Majahuitas by yacht beats the crowded beach shuffle. I like that this trip keeps things small with a 40-person cap, so it feels more like a private cruise than a cattle-call. I also really enjoy the unlimited premium open bar paired with a proper lunch, because you can spend the whole day focused on the water instead of hunting for food and drinks.

One thing to plan for: the ocean. Even with a great catamaran, waves can mean motion sickness for some people, and that can affect how comfortable you feel during snorkeling and the cruise to and from Majahuitas.

Key things I’d circle before you book

• 40-person maximum keeps the vibe calm and more personal
• Unlimited premium open bar plus a lunch that’s more than just snacks
• Majahuitas Cove is the main event, with a secluded, rainforest-backed feel
• Snorkel gear and paddleboards included, so you’re not scrambling for activities
• Route changes with sea conditions, which can shift how long you spend on each part of the plan
• Photo team on board, but photos cost extra if you want the package

A small yacht day in Puerto Vallarta that’s built around water time

This is the kind of Puerto Vallarta trip that makes sense when you want sun, sea, and zero logistics headaches. You start with a scenic cruise across the Bay of Banderas, then you hit the water for snorkeling and paddling, and you end with that satisfying feeling of having done the best part of the destination from the sea.

The “luxury yacht” angle is mostly about the experience flow. You’re not waiting around. Drinks keep moving. The crew handles the rhythm: briefings, gear setup, and getting you back on schedule. The boat size (capped at 40) also helps. It’s crowded enough that you’ll hear people talking, but not so crowded that you’re bumping elbows every time someone walks past.

I’d also call out the crew energy. Many departures seem to be run by teams who know how to keep things moving and welcoming. Names I’ve seen tied to great service include Diego Chihuahua (during snorkeling guidance) and crew members like Alex, Diego, Jennifer, Felipe, Juan Luis, and Captain Victor. Even when people mention little issues (like timing or bag storage), they usually still describe the staff as friendly and attentive.

Meeting point and the 8:00 am start: why showing up early matters

The tour meets at Vallarta Adventures | Terminal MarítimaN Puerto Mágico in the Zona Hotelera Norte area, with a start time of 8:00 am. There’s no hotel pickup included, so you’ll want to plan your ride to the terminal with a little buffer.

Port areas can feel a bit chaotic when you first arrive. Then things typically settle down fast once you’re checked in and onboard. If you’re aiming to get settled early, showing up a bit ahead of time helps you find a comfortable spot, get your life vest sorted, and avoid that last-minute scramble that ruins the mood.

Tip: bring a small bag you can keep with you during the water activities. One recurring issue in feedback is that there isn’t a lot of dry storage, and you’ll want to avoid hauling valuables around if you can’t keep them on your person.

Cruising the Bay of Banderas: Los Arcos and the Malecon from the sea

Before you get to snorkeling, you spend time cruising along the Bay of Banderas south of Puerto Vallarta. The route is determined by sea conditions, which is important to understand. It means your “greatest hits” stops aren’t guaranteed on every single day.

Here’s what you can expect as the cruise unfolds:

• You head along the bay toward the south end of Puerto Vallarta.
• You may pass Los Arcos, depending on the day’s wind and water.
• You’ll have views of the Malecon Boardwalk from the water as you cruise through the bay.

What makes this part worth it is simple: the coastline looks different from the sea. You don’t just see landmarks—you see how they sit against the water and cliffs, with the pace of the boat giving you time to look without feeling rushed.

Majahuitas Beach: the main stop and what 1 hour 20 minutes feels like

The star stop is Majahuitas Beach, specifically the cove area south of Puerto Vallarta surrounded by tropical rainforest. The schedule lists 1 hour 20 minutes at this stop, and a ticket is included.

This is where you’ll do most of your “in-water” time (snorkeling and/or swimming) and where you can relax on the beach. You might also see options like paddleboarding and other water toys during the beach portion, depending on how the crew sets up and how sea conditions look that day.

A few practical notes from how this tour plays out on the water:

• Some departures include a beach where you swim in from the boat, which affects what you can carry. If you can’t keep towels and bags with you onshore, plan to travel light.
• Swim time can feel long if the group stays upbeat and conditions are calm.
• If waves pick up, the experience can still be beautiful, but your comfort level may drop.

Also, sea vests come into play. In some cases, you’re expected to wear a life vest any time you’re in the water. That’s a safety rule, but it changes the vibe a bit—less “free swim” and more “guided water activity.”

Snorkeling with provided gear: what to expect in real terms

Snorkeling gear is included, and the crew typically helps get you set up. If it’s your first time snorkeling in this area, that guidance matters because it saves time in the water and helps you avoid the clumsy start.

Now for the realism part. The underwater experience can be better or calmer day-to-day. Some people report plenty of colorful fish, while others note limited coral and fewer visible animals. That’s not a failure on your part—it’s how snorkeling often is in open-water areas. Clear water, calmer currents, and the right spot selection make a big difference.

If you want to improve your odds:

• Keep your snorkel expectations flexible. Think fish and open-water life, not guaranteed coral reefs.
• Let the crew lead you where they think visibility will be best.
• Bring your own mask if you’ve got one you like. A few people mention the provided gear is decent, but it can still be worth using your own if you’re picky about fit.

Snorkeling time can also feel short when sea conditions are rough. One piece of feedback I’d take seriously: if the water is choppy, the crew may adjust the timing to keep everyone safe and moving.

Paddleboarding and extra water time: fun, but you need balance

Stand up paddleboards are included, and that’s a great bonus for the day. Snorkeling is one activity; paddleboarding gives you a different kind of “water fun” that doesn’t depend entirely on what you see underwater.

If you’ve tried paddleboarding before, you’ll likely use the session well. If you haven’t, expect a learning curve. Either way, it’s one of the best ways to see the coastline while still feeling active.

For families and mixed groups, paddleboarding also spreads the fun. People who aren’t feeling snorkeling that day can still enjoy gliding across the cove area.

Lunch and open bar: how the all inclusive works in practice

Lunch is included and described as a deli-style meal. The food plan includes things like guacamole, shrimp cocktails, and fresh fruit, with additional items such as chips and a lunch spread.

In real-world terms, you’ll likely get a mix of cold items plus something more substantial like a sandwich or similar meal components. Some departures include charcuterie-style spreads as well, so don’t be surprised if the lunch presentation looks like a spread rather than one hot entrée on a plate.

About drinks: the big promise is unlimited premium open bar. And yes, drinks do keep coming during the day for many people. Still, here’s the nuance: on the beach stop, the bar setup can be simpler. Some feedback notes beer and water (and sometimes juice) at the island area, even when the onboard drinks feel more “full bar.”

So I’d treat it like this:

• Expect strong drink service on the boat during cruising and between activities.
• Expect the beach portion to be more basic, especially if the setup is limited by space and staff.

Comfort tips that actually help: waves, vests, and what to bring

This is the part that can make or break your mood, because the schedule involves being on the water in the morning.

Plan for motion sickness

One very direct piece of advice: if you’re prone to seasickness, bring medication like Dramamine. People have described getting seasick when waves picked up, and even a few minutes of discomfort can affect how much you enjoy snorkeling and time out on the cove.

Bring sunscreen and simple water-proof items

Sunscreen is obvious, but it matters even more here because you’re out in the sun for several hours with time in and around the water. If you wear contact lenses, consider how you’ll manage them with splashy water and snorkeling gear.

Pack with the reality of limited storage

If there’s not much space for bags, don’t bring a heavy daypack. Use a small crossbody or a lightweight pouch you can keep close during transitions. If you’re swimming in from the boat at the beach stop, keep towels and valuables minimal.

Wildlife and views: dolphins, turtles, and whales on the cruise

One of the best reasons to do this by boat is wildlife sightings and view angles. Your route can bring you into sighting zones where you might see:

• dolphins
• sea turtles
• whales (reported during the ride back on some departures)

These sightings are never guaranteed, but the cruise style matters. The boat can slow down when whales appear, which gives you time to look without feeling like you missed the moment.

Even when wildlife visibility is limited, the trip still delivers on scenery: cliffs, rock formations, and a coastline that looks better from sea height than from the Malecon.

How long you’ll really spend doing things

The tour is about 5 hours total. That includes:

• cruising time along the bay
• the snorkeling portion(s)
• the Majahuitas beach stop (listed at 1 hour 20 minutes)
• the ride back to port

A few departures run with a bit of “sail first, activity after” timing. If you prefer faster transitions, you might find the ride to Majahuitas feels long. Still, the payoff is that you’re not rushed. And if the crew keeps drinks flowing while you cruise, the waiting becomes part of the experience instead of a gap on your day.

Who this tour fits best in Puerto Vallarta

This one is ideal if you want:

• a smaller group than the huge boats
• a mix of snorkeling and chill beach time
• open bar included
• paddleboarding as an added bonus
• a boat day that feels more like a laid-back celebration than a strict checklist

It’s also a good fit for couples, groups, and birthdays where people want good service and a fun atmosphere. Names like Alex, Diego Chihuahua, and Captain Victor show up with stories that emphasize the crew’s friendly handling and upbeat energy.

If you’re a diver hunting for a serious reef experience, you might find the snorkeling spot more “fun and scenic” than “all about coral.” Some feedback points out that coral can be limited. If that matters to you, you may want to compare against snorkeling or diving trips that focus specifically on reef sites.

Should you book this luxury yacht and snorkel tour?

If you want a half-day that balances scenery, water time, and included food and drinks, I think this is a smart booking in Puerto Vallarta. The 40-person cap and attentive crew are the big reasons it feels good for the price. Majahuitas is the right kind of stop: secluded, rainforest-backed, and built for swimming and relaxing.

I’d skip it or adjust expectations if:

• you’re very sensitive to waves and don’t plan for motion sickness
• you need guaranteed long snorkeling time and consistent underwater variety
• you’re expecting a perfectly “high-end restaurant” lunch every time on the beach portion

If you go in knowing it’s a sea-day with conditions that can change, you’ll likely come away happy.

FAQ

How much does the Luxury Yacht & Snorkel tour cost?

It’s priced at $119.00 per person.

How long is the tour?

The duration is about 5 hours.

How many people are on the boat?

The tour caps at 40 travelers.

What’s included in the price?

Included: unlimited premium open bar, a day cruise on a luxury yacht, lunch, snorkeling equipment, and stand up paddleboards.

What’s not included?

Hotel pickup and drop off aren’t included. The Bay of Banderas admission fee ($40.00 per person) is also not included.

Where does the tour start, and when?

It starts at Vallarta Adventures | Terminal MarítimaN Puerto Mágico and begins at 8:00 am. The tour ends back at the same meeting point.

Is snorkeling equipment provided?

Yes. Snorkeling equipment is included.

What’s the minimum age?

The minimum age is 10.

Are drones allowed?

No. Drones are prohibited under federal regulations for the protection of endemic birds.

FAQ

Do I need hotel pickup for this tour?

No. Hotel pickup and drop off are not included, so you’ll need to get yourself to the meeting point at Vallarta Adventures.

Is the route always the same?

Not always. The route and stops can be adjusted based on sea conditions, and you may pass Los Arcos depending on the day.

Is there a beach stop for swimming and relaxing?

Yes. You go to Majahuitas Beach for about 1 hour 20 minutes, where swimming and relaxing are part of the stop.

Do I have to pay extra fees at the port?

The Bay of Banderas admission fee is listed as not included. Some additional port-related charges may also apply before departure, so plan for extra costs beyond the ticket.

Can I do paddleboarding on this tour?

Yes. Stand up paddleboards are included, along with the snorkeling gear.

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