Puerto Vallarta: Luxury Sailing Tour with Open Bar & Lunch

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Free cancellationTravelers' pick

1/17

Duration6h

GroupUp to 30

LanguagesEN · ES

Mobile ticketAccepted

Sail Banderas Bay, spot dolphins, enjoy open bar & fresh lunch

You’ll sail across Banderas Bay on a luxury yacht with an attentive local crew, enjoying premium open bar drinks and fresh deli-style lunch as you relax or try snorkeling and paddleboarding. Watch for dolphins near the boat and soak up mountain views from deck cushions—this day is all about slowing down and feeling connected to Puerto Vallarta’s sea air.

Step-by-step itinerary

Luxury sailing and water activities

Receive sailing basics briefing
Depart from Marina Vallarta
Sail across Banderas Bay
Swim and snorkel in bay
Stop at secluded beach (weather permitting)
Swim and snorkel in protected cove
Relax on cushioned mattresses
Enjoy premium open bar and cocktails
Eat deli-style lunch and hors d’oeuvres
Watch for dolphins, whales, and rays
Receive personalized service from crew

The Experience

The first thing I remember is the way the dock creaked under our feet at Marina Vallarta, and that sharp tang of salt in the air. Our guide—Miguel, I think—had this easy smile and explained a bit about sailing before we even left. I was half listening, half distracted by the sunlight bouncing off all those white boats. We climbed aboard this Leopard yacht (honestly, felt fancier than anything I’ve been on), and someone handed me a cold drink before I’d even figured out where to sit.

There’s this moment when you’re gliding out into Banderas Bay and the city just falls away behind you. The water was so blue it almost looked fake. Miguel pointed out the Sierra Madre mountains in the haze—he joked they always look like they’re napping. The crew kept bringing around snacks (the guacamole was actually amazing) and checking if we wanted another cocktail. I tried paddleboarding for maybe five minutes before realizing my balance is questionable at best, but nobody seemed to mind. At one point someone spotted dolphins swimming alongside us—honestly, seeing them that close made everyone go quiet for a second.

We anchored near a cove where you could snorkel or just float around (I did both). The water tasted salty-sweet and there were these tiny silver fish everywhere. Lunch was this deli spread—fresh bread, cheeses, something herby on the chicken—and it hit different after swimming. The sun got pretty intense but there were shaded spots if you needed a break; one guy just stretched out on a mattress and didn’t move for an hour. The whole day felt kind of suspended, like time slowed down with every wave.

I keep thinking about how peaceful it was when we sailed back—the wind picking up, everyone stretched out with sun-warmed skin and salty hair. Miguel told us stories about whales coming through in winter; he said he never gets tired of it. There’s something about being out there on Banderas Bay that makes you forget your phone exists for a while—you know? I still think about that view over the water as we pulled back into Puerto Vallarta’s marina, not quite ready for it to end.

What’s included

Your day includes departure from Marina Vallarta aboard an exclusive Leopard or Beneteau yacht with attentive crew service throughout.
premium open bar with cocktails.
fresh deli-style lunch plus gourmet snacks.
snorkeling gear and paddleboards for exploring Banderas Bay.
cushioned deck spaces to relax between swims.
plus access to onboard restrooms—all wrapped up in easygoing hospitality before returning to port in Puerto Vallarta.

Good to know

Easy physical level

Operated by Vallarta Adventures