Sailing in Puerto Vallarta beats the bus tour. This private Chica Sailing Adventure keeps you out on the Bay of Banderas for about 5 hours, with a small-crew feel and a big-boat comfort level. I especially like the brand-name open bar (drinks stay coming) and the water setup, including snorkel gear and paddle boards. One thing to watch, though, is that you do need to agree on your meeting place ahead of time since hotel pickup and drop-off are not included.

The best part is that the day is adjustable to your mood. You can plan a calmer swim-and-snorkel pace, or push for a more active sailing vibe, and in season you have a real chance at humpback whales. The only drawback I’d flag is that the schedule is flexible, so you should set expectations that it is not a strict checklist with set timing for every activity.

Key highlights you will actually care about

• Private charter format so it is only your group on the boat
• 41-foot Chica Sailing Adventure with room to spread out and enjoy the ride
• Open bar plus snacks and in-season breakfast items on morning tours
• Snorkel equipment and paddle boards are included, along with flotation toys
• Customizable route along the Puerto Vallarta coastline and the Bay of Banderas
• Optional hot lunch of Mexican fajitas for an extra 200 pesos per person

Why this private sailing feels better than most half-day tours

A lot of Puerto Vallarta water trips feel the same. You get dropped into a crowd, you do a quick stop, and you are back before you know it. This is different because it is set up as a true private outing, so you control the vibe: romantic and slow, active and swim-heavy, or a sunset-focused cruise.

The boat itself matters. At 41 feet, it is big enough to feel comfortable while still feeling personal. One review specifically called out that there are pleasant relaxing spots near the bow for hanging out, which is exactly what you want when the day is more about views and sea air than running around.

The staff is another reason people come back to book again. Names that show up in past experiences include Captains Gonzalo, Pepe, and Victor, plus crew members like Roberto, Mario, Lalo, El Capitan, Rameses, Tontino, and Alonso. When you see the same pattern across multiple trips, it usually means you are getting consistent hosting, not a one-off lucky day.

Meeting at Paradise Village Pier, and how the timing really works

You meet at Chica Locca Tours Paradise Village Pier at Paradise Village Public Pier, Blvrd Nayarit, 63732 Nuevo Vallarta, Nay., Mexico. There is a short stop at the pier (about 20 minutes), and you then head out for the Bay of Banderas portion, which is about 4 hours.

That pier time is not wasted. It is when you get oriented, settle in, and get the logistics sorted so you can relax once you are on the water. Also, this is a public pier area and is noted as near public transportation, which is useful if you are not doing an organized hotel pickup.

One planning detail is non-negotiable: you must choose your meeting place before booking. If you are the type who hates last-minute confusion, take care of this early and confirm any last-mile details the moment you book.

Bay of Banderas cruise: coastline views, whale chances, and swim breaks

The main action happens on the Bay of Banderas cruise. Expect time sailing along the Puerto Vallarta coastline and out around the bay, with room for water time based on the plan you choose.

This is also where seasonality comes into play. In season, the crew looks for humpback whales. One earlier sailing described passing by whales and even getting close enough to make it feel like a real encounter, not a far-off dot on the horizon. If humpbacks are in the area when you go, this can become a top memory of your whole trip.

Because the route is customizable, you also get flexibility for the kind of water time you want. You can aim for a secluded bay vibe where swimming and snorkeling make sense, or you can keep it more about sailing with occasional stops for paddle boarding and lounging. If your group has mixed energy levels, this flexibility is a big advantage.

Practical note: bring swimwear you can wear comfortably for a few hours, plus a towel you do not mind getting a little salty. You are on the water long enough that comfort beats “cute but fussy.”

Open bar, snacks, and the fajitas lunch upgrade

This trip is priced like a charter, so what you want to see is clear value. Here, the value is built around food and drink that stays available through the cruise.

Your included drinks are described as an open bar with brand-name options. That includes everything from water, coffee, juices, sodas, mineral water, to mixed drinks like piña coladas, plus beer, wine, tequila, and champagne if you order that style. That is a wide menu, and the key is that it is not a token drink. Multiple descriptions of the experience mention that drinks were never empty.

Snacks are also included. You get ceviche, fresh-made guacamole with blue corn chips, and potato chips. Morning tours add breakfast items such as fresh in-season fruit, muffins, coffee, and juices.

If you want a hot meal, there is an upgrade: Mexican fajitas lunch for an additional 200 pesos per person. People who added it described it as well worth doing, which makes sense. After hours on the water, a warm meal is not just a treat, it is a practical energy boost.

Water toys you get to use: snorkeling, paddle boards, and float mats

This is not a sightseeing-only sail. You get time and equipment for water activities, including snorkel equipment and paddle boards. The kit also includes a water mattress and water tube, so you can do the “float and chat” version of fun, even if some people in your group want to snorkel while others just want the sun.

One reason this matters is group dynamics. If your party includes different ages or different comfort levels in the water, the included gear gives everyone something to do without forcing the same activity on everyone. You can snorkel, paddle, float, or just watch the coastline slide by.

If you are new to snorkeling, do not overthink it. Just take it slow, use the equipment provided, and keep an eye on where the boat is positioned while you swim. If you are confident, you will still enjoy the variety since the water stops are part of the plan you choose.

Crew service: the small details that make people smile

The crew is repeatedly mentioned as friendly, attentive, and quick to make people comfortable. Names that come up again and again include Gonzalo, Elon, Roberto, Alex, Eder, Alonso, Lalo, Pepe, Victor, and Mario. Whether the tone is playful or more professional, the pattern is consistent: they keep things moving so you spend more time enjoying and less time managing.

A few service points you can count on from the details provided:

• Drinks are actively handled through the cruise, not saved for one moment
• Food is served during the time on board, including snacks and the option for fajitas
• The crew handles the water activity setup with the equipment provided

People also described the crew as reading the group and playing great music. That is not just fun. It shapes the whole feel of the afternoon, especially if you are celebrating something.

And yes, celebrations happen here. One earlier sailing included a birthday surprise with a cake arranged quickly, which tells you the crew is listening and flexible when the moment matters.

Customizing the day: sunset cruise, active sailing, or quiet cove time

Customization is the real selling point, because you can match the charter to your group’s personality.

If you want romance and photos, plan for a sunset-friendly timing and keep the day focused on cruising and relaxing. A review called sunset from the boat a top way to experience it, which is exactly what you get when you are not stuck in traffic or walking a crowded viewpoint.

If your group wants energy, choose a more active plan. The included paddle boards and snorkeling gear support a more hands-on approach, and the Bay of Banderas shoreline gives you plenty of visual reward even when you are switching activities every hour.

If you want peace and calm, go for the quieter bay-and-swim style. A couple of past descriptions referenced swimming in secluded areas and enjoying a relaxed cove stop. This is where the private format pays off, because you can avoid the feeling of being rushed.

Price and value: what $1,155 per group really means

The price shown is $1,155 per group for up to 8 people. That can sound steep until you break down what is included. You are paying for:

• A private charter experience
• A bar with brand-name options
• Included snacks and morning breakfast on morning tours
• Included snorkeling equipment and paddle boards
• Water flotation items
• Landing and facility fees

Now consider the math. If you split it across 6 to 8 people, the per-person cost can start to look more reasonable, especially because you are also paying for food and drinks. If you have a smaller group, you will pay more per person, but you are still buying the privacy and time on the water.

There is one more detail worth clarifying before you book: the materials mention groups up to 16 as a charter size, while the pricing line says up to 8. When you reserve, select the group size option you intend to cover, and confirm how the operator will handle the exact headcount for your date. Do that early so you do not get surprised.

Who should book this, and who might prefer something else

I think this charter fits best if you want a real Puerto Vallarta highlight without the hassle of a big group boat. It also works well for:

• Couples who want a private cruise feel
• Families with teens who want active water time
• Friend groups planning a birthday or bachelorette type day
• People who like being on the water but also want good food and easy drinks

Your best match depends on your group’s comfort with meeting at a specific pier. There is no hotel pickup and drop-off listed, even though pickup is marked as offered. So if you need door-to-door transport, you will want to confirm what pickup really looks like for your situation.

Also, because the day is customizable and the exact flow can change based on conditions, this is a great fit if you are flexible and focused on the experience, not if you need a tightly scheduled checklist.

Should you book ChicaSAILING Adventure Puerto Vallarta?

If you want the Bay of Banderas at a calmer, more personal pace, I would book this. The combination of a private sail, included open bar, and included water toys makes it feel like more than just a scenic cruise. It is a full experience, with enough structure to be easy and enough flexibility to stay fun.

Book it especially if:

• You are traveling as a group of 4 to 8 and want to split the cost
• You care about snorkeling or paddle boarding, not just sitting on deck
• You want a crew-led day with strong service, and you enjoy good music and good drinks

Skip it or consider alternatives if:

• You need guaranteed hotel pickup and drop-off
• You want a fixed, highly scripted itinerary with no flexibility at all
• You are on a tight budget where food and drinks add up fast

FAQ

Where do we meet for the Chica Sailing Adventure?

You start at Chica Locca Tours Paradise Village Pier, Paradise Village Public Pier on Blvrd Nayarit in Nuevo Vallarta.

How long is the private sailing adventure?

Plan for about 5 hours total.

Is this tour private?

Yes. It is a private tour/activity, and only your group participates.

What is included with the price?

You get an all-inclusive setup: an open bar with brand-name drinks, snacks like ceviche and guacamole with blue corn chips, and in-season breakfast items on morning tours. You also get snorkeling equipment, paddle boards, a water mattress, and a water tube, plus landing and facility fees.

Is hotel pickup included?

Hotel pickup and drop-off are listed as not included. Pickup is marked as offered, so confirm the exact pickup arrangement when you book.

Can we add lunch or get photos?

Yes. You can add hot lunch of Mexican fajitas for an extra 200 pesos per person. Souvenir photos are also available for purchase, and a photographer can be reserved.

Is there whale watching?

In season, humpback whales may be seen. The plan is flexible, but the chance is there depending on the season.

What is the cancellation policy?

Free cancellation is available 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.