Majahuitas comes with a first-class crew. This half-day yacht-and-snorkel outing in Puerto Vallarta keeps the group small (max 40) and aims you at a secluded cove in the Bay of Banderas, with Majahuitas Cove snorkeling plus gear and unlimited premium open bar. One thing to plan for: the route follows the sea that day, so if waves pick up, you may feel it (and some people do get seasick).

I like that the “VIP” feel is real here, not just marketing—crew runs the show, drinks stay topped up, and you cruise past coast views that you can’t really get any other way. You’ll also have a good shot at wildlife sightings on the water, but marine life isn’t guaranteed every minute since conditions and water clarity vary.

Key Highlights Worth Your Attention

• Small group cap of 40 keeps the vibe relaxed and reduces waiting around
• Leopard catamaran sailing gives you a smoother ride than bigger party boats
• Snorkeling + paddleboarding gear included means you don’t waste time figuring things out
• Majahuitas Cove stop is the payoff: calm, tropical scenery and water time
• Unlimited premium open bar helps the day feel like a proper treat
• On-board photographer adds a “vacation keepsake” option (usually extra cost)

The Real Appeal: A Leopard Catamaran Day That Feels Less Crowded

Puerto Vallarta is gorgeous from shore, but the Bay of Banderas looks different when you’re out on the water. What I like about this tour is the small scale: a max of 40 travelers on a catamaran-size yacht. That matters when you’re snorkeling, grabbing lunch, or just trying to find a quiet moment to watch the coastline slide by.

You get a true “day on the water” format. It’s not just a quick swim and back to port—it’s a cruise with a beach cove stop, a couple of water activities, and food and drinks paced throughout.

Price and Value: What You’re Really Paying For

The price is $119.00 per person for about 5 hours total. That’s the base tour cost, but there are a couple of add-on items to keep in mind so you don’t feel surprised.

Here’s what you should budget for:

• Bay of Banderas admission fee: $40.00 per person is not included.
• Port fee: some people have reported a mandatory 30 pesos per person fee collected prior to departure.
• Photo package: a professional photographer takes pictures during the trip, and digital packages have been sold for about $100 USD on at least some departures.

When this feels like good value is when you want multiple things in one ticket: yacht cruise, snorkeling gear, paddleboards, lunch, and unlimited premium open bar. If you only want a basic beach visit, you may feel you’re paying for extras you won’t use.

Getting There: The Vallarta Adventures Meeting Point and Start Time

The tour starts at 8:00 am, and it ends back at the same meeting point. You’ll meet at Vallarta Adventures | Terminal Marítima N Puerto Mágico, at Blvd. Francisco Medina Ascencio 30-G1, Zona Hotelera Nte., 48333 Puerto Vallarta, Jal., Mexico.

Plan to arrive early. The port area can feel a bit chaotic when you first get there, but once you’re inside the Vallarta Adventures setup, the crew process tends to move well. Going in with local cash for small fees and tips also helps.

The Cruise Phase: Bay of Banderas Views, Los Arcos Pass-By, and Wildlife Watch

After boarding, expect some cruising time before the water activities start. On many departures, you’ll spend close to an hour out on the Bay before you reach the main stop.

The route is flexible and based on sea conditions, which is a polite way of saying: the captain chooses comfort and safety over a rigid checklist. Depending on the day, you might pass:

• Los Arcos (if conditions and route allow)
• Coastal sights where you’ll get a view of the Malecon Boardwalk from the sea
• Other photo-friendly stretches along the bay

Wildlife sightings are a big part of why people love the “boat” portion. You may see dolphins and sea turtles, and some departures have even had whale sightings with the boat pausing when possible. That’s not something you can bank on, but the fact that the crew keeps an eye out helps.

Practical tip: if you’re motion-sensitive, bring something for it. One traveler suggested Dramamine for motion sickness, and I agree it’s smart when you know the first leg can feel bouncy.

Majahuitas Beach: The Cove Stop That Turns the Tour Into a Vacation

The main destination is Majahuitas Beach, a secluded cove just south of Puerto Vallarta, surrounded by lush rainforest. This is where the tour shifts from “cruise” to “beach day.”

You’re typically scheduled for about 1 hour 20 minutes at Majahuitas. That doesn’t sound long on paper, but it’s usually enough to:

• Do a snorkeling session (or two, depending on the day)
• Swim and hang out
• Use paddleboards if you want them
• Get a break on dry land between water times

One key reality: you may not be lounging on a dock with everything handed to you on a tray. Some people have noted you swim from the boat to reach the beach, which affects what you can realistically bring ashore. If you want to keep belongings dry, you’ll want a tight, minimal pack strategy.

Also, don’t plan your whole day around one specific kind of “calm.” The sea conditions that shape the route also shape how easy it feels to get in and out of the water.

Snorkeling Time, Gear, and What Marine Life Is Like

Snorkeling gear is included, and the tour is designed for easy participation. Most travelers can join, with a minimum age of 10.

Here’s what you should expect, realistically:

• Your snorkeling time can feel short—some people have reported around 20 minutes at the main spot.
• Marine life can be good, but it’s not guaranteed. A few people saw plenty of fish; others expected more coral and found less reef structure.

What helps is that the cove area and water access make it easy to get in and out. A crew member guides and helps you manage the equipment so you’re not wrestling with gear while your attention should be on the water.

Safety note: you may need to wear a life vest while you’re in the water. It’s for a good reason, but it’s also something you’ll feel once you’re actually snorkeling, so don’t assume it’ll be optional.

If your goal is a big, reef-heavy snorkeling show, temper expectations. If your goal is to get a fun, well-managed water session in a beautiful spot near PV, you’re in the right place.

Paddleboarding: Included, Fun, and Weather-Dependent

Stand-up paddleboards are included, and they’re one of those activities that can turn a “nice trip” into a “we should’ve done this sooner” memory.

The paddleboard experience usually depends on wind and wave conditions. If it’s a calmer day, it’s smooth fun. If there’s chop, you’ll want to focus on balance and keep an eye on other swimmers near you.

Bring a swimsuit you don’t mind getting fully soaked, and think about how you’ll keep your towel and phone safe if you have to swim to the beach.

Lunch and Drinks: Unlimited Open Bar, Deli-Style Food, and Realistic Expectations

The lunch is deli-style and included. The tour description highlights a Mexican mix such as guacamole, shrimp cocktails, and fresh fruit, and you’ll also likely see chips and guac as part of the food flow.

Now for the part that matters for your expectations: a few people have said the lunch felt more like a sandwich-and-snacks setup than a full seafood meal. Others have described a great crew-made lunch with plenty to eat. The safest way to think about it is this: you’ll get solid, included food, but it’s not an all-you-can-eat restaurant experience.

Drinks are a major plus. The tour includes unlimited premium open bar, and many people point out that drinks stay coming. On the beach stop, some passengers have found the island bar menu to be more basic (beer and non-alcoholic options), even while the overall experience is still positioned as an open bar day. So if you’re picky about cocktails, plan to be flexible.

Either way, the drink pacing is one of the reasons this feels like a “VIP half-day” rather than a rushed tour.

The Photos and Extras: What’s Included, What Costs Extra, and How to Not Get Caught

There’s usually a photographer onboard who takes pictures and videos during the trip. On some departures, the photo digital package has been offered for around $100 USD, and it’s bought at the end.

If you love the idea of vacation photos, it’s worth considering. If you don’t, simply let the photographer know you’re not purchasing. That’s been appreciated in at least some interactions, and it saves time and awkwardness.

Some people have also mentioned extras at the beach like a banana boat option. Since that isn’t listed as a core included activity in the core inclusions, treat it as an add-on that may be available depending on the day and operator setup. Reviews also note it can get rough—so if you’re with kids or if stability matters, take that into account.

And yes, sunscreen matters more than you think. One simple tip that came up repeatedly: bring sunscreen, and consider motion sickness help if you’re prone to it.

Who This Tour Fits Best (and Who Should Rethink It)

This is a strong match if you want:

• A smaller group yacht experience in Puerto Vallarta (max 40)
• Snorkeling plus paddleboarding without extra rental hassle
• A cruise that includes lunch and unlimited premium open bar
• A beach cove stop at Majahuitas instead of just watching waves from a pier

I’d rethink it if:

• You get motion sickness easily and you don’t want to take precautions
• Your top priority is long, expert-level reef snorkeling (the time can be short)
• You need a dry shore setup for towels and belongings (swimming access can make that tricky)

Should You Book the Luxury Yacht & Snorkel in Puerto Vallarta?

If you want a fun, crew-run half-day with a real boat atmosphere, this is a book-worthy choice. The small 40-traveler cap, the Majahuitas cove focus, and the combo of snorkeling gear + paddleboards + included lunch + unlimited open bar are the core reasons it works.

Before you book, do two things:

• Budget for the Bay of Banderas admission fee ($40 per person) and be ready for a port fee in pesos.
• Pack light and keep valuables minimal since you may swim to shore.

If you show up with flexible expectations about snorkeling time and what the lunch exactly looks like that day, you’ll likely leave happy—and with a lot of photos to prove it.

FAQ

How long is the Luxury Yacht & Snorkel tour?

It’s about 5 hours (approx.).

What time does the tour start?

The start time is 8:00 am.

Where is the meeting point?

You meet at Vallarta Adventures | Terminal Marítima N Puerto Mágico, Blvrd. Francisco Medina Ascencio 30-G1, Zona Hotelera Nte., Puerto Vallarta, Jal., Mexico.

Is hotel pickup included?

No. Hotel pickup and drop off are not included.

What’s included in the price?

The tour includes a day cruise, unlimited premium open bar, a deli-style lunch, snorkeling equipment, and stand up paddleboards.

What fees are not included?

The Bay of Banderas admission fee ($40.00 per person) is not included.

What are the age and drone rules?

The minimum age is 10. Drones are prohibited due to federal regulations protecting the flight path of endemic birds.