A small sail turns Puerto Vallarta into a quieter day. With up to 12 people and a real shared-boat feel, I love that this trip mixes big-bay views with chef-prepared food and plenty of time on the water. You’ll cruise past Nuevo Vallarta, scan the bay around Bucerías, and make a full loop toward La Cruz de Huanacaxtle, then (weather-permitting) swing back toward the Malecon.

What really makes it feel like “luxury” is the onboard pace and care: you’re not rushed, and you’re looked after from boarding to the last stretch back to Los Peines. I also like that the drink program is built into the experience (five premium drinks per person, plus non-alcoholic options), so you can relax without constantly checking the menu.

One consideration: you need good weather for the sailing plan to run smoothly, and if you’re prone to motion sickness, the open water might be a factor.

Key things I’d flag before you book

• Small group (max 12) means more room, less waiting, and easier crew attention
• Chef-led food includes three appetizers plus a lunch main course picked in advance
• Drink plan is clear: five premium alcoholic drinks per person, plus unlimited non-alcoholic beverages on board
• Real wildlife chances have shown up on past sails: whale pods, dolphins, and even turtles/seabirds
• Sailing plus swim time gives you more than just a sightseeing cruise
• Two-sided sightseeing: you get coastline views from angles you won’t see from land

Luxury Puerto Vallarta sailing: what makes this day feel special

This is the kind of trip that makes Puerto Vallarta feel more like a coastal vacation and less like a check-the-box tour. You’re on a classic sailboat, with time for sailing, time for still-water moments, and a meal that actually shows up as part of the day—not as a rushed add-on.

The biggest value here is simple: small size. When a sailing trip tops out at 12 travelers, it changes everything about comfort. You get better sightlines, an easier flow for boarding, and a crew that can respond quickly when someone needs an extra hand or wants a slower pace.

I also like how the day is structured around time on the water. The route isn’t just “go out and come back.” It’s paced to show you different parts of Banderas Bay from angles you’d only get by being offshore.

Price and what you’re actually getting for $200-ish

At $200.01 per person for about 5 hours, the headline price can look a little premium at first glance. But what you’re buying is a full onboard service package: 3 appetizers, lunch, bottled water, and drinks—not just transportation to a viewpoint.

Included food and drinks matter because they cut down decision fatigue. You don’t have to wonder what’s available once you’re on the boat; the plan is already set.

A couple details to keep your math honest:

• Not included: MX$41.00 per person in all fees and taxes.
• Not included: private transportation (you’ll get yourself to the meeting point area).

If you’re the type who would otherwise spend on cocktails, a waterfront lunch, and a separate activity, this package style is where you get the “luxury without chaos” feeling.

Meeting at Los Peines, then out to Banderas Bay

The sail starts at Los Peines, Isla Iguana, 48335 Puerto Vallarta, Jal., Mexico, at 10:00 am. The good news is you end back at the same meeting point, so your day doesn’t turn into a transportation scavenger hunt.

They say it’s near public transportation, which helps if you’re using local buses or taxis and don’t want to arrange something private. Also, the tour expects a moderate physical fitness level. That doesn’t mean it’s a hike, but you should be comfortable with the boat environment—getting on and off, and being on your feet if the crew asks for movement or positioning.

Stop 1: Nuevo Vallarta’s other side and why the angle matters

Your first stop is all about perspective. You head to see the “other side” of the city from aboard the sailboat, with views of hotels and a broad sweep of beach that you can’t really appreciate from the main shoreline.

Why this stop is worth it: coastline looks different when you’re moving along it rather than looking straight at it. Sailboats also tend to create a slower visual rhythm. That means you notice details—shoreline patterns, boat traffic, and the way light hits the water—without feeling like you’re stuck in a long, noisy transit loop.

Drawback to consider: beach views are great, but you’ll want to be ready for changing weather and water conditions. On any sailing day, the “best moments” depend on what the captain can do with the wind and sea state.

Stop 2: Bucerías Bay views from the water

Next, you’ll get another coastline angle: the bay and the Bucerías area. This is described as a place where many of the crew’s frequent clients and guests live, which hints at what you’re really doing here—seeing a lived-in part of the coast, not just a postcard stretch.

This is also where the trip can feel more like a coast cruise than a destination parade. From the water, you get a better sense of where development ends, where open water begins, and how the bay changes shape as you go.

A practical note: if you’re the type who gets impatient waiting for “the next thing,” Bucerías and similar viewpoints can still work because you’re not just looking—you’re also sailing, eating, and settling into the day’s flow.

Stop 3: La Cruz de Huanacaxtle, a fishing-town feel

Then you head to La Cruz de Huanacaxtle, described as a fishing town in Nayarit with a large bay and a base for many sailboats in the area. Even if you haven’t been there before, this stop can feel like a shift: more working-water energy, more nautical presence, and less “resort only” vibe.

What I like about adding a place like this is that it breaks up the day. It gives you a real reason for the route beyond just time on the water. You’re moving from one bay personality to another.

What you might notice: boats, marina life, and the way fishing towns keep the shoreline practical rather than overly polished. That contrast is part of what makes Banderas Bay feel more authentic when you’re traveling by sea.

Back toward Puerto Vallarta’s Malecon arches and church

With the right weather conditions, you may make it back to the Malecon of Puerto Vallarta, enjoying the arches and the church from another side. This is one of those “only from here” moments—architecture changes when you’re viewing it from the water instead of on a sidewalk.

The big idea: don’t count on this like it’s guaranteed every day. They specifically tie the return plan to weather conditions. If the sea state doesn’t cooperate, you still have the sailing experience, but you may not get the exact final viewpoint.

Comfort tip: consider bringing a light layer. One guest suggested a sweater for cloudy days, and that makes sense on open water where breeze and temperature can shift.

The onboard experience: food, drinks, and the crew’s style

This is a luxury sail, but it’s not the stiff kind. It’s the comfortable kind. People often talk about boats being pretty, but what makes this one work is how smoothly meals and drinks are handled without taking over the day.

Snacks and lunch that don’t feel like an afterthought

You get 3 appetizers selected by the chef on board. Then lunch is served as one main course per guest, chosen in advance. Guests have called out specific favorites like red snapper, and multiple reviews praise the way the food is presented—meaning it shows up as part of the sailing experience, not just fuel.

If you’re someone who cares about food, the value is that you’re not stuck with a sad “unlimited snacks” spread. Instead, you get a real menu structure: appetizers first while you’re out, then lunch as a planned break in the middle of the ride.

Drinks: five premium options per person

The alcohol plan is straightforward: five drinks per person from a premium cocktail menu. This includes wine and signature drinks. After that, the non-alcoholic side keeps going with juices and soda/pop on board.

This matters because you can pace yourself. You know you’ll get a good selection without the night turning into a surprise tab. If you prefer to go lighter, the mocktails and non-alcoholic options are there too.

Crew attention: names you might recognize

The experience is tied to its crew, and you’ll see familiar names in the feedback:

• Andrea (owner) is often mentioned as being deeply involved
• Isabella is specifically noted for taking extra care of a guest
• Alma is credited with five-star appetizers and lunch
• Brian is mentioned for great bartending and keeping drinks available

Even if you don’t meet everyone, the pattern comes through: they care about the ship being clean, the timing of food and drinks, and how comfortable people feel from start to finish.

Clean boat, real comfort

A couple reviews highlight that the boat is meticulously maintained, including bathrooms being notably clean. That sounds like a small thing until you’re on a boat for hours. Clean and functional facilities are part of what makes “luxury” feel real.

Wildlife spotting: whales, dolphins, turtles, and seabirds

Banderas Bay is famous for marine life, and this sailing route seems to have a strong track record when conditions line up. Past days include sightings of whale pods and two groups of dolphins.

Some feedback also mentions turtles and seabirds (described as boobies) diving near the boat. Even if wildlife isn’t guaranteed every trip, the captain and crew time it to whale watch when possible, which is exactly what you want from an operator running a marine-focused itinerary.

Practical advice: bring patience and stay present. Wildlife sightings can be quick, and the best viewing happens when you’re not scrambling for your camera every minute.

Sailing and swimming: the “fun” part that isn’t only photo ops

This trip is sold as Sail, Swim & Dine, so it’s not purely about cruising. You should expect time for swimming when conditions allow.

For anyone with moderate fitness: think of it as a casual activity, but one that still asks you to be comfortable in and around water. If you’re uncertain, it’s smart to ask the crew what the water entry is like on your day.

Also, if you’re sensitive to motion, take that seriously. One person in the provided feedback said they ended up feeling sea sick during the cruise, and the crew responded with care. That tells me the staff handles it well, but it also reminds you to plan for your own body.

Who this sailing experience fits best

This tour is a strong match if you want:

• A smaller-group luxury sailing day (up to 12)
• A service-forward trip with real food and drinks included
• A route that mixes coastline views with a stop that feels nautical (La Cruz)
• A chance at marine life without the stress of a huge crowd

It may be less ideal if you want nonstop sightseeing stops on land. This is about being on the water for most of the day, with the day’s rhythm centered on sailing, swimming, and onboard dining.

It’s also a good option for multigenerational groups. One guest specifically praised ease of getting on and off the boat for their grandma, which suggests the crew is thoughtful about comfort and pacing.

Should you book this AdaSailing sail, swim, and dine?

I’d book it if you’re aiming for a high-comfort sailing day with meals and drinks handled for you. The included food and drink package makes the price feel more “all-in,” and the small group size is a big part of the luxury.

I’d hesitate only if:

• You’re easily knocked off balance by motion and don’t handle boats well.
• Your schedule can’t flex for weather, since the return toward the Malecon depends on good conditions.
• You were hoping for a land-heavy itinerary. This is a sea-first day.

If you want a PV experience that feels personal—clean boat, attentive crew, chef-led meals, and a real shot at marine life—this one is an excellent bet.

FAQ

What’s the duration of the Puerto Vallarta shared sailing tour?

The tour runs about 5 hours.

How many people are on the boat?

The experience has a maximum of 12 travelers.

Where does the tour start and what time does it begin?

It starts at Los Peines, Isla Iguana at 10:00 am. The tour ends back at the same meeting point.

What’s included in the price?

You get 3 onboard appetizers, lunch (one main course per guest chosen in advance), five alcoholic drinks per person from the premium cocktail menu (including wine and signature drinks), and non-alcoholic beverages throughout, plus bottled water.

What isn’t included?

It does not include private transportation and it notes MX$41.00 per person for all fees and taxes.

What language is the tour offered in?

The tour is offered in English.

Is the tour weather-dependent?

Yes. It requires good weather, and if it’s canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund.