A day on the water here feels like having your own floating plan B. You start at La Cruz Marina, then customize the route around the Bay of Banderas and go as active or as relaxed as your group wants. I especially like that you can mix big-hits like whale and dolphin watching (seasonal) with time for swimming, snorkeling, and water toys.

I also love the payoff at Playa Chica Locca, where the boat-access-only beach stop turns your charter into a full beach day, not just a ride. The included snacks and open bar help a lot too, because you are not rationing drinks or hunting for food between swims.

One drawback to plan for: because the itinerary is flexible and weather can affect conditions, the crew may shift where you go or how you spend the time if the sea gets rough.

Quick hits before you book

• Private charter for up to 5: more like a family boat day than a crowded excursion.
• Two-part format: start at La Cruz Marina, then head to Playa Chica Locca by boat.
• Choose your mix: fishing, surfing, snorkeling, and sightseeing routes like Yelapa and Majahuitas.
• Included water fun: snorkeling equipment, paddle board, water tubes, and a water mattress.
• All-inclusive beach stop vibe: food, drinks, and a secluded coastline accessible only by boat.
• Seasonal whales and dolphins: when conditions line up, you can get impressive sightings.

Chica Super Panga 30 + Playa Chica Locca in one smooth, private day

This is a 4-hour private charter in Puerto Vallarta on the Chica Super Panga 30′, priced per group (up to five people) at $955. The best part for me is the structure: you get a real meeting point and a clear “anchor stop,” Playa Chica Locca, while still having freedom to customize what happens along the way.

Think of it like this: your crew handles the boat logistics, you steer the activity choices. Want a more mellow afternoon with cruising and swimming? You can. Want fishing time or a stronger focus on whales and dolphins (seasonal)? You can also aim for that. Either way, you are spending your time on water with included gear and refreshments, not waiting around.

This setup is ideal if you are traveling as a couple, a small family, or a small friend group that wants privacy without paying for a larger yacht-style experience.

La Cruz Marina meet-up: your starting line, not a fixed script

Your day begins at La Cruz Marina (Marina Cruz de Huanacaxtle), which is both the home marina and main meeting point. There is no set itinerary locked in ahead of time, which matters because you are not stuck with a one-size-fits-all plan.

From that starting point, your crew can build a route around the Puerto Vallarta coastline and Bay of Banderas, with destinations you might reach depending on conditions and your preferences, including Yelapa, Majahuitas, Las Animas, and Quimixto. That list is a clue about the style of day you’re signing up for: coastal scenery, short transitions, and time spent doing things rather than just looking.

Practical note: hotel pickup and drop-off are listed as not included. At the same time, pickup is offered and you can request help getting to the meeting point. The owner, Gil, can coordinate an alternate meeting point if you ask. Also, you must choose your meeting place before submitting your reservation.

How the day stays flexible, even with a “two stop” plan

Even with two named stops, the experience works because you choose the mix. You can plan activities like:

• fishing time
• surfing time (if your crew can work it into the day)
• snorkeling
• dolphin and whale watching (seasonal)
• or a scenic cruising route

That flexibility is not just nice, it is smart. In whale season, you may want to prioritize sightings. In calmer conditions, you might want more swimming and snorkeling time. If the sea is rough, you will likely still get a great outing, but it may look different than your first plan.

You can see this kind of flexibility reflected in past charters, where a rough day led the crew to move to another location to keep the experience working for the family on board. That is exactly what you want from a private crew: adjust, then deliver.

Playa Chica Locca: what the boat-access beach stop really changes

The second stop is Playa Chica Locca, described as a boat-access-only beach escape on the southern side of Banderas Bay. In plain terms, it means your group spends time away from the easy-to-reach areas and into a beach setting that is harder to just stumble onto.

Because it is accessible only by boat, you skip the long land approach and land crowds. That matters on a day like this when your time is limited to about four hours total. You can’t afford a slow transition. You want the fun quickly, then a proper break on the beach.

The beach stop is also treated like a mini “day pass,” including food and drinks and the kind of downtime that makes the whole charter feel complete. Couples tend to like the privacy, families like the straightforward swimming break, and groups like the easy rhythm of cruise, swim, snack, repeat.

Snorkeling, water toys, and the kind of included fun you will actually use

The included gear is a big reason this charter feels like value. You get snorkeling equipment, plus paddle board, water tubes, and a water mattress. That means you are not stuck doing only one water activity.

If your group includes kids or non-swimmers, water toys can keep everyone involved without turning the day into “watch from the boat” time. If you are a confident swimmer, snorkeling gear gives you an easy, built-in option once you reach calmer water.

Also, fishing rods and gear are included. Even if you are not sure you want to fish, having it available lets your crew adapt the day around interest and sea conditions rather than forcing you into a single activity lane.

Open bar plus snacks: how the vibe stays easy

This is an all-inclusive style setup on the water and at the beach stop. The open bar is described as brand name, with options ranging from basics like water, coffee, juices, sodas, and mineral water to alcoholic drinks like pina coladas, margaritas, beer, wine, tequila, and champagne, depending on what you choose.

You are also getting snacks during the day, including fresh guacamole, ceviche, and blue corn chips plus potato chips. That combo is simple but effective. It is exactly the kind of food that works while you are switching between swimming and sitting in the sun.

In real charter examples, people repeatedly highlight the fresh ceviche and guacamole as the standout bites, including one review praising tuna ceviche and another calling out chips with guac and pico. That tells me this is not filler food. It is meant to be part of the day.

If you are planning a bachelorette party or a group celebration, the open bar and music-friendly atmosphere (mentioned in past experiences) are part of the appeal. If you just want a relaxed afternoon, you still get the benefit: nobody is scrambling to buy snacks or drinks mid-trip.

Price and logistics: is $955 per group worth it?

At $955 per group up to five, this charter can be a strong deal when you split it, and a splurge if you go as a couple. Here is the math in practical terms:

• If you fill all five spots, you are closer to about $190 per person for a ~4-hour private outing.
• If you book for two or three, your per-person cost climbs quickly, which is when you should compare it to public whale cruises or shared tours.

What makes the price feel more reasonable is that you are not paying for just transportation. You are paying for private use of the boat, a crew, included snorkeling and water toys, fishing gear, and food plus an open bar. Also, the experience is designed around a beach stop that would be harder to replicate on your own with the same ease.

One more value signal: the tour is commonly booked around 89 days in advance on average. That usually means demand for the dates and the type of experience is real, especially when people want seasonal whale and dolphin opportunities.

Crew quality: the human touch that keeps showing up

If you read the pattern across past charters, what stands out is not just the sights. It is how the crew runs the day and keeps it fun for different ages and group types.

Specific examples you can take seriously:

• David, Andres, and Captain Ivan helped one group find whale sightings, then keep the day moving with swims and cold drinks.
• Alex was highlighted as funny and good at whale watching, plus the crew handled snorkeling time as well.
• Luis and Edder took care of a family and adapted when the sea was rough, which is a big deal when kids are involved.
• Casper, Roberto, and Alonso were praised for a smooth charter that also fit into the next part of someone’s vacation in Yelapa.
• Eduardo, sometimes listed as Reuben, along with Edward and Oswaldo, was credited with finding humpback pods quickly and then making the rest of the outing feel like a close-up experience.
• Paul and Alonso were mentioned for another private whale watching outing with positive feedback about kids having a great time.

For you, that means the crew is not treating this like a script. They respond to the group, work the water, and focus on getting you time on the water plus the right mix of activities.

Choosing your best plan: what to prioritize on a flexible charter

Since the itinerary is adjustable, your best move is to decide what “success” means for your group before you meet at the marina.

If whale and dolphin watching is the top priority, set your expectation that results can be seasonal and weather dependent, but you still get time to swim and enjoy the included setup. Past experiences include close whale pod encounters, but even when the sea conditions are not ideal, the crew’s job is to adjust and keep the day enjoyable.

If your group is more about beach time and easy fun, prioritize Playa Chica Locca and plan for swimming and snorkeling. The included snorkeling gear and water toys mean you can split into smaller interests without everyone needing the same activity at the same moment.

If your group is into fishing, remember the charter is private, and fishing gear is included. That is where a crew can tailor the route and timing around what the conditions allow.

Also, if you want a different meeting point or smarter logistics for where you are staying, ask the owner, Gil, ahead of time.

Is this tour for you?

Book this charter if you want a private boat day with included gear, food, and drinks, and you like the idea of being able to steer the day instead of following a fixed schedule. It is especially a good fit for couples, families, bachelorette groups, and small groups who want whales or cruising, then a proper beach stop at Playa Chica Locca.

Skip it if your group is very small and you feel the $955 per group cost is too steep for the number of people sharing it. Also, if you cannot be flexible with weather-driven changes, remember that sea conditions can affect where you go and what you do.

FAQ

How many people can you bring on this private charter?

The private charter is priced per group and is listed as up to five people.

How long is the experience?

The duration is approximately four hours.

Where do you meet for the tour?

The main meeting point is La Cruz Marina (Marina Cruz de Huanacaxtle). You must choose your meeting place before submitting your reservation.

Is hotel pickup included?

Hotel pickup and drop-off are not included, but pickup is offered. You can request an alternate meeting point or assistance by contacting the owner, Gil.

What is included in the price?

Included items include an open bar with brand name beverages, all-inclusive activities, snorkeling equipment, paddle board, water tubes, water mattress, fishing rods and gear, and snacks like fresh guacamole, ceviche, blue corn chips, and potato chips.

What’s the cancellation refund window?

Free cancellation is available. You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund. If you cancel less than 24 hours before the start time, the amount paid is not refunded.