Sunset cruising with drinks on deck feels like cheating. This private half-day on the Limousine of the Sea 1 takes you around the Bay of Banderas, with a stop at Playa Chica Locca where the beach time is part of the plan.

I especially like the brand-name open bar style service and the fact that you’re not stuck watching other people do the fun stuff. You are on a private group outing, so the pace is easy and the vibe is yours.

One thing to consider: hotel pickup and drop-off are not included, so you’ll need a clear meeting place before you go.

Key Highlights That Matter

• Private boat control: you choose how you want your day shaped in Bahia de Banderas
• Brand-name open bar: you can order water, coffee, juices, sodas, beer, wine, tequila, margaritas, and more
• Fresh on-board snacks: ceviche, guacamole, and blue corn chips
• Beach time at Playa Chica Locca: about 2 hours, with landing and facility fees covered
• Real water activities: snorkel gear, kayaks, paddle boards, water mattress, and water tube
• Crew energy: music stays lively, and there’s an option to grab photos for purchase

Limousine of the Sea 1 in Puerto Vallarta, the kind of day that fixes your vacation mood

If you want a Puerto Vallarta day that feels more like a private celebration than a normal tour group, this is built for that. You cruise the Bay of Banderas first, then you get beach time at Playa Chica Locca, plus a full menu of on-water activities.

What makes this outing interesting is the mix of “do nothing” comfort and “jump in and play” freedom. You can relax on sun decks, then switch gears when you want snorkeling, paddling, or just floating around.

Meeting up and the private-group setup you should plan for

This is a private tour, meaning only your group is on the boat. That matters because you’re not trying to coordinate your day around random loud groups or shared schedules, and the crew can keep things moving for your party.

Hotel pickup and drop-off are not included, so you should plan how you’ll get to the meeting point. The good news is you can often arrange affordable luxury transportation to the meeting place by requesting it from Gil, the owner, and the tour notes say you’re near public transportation.

Also, you must choose your meeting place before submitting your reservation. If you show up late or guess the location, you can end up scrambling. I’d treat the meeting point decision like you would a flight, pick it early, and double-check the location day-of.

Cruise time along the Bay of Banderas, what you’re really buying with 4 hours

The core of your day starts with a cruise along Puerto Vallarta’s coastline and around the Bay of Banderas. In plain terms, you’re paying for a moving viewpoint, not just a dock-and-board setup.

On the water, you’ll feel why this area is such a favorite for boats. You get open-air time, wide views, and that steady breeze that makes “time on vacation” feel effortless. If conditions are calm, you’ll notice how easy it is to settle in with a drink and just watch the coastline roll by.

This cruise portion also sets the tone for the rest of the day. When you’re already in the water zone, the beach stop feels like a natural next chapter, not a separate excursion you have to force.

Playa Chica Locca stop, 2 hours of secluded beach time by boat

Playa Chica Locca is the highlight-style stop when you want a break from being on a boat. The tour schedule includes about 2 hours here, with admission included.

Why this stop works: it’s accessible by boat, so you’re not just hopping off near a crowded strip. You get a more private-feeling beach day, where you can switch from sun-deck lounging to shoreline wandering and swimming.

What you should expect, practically, is a controlled chunk of beach time. You’re not being stretched across the whole day, which helps if you want energy for the water toys and still want to end your outing feeling relaxed, not drained.

One more small consideration: Playa Chica Locca time is only part of your 4 hours total. If you’re the type who always wants more beach, you might want to pair this with a low-effort plan on land after, rather than assuming you’ll keep going until sunset.

All-inclusive drinks and snacks, where the value shows up fast

The all-inclusive part here isn’t vague. The tour includes an open bar with brand-name options, and you can choose from items like water, coffee, juices, sodas, mineral water, and cocktails such as piña coladas, margaritas, and more. Alcohol options include beer, wine, tequila, and even champagne on the list.

For me, the value of an open bar like this is simple: it removes decision fatigue. You’re not tracking prices every time you want another drink, and that keeps the day feeling smooth.

Food is also part of the included package. You get freshly made ceviche and guacamole, plus blue corn chips. Depending on the group and how the crew runs service that day, you may also see additional meal-style offerings, but the core included items are the ceviche and guacamole.

If you have a group that likes to eat well and drink casually, this is where the math gets better. A private boat without food and drinks can turn expensive fast. With these basics covered, you can focus on enjoying the water time rather than micromanaging costs.

Water toys and snorkeling, the active part that still feels easy

This tour includes the gear, which is the difference between an activity and a hassle. You’ll have snorkel equipment, plus kayaks, paddle boards, a water mattress, and a water tube.

Here’s the practical way to think about it. If you want an easy win, grab snorkel gear when you’re ready and keep it low-effort. If you want to feel sporty, paddle boards and kayaks let you explore at your own pace.

The water mattress and tube are great for groups too, because they let different energy levels coexist. Someone can float while someone else swims around the same area, and you’re not stuck with only one kind of activity.

And because it’s private, the crew can usually shift attention where your group needs it most. In other words, you’re not spending vacation time waiting for someone to notice you.

Crew, music, and the photo option that helps you remember the day

A big part of the experience is the crew tone. Multiple people point out that the service feels proactive, with staff staying on top of drinks and checking in so your group stays comfortable.

Music is often a key part of the vibe. One crew member named Ricky has shown up in feedback as a hype man who keeps the energy going with the microphone. Even if your day has a different playlist style, the goal is consistent, keep the atmosphere fun and forward.

There’s also a photo opportunity. Souvenir photos are available for purchase, and some guests describe having pictures taken on board throughout the day, with the photos available at the end. That’s helpful if you want a “we were really there” set without trying to coordinate camera shots while you’re floating.

If you want an extra “treat yourself” moment, one guest mentioned getting a massage during the experience. The tour details you have here do not list massage as included, so think of it as something that might be offered and would require extra payment and tipping if you choose it.

Price and value for a group up to 15, when it makes sense

The price is $6,455.00 per group for up to 15 people, with a duration of about 4 hours.

Let’s do the quick, real-world math. If you max out the boat at 15 people, that’s about $430 per person. If your group is smaller, the per-person cost climbs. So the best value happens when you can fill enough seats.

What you’re getting for that price is the combination that usually costs extra elsewhere: a private boat outing, time on the water, an open bar with brand-name selections, included snacks like ceviche and guacamole, and a full set of water activities with equipment.

If your group includes at least a handful of people who will drink, eat, and actually use snorkel or paddle gear, this can feel like a smarter deal than piecing together multiple activities on land.

Gratuities are not included, so plan to tip if you think service was great. Souvenir photos are also optional, and if you want them, budget for purchase at the end.

Booking timing and what to double-check before you go

The tour is often booked about 93 days in advance on average. If your dates are near a busy weekend, you’ll be happier reserving earlier rather than hoping last-minute availability works out.

Confirmation is typically received within 48 hours of booking, subject to availability. You’ll also get a mobile ticket.

The two most important checks are boring but crucial. First, pick your meeting place before you submit the reservation. Second, don’t assume hotel pickup is included, because it is not.

If you’re trying to meet up with family who are coming from different parts of town, ask Gil about help with transportation to the meeting point. That kind of planning saves time and stress.

Who this private boat tour is best for

This is a strong fit if you’re planning a group day that mixes relaxation and activity. It works well for couples who want a private setting without the pressure of planning every detail. It also fits families who want supervised water fun and adults who want a proper open bar.

I’d particularly like this for friend groups, celebrations, and pre-wedding or post-wedding style get-togethers, because the private format makes everyone feel like part of the same party.

If you’re the kind of traveler who wants a strict schedule with set stops and no flexibility, you might feel like customization means more back-and-forth. You’ll still be taken care of, but you may have to communicate preferences about where you want to go within Bahia de Banderas.

Should you book Limousine of the Sea 1 with Chica Locca Tours?

Book this if your ideal Puerto Vallarta day includes a private group boat ride, open bar drinks, fresh ceviche and guacamole, and real water toys you can use without renting extras. The value improves a lot when you can bring enough people to fill the group cap.

Skip it or look at alternatives if you hate pre-planning your meeting point or you require hotel pickup. Also, if you want a full day on the beach with lots of shore time, the Playa Chica Locca stop is about 2 hours, so you’ll need a land plan later if that’s your priority.

If you get the logistics right and you have a group that will actually use the included activities, this is the kind of day that makes your vacation feel “worth it” from start to finish.

FAQ

How long is the Puerto Vallarta tour on Limousine of the Sea 1?

It’s about 4 hours.

What is the group size limit and price?

The price is $6,455.00 per group for up to 15 people.

Is hotel pickup and drop-off included?

No, hotel pickup and drop-off are not included.

What is included with the tour?

The tour includes all-inclusive activities, brand-name open bar drinks, snorkel equipment, kayaks, paddle boards, water mattress, and water tube, plus snacks like fresh ceviche and guacamole and blue corn chips. Landing and facility fees are also included.

What drinks are available on the open bar?

The included open bar lists options such as water, coffee, juices, sodas, mineral water, piña coladas, margaritas, beer, wine, tequila, and champagne.

Is there a stop at a beach, and how long is it?

Yes. The schedule includes Playa Chica Locca for about 2 hours, and admission is included.

What do I need to choose before booking?

You must choose your meeting place before submitting your reservation.

Is there a cancellation or refund option?

No. This experience is non-refundable and cannot be changed for any reason.