Private Luxury Yacht Charter Puerto Vallarta: Banderas Bay cruise

Your own crewed yacht for the afternoon, not a shared boat with a schedule

A private luxury yacht charter in Puerto Vallarta lets you cruise Banderas Bay with your group aboard a 58ft-61ft Hatteras, fully crewed and stocked with a premium bar, snorkeling equipment, kayaks and paddleboards. You choose the departure pier (Marina Vallarta or Nuevo Vallarta), the duration (4 to 8 hours), and the captain adjusts the route to your preferences. Up to 20 guests travel at the same price, and longer charters add fresh ceviche, paninis, salads and crab dips to the onboard menu.

Step-by-step itinerary

Stops and time spent at each

1. Banderas Baypassing by
2. The Malecónpassing by
3. Los Arcos National Marine Park45m

Luxury yacht cruise and water activities

• Embark on private luxury yacht
• Cruise past Malecón boardwalk
• Anchor at Los Arcos Marine Park
• Snorkel, paddleboard, and kayak
• Enjoy fresh ceviche and cocktails

The experience

The boat departs from either Marina Vallarta or Nuevo Vallarta. You pick which pier works for your arrival. Once aboard, the captain and crew take over navigation and service while you settle into the open-air deck. The yacht cruises past the Malecón, Puerto Vallarta's waterfront boardwalk, where the city's colonial architecture and Sierra Madre mountains frame the skyline from the water. A premium bar stocked with international spirits, cocktails, beers and wines stays open throughout the charter, and the crew keeps drinks flowing without a tab.

For charters of 4 hours or longer, the yacht anchors at Los Arcos National Marine Park, where snorkeling masks and fins are ready for everyone. Paddleboards, kayaks and a giant Lilipad mat sit on deck for anyone who wants to stay above water. The crew serves fresh ceviche and cocktails while you're in or out of the water. A 5-hour charter adds green salads and warm paninis to the menu. 6 hours and beyond bring crab dips as well. The boat's flexibility means you're not locked into a fixed itinerary. If your group wants to linger at one spot or skip ahead, the captain adjusts.

The price covers up to 20 guests with no per-person surcharge, so larger groups don't pay extra. A captain and attentive staff manage the boat, leaving your group free to celebrate, relax or explore. The guide speaks English and Spanish, and you can book 4, 5, 6 or 8 hours depending on how much time you want on the water. Crew gratuities are optional and handled at checkout.

What’s included

• Premium open bar with international spirits, cocktails, beers and wines.
• snorkeling masks and fins for everyone.
• paddleboards, kayaks and a giant Lilipad mat.
• fresh fruit and ceviche on all charters, plus paninis and green salads on 5-hour bookings, plus crab dips on 6-hour and longer charters.
• fully crewed captain and attentive service staff throughout the day.

Options for this experience

3 options

4 Hours CharterGuide in English or Spanish · 7 departure times: the first at 09:00, the last at 15:00Four-hour option with a premium bar, water toys, a Lilipad, and a food menu lasting 4 hours (chopped fruit, fish ceviche, guacamole and paninis)

5 Hours CharterGuide in English or Spanish · 7 departure times: the first at 09:00, the last at 15:00Five-hour option with a premium bar, water toys, a Lilipad, and a food menu lasting 5 hours (chopped fruit, fish ceviche, guacamole, paninis and green salad)

6 Hours CharterGuide in English or Spanish · 7 departure times: the first at 09:00, the last at 15:00Six-hour option with a premium bar, water toys, a Lilipad, and a full food menu lasting 6 hours (chopped fruit, fish ceviche, guacamole, paninis, salad and crab dips)

You pick the guide language when booking.

You'll see the exact price of each option when you check availability.See dates and prices

Before you book

Days and timesEvery day7 departure times: the first at 09:00, the last at 15:00

GroupPrivate

Live guideEnglish and Spanish

Meeting point and pickupNo hotel pickup: you go to the meeting point. Ends back at the starting point.

Cancellation and refundsFree cancellation up to 24 h before the start. After that, no refund.It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund.

Prices and times updated 11 days ago

Good to know

Low physical effortPets welcomeNot recommended during pregnancyNot recommended with heart problemsNot recommended with back problems

Operated by Mike's Fishing & Tours

Is this one for you?Book this private yacht if your group is 8 or more and wants to explore Banderas Bay together. You'll choose between a 4-hour afternoon cruise or 6–8 hours with time for snorkeling, kayaking, and lingering at Los Arcos.

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Top questions

What languages is the tour guided in?

Live guide in English and Spanish.

What happens if it rains?

It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund. Free cancellation up to 24 h before the start.

Can I bring my own group of 18 people without paying extra per person?

Yes. The yacht accommodates up to 20 guests at no additional charge per person, so your full group travels together at the same rate.

What happens if I book a 4-hour charter? Do I still get to snorkel at Los Arcos?

Los Arcos is ideal for charters of 4 hours or longer, so yes. The crew will anchor there and provide snorkeling masks, fins, kayaks and paddleboards for everyone to use.

Does the price include food, or just drinks?

The premium bar is included for all durations. Food depends on length: 4-hour charters include fresh fruit; 5-hour charters add ceviche and paninis plus green salads; 6-hour and longer charters add crab dips as well.

Which departure pier should I choose, Marina Vallarta or Nuevo Vallarta?

Both are available. Marina Vallarta (Dock K) and Nuevo Vallarta (Paradise Village) both serve as departure points, so pick whichever is closer to where you're staying or easier to reach.

Is snorkeling equipment provided, or do I need to bring my own?

Masks and snorkels are provided for everyone aboard. Paddleboards, kayaks and the Lilipad mat are also included, so you don't need to pack water gear.