A waterslide yacht day beats most tours. I like how this private charter in Puerto Vallarta lets you choose where to go in Bahía de Banderas, then spend the hours floating, snorkeling, and playing in full-on vacation mode with a crew that’s built for fun.

For me, the two big wins are the brand-name open bar and the mix of water toys that keep things active instead of just drifting. You’re not stuck watching everyone else swim either; you get gear and options, and the waterslides are a real crowd-pleaser.

One thing to think about: there’s no hotel pickup, so you’ll want to lock in your meeting place before you book, and plan your way there (the company can help with alternatives if you ask Gil).

Key highlights worth knowing

• You get a private boat for your group (up to 15), not a shared party with strangers.
• All-inclusive open bar plus snacks: drinks and food are part of the price, not add-ons.
• Water action kit included: snorkel equipment, kayaks, paddle boards, water mattress, and water tubes.
• Customizable route in Bahia de Banderas so you’re not locked into one canned stop list.
• Crew goes hands-on when conditions change, including helping guests stay comfortable in the water.

ChicaFUN 3: A private waterslide yacht day in Puerto Vallarta

If you’re tired of tours that feel like a checklist, this is the opposite. You pick the vibe for a few hours on the water in Bahia de Banderas, and then you let the boat do what boats do best: float, splash, and give you a front-row seat to Puerto Vallarta from the sea.

This is a private yacht charter on ChicaFUN 3, with waterslides and all-inclusive perks. The real value is that it’s built for groups who want time in the water, not just a quick photo stop.

And yes, it’s a good fit for mixed ages. One family described this as working for everyone from a 10-year-old to an 82-year-old, with the waterslide and the variety of water toys keeping the day from turning into a sit-and-wait routine.

4 hours in Bahia de Banderas: how your route really works

The itinerary is simple by design: it’s a private boat tour where you can customize where you would like to visit in the beautiful Bahia de Banderas. In other words, you’re not stuck with a rigid script from the start.

For this specific charter length (about 4 hours), the day centers on cruising the Bay of Banderas and the Puerto Vallarta coastline. You’ll get that classic sea view experience—coastline scenery, open water, and plenty of time to play—without needing a full-day time commitment.

If you’re thinking about Marietas or Yelapa instead

There’s also a 7-hour full day option offered by the same crew. In that longer format, you can choose either the Marietas Islands or Yelapa Falls, and you can’t do both in the same day. If those destinations are high on your list, you’ll want to plan around that trade-off early.

All-inclusive drinks and snacks that actually matter

A lot of tours say all-inclusive and then quietly disappoint you. Here, the included list is the point: you’re getting a brand-name open bar plus food.

The open bar includes options like water, coffee, juices, sodas, mineral water, piña colada margaritas, beer, wine, tequila, and champagne. It’s the kind of range that works if you’re traveling with different preferences—someone wants cocktails, someone else just wants a cold beer, and both people stay happy.

You’ll also get snacks: fresh made guacamole and ceviche with blue corn chips and potato chips. That’s a practical touch. If you’re going to be out on the water for hours, it’s way better to have proper snack fuel than to rely on impulse meals later.

What this means for your planning

Because drinks and snacks are included, you can plan the day without doing math every time you want something. That’s also why this can be good value for groups: the big variable costs that normally add up on day trips are already baked in.

Water toys plus waterslides: where the time goes

The title of the charter is honest: this is about waterslides and water play. The waterslide is a hit in this setup, and one reviewer specifically called it out as the highlight for their group.

Beyond the slide, you also get access to water activities and gear:

• Snorkel equipment
• Kayaks
• Paddle boards
• Water mattress
• Water tubes

So you can split up by comfort level. Some people will want snorkel time; others may prefer the paddle board or the easy lounging of a water mattress. The key is that you’re not limited to one activity.

A small reality check

All of this water fun depends on conditions. Wind and weather can change how the day runs, and that’s where the crew’s flexibility becomes important.

One review praised how the staff accommodated the trip when high winds showed up. That matters, because on the water, the goal is a good day—not forcing a plan that the weather won’t support.

The crew: the difference between fun and hassle

This is where this charter gets repeat praise. The service isn’t just friendly; it’s proactive.

Two names stood out from reviews: Sexy Dave and Gil. Sexy Dave was mentioned in a review that described a Christmas Eve outing with whales and lots of water time. Gil—listed as the owner—also responded to reviews, and the tone is consistent: they’re focused on making the day work for your group.

You’ll also appreciate the hands-on details. One review mentioned staff swimming drinks out to people while they were in the water, and even holding jewelry for guests. That’s the kind of small help that makes a big difference when you’re actually trying to relax.

Why this is a real value point

On a private charter, you’re paying for the boat and the experience. But the staff is what turns that into a smooth day. They handle the pace, the equipment flow, and the adjustments when nature changes the plan.

Price and value: when $1,940 per group makes sense

The price is $1,940 per group for up to 15 people, for about 4 hours. That number can feel steep if you’re traveling solo or as a couple. It becomes much more sensible when you’re spreading the cost across a group and you’re actually using what’s included.

Here’s the basic value math to think about:

• If you fill close to the 15-person limit, the per-person cost drops a lot.
• If you book with fewer people, it stays more expensive per person—but you’re still getting a private boat, open bar, snacks, and a full set of water toys.

Also note what’s not included. You don’t get hotel pickup or drop-off, and gratuities aren’t included (optional). Souvenir photos are available for purchase, but they’re not part of the package.

So the best way to judge value is this: is your group the kind that will drink, snack, and use the water gear instead of treating it like a passive boat ride? If yes, this is built for you.

Meeting point reality: pick your spot before you book

Hotel pickup and drop-off aren’t included. The experience requires that you choose your meeting place before submitting your reservation, and you’ll want to take that seriously to avoid last-minute stress.

The meeting point is described as near public transportation. If that helps you, great. If you want a simpler option, the company notes that you can request assistance with affordable luxury transportation to the meeting point by calling Gil.

My practical advice

Decide how your group will get there before you’re day-of tired and sunburned. For a private boat day, the easiest win is arriving early, getting settled, and starting the water time without rushing.

Who should book this charter (and who might want a different option)

This is a strong match if you want:

• A private experience for a group (friends, families, multi-generational trips)
• Waterslides and “active” water time, not just looking at the coast
• All-inclusive drinks and snacks so you don’t manage costs all day
• Enough variety for different comfort levels in the group (snorkel, paddle boards, kayaks, floating)

It may not be the best fit if:

• You’re traveling with only a couple of people and won’t use the included open bar and water toys
• You’re expecting a fixed multi-destination itinerary like a bus tour (this route is customizable)
• You strongly prefer hotel pickup as part of the price (this charter doesn’t include it)

And if Marietas Islands or Yelapa Falls are your must-sees, you should compare the 4-hour option with the offered 7-hour full day format, since you can’t hit both Marietas and Yelapa in the same 7-hour day.

Should you book ChicaFUN 3 for your Puerto Vallarta day on the water?

I’d book this if your group wants a private, water-first experience and you’re happy to plan around the meeting point. The value gets much better when you spread the cost across up to 15 people and you’ll actually use the included gear, slide, and open bar.

I also like that the crew seems built to handle real-life conditions. High winds happen at sea, and it’s reassuring when the team adjusts so your day stays fun instead of falling apart.

If you’re on the fence, do this quick check:

• Can your group realistically get to the meeting point?
• Will most people use the waterslides and water toys?
• Do you want drinks and snacks included, not added later?

If the answer is yes, this is one of the more straightforward ways to turn a Puerto Vallarta trip into a real water adventure.

FAQ

How much does the ChicaFUN 3 private yacht charter cost?

It costs $1,940 per group, up to 15 people.

How long is the charter?

It runs for about 4 hours.

Is this tour private or shared?

This is a private tour/activity. Only your group participates.

Is hotel pickup and drop-off included?

No, hotel pickup and drop-off are not included.

What’s included with the all-inclusive package?

You get all-inclusive activities, an alcoholic open bar, use of snorkel equipment, kayaks, paddle boards, water mattress, and water tubes, plus snacks such as fresh made guacamole and ceviche with blue corn chips and potato chips.

What kinds of drinks are included in the open bar?

The open bar includes options like water, coffee, juices, sodas, mineral water, piña colada margaritas, beer, wine, tequila, champagne, or whatever you choose to drink from the bar selection.

Do I need to choose a meeting point before booking?

Yes. You must choose your meeting place before submitting your reservation.

Can I customize where we go in Bahia de Banderas?

Yes. This is a private boat tour where you can customize where you would like to visit in Bahia de Banderas.

What is the cancellation policy?

You can cancel for free 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.