Pirates meet protected island time in Puerto Vallarta. You cruise to Majahuitas ecological reserve and spend the day in full pirate mode, with a show, contests, and beach fun built around the shoreline.

I like that it feels planned for a real day at sea, with food and drinks timed to keep energy up. One catch: the $280 price does not include the port rate, and check-in at the port can take longer than you want when you are eager to get on the water.

Quick Take: What Makes This Pirate Day Cruise Worth Your Time

• Majahuitas ecological reserve time gives you that more-protected, less-city feel for the beach portion.
• Pirate-host entertainment includes a welcome moment, a show, and crew-led games.
• A choose-from menu day: breakfast plus a big set of food choices, not just a single sad plate.
• Water activities are built in (snorkeling, kayaking, banana ride), plus beach games like volleyball.
• Open bar and included drinks help the day feel like a true package, not a constant add-on hunt.
• Up to 250 people keeps it social, but you should expect some lines and waiting.

Majahuitas Ecological Reserve: the Protected-Feel Island Stop

This is not a “hop-off for 20 minutes” cruise. The centerpiece of the day is the time you spend at Majahuitas ecological reserve, where the goal is to mix beach time with water play while staying inside protected area rules. That matters, because it changes the vibe: you are not just in a public, everything-goes beach zone. You get a more controlled setting, with the day’s activities acting like a loose schedule rather than a free-for-all.

The reserve is the reason the tour feels different from a generic boat outing. The coast there has a “pause button” quality once you are away from the port and moving into the protected area. You’ll still hear boats and feel the day’s energy, but you are doing your beach time in a place that’s managed for conservation and visitor use.

Practical expectation: you are outdoors for hours. Bring sunscreen, a hat, and reef-safe habits if you follow them. Also plan on being in and out of the sun during snorkeling and beach games. If you hate “sticky sun,” bring a light cover-up you can throw on between activities.

Onboard the Pirate Ship: Shows, Contests, and a Crew That Runs the Day

The main novelty here is the pirate theme, and it is not just costumes for photos. The experience is structured like a kid-friendly (and family-friendly) show day at sea: a welcome moment, a pirate show, crew contests with awards, and interactive activities that keep people moving.

A big plus: you may get a personal pirate helper role—people have mentioned pirates named Pepe and Ruli. That kind of attention can turn an average cruise into something that feels tailored, especially for families with kids who want to be part of the action instead of just watching it.

Here’s what to look for as the day unfolds:

• Welcome Pirate + face-paint style activity (Pintacaritas): good for getting kids settled and excited early.
• Contests and awards: not just silly games; they help keep the group together instead of everyone wandering off.
• Pirate show: expect it as a scheduled highlight, not a random performance. If you come in wanting a polished, theatrical production, you’ll likely enjoy it. If you want a super modern show, keep expectations realistic for a day-tour format.

One thing I appreciate: the pirate theme is designed around time on the water and time on the beach. It is not distracting you from the main point of the day (the coast and activities). It’s more like the glue that holds the whole itinerary together.

Breakfast, Lunch Options, and the Open Bar Value Check

This tour is priced like a package day, and the inclusions back that up more than you might expect at first glance.

You get:

• Breakfast with 2 options to choose from
• Food with 9 options to choose from during the beach/meal window
• National and international open bar

That open bar isn’t just a nice-to-have. On a 6-hour port day, it turns the mood from “we’re here, now what” into “we’re here, and it’s a party pace.” If you are splitting a day with kids, it also gives adults a simple reward rhythm without hunting down snacks every hour.

How I’d think about the food value: on many tours, the meal is the weak link. Here, the meal plan is built as choices with multiple options, which means you’re less likely to end up with a single default plate that doesn’t work for your appetite. Still, you should go with the mindset of a beach-day menu, not a fine-dining restaurant.

Also, you might see extra paid add-ons like photos or souvenirs. In other words, even with an open bar, you can still spend extra if you say yes to every optional purchase. If you want to keep the cost tight, set a spending limit before you board.

Snorkeling, Kayaking, Banana Ride, and Beach Volleyball: Pick Your Pace

The day is structured so you can choose how active you want to be. You are not forced into one long routine. Instead, you get a menu of activities, including time for plain relaxation.

Key water and beach activities included:

• Snorkeling
• Kayaking tour
• Paseo de las Banana (banana ride)
• Beach volleyball
• Treasure hunt
• Plus built-in downtime and comfort time

Snorkeling: you’ll likely want to fit this in early, because it sets your water mood for the rest of the day. If you are new to snorkeling, go for it. The tour keeps it simple and within a day-tour flow. If you are experienced, you’ll still enjoy the novelty of doing it as part of a themed reserve day.

Kayaking: this is a good “in-between” activity. Not as chaotic as a banana ride, but still active enough to feel like you did something besides sit in the sun.

Banana ride: classic group-energy fun. If your group includes kids, it’s often the type of activity that turns one long afternoon into a string of quick wins.

Beach volleyball and treasure hunt: these matter more than they sound. They keep families together, and they give you something to do even if the water looks tempting but you’d rather rest your legs for a bit.

One small realism check: if you get motion-sick easily, a day that includes sailing plus snorkeling time can be a lot. Bring your usual prevention (motion-sickness meds or bracelets, whatever works for you). And if you want maximum comfort, consider bringing a change of dry clothes for after the final rinse.

Timing, Port Logistics, and What to Expect at Check-In

Start time is 9:30 am, and you meet at the port area at A.P.I. Puerto Vallarta S.A. de C.V near the Zona Hotelera area (Blvd. Francisco Medina Ascencio km 4.5, Área Militar de Vallarta). The tour ends back at the same meeting point.

Duration is listed as about 6 hours, which is a real day slice, not a quick half-day escape. That means timing matters. The biggest practical issue is that port check-in can take longer than you’d like when you just want to get going. Build in margin. If you arrive right at the cutoff, you’ll feel rushed.

Also note what’s excluded:

• Transportation / pick-up
• Port rate
• All fees and taxes

So if you are staying outside the port zone, you’ll want to plan your ride so you are not stressed about getting there on time. Because transport isn’t included, your schedule depends on your local plans.

What to bring (simple and useful):

• Sunscreen + hat
• Swimwear (obviously) and a towel if you think you’ll need one
• Water-friendly footwear or sandals you trust
• A light layer for after swimming and for time on the boat
• Cash or card for any optional extras like photo souvenirs

And a comfort note: boat seating can be tight on day tours. If you know you get uncomfortable sitting for a while, pack for it. Even a small improvement (a thin seat pad or a dry shirt to cushion you) makes a difference on a 6-hour loop.

Who This Fits Best in Puerto Vallarta (and Who Might Skip It)

This is a strong choice if you want a family-friendly, activity-packed day with structure. The pirate theme isn’t an afterthought, and the included games help keep kids engaged without handing them a screen.

It also works if you want a change of pace from the city beach scene. Majahuitas reserve time gives you a “day out” feel, and the included activities mean you don’t have to decide every hour what to do next.

Who might not love it:

• If you hate crowds or long check-in lines, the port logistics may test your patience.
• If you want a quiet, luxury-style boat day, this one is more about entertainment and scheduled fun than serene solitude.
• If you are picky about meal quality, focus on the fact that this is a beach-day menu with choices, not a chef-driven dining experience.

My best-fit match: families with kids, groups who like playful energy, and visitors who want an all-in-one day (breakfast, activities, drinks, show) rather than building a custom itinerary.

Should You Book Pirate Ship by Day?

Book it if you want a fun, structured day that blends pirate entertainment with real beach-and-water activities at Majahuitas. The price makes more sense when you think of it as a full package: breakfast, multiple food options, an open bar, and a bundle of water activities plus games.

Skip or reconsider if your top priority is quiet relaxation, minimal logistics, or you dislike port-day waiting. In that case, you might prefer something more flexible or with less onboard scheduling.

If you do book, your best strategy is simple: arrive early at the port, wear your swim gear under real clothes, and treat the pirate show and contests as part of the experience rather than something you judge like a theater ticket.

FAQ

How long is the Pirate Ship by Day tour?

It runs for about 6 hours.

What time does it start, and where do I meet?

It starts at 9:30 am at A.P.I. Puerto Vallarta S.A. de C.V, Blvd. Francisco Medina Ascencio km 4.5, Zona Hotelera, Área Militar de Vallarta, 48333 Puerto Vallarta, Jal., Mexico.

Is transportation or pick-up included?

No. Transportation or pick-up is not included.

What meals and drinks are included?

You get breakfast (2 options) plus food with 9 options to choose from, and there is a national and international open bar.

What activities are included once we reach Majahuitas?

Included activities include snorkeling, a kayaking tour, a banana ride, beach volleyball, a treasure hunt, and Pintacaritas, plus a pirate show and onboard contests.

Is the tour offered in English?

Yes, it is offered in English.

What is the cancellation policy?

The experience is non-refundable and cannot be changed for any reason.