A luxury day on the water beats the beach. This Puerto Vallarta sail is built around open bar ease and real water time with snorkeling and SUP equipment on Banderas Bay. You’ll cruise out with a friendly crew, then work in swims and stops that change day to day.

The part to know before you go: it’s a 6-hour outing at sea, and getting in the water means jumping from the boat, then climbing back using small metal ladders. If you’re sea-sick-prone or have mobility limits, this setup may not feel comfortable.

Key Points Worth Knowing Up Front

• Open bar all day keeps the vibe light, with drinks flowing while you sail and snack.
• Snorkel and SUP gear included means you don’t have to hunt down rentals or show up unsure.
• Route changes with conditions so the day’s stops can be beach time, cove swims, or paddleboarding.
• Wildlife watch is part of the plan with chances for humpback whales (seasonal), dolphins, manta rays, and sea turtles.
• Long, on-the-water schedule with limited time on land, plus ladders for boarding after you swim.

First Stop: Marina Vallarta, Dock Fee, and Boarding Reality

This tour starts at Vallarta Adventures in Marina Vallarta (Mástil 13, Puerto Vallarta). The scheduled start time is 9:30 am, and you end back at the same meeting point. There’s no hotel pickup included, so you’ll want a plan for getting yourself to the marina.

One small but important detail: you pay a port/dock fee of MX$40 per person in cash at the marina. It’s not included in the price, so keep a little cash set aside before you arrive. If you’re traveling with more than one person, that adds up fast—so don’t wait until the last minute.

Also, know the water-access setup. To enter the water, you jump off the boat, and then return via small metal ladders. This isn’t a “step down into the sand” kind of operation. It’s fine for many people, but it’s the difference between a chill swim and a slightly more physical one.

And yes, there are toilets aboard, located on the lower deck, so you won’t have to leave the boat for the entire outing.

The Sail Itself: Banderas Bay Cruising With a Route That Changes

Once you board, you head out onto Banderas Bay. The route is selected daily based on what the water and wind are doing that day. That’s a smart approach in this area because it affects how comfortable the ride feels and where conditions are best for swimming and wildlife sightings.

You’ll get the classic “PV from the water” view: rock formations, coastline angles you just don’t see from shore, and that salt-air breeze that makes the day feel slower. Some trips also include time moving toward the Los Arcos area and then returning in a way that mixes powered travel with sailing, depending on the day.

This is also where the “luxury” part shows up in the way the schedule is paced. It’s not a constant grind of stops. You’ll cruise, take water breaks, then circle back to port with a deli-style lunch underway or shortly before you head in.

If you like a day that feels relaxed, not rushed, this sailing approach fits. If you’re the type who gets restless sitting still, plan on using the downtime—sun, shade, camera, drinks—to stay in “vacation mode.”

Your Water Time: Snorkeling, SUP, and What the Conditions Can Mean

This is a water-activity day, not just a boat ride. You have the chance to snorkel and stand-up paddleboard (SUP), with equipment provided. You don’t need to be an expert to join in. The crew also provides guidance so you can focus on enjoying the water rather than fiddling with gear.

How the snorkeling moment plays out depends on the day. You might get clear visibility and good wildlife chances. On other days, water conditions can reduce what you can see underwater. The good news: even when snorkeling visibility isn’t great, SUP often still feels fun because it’s about balance and floating on calmer stretches of water.

There’s also a practical element: since you jump in from the boat, you’ll want to choose your confidence level. If you’re not comfortable with the entry or ladders, you may want to skip the swim and still enjoy the sailing and wildlife watch from the deck.

Quick tip that matters more than people think: bring sunscreen and protect your hat. One passenger had their hat blow away, and the captain turned back to retrieve it. That’s a nice example of how the crew looks out for little stuff, but sunscreen is on you.

Open Bar Plus Lunch: What You Actually Get, and When It Feels Best

The biggest value lever here is that you’re not paying for snacks twice—lunch and drinks are included during the cruise. The tour description calls it an open bar with free-flow drinks, and the overall vibe is that the crew keeps beverages coming while you’re on the water.

The lunch is a set menu. You can expect:

• Starter: infused water and seasonal fruit, plus guacamole with pico de gallo and tortilla chips
• Main: a gourmet sandwich with serrano ham, tomato, pickle dressing, manchego cheese, arugula, and homemade bread
• Dessert: a dark chocolate brownie

This is the kind of meal that helps you stay out there comfortably for hours. You’re getting carbs and protein without it turning into a heavy restaurant ordeal. It also aligns with how the day runs: you sail, you snack, you drink, then you get fed in a way that doesn’t wreck your appetite.

A small note on drinks: the open bar part is consistent, but one guest said mixed drinks were just okay. Translation: it’s a good open bar setup, but don’t expect a cocktail bar with top-shelf spirits every time.

Also, a practical comfort detail: the boat is set up with multiple bathrooms (one guest counted four). That’s a big deal on a long outing, and it makes the day feel smoother.

Wildlife Watch: Dolphins, Manta Rays, Sea Turtles, and Whale Season

Wildlife is a major reason to pick this cruise. The tour highlights include possible sightings of:

• Humpback whales (seasonal)
• Dolphins
• Manta rays
• Sea turtles

You’re not guaranteed to see whales or every species. But the cruise is designed for scanning the water. The crew typically adjusts the day if something appears, which increases your odds of turning a random sea day into a memorable wildlife moment.

Also, many sightings are far away. That can still be amazing, but it helps to set your expectations: you’re watching for movement and surfacing, not snorkeling next to a whale.

A good strategy for your side of the experience is to bring patience and good eyesight. If you’re the kind of person who can chill with your eyes on the horizon, this trip rewards you.

And if you do spot something impressive, don’t ignore the deck-life basics. Stay hydrated, keep your sunscreen active, and let the crew handle the pacing while you enjoy the moment.

Crew and Service: The Difference Between Nice and Smooth

This is one of those tours where the “luxury” doesn’t come from fancy words—it comes from how the crew runs the day. The staff and captain are focused on keeping things organized and keeping you comfortable.

Names you may hear aboard include Sergio (captain on some cruises), plus crew members like Rubin, Christian, and Walter. There’s also a photographer involved in the experience, and the name Omar came up in one account.

What you’re really paying for in service terms is:

• Drinks show up without you having to chase
• Food is handled during the day rather than forcing you to wait
• Guidance is there for snorkeling and paddleboarding so you’re not figuring it out alone

Small-group feel is another big factor. The tour caps at 30 travelers, and that matters because you’re not shoulder-to-shoulder for the whole day. Some days can feel especially manageable when the group is under that max.

This all adds up to a sailing day that feels like a private hangout on the water, not a cattle-call cruise.

Value Check: Is This $129 Luxury Sailing Worth It?

At $129 per person for about 6 hours, the price is strongest when you actually use what’s included: lunch, open bar, snorkeling, and SUP gear. If you were doing these things separately in Puerto Vallarta, you’d likely pay for each piece plus transportation and rentals.

Then add the catch: you still need the MX$40 cash port/dock fee. That’s minor compared to the overall cost, but it’s real.

Where the value math changes is in expectations. If you’re mainly here for snorkeling and you assume it’ll be world-class every time, be ready for variability in underwater visibility. One cruise described snorkeling as underwhelming due to poor water visibility. That doesn’t mean the tour is bad—it means this bay isn’t a guaranteed aquarium.

Where this tour shines is when you want a day that combines:

• A real sailing atmosphere
• Easy swimming options
• Wildlife scanning opportunities
• Food and drinks that keep the hours comfortable

So I’d call it a solid “yes” if you’re after a relaxing, upscale water day, not a single-target wildlife expedition.

Who Should Book This Luxury Sailing Day—and Who Should Skip It

This trip fits best if you want a relaxing day on the water with a mix of sailing and activities. It also suits people who like the idea of seeing marine life without turning the day into work.

It’s also a good match for:

• Couples and small groups
• Anyone who’s comfortable jumping in from the boat and using ladders to climb back
• People who can handle a full half day at sea and want food and drinks included

The not-so-great fit includes:

• Sea-sick-prone passengers, because it’s a moving boat for most of the outing
• People with mobility limitations, since you enter by jumping and board using metal ladders
• Anyone who is counting on top-tier snorkeling clarity every time

One more note: the minimum age is 10 years (no exceptions), so this isn’t a private adult-only party boat. It’s more of an easygoing sailing day that can include families who meet the age rule.

Should You Book This Puerto Vallarta Luxury Sailing Trip?

If you want a straightforward luxury water day with open bar, lunch, and built-in snorkeling/SUP time, I’d book it. The overall structure is built for comfort and ease, and the service level is a major part of why people feel it’s worth the money.

But if snorkeling is your single top goal, go in with flexible expectations about underwater visibility. And if you don’t feel good about jumping in and climbing back up ladders, this isn’t the best “first sail” choice.

When the bay is calm and wildlife is active, this kind of day can be one of your PV highlights.

FAQ

How long is the Puerto Vallarta luxury sailing cruise?

The cruise runs for about 6 hours.

What time does the tour start, and when do we return?

The start time is 9:30 am, and the tour ends back at the same meeting point.

Where is the meeting point?

You start at Vallarta Adventures, Marina Vallarta, Mástil 13, Marina Vallarta, 48335 Puerto Vallarta, Jal., Mexico.

Is hotel pickup and drop-off included?

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

What extra fees do I need to pay at the marina?

You’ll need to pay a port/dock fee of MX$40.00 per person in cash at the marina.

What’s included in the tour price?

Included are the day cruise, lunch, open bar, and snorkeling & paddle boarding.

Do I get snorkeling and SUP equipment?

Yes. Snorkeling and paddle boarding equipment is provided.

What’s the minimum age, and is it in English?

The minimum age is 10 years with no exceptions. The tour is offered in English.

How do you enter and get back onto the boat?

You jump off the boat to enter the water, and you use small metal ladders to get back on board.

Can I cancel for a full refund?

Yes, you can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund. If you cancel less than 24 hours before the start time, the amount paid is not refunded.

You Might Also Enjoy

Santorini Caldera: Private Cruise with Speed Boat & Open BarCoco Bongo Premium Open BarBoat Party in Wroclaw with Unlimited DrinksPuerto Plata Catamaran Cruise with Snorkeling, BBQ & Open Bar