Four hours can feel like a whole week.

This private yacht charter on ChicaFun 1 lets you shape the day around the Bay of Banderas, with big natural highlights and a crew that runs the show. You cruise the coastline, you hop to places like Los Arcos and Yelapa, and you get the kind of all-inclusive day where you don’t keep checking your wallet.

What I like most is how much water-time you get without having to plan. The boat includes snorkel gear plus fun gear like paddle boards, kayaks, water tubes, and even water mattresses, so you can switch from swimming to drifting without waiting around. I also like the people side: with crews like Alex greeting you at the marina and bartending support from Joel, the vibe stays relaxed, and your group is looked after.

One drawback to think about: the boat may not be in Puerto Vallarta itself. One recent birthday trip noted a roughly 40–50 minute drive to reach the departure location, so build in extra time and confirm your meeting place ahead of day.

ChicaFun 1: Key things that make this charter worth your time

• Choose your stops around the Bay of Banderas, so the day fits your group’s mood, not a rigid schedule.
• All-inclusive water play includes snorkel gear, paddle boards, kayaks, water tubes, and water mattress time.
• Open bar style service with mixed drinks and beer/wine, plus snacks like fresh guacamole and blue corn chips.
• High-energy crew moments that can turn into extras, like birthday cake support and hands-on fishing for kids.
• Solid snorkeling options near rock formations at Los Arcos National Park, with caves and granite arches on the route.

A private yacht day in Puerto Vallarta that actually feels private

This is not a bus tour with a quick stop and back on the road. It’s a private charter for your group (up to 15), which changes how the day feels. You spend your time on the water, not sitting in traffic, and you can set the tone: swim first, snack first, or just cruise and take it slow.

The big win is flexibility. You customize the private boat tour and decide where you want to go in the Bay of Banderas. That matters because Puerto Vallarta south-of-town areas can feel very different from each other, even when they’re close on a map.

Start smart: meeting point and the drive to the boat

Your day starts with one practical task: choose your meeting place before you submit the reservation. The operator emphasizes this, and it matters because you want zero confusion when everyone’s ready to go.

Hotel pickup and drop-off are not included, but pickup is offered and you can request help with transportation to the meeting point. The owner, Gil, is specifically mentioned as the person to contact if you need a different meeting point or “affordable luxury transportation” to get there smoothly. If you’re staying farther out, have a large group, or want a clean, stress-free start, this is worth setting up early.

Also watch the geography. One review notes the boat was not in Puerto Vallarta and required a 40–50 minute drive to the location. That’s not necessarily typical for every departure, but it’s a good reminder to plan time like a local: buffer your schedule.

What all-inclusive really covers on board

All-inclusive here is more than “you get water.” You’ll have alcoholic beverages plus non-alcoholic options like water, coffee, juices, soda, and mineral water. The list includes margaritas, beer, wine, piña coladas, and champagne, along with more. In plain terms: the boat staff is set up to keep drinks moving.

Food-and-snack support is also built in. You get fresh made guacamole with blue corn chips (and potato chips too). That’s a smart combo for a sea day: salty, fast energy, and not too heavy before more swimming and snorkeling.

If you’re thinking about value, this is where it adds up. A charter with gear plus open bar-style service can be harder to compare apples-to-apples with other day trips, but you can judge it by what you’d normally pay separately: boat time, snorkeling gear rental, and alcohol.

Cruising the Bay of Banderas: the day’s warm-up section

You start with a cruise along the Puerto Vallarta coastline and around the Bay of Banderas. This section is important because it sets expectations: you’re not just going from one stop to another, you’re learning the rhythm of the bay from the water.

On some days, you might catch wildlife along the way. One group specifically called out whale watching as part of their experience during the cruise. I wouldn’t count on it as a guarantee, but it’s a nice possibility when you’re already out there scanning the horizon.

Los Arcos National Park: caves, arches, and real snorkeling time

One of the standout nature stops is Los Arcos National Park, south of Puerto Vallarta. This is where the scenery becomes more than “pretty rocks.” It’s known for naturally occurring rock formations that are teeming with wildlife above and below the water, and you explore caves while floating through giant granite arches.

What this means for you during the swim: you’re not just jumping into open water. You have structure—arches and cave-like areas—that can create better snorkeling sightlines and a more interesting feel than a flat shoreline swim.

You should also be ready for this part to feel like the heart of the trip. With snorkeling gear included, this is your chance to slow down and enjoy the water, not just pass by on a boat.

If you’re going with kids, this stop can work well too, as long as you stick close and keep swim boundaries clear. The included gear gives you what you need to keep them comfortable and engaged.

Yelapa: white sand, sapphire water, and an easy-going coastal village feel

After the rock formations, you head to Yelapa, a charming coastal village south of Puerto Vallarta. It’s famous for white sand and sapphire water, and the plan is simple: spend time snorkeling and playing.

What I like about Yelapa as a stop is that it’s not only about water. The village setting gives you a different vibe than a pure cove-hopping day. Even if you stay mostly on or near the boat, the area feels like a real place, not just a photo spot.

If your group includes mixed preferences—some people love snorkeling, others prefer floating—Yelapa tends to support both. You can snorkel, then switch to paddles and tubes when you want a break.

Colomitos: the smallest beach in Mexico that feels like a secret

Colomitos is described as a hidden, small and beautiful beach surrounded by the exotic mountains of the Sierra Madre. It’s known as the smallest beach in Mexico, which is exactly the kind of detail that signals a more intimate, lower-crowd feel.

This is not the kind of place where you just need five minutes. The point is time on the water and time near the shoreline. If your group likes calm, quieter spots over big beach scenes, this stop fits.

One practical note: small beach stops can mean less room for everyone. If you’ve got a crew of mixed ages, use the boat time to take turns with snorkeling and gear, then regroup.

Remote beaches and the Boca de Tomatlán trek option (yes, it’s a hike-or-boat choice)

The tour also includes a remote beach that’s only accessible by boat or about a 1-hour and a half hike from Boca de Tomatlán’s jungle treks. Even if you never step on the trail, you still benefit from what that access limitation creates: less foot traffic and a more isolated feeling.

This is a good stop for people who enjoy “arrive and exhale.” It’s also a good reminder to bring a practical mindset for sun and comfort. If you’re out there for hours, you’ll want to manage shade breaks and hydrate between swims.

Playa Majahuitas: a beach stop that many people rate as the best in Puerto Vallarta

Playa Majahuitas is often considered the best beach of Puerto Vallarta. That’s a strong claim, and the way it works on a charter is straightforward: you get a dedicated beach window, with time to swim and enjoy the water.

Why it can be a great choice on a private day: if you’re paying for boat time, you want at least one beach that feels like a destination. Majahuitas is often picked for that reason, and this itinerary includes it as a key stop.

If your group wants a “main beach” moment, this is likely it.

Las Caletas: the relaxation stop that feels designed for doing less

Las Caletas is described as a magical private beach specially designed for full relaxation. After rock formations, village time, and smaller beach coves, this stop gives you a different pace: slow down, float, and enjoy.

This is the kind of stop that works well for mixed groups. People who want to keep swimming can do it, but others can just sit back, enjoy the water, and take in the setting without needing to snorkel or paddle.

The crew: Alex, Luis, and Joel set the tone for the day

The staff quality is a major reason this charter earns a strong reputation. Alex is mentioned as meeting guests at the marina and being friendly from the very beginning. That matters because the first 10 minutes set the mood: you want calm confidence, not chaos.

Luis is also named, with a crew described as phenomenal and able to handle a more rowdy party without losing control of the day. That’s real-world value—on the water, attention to everyone’s comfort is what keeps fun from turning into friction.

And Joel gets special mention as the bartender who swam out to bring drinks on the ocean. That detail tells you what kind of service you’re paying for: it’s not just “order here,” it’s active attention while you’re floating.

Price and value: $2,490 per group up to 15

The price is $2,490 per group, with a group limit of up to 15, and it lasts about 4 hours. If you fill it to the top, that’s roughly $166 per person at most. If your group is smaller, the per-person cost goes up, but you’re still buying something that’s hard to replicate on typical day trips: a private boat, included gear, and broad drink-and-snack coverage.

The value equation is best if you have:

• a group of friends or a family where everyone will actually use the included gear,
• people who enjoy swimming and snorkeling (not just sightseeing),
• a group that would otherwise buy drinks and rentals separately.

If you’re traveling solo or as a couple, this price may feel steep compared to shared tours. But if you’re a small crew who wants flexibility and a no-stress water day, this is one of the more straightforward “spend money once and enjoy it” options.

How to make your 4 hours count (practical tips)

Here are a few smart ways to get the most out of a charter like this:

• Pick your priorities early. Since you customize stops, decide if your group wants more snorkeling time or more beach time, then steer the day accordingly.
• Use the gear during the stops, not only at the dock. The paddle boards, kayaks, and water tubes are included for a reason: switching activities keeps the day fresh.
• Plan for sun and water breaks. You’ll be out for hours, with lots of time in and out of the water. Shade and hydration keep everyone happy.
• Ask about special moments if you’re celebrating. One birthday review mentioned extra support like a birthday cake. Not everyone expects that, but it shows the crew goes beyond the basics when it matters.
• If you’re traveling with kids, you’ll likely enjoy the hands-on energy. One group described fish lines in the water and kids catching fish, then the crew cooking one for them onboard. That kind of interactive fun is exactly what many families hope for on a charter.

Should you book this private ChicaFun 1 charter?

Book it if you want a private, flexible water day with serious all-inclusive support: snorkel gear, kayaks, paddle boards, and a drink lineup that keeps things easy. It also fits well if your group wants a mix of iconic stops (Los Arcos) and beach time that changes pace (Yelapa, Colomitos, Majahuitas, Las Caletas).

Skip or rethink it if:

• you don’t want to think about meeting points in advance,
• you’re short on time and the extra drive to the boat location could be stressful,
• you’re mostly looking for a quick photo tour instead of a swim-and-play day.

If your group is ready for a real day on the bay, this charter’s strength is simple: you get a lot of water time, plenty of gear, and a crew that keeps the mood good.

FAQ

How long is the ChicaFun 1 private yacht charter?

The trip runs about 4 hours.

How many people can you book for?

It’s priced per group and is up to 15 people.

Is it a private tour or shared with other groups?

This is a private tour. Only your group participates.

What activities and gear are included?

Snorkel gear is included, along with paddle boards, kayaks, water mattress, and water tubes.

What’s included for food and drinks?

You get snacks including fresh made guacamole and blue corn chips (plus potato chips). Alcoholic beverages are included, along with water, coffee, juices, sodas, mineral water, and drinks like margaritas, beer, wine, piña coladas, and champagne.

Is hotel pickup and drop-off included?

Hotel pickup and drop-off are not included. The operator says pickup is offered, and you can request help arranging transportation to your meeting point by contacting Gil.

Do I need to choose a meeting place?

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

Are gratuities included in the price?

No. Gratuities are not included and are optional.

What is the cancellation policy?

You can cancel for a full refund up to 24 hours in advance. If you cancel less than 24 hours before the start time, you don’t get a refund.