A private boat changes how you see Puerto Vallarta. This ChicaFUN 4 All Inclusive charter lets you customize your route in Bahia de Banderas, then cruises the coastline before a Los Arcos National Park snorkeling stop. I love the all-inclusive drinks and snacks that keep the day low-stress, and I love that snorkeling and water toys are ready to use without extra rental math. One catch: you have to set your meeting place in advance, and there’s no hotel pickup/drop-off, so plan your ride early.

In about four hours on the water, the crew runs things smoothly for small groups, and I’ve seen the names Alex, Lalo, Ricky, Ramses, and Mario come up for attentive service. You might spot humpback whales while cruising the Bay of Banderas, but nature does what it wants, so go with a flexible mindset and you’ll be happier.

Why This Private Boat Feels Different From Standard Tours

A private charter matters in Puerto Vallarta because the coast is best when you can slow down and choose your moments. Here, you’re not stuck with one rigid loop. You pick where you want to go inside Bahia de Banderas, and the crew handles the timing, the water time, and the practical stuff.

It also helps that the day is truly all-inclusive in the way that changes how you budget and how you relax. When you’re already on a boat, the last thing you want is to constantly track cash for food, drinks, or rentals. This setup aims to keep your group in the moment from the first pour to the last snack.

The other big difference: it’s only your group onboard. Up to 10 people means you can spread out a bit, pick your favorite spot on deck, and keep the vibe from feeling crowded.

It’s a 4-Hour “Custom Route” Charter in Bahia de Banderas

Expect an easy, about-4-hours experience that mixes cruise time with water time. The order of what you do can shift based on what you want and what’s going on at sea, but the bones stay the same: get out on the water, enjoy the coastline, then hit one of the most dramatic areas in the bay for snorkeling.

You’ll get three key segments during the ride:

• A customizable private boat tour route in Bahia de Banderas
• A cruise along the Puerto Vallarta coastline and around the Bay of Banderas
• Time south of Puerto Vallarta at Los Arcos National Park for water activities

That structure is nice because it balances “look at the view” time with “actually do something” time.

The Coast Cruise: Views, Whales (If You’re Lucky), and Zero Time Wasted

Cruising Puerto Vallarta from the water does something land-based sightseeing can’t: it compresses the distance between iconic scenery and real sea air. This is the stretch where you’ll see the coastline’s shape clearly, and it’s where a lot of the best boat-photo moments happen.

Some groups have mentioned humpback whales in the background while cruising the Bay of Banderas. I wouldn’t plan your day around a guarantee, but if whales show up, a private boat lets you get a better “look and linger” window than a busy public tour.

I also like that the cruise segment is built in right after you’re underway. You get the payoff early, before you’re worn out from waiting or rushing around a schedule.

Los Arcos National Park: Caves, Arches, and a Top Snorkel Stop

South of Puerto Vallarta, Los Arcos National Park rises straight out of the sea. Those naturally formed rock arches and sea caves are the main draw, and the area is known for wildlife both above and below the water.

Here’s what you can expect during this stop:

• Snorkeling with provided equipment
• Floating around the rock formations
• Time to explore caves and enjoy the arch scenery

If you want a “wow” moment that isn’t just a viewpoint, this is it. You’ll be in the water with the rocks right there, instead of only looking at them from deck height.

One practical note: snorkeling is only as good as your comfort level. If you’ve never snorkeled before, this is still a strong option because the gear is included and the crew is actively part of the experience. You’ll spend your time learning in the actual water, not hunting down rentals or figuring out instructions on the fly.

What All-Inclusive Really Means Here (Drinks, Snacks, and Activities)

This charter is built around not having to stop your fun for purchases. Alcoholic beverages and a range of non-alcohol options are included, including water, coffee, juices, sodas, mineral water, and favorites like margaritas, beer, wine, piña coladas, and champagne. The idea is simple: you choose what you want, and the boat keeps things moving.

Food is also part of the included package. You’ll have fresh made guacamole with blue corn chips, plus potato chips. Some experiences also add a fuller meal style like fajitas when the day’s plan calls for it, and multiple groups have praised the food quality.

On the activities side, you’re not limited to one thing. Provided gear includes:

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

That matters because it turns a “one-hour swim” into a whole menu of water time. If someone in your group doesn’t snorkel, they can still be happy on a paddle board or kayak.

Water Toys and Family-Friendly Energy on Deck

One of the most consistent themes I see is how the crew supports all ages. Families have pointed out kids loving the water toys and even jumping off the deck area—right down to brave little swimmers like a 5-year-old. The key is that the crew stays attentive and helps keep things fun and controlled.

What makes this practical for you is choice. If you have mixed ages, nobody has to wait for one person’s activity preferences. People can float, snorkel, board, or chill on deck while you rotate through what you feel like doing next.

Crew and Captain: When Service Actually Changes the Day

A good crew isn’t just “friendly.” On a boat, crew members quietly manage safety, pacing, and comfort. The names Alex and Lalo show up in standout service stories, and Ricky and Ramses also come up as part of what makes people want to book again.

In several accounts, the service style includes keeping drinks going without you having to ask every few minutes. Some crews even bring the party into the water experience—like bringing drinks directly to where you’re swimming. That turns the day from a series of tasks into one continuous vibe.

You also get a highly experienced captain guiding the best-use-of-time approach. With Los Arcos, a captain’s knowledge matters because you want to be in the right area at the right moment for snorkeling and cruising time.

Price and Value: $1,300 for Up to 10 (Who This Makes Sense For)

The price is $1,300 per group (up to 10) for about four hours. At first glance, that can feel high—especially if you’re coming solo or as a couple. But the real value is how the cost scales with group size.

If you fill the boat with a group of 8 to 10, the per-person math starts looking more reasonable, and the all-inclusive part becomes a bigger deal. You’re not just paying for the boat—you’re paying for the captain and crew, included water toys, snorkeling gear, and a full spread of drinks and snacks.

This charter is best when:

• You have a group size that can actually use the full capacity
• You want to customize route choices within Bahia de Banderas
• You care about drinks, water gear, and food being handled for you

If you’re traveling just as two adults and you mainly want a scenic cruise with minimal water time, you might compare options. But if you want a “full boat day” feel—snorkel, float, play, and relax—this price structure can be a great fit.

Logistics That Matter: Meeting Place, Pickup, and Getting There Without Drama

This experience is private and includes a mobile ticket. Pickup is offered, but hotel pickup and drop-off are not included. Also, there’s an important requirement: you must choose your meeting place before submitting your reservation.

So here’s what I’d do to keep the day smooth:

• Confirm the meeting place you select is easy for your group to reach
• Don’t assume a hotel shuttle-style pickup is covered
• If you need a different meeting point, ask early—Gil, the owner, handles transportation support and says you can request affordable luxury transport to get everyone there

Some groups have reported frustration with shuttle timing and capacity mismatches, so don’t treat shuttles as guaranteed. The safest plan is to coordinate your group’s arrival so you’re standing at the dock on time, not waiting on last-minute rides.

Also note that the tour is near public transportation, which can help if you’re staying close to transit corridors.

Timing: Booking Early Helps, Especially for Popular Water Days

This charter averages about 34 days booked in advance. That doesn’t mean you can’t book later, but it does tell you the boats and captain availability are something to respect. If your dates are fixed—like a birthday, holiday week, or a family gathering—booking earlier gives you more control.

The experience confirmation is received within 48 hours of booking, subject to availability. So you’ll want to wait for confirmation before finalizing other parts of your day.

Should You Book This Private Yacht Charter?

Book it if you want:

• A private boat day up to 10 people, with room to spread out
• All-inclusive drinks plus included snorkeling and water toys
• A Los Arcos National Park snorkeling stop built into your time on the water
• A crew that can handle families and mixed ages with energy and attention

Skip it (or at least compare) if:

• You’re dependent on guaranteed hotel pickup and drop-off
• Your group can’t commit to choosing a meeting place in advance
• You only want a short splash rather than real water time and activity options

If you want your day in Puerto Vallarta to feel like a celebration—not a schedule—you’ll likely love this format.

FAQ

What is included in the ChicaFUN 4 All Inclusive charter?

It includes all-inclusive activities, use of snorkel equipment, kayaks, paddle boards, water mattress, and water tube. Food includes fresh guacamole with blue corn chips and potato chips. Drinks include water, coffee, juices, sodas, mineral water, margaritas, beer, wine, piña coladas, champagne, and other alcoholic options you choose. Landing and facility fees are also included.

How long is the tour?

The duration is about 4 hours.

What is the group size limit?

The charter is priced per group for up to 10 people.

Is hotel pickup and drop-off included?

No. Pickup is offered, but hotel pickup and drop-off are not included.

Do I need to choose a meeting place before booking?

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

Is this a private tour?

Yes. It is private, so only your group participates.

Is snorkeling equipment provided?

Yes. Snorkel equipment is included.

What language is the tour offered in?

The tour is offered in English.

Can I cancel for a full refund?

You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund. Within 24 hours of the start time, the amount paid is not refunded.

Is pickup available if we need a different location?

The operator notes that you can request a different meeting point or affordable luxury transportation to the meeting point by contacting Gil, the owner.