Pirates and beach time in one easy trip. You get a mix of Majahuitas Beach downtime plus on-the-water play, including a banana boat ride, kayaking, snorkeling, and even a pirate-style treasure hunt. It’s built for people who want real action without hunting for tickets or extra bookings.

I also love that the big stuff feels handled for you: soft drinks, and both breakfast and lunch under the sea are included, plus a pirate show and fireworks. One consideration: this is weather-dependent, and port taxes (30 MXN) and tips are not included.

Key Highlights You’ll Actually Care About

• Majahuitas Beach: a calmer, more secluded beach stop with time for water play
• Water activities + snorkeling: banana boat, kayak time, and snorkeling are part of the package
• Treasure hunt for kids: clue-puzzles on the sand in a pirate theme
• Meals included: breakfast and lunch are built into the experience, not an add-on hunt
• Evening entertainment: pirate show and fireworks, ideal for a night departure
• Small group feel: limited to a maximum of 50 travelers, so it doesn’t sprawl

Setting Sail From Puerto Vallarta: The “Day or Night” Advantage

This is a pirate ship tour out of Puerto Vallarta that runs either during the day or at night, so you can pick the mood. Day tends to be more beach-and-water focused, while night adds more sparkle with the show and fireworks later on. Either way, the schedule is built around one main beach stop and several onboard experiences, all wrapped into about 5 hours total.

The tour uses a mobile ticket (easy on your phone) and is offered in English. The meeting point is Pirates of the Bay Boutiques MARINAH, Escuela Naval Militar S/N, Zona Hotelera, Área Militar de Vallarta, 48333 Puerto Vallarta, Jal., Mexico, and the ride returns you to the same place at the end. That matters because you’re not dealing with awkward mid-trip drop-offs or a long taxi slog afterward.

I also like that the group size is capped at 50, which usually helps the pace stay fun instead of chaotic. You’ll have multiple activities in the same experience day, so a smaller group can make it easier to keep moving and actually enjoy it.

Majahuitas Beach: A Secluded Break With Built-In Play

Your main land stop is Majahuitas Beach, described as beautiful and secluded—exactly the kind of place you want when you’re tired of busy streets and tour-bus energy. This is where the tour shifts from ship vibe to beach time, and it’s not just “stand around and take photos.” You get guided structure, but you also get breathing room.

You’ll have access to the activities planned for your group, including water toys and exploration time. The vibe here is more relaxed than the typical “run from one station to the next” day, mostly because the beach gives you a natural reset. That’s a real benefit if you’ve already been bouncing between neighborhoods, beaches, and viewpoints.

A practical note: since this stop includes time in the water (banana boat, kayaking, and snorkeling), you’ll want to treat Majahuitas as a full activity zone. Plan for sun, saltwater, and sandy logistics. If you’re the type who gets cranky after getting your gear wet, bring a simple plan for keeping your phone and clothes protected.

Banana Boat and Kayaks: The Most Fun Per Minute

The action portion starts with a banana boat ride—an adrenaline hit that’s also oddly friendly, because it’s built for sharing the experience with your group. If you like laughing at the chaos (a lot of people do on banana boats), this is one of the strongest parts of the tour.

Next comes time with kayaks. The tone here shifts from fast-and-wild to your own pace. You’ll be able to explore around while paddling, taking in the natural setting. Even if you’re not an experienced kayaker, the activity is presented as accessible for most people, which matters. You don’t have to be “outdoorsy” to enjoy this part.

Why this matters for value: these are not minor add-ons. Banana boat and kayaking are two separate experiences that would normally cost extra if you booked separately. Having them bundled into a single 5-hour outing means you’re paying for time and convenience, not just activities.

Snorkeling in Crystal Clear Water: What to Expect

Snorkeling is included, and the tour frames it as happening in crystal clear waters. That’s the sweet spot: clear water usually means you can actually see what’s going on instead of feeling like you’re peering into a foggy aquarium.

Keep your expectations realistic. You’re snorkeling from a beach activity day, not a technical trip with specialized gear or long instruction blocks. Still, the included snorkeling is a real upgrade because it turns a beach day into an underwater experience—without paying for a separate snorkeling boat or guide.

If you want your best chance of enjoying it, go with a calm attitude. Don’t rush. Take a moment to get comfortable with the breathing and the water movement. The payoff is that moment when the water looks clear enough to make the effort worth it.

Pirate Treasure Hunt: A Fun Way to Keep Kids Engaged

One of the smartest additions here is the pirate-style treasure hunt. This is geared for the little ones, with clues and puzzles that keep kids active on the sand instead of sitting bored while adults do water activities.

The hunt is team-based and playful, built around searching for hidden treasures and solving pirate-themed puzzles. That’s great for family trips because it gives parents something to feel good about: the kids are doing an activity that fits the theme, and it breaks up the water-and-boat rhythm.

If you’re traveling with kids, this treasure hunt is also a timing win. It helps keep the day moving with purpose and gives everyone a shared story element. Even if your child isn’t the most competitive puzzle-solver, the pirate format tends to make it stick.

Breakfast and Lunch Under the Sea: Included Food That Actually Helps

Meals are included—both breakfast and lunch—and they’re described as under-the-sea themed. The practical takeaway is that you’re not spending your time deciding between overpriced beach snacks or searching for a restaurant that fits your schedule.

The included soft drinks also help keep the day smooth. When you’re bouncing between beach, water activities, and onboard entertainment, food logistics can quietly ruin a “fun” day if you’re always hungry or always paying out of pocket.

From the feedback shared about the experience, the food and overall entertainment got positive notes. One staff member named Dany was specifically mentioned for excellent waiter service and even for joining in with acting. That kind of onboard energy can make the meal feel less like a routine break and more like part of the show.

One caution: the listing doesn’t mention specialty dietary options. If you have strict dietary needs, it’s worth checking with the provider before you go so you don’t arrive expecting something specific.

Pirate Show and Fireworks: Why Night Trips Feel Special

The tour includes a pirate show and fireworks, which is where the night option can feel like a different experience. Even if the water activities take the spotlight during the day, the show and fireworks are the “memory maker” pieces that bring the whole pirate theme together.

Think of it like this: day gives you movement, laughter, and saltwater fun; night adds spectacle. The show is included either way, but the fireworks can turn the final stretch into something you actually remember later, not just another evening activity.

This is also a good tour if you like travel entertainment that’s built for all ages. It’s not just adults playing with props. The pirate theme is designed to be fun, not just decorative.

Price and Value: What $220 Really Buys

The price is $220.00 per person for about 5 hours. That number sounds straightforward until you look at what’s included: banana boat, kayaking, snorkeling, pirate show, fireworks, a treasure hunt for kids, and meals (breakfast and lunch) plus soft drinks. You’re also getting a guided experience with a return to the same meeting point.

Where value can shift for you: pay attention to what’s extra. Port taxes (30 MXN) aren’t included, and tips aren’t included. These aren’t huge budget killers, but they do affect the final total.

Still, when you compare it to building your own day—beach transfer + multiple water activities + food + show—the bundled structure is often the deal. You’re paying for the convenience and the packing of multiple experiences into one time window.

Also, with a max group size of 50, you’re not paying $220 to ride in a crowd that feels like a moving line at an amusement park. The cap helps keep the day from becoming purely logistical.

Getting There and Staying Sane: Meeting Point Tips That Help

You meet at Pirates of the Bay Boutiques MARINAH (Zona Hotelera area), and the tour ends back at the meeting point. That’s helpful because you can plan your day around a single location and then return without needing another ride to get back to where you’re staying.

It’s also noted as near public transportation, which gives you flexibility. If you’re staying in or near the Zona Hotelera, you can often make your day easier by using local transport rather than relying only on taxis.

My one practical suggestion: show up early enough to handle the little things—finding the group, getting your bearings, and getting your water-activity items organized. When snorkeling and kayaking are on the list, “we’ll figure it out later” can turn into wet socks and annoyed energy.

Who This Tour Suits Best (and Who Should Think Twice)

This is a great fit for people who want an active, themed day without extra planning. If you like beach time but also want structure—banana boat, kayaking, snorkeling, treasure hunt, show, fireworks—this tour hits the right buttons.

It’s especially good for:

• families with kids who want a pirate-themed activity on land
• couples and friends who want variety in one afternoon or evening
• first-timers who don’t want to coordinate separate bookings

Who should think twice:

• if you hate waiting around for group schedules, because water activities plus a show means the day has a clear timeline
• if you’re sensitive to weather changes, since the experience requires good weather

The weather factor is the key “consideration” that can change the feel of the day. If conditions are poor, the tour can be canceled and you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund.

Should You Book the Pirate Ship Tour From Puerto Vallarta?

Yes—if you want a high-energy, family-friendly pirate theme with real included activities. The combination of Majahuitas Beach plus banana boat, kayaking, and snorkeling means you’re not just paying for a boat ride and a show. You’re buying a whole menu of experiences in one 5-hour window, and the included meals help your budget stay under control.

Book it if you’ll enjoy being active, appreciate on-theme entertainment, and like the idea of ending with fireworks. Skip or reconsider if you’re planning around strict timing, have strong dietary needs, or will be disappointed if weather forces a change.

FAQ

How long is the Pirate Ship Tour?

The tour lasts about 5 hours.

Is the tour offered during the day or at night?

Yes, it’s offered by day or by night.

What is the price per person?

The price is $220.00 per person.

What meals and drinks are included?

Soft drinks are included, along with breakfast and lunch.

Are there water activities included?

Yes. The tour includes banana boat and kayak activities, plus snorkeling.

Is there anything for kids?

Yes. A pirate-style treasure hunt is included.

What entertainment is included on the tour?

A pirate show is included.

Are fireworks included?

Yes, fireworks are included.

What extra costs are not included in the price?

Port taxes of 30 MXN are not included, and tips are not included.

What happens if the weather is poor?

This experience requires good weather. If it’s canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund.