Majahuitas cove feels like your own beach. This half-day cruise runs along the Bay of Banderas on a smaller Leopard catamaran, then drops you at a secluded snorkeling spot near Puerto Vallarta. You get a crew-staffed, lunch-and-water-gear day with an emphasis on service, plus nonstop sightseeing like Los Arcos and sea views of the Malecón Boardwalk.

What I like most is the mix of activities without feeling rushed: snorkel time at the cove, paddleboarding gear, and time to relax. I also like that the tour includes an unlimited premium open bar, so you can keep the day easy. One thing to consider is that the ocean decides the pace, so you may deal with choppy water, shorter-than-expected water time, and limited space for belongings.

Key highlights worth planning around

• 40 people max on a Leopard catamaran so the vibe stays personal
• Majahuitas Cove for snorkeling and a secluded beach feel
• Snorkeling gear and stand up paddleboards included
• Unlimited premium open bar and Mexican-style lunch
• Bay of Banderas sights like Los Arcos and classic sea views along the Malecón
• Wildlife spotting can happen depending on the day, including dolphins and turtles

A VIP-size Leopard catamaran on Puerto Vallarta’s Bay of Banderas

This is the kind of Puerto Vallarta boat day that works when you want more comfort than the big-boat scene, without sacrificing the scenery. The trip caps at 40 travelers, and that matters. On a smaller catamaran, you tend to feel like you’re part of the group instead of a passenger number.

The boat is a Leopard catamaran, crewed throughout. That means you are not just sitting there hoping someone notices your empty cup. Most people come away talking about how attentive the crew is, with names like Alex and Diego Chihuahua showing up in the kind of service people remember.

For value, you are basically buying three things bundled together: the cruise, the water activities, and the all-inclusive food and drinks. That bundle is what makes the ticket feel reasonable once you compare it to paying for snorkeling gear and a separate lunch somewhere on land.

The sea-route plan: Los Arcos and Malecón views depend on conditions

The day starts with a cruise south along the Bay of Banderas. The route can change based on sea conditions, and you should treat that as normal rather than a surprise. When the water cooperates, you get more classic “from the sea” landmarks and viewpoints.

Here is what you should look for as the boat moves:

• You may pass by Los Arcos depending on the conditions.
• You’ll enjoy sea views of the Malecón Boardwalk from the water as you cruise through the bay.

This is a good setup for you if you like scenery but don’t want a full day itinerary. You get the coastal sightseeing while you’re already on a boat, so you’re not spending your best morning shuttling around town.

A practical note: because sea conditions can affect timing, plan your expectations around flexibility. If you’re the kind of person who hates uncertainty, bring motion sickness help just in case.

Majahuitas Cove snorkeling: what you get, and what to expect from the water

The main stop is Majahuitas Beach, a secluded cove just south of Puerto Vallarta, surrounded by lush rainforest. This is the heart of the trip. The snorkeling setup is handled for you, with gear included, and there’s also stand up paddleboard equipment available.

About snorkeling reality: you are not going to this one expecting a long, deep reef tour. The experience is more like a concentrated swim stop. Some people also noted the underwater scene can vary, with times when there’s not a ton of coral, even if fish life is present.

You might spot wildlife. The bay can deliver dolphins, turtles, and other sea life, and your chances rise when the day is calm. Even if you don’t get a dramatic show underwater, the cove itself is what you’re paying for, and that alone usually lands well with couples and families.

One more logistics detail matters: some water time is easiest when you are flexible about getting from boat to shore. A few people described swimming in to reach the beach and being unable to bring towels or belongings onto dry land. If you want to keep your stuff tidy, pack light and bring a waterproof bag for phone and keys.

Open bar on a boat: great when it’s flowing, uneven at the beach

The tour includes an unlimited premium open bar, and that is one of the most praised parts of the experience. On the catamaran, people commonly report that the crew keeps drinks coming without needing you to chase anyone down.

That said, the open-bar experience can shift once you’re at the cove. Some people found the drink options at the island stop more limited, such as beer and non-alcoholic drinks, rather than full cocktail service. This doesn’t mean you won’t be drinking, it means you should not assume every drink is the same style at every location.

One more thing to keep in mind for your peace of mind: a small number of comments suggested inconsistent alcohol pours for a couple of people. If you care a lot about being served quickly and evenly, I’d stay alert early in the process and politely flag it right away.

If you get motion sick easily, the open bar can also slow you down. Keep it measured, and bring your usual motion sickness solution. A common piece of advice is to pack Dramamine if you’re prone to seasickness.

Mexican lunch that actually fits the sea-day schedule

Food is included, and it’s not just an afterthought. The lunch is described as deli style and includes items like guacamole, shrimp cocktails, and fresh fruit, plus chips and other snack-style additions. This kind of meal works well on the water because it’s filling enough without feeling heavy.

In the feedback I saw, the crew often gets credit for keeping things moving and serving food and drinks when you want them. That is a big deal on boat tours. When the timing is right, you can eat, snorkel, and relax without a long dry spell.

Balanced note: a couple of comments said lunch quality and seafood portions were not exactly what the marketing vibe suggests. I’d frame it this way: you’re getting a solid, Mexican-leaning lunch included with the cruise, not a white-tablecloth restaurant experience. If you are picky about sandwiches or expect a full seafood spread, you might feel slightly underwhelmed.

If you have a shellfish allergy, the safest approach is to ask directly what’s in the lunch components when you board. The tour data doesn’t spell out allergy handling, and one person with a shellfish allergy mentioned they could not eat the shrimp.

Paddleboards and extra beach activities: included fun, plus optional rides

Stand up paddleboards are included, which is a great “low effort, high payoff” activity. You don’t need to be an athlete, just comfortable on the water. A few people also described other beach gear like mats.

At the beach, you may see extra activities offered. For example, some people mentioned banana boat rides. Because those were not listed as a standard included item in the core details, treat them as an on-site possibility and ask what costs extra if you’re curious.

Safety is part of the equation. One recurring theme in the day’s experience is that life vests may be required when you’re in the water, even if it makes you feel a little less carefree. If that would bother you, I recommend accepting it upfront. The trade is staying safe during a swim stop with a rocky coastline and boats doing their job.

Comfort and space: the trade-off for a smaller group

A 40-person cap does feel nicer than the pack-it-in party boats, but it still isn’t a luxury lounge ship. Some people called the boat nice and well maintained, while others said the space can feel cozy and bag storage is limited.

This is the kind of trip where your “what do I do with my stuff?” questions are worth answering before you board:

• Bring only essentials.
• Wear a swimsuit-ready outfit or plan to get changed quickly.
• Keep your phone and valuables in a waterproof pouch.

Some people also mentioned limited or inconvenient restroom setup, which is common on smaller watercraft, but it can still affect your comfort during the day.

If you want to sit comfortably for the cruise and still have space to move around during snorkeling prep, try to claim your spot early. The day is short enough that waiting around for space can feel annoying.

Photos, tips, and packing list that saves your day

Boat days in Puerto Vallarta often include a photographer. Here, that seems to be part of the experience, with people taking professional photos and later having the option to buy packages. One comment put the digital package price around $100. If you want zero surprise spending, decide ahead of time whether you will buy.

Also plan for tipping. Service is a big selling point on this tour, and it comes with hands-on attention, including snorkeling guidance. One piece of advice you’ll hear for these trips is to carry local cash so tipping is easy.

Packing list, based on the recurring practical notes:

• Sunscreen (you’ll be out on bright water for hours)
• Motion sickness help if you’re prone
• A hat and sunglasses with secure straps
• A waterproof phone pouch or small dry bag
• A small towel or cover-up that you can manage if you get wet at the beach

And check the rules on your gadgets. Drones are prohibited on this tour, and the tour provider also warns about the no-drug policy, including electronic cigarettes and vapes.

Who should book this Majahuitas yacht-and-snorkel?

This is a strong match if you want:

• A smaller group vibe on a catamaran
• A mix of sightseeing and water time, without needing to plan multiple stops
• A day where lunch and premium drinks are handled for you
• Friendly crew service that people remember by name, like Alex and Diego Chihuahua, and captains/crew names such as Captain Victor and Juan Luis showing up in the kinds of day-to-day interactions described

It may be a weaker match if:

• You expect a long snorkel session or heavy coral scenery. Underwater time can be short and marine life can vary.
• You hate uneven pacing caused by sea conditions. The route and timing adjust for safety.
• You want a true ultra-luxury lounging experience with lots of room for bags and gear. Space can feel limited.

Families with kids age 10 and up are included in the “most people can participate” category. Just remember that some activities at the cove can be rougher than they look, and children need extra attention if water gets choppy.

Should you book this Luxury Yacht & Snorkel with open bar?

I’d book it if your ideal Puerto Vallarta day looks like this: a comfortable catamaran cruise, a secluded beach stop at Majahuitas, snorkeling gear included, paddleboarding included, and the kind of crew-led service that keeps food and drinks moving. The price also makes more sense when you remember you’re not paying separately for lunch, snorkeling equipment, and drinks.

I would think twice if you are hunting for a full reef experience, expect the beach time to be long, or need tons of onboard storage. Also, if seasickness can ruin your day, take that seriously. Bring Dramamine, keep your intake moderate, and choose your comfort spots on the boat.

If you do book, set yourself up for success: bring essentials only, pack motion sickness help, and ask upfront about what the lunch and drinks look like once you’re at the cove. That one step alone helps you enjoy the day instead of second-guessing what you’re getting.

FAQ

How long is the Luxury Yacht and Snorkel tour?

It runs for about 5 hours (approx.).

Where is the meeting point, and what time does it start?

You meet at Vallarta Adventures at Terminal Marítima N Puerto Mágico, Puerto Vallarta. The start time listed is 8:00 am.

Is hotel pickup and drop-off included?

No. Hotel pickup and drop-off are not included.

What snorkeling and water equipment is included?

Snorkeling equipment is included, and you also get stand up paddleboards.

Is lunch included, and is there an open bar?

Yes. Lunch is included (deli style), and the tour includes an unlimited premium open bar.

Are there extra fees besides the $119 price?

The Bay of Banderas admission fee is not included and is listed as $40.00 per person.

What are the age and language requirements?

The minimum age is 10, and the tour is offered in English.

What if weather is poor?

This experience requires good weather. If it’s canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund.