One yacht, eight people, and a calm coastline. This private South Shore cruise is a great way to see Puerto Vallarta from the water without getting herded with strangers, and I like that you can tailor the day to your group. I also love the chance to snorkel around Los Arcos with the crew right there to help. One consideration: there’s no hotel pickup, so you’ll need to make it to the marina meeting point.

The boat is 26 feet and the vibe stays relaxed all day—think good music, easy conversation, and a captain/crew who keep things moving at your pace. You may sail with Captain Fernando and a team that can include people like Jorge, Julio, Titus, or Mitsen (names come up often in the crew stories), and they’ll talk you through what you’re seeing along the shoreline.

The day flows from Los Arcos de Mismaloya to more cruising views of the coast, then down to Playa Las Animas for beach time. Soft drinks and beer are included, while hard liquor and lunch cost extra, so plan your spending accordingly.

Key things to know before you go

• It’s truly private for up to 8: you’re not sharing the boat with other tour groups.
• Los Arcos snorkeling is a highlight: you can snorkel or stay onboard if the water’s not cooperating.
• Las Animas is beach time, not a tour marathon: you’ll have time to relax and choose what to eat.
• Soft drinks and beer are included: hard liquor is extra, so set expectations for your drinks budget.
• No hotel pickup: you’ll meet at the marina (and cruise-ship passengers have a separate plan).

Why the 26-foot La Vida Bella feels different from big boat tours

If you’re tired of the big-boat circus, this kind of private yacht cruise usually feels like the better deal. With a 26-foot boat, the day is intimate. You can hear the crew, you can ask questions, and you’re not waiting your turn for shade or for the next photo stop.

I also like how the cruise lets you slow down. This isn’t a rigid schedule with constant drop-offs. You can customize the time you spend at each stop, which matters because the best part of a sea day is often the unplanned part—like spotting birds feeding, watching dolphins move through the distance, or deciding you want a second swim.

A practical note: smaller boats can feel more motion when the water is choppy. One group reported that conditions were rough enough that snorkeling wasn’t ideal, but that turned their time into a whale-watching bonus instead. So if you’re the type who wants perfect snorkeling no matter what, keep your expectations flexible.

Getting to Marina Los Peines: meeting point and cruise-ship pickup

This tour starts at Marina Los Peines, address listed as Los Peines 332, Isla Iguana, Puerto Vallarta, Jal., Mexico. There’s no hotel pickup or private transportation included, so you’ll either drive or arrange your own taxi/ride to the marina.

If you’re coming from a cruise ship, you should message in advance. Pickup for cruise passengers is at the cruise terminal at the pier located in front of the harbor master. You’ll look for the boat La Vida Bella and the captain or crew in uniform.

Here’s the small planning tip I’d follow: show up a bit early. A marina is not like a street corner where people magically appear. Once you find the right boat, everything else is smooth.

Also, plan for the day to be mostly on the water. There are no towels included, and there can be limited facilities when you go ashore at the beach. Bring what you need for comfort and don’t assume you can solve everything last-minute.

Los Arcos de Mismaloya: snorkeling odds, crew help, and sea-life viewing

Los Arcos de Mismaloya is the first stop, and it’s where the trip earns its reputation. You get about an hour here, which is short enough to keep the day efficient but long enough to actually enjoy yourself.

You can snorkel or stay onboard to watch. If you snorkel, you’ll have snorkeling equipment and life jackets provided, so you’re not trying to rent or borrow gear at the last minute. If you choose to stay on the boat, you still get that up-close “I’m there” feeling—seeing tropical birds overhead and fish in clear water when conditions allow.

What to watch for:

• Schools of fish moving through the shallows
• Birds feeding around the rocky formation
• Kids and non-swimmers having a good view from the boat while the more confident snorkelers go in

If the water is rough, don’t panic. You can usually adjust by staying onboard, or focusing on sea-life viewing instead. One of the best examples in the crew stories is a day where choppiness cut down snorkeling time but opened the door for other wildlife sightings further along the coast.

Puerto Vallarta from the water: shoreline views and the stops between

The middle stretch is the “see the coast from a different angle” part of the day. As you cruise, you’ll pass viewpoints many people only get to see from streets or overlooks. Depending on timing, you’ll see the downtown area and the Romantic Zone area from the water, plus the South Shore shoreline with private homes and condos that change the whole feel of the city.

This is also where the crew’s personality shows. You’re not just riding in silence. Crew members like Fernando and his co-captains (names that show up include Jorge, Julio, Titus, and Mitsen) tend to share stories and details as you go, and they keep the mood light—music is a recurring theme, including salsa and playlist-style favorites.

One reason this section matters for value: you’re paying for the boat, so you want those hours to feel like more than transportation. The best private cruises use the travel time as part of the experience, and this one aims to do that. You’ll typically keep moving with purpose, but you’re not rushing every second.

And wildlife is part of the “between stops” magic. Several groups mention whales and dolphins. You can’t count on it every day, but the fact that it comes up repeatedly is a good sign that the captain knows how to look and when to slow down so everyone can see.

Playa Las Animas: beach time, lunch math, and what to do ashore

After the coastline cruising, you head to Playa Las Animas for relaxation and optional beach activities. You’ll have about two hours here, and that time tends to be the easiest part of the day: swim, walk the shore, cool down, and eat if you want.

Lunch is not included. The restaurant food and drinks are an extra cost. That said, people seem genuinely happy with what the crew points you toward. One story even calls out coconut shrimp as a standout, along with good drinks at the beach restaurant. So I’d treat lunch as a plan, not a surprise: bring enough cash/pesos and decide how much you want to spend.

If you want more than a simple beach break, the area can have vendors offering extras like horseback riding, para-sailing, jet skis, and banana boats. You’ll also likely find people selling drinks and snacks. Prices vary, so it’s smart to ask on the spot.

One practical caution from real experience: once you disembark, there may not be nearby bathrooms. That matters if your group plans to drink beer/soft drinks and stay longer than the average person. If nature calls, handle it early.

Price and drinks: when $678 makes sense (and when it doesn’t)

The price is $678 per group, up to 8 passengers, for about a half-day outing. That’s a lot on paper, but the math changes fast if you split it among friends or family.

If you fill all eight seats, you’re paying roughly $85 per person. If it’s only two people, you’re paying the full amount—so it can feel pricey compared with shared tours. Still, the value comes from the private boat time, the flexibility, and the fact that you get snorkeling gear included (plus life jackets and bottled water).

Included in the overall experience:

• Bottled water
• Snorkeling equipment
• Life jackets
• Soft drinks and beer during the cruise

Not included:

• Lunch
• Hard liquor (extra cost)
• Towels
• Hotel pickup/drop-off and private transportation

Also note a key add-on: there’s a port entrance fee of 2.00 USD or 41 MXN pesos per person. This is separate from the base price, so it’s worth budgeting for before you get to the dock.

The best value strategy is simple: go with a group that makes sense for you, then use the privacy to do exactly what you want—snorkel when you feel like it, spend extra time at the beach if the day is right, and don’t rush because a big bus is waiting.

Crew service and safety: why the reviews sound the same

What keeps showing up in the crew stories is not just friendliness. It’s attentiveness. People describe a team that keeps things running smoothly, helps with snorkeling, and stays alert to comfort and safety.

A few consistent patterns:

• The crew makes sure you have what you need while you’re on the water
• Drinks are kept flowing when they’re included, which helps the day feel like a true “vacation hour” and not work
• Snorkeling support can include guidance for where to look and how to enjoy the swim safely
• The captain often times the day to avoid the crush, including getting to the first stop early and leaving beach time in a calmer window

For families, that kind of pacing matters. If you’re traveling with teens and kids, you don’t want a tour where everyone is constantly being dragged to the next thing. Private time lets you decide how long to snorkel, how long to rest, and whether you want beach walking time or straight relaxation.

Who should book this private South Shore cruise

This is a strong fit if you want:

• A private boat day for couples, families, or small friend groups
• South Shore views with less stress than a large group tour
• Snorkeling at Los Arcos with gear provided
• A relaxed pacing where you can choose your comfort level

It may not be the right fit if:

• You need hotel pickup and door-to-door logistics
• Your main goal is a long, guaranteed snorkeling session regardless of sea conditions
• Your group doesn’t want to pay extra for lunch or hard liquor (since those aren’t included)

If you’re booking for a multi-generation group—kids plus grandparents—this cruise style often works well because the boat gives options. People can snorkel while others stay onboard, then everyone can enjoy the beach break.

Should you book the South Shore Private Sightseeing Cruise?

I think this is a book-it kind of experience if you value privacy, flexibility, and a water-based day that feels more personal than a group outing. The biggest “yes” is the combo of Los Arcos snorkeling, downtime at Playa Las Animas, and a crew that keeps the atmosphere easy and organized.

If you’re price-sensitive, do the math on your group size. It’s easiest to justify when you fill more seats and treat it like a shared day out. If you’re a solo couple taking it alone, you’ll want to be honest with yourself about whether $678 is worth the private yacht experience versus a cheaper shared boat.

My practical checklist before you go:

• Plan your ride to Marina Los Peines
• Bring pesos for lunch, beach extras, and the port entrance fee
• Pack sunscreen and consider what you’ll do about towels
• Stay flexible if the water looks choppy

If that sounds like your kind of day, this private South Shore cruise is one of the stronger ways to see Puerto Vallarta without the stress.

FAQ

How many people can go on the South Shore Private Sightseeing Cruise?

It’s a private tour for up to 8 passengers, so only your group participates.

What’s included, and what costs extra?

Included items are bottled water, snorkeling equipment, and life jackets, and soft drinks plus beer are included. Lunch and hard liquor cost extra, and towels are not included.

Do you pick up from hotels in Puerto Vallarta?

No. There’s no hotel pickup or drop-off included. You meet at Marina Los Peines (Los Peines 332, Isla Iguana, Puerto Vallarta).

Is there a port entrance fee?

Yes. The port entrance fee is listed as 2.00 USD or 41 MXN pesos per person.

Is snorkeling gear provided?

Yes. Snorkeling equipment is included, and you can snorkel at Los Arcos de Mismaloya or stay on board if you prefer.

What happens if weather is bad or I cancel?

The experience is subject to favorable weather conditions. If it’s canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered an alternative date or a full refund of your deposit. You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.