departures.

The food receives plenty of praise, but the description is not perfectly consistent. Some meals have included seafood, while others have been mainly sandwiches and snacks. Do not book this as a gourmet dining cruise. Think of lunch as convenient, filling boat food that saves you from packing a meal.

If you have a shellfish allergy, tell the operator before departure and repeat it to the crew. Shrimp may be part of the meal, and a substitute is not clearly guaranteed. The supplied information does not promise a dedicated allergy menu.

The unlimited premium open bar is one of the stronger value points. Drinks are served on the boat, and staff often bring them directly to you. Beer, cocktails, and nonalcoholic drinks are available, though exact brands and cocktail choices are not specified.

The wording can create confusion because the beach portion may have only beer, water, or juice. If you are paying for the open bar mainly for cocktails, remember that its best selection is on the yacht, not necessarily at Majahuitas.

How much value do you get for $119?

At $119 per person, the price covers about five hours on the water, the catamaran ride, lunch, an open bar, snorkeling equipment, and paddleboards. You are also paying for crew service and access to a quieter cove that is difficult to reach independently.

That is a reasonable price if you want an easy, all-in-one outing. Renting a boat, organizing transport, finding snorkeling equipment, and arranging food would take more effort. The smaller group also gives this trip an advantage over cheaper boats packed with large crowds.

The value is weaker if you mainly want serious snorkeling or a long beach stay. You may spend much of the morning cruising, and the most active parts of the tour can be brief. The meal may also feel basic compared with the luxury label.

Budget for possible extras. A port or Bay of Banderas charge is listed separately, and the supplied information is inconsistent about the amount. One description lists $40 per person, while departure accounts refer to a 40-peso Bay fee or a 30-peso port fee. Confirm the current charge when booking and bring local cash.

Photos are another optional expense, with digital packages reported at about $100. Tips are not included. You may also want cash for the crew, since several visitors specifically recommend carrying local money for gratuities.

Who will enjoy this outing most?

I would choose this tour for you if you want a comfortable social day on the water without arranging each part yourself. It suits couples, small groups, birthday celebrations, and bachelorette groups particularly well. The crew creates a lively mood with music, drinks, and personal attention.

It also works for first-time visitors who want to see Puerto Vallarta from the bay. You get city views, coastal scenery, a beach stop, food, and water activities in one morning.

I would be more cautious if you are prone to seasickness. The cruise can take a while to reach the activity area, and waves may be noticeable. Take appropriate motion-sickness medicine before departure if you already know you need it, and sit where you are most comfortable.

This is not a strong match for anyone seeking a private charter, a quiet luxury retreat, a long snorkel session, or extensive beach facilities. It is also not ideal if you dislike swimming from a boat to shore or wearing a life jacket in the water.

The minimum age is 10, and most people can participate. Drones are prohibited because of federal rules protecting the flight path of endemic birds. Mexico’s maritime ports also enforce a strict no-drug policy that includes electronic cigarettes and vapes, so leave those items behind.

Booking, cancellation, and practical planning

You meet at Vallarta Adventures in the Maritime Terminal at 8:00 a.m. There is no hotel pickup or drop-off, so allow time to reach Puerto Mágico on your own.

The port entrance can feel confusing, so arriving early is wise. One departure account recommends arriving about 30 minutes ahead. Bring sunscreen, a swimsuit, a compact towel, and a waterproof way to carry your phone if you want it at the beach.

Free cancellation is available up to 24 hours before the start time. Changes or cancellations inside that window are not refunded. The outing depends on suitable weather and a minimum number of participants. If the operator cancels for either reason, you are offered another date, another experience, or a full refund.

Should you book the Puerto Vallarta yacht and snorkel tour?

Book it if you value good crew service, a manageable group size, a scenic boat ride, and a relaxed mix of food, drinks, snorkeling, and beach time. The strongest part is the overall day on the bay, especially the service and the chance to reach Majahuitas without planning your own boat.

Skip it if the word luxury sets a high bar for you. The catamaran is pleasant, but it is not a private yacht. The snorkeling may be short, the food can be ordinary, the beach bar is limited, and several fees and photo costs sit outside the advertised price.

My practical verdict: this is a good Puerto Vallarta excursion for a social, low-effort day at sea, but book it for the complete package rather than for world-class snorkeling or fine dining. Confirm the current fees, ask about the meal and activity schedule, and bring motion-sickness medicine if needed.

FAQ

How long is the yacht and snorkel tour?

The tour lasts approximately five hours, including the cruise, water activities, beach time, food, and return to the terminal.

What time does the tour start?

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

Where does the tour meet?

You meet at Vallarta Adventures in the Maritime Terminal at Puerto Mágico, on Boulevard Francisco Medina Ascencio in Puerto Vallarta.

Is hotel pickup included?

No. Hotel pickup and drop-off are not included. The activity begins and ends at the maritime terminal meeting point.

What is included in the price?

The price includes the yacht cruise, unlimited premium open bar on the boat, lunch, snorkeling equipment, and stand-up paddleboards.

Is the group private?

No. The tour has a maximum of 40 participants. It is smaller than many large party boats but is not a private charter.

Is snorkeling equipment provided?

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

Is Majahuitas Beach guaranteed?

The tour is scheduled to visit Majahuitas Beach, but the route can change according to sea conditions. The exact timing of the beach and water activities can also vary.

Are Los Arcos and the Malecón included stops?

They are possible sights along the route, but the boat may pass them only when sea conditions and the day’s route allow.

Is the open bar available on the beach?

The premium open bar is provided on the yacht. At the beach, available drinks may be limited to beer, water, or juice.

Can children join the tour?

The minimum age is 10. Most people can participate, though active water rides such as the banana boat may be rough.

Are photos included?

No. An onboard photographer may offer photos or digital packages for an additional charge.

Can I cancel for a refund?

Yes. You can cancel at least 24 hours before the start time for a full refund. Cancellations made less than 24 hours before departure are not refunded.