Waterslides meet a real open-sea cruise. I like that ChicaFUN 3 is private (up to 15 people) and that you get an all-inclusive open bar plus the on-board water-play setup, so you spend less time planning and more time enjoying the Bahia de Banderas. You also control the route, since your captain can tailor where you go inside the bay.

The one thing to think about is logistics: hotel pickup and drop-off are not included, and you must choose your meeting place before booking. If your dream day includes places farther out (like Marietas or Yelapa), you may need to ask about a longer format instead of relying on a 4-hour cruise.

Key things to know before you book

• Private boat time for up to 15: You are not sharing your space with strangers.
• All-inclusive means drinks and snacks are handled: Think open bar and fresh-made snacks on board.
• Waterslides plus a full water-toy kit: Snorkel gear, kayaks, paddle boards, water mattress, and water tubes are included.
• Your captain can shape the day: You customize where you visit in Bahia de Banderas.
• Crew energy is part of the value: They can help with what you need while you are on the water.
• Weather can change the exact flow: The crew has handled conditions like high winds by adjusting the plan.

ChicaFUN 3 on the Bay of Banderas: what you are really buying

A private yacht charter in Puerto Vallarta is usually about one thing: freedom. This one adds a big, obvious twist. The ChicaFUN 3 setup is built for play, not just sitting and sightseeing. You get waterslides, plus a grab-bag of gear and float tools that make it easy for everyone in your group to join in, even if not everyone is a strong swimmer.

For me, the smartest part is the way the tour is structured around a short, high-impact window. It runs about 4 hours, which is long enough to get out into the bay, spend real time in the water, and still come back without the day disappearing. At the same time, it is short enough that you should be clear on what you want, because you will not have hours and hours to chase far-away stops.

All-inclusive details that make or break the day

The phrase all-inclusive gets thrown around a lot. Here, it is practical. You are not just getting a basic snack and a drink token, you are getting a full on-board setup meant for hanging out.

Open bar, plus the stuff people actually order

The included drinks are an open bar with brand name options. That includes water, coffee, juices, sodas, mineral water, and then the adult favorites like piña coladas, margaritas-style drinks, beer, wine, tequila, and champagne, depending on what you choose. You also get a clear mix of non-alcoholic and alcoholic options, which matters if you have a mixed-age group.

If your group includes grandparents or teens, this balance helps. People do not have to wait in line, hunt for their preferred drink, or take time off the water-play to find something to drink.

Snacks that fit a boat day

Food is included, and it is not just packaged chips. You get fresh-made guacamole and ceviche with blue corn chips and potato chips. That is a good combo for a half-day on the water because it is salty, snackable, and not the heavy kind of meal that makes you feel off your game when you go back into the water.

Water time gear: you do not need to pack much

Included gear is a big value lever for this kind of charter. You have access to:

• Snorkel equipment
• Kayaks
• Paddle boards
• Water mattress
• Water tubes

Even if you are not an active paddler, these items create options. One person can snorkel, another can ride a tube, someone else can try a paddle board. You are not stuck waiting for one group activity to end.

The 4-hour itinerary on a private charter: how the day flows

There is one core plan: cruise the Bay of Banderas and spend time in the water, while the captain customizes where you go within the bay based on your group.

Bay of Banderas cruise: your baseline experience

The day starts with cruising along the Puerto Vallarta coastline and around the bay. This is the part that makes the charter feel like a real sea day rather than just a party floating in one spot.

What you should expect in a good way:

• You are outside the busy shore crowd
• You get better angles for photos and open views
• You can keep shifting focus from cruising to water-play without long transit breaks

Customizing your route inside the bay

The tour is explicitly customizable. You choose where you would like to visit within Bahia de Banderas, and the captain and crew handle the rest. That is great if you already have a rough idea, like whether you want more time drifting and relaxing, or more time aimed at swimming and water toys.

A key consideration: a 4-hour window means there will be trade-offs. If you push for a specific remote feel, you might spend more time transitioning. If you prefer maximum time in the water, you will likely do best with a plan that keeps things inside the bay.

What about Marietas or Yelapa?

There is mention of a longer full-day option (around 7 hours) where you can choose either the Marietas Islands or Yelapa Falls. The important detail is that you cannot do both in the same day. If Marietas beaches, Yelapa waterfalls, or a more dramatic outing are your top priority, it is worth thinking about a longer format instead of trying to cram everything into 4 hours.

Waterslides and water toys: the family-friendly side of this yacht

The standout feature is the waterslide setup. That sounds like a simple headline, but it changes the whole vibe. Instead of water play being something you have to coordinate, it becomes the default activity. And since this is private, your group can enjoy the slide and floating gear on your own rhythm.

This is also a tour that works across ages, because the water toys create a spectrum of comfort levels. You can have kids and teens on the slide and tubes, while adults snorkel or paddle board at their own pace. If your group ranges from younger kids to older adults, this kind of multi-activity setup keeps everyone included rather than forcing one activity for everyone.

Crew support: small helps, big difference

A big part of the enjoyment here is hands-on help. You can expect the crew to be attentive while you are in and around the water. Based on real experiences shared with the operator, the crew can help with practical things like keeping track of items like jewelry while you are using the slide and water toys, and bringing refreshments out to you while you are splashing.

That sounds minor, but on a moving boat it matters. It reduces stress. It means you can stay in your fun zone instead of constantly asking, searching, or stepping off the water to handle small issues.

Alcohol and atmosphere: how to keep it fun, not chaotic

Because the open bar is part of the deal, you should plan your group rhythm. The best days on a water toy yacht are the ones where people still take breaks for safety and hydration.

Here is how I’d guide you to get the best balance:

• Decide early who is going to be in the water most actively
• Keep an eye on anyone who is drinking and staying near the slide area
• Use the included non-alcoholic drinks to pace yourselves

The reality is that waterslides are active. They are not passive. If you mix heavy alcohol with nonstop water-play, energy drops fast. You are better off treating the drinks like a fun add-on, not the main event.

Price and value: $1,940 for up to 15 people

The price is $1,940 per group, and the cap is up to 15 people. That is the part that makes this feel doable for the right situation.

If you fill most of the seats, the per-person cost drops sharply compared to booking individual boat tickets. More importantly, you are buying privacy plus an all-inclusive bundle. You are not just renting a boat. You are getting:

• Open bar
• Fresh-made snacks
• Snorkel equipment and water toys
• Waterslide time

That combo is where the value lives. Even if only half your group drinks alcohol, everyone benefits from the snacks and water gear. And the private part means you can keep your group together for the water-slide and activities without waiting for other groups.

Timing also plays into planning. This is commonly booked about 100 days in advance, which suggests it is popular in the high-demand seasons. If you have a specific date in mind, you will do better by locking it in earlier rather than hoping for last-minute availability.

Logistics that matter: pickup, meeting point, and timing

This charter is set up around a meeting point. Hotel pickup and drop-off are not included. That is the one friction point to plan around.

Two details are worth taking seriously:

1. You must choose your meeting place before submitting your reservation. Do not leave that for later.
2. Pickup help is possible if you request different meeting point or assistance with affordable luxury transportation to the meeting point, and you can contact Gil for help.

Also, the tour includes a mobile ticket. Confirmation comes within 48 hours of booking, subject to availability. If you are traveling during a busy week, I’d treat that 48-hour window as your planning anchor.

And yes, it is near public transportation, which can help if your group is mixing ride options.

Who this yacht charter fits best

This is a strong fit if you want:

• A private 4-hour water day with minimal hassle
• Waterslides and toys, not just a scenic ride
• A group where people want different activities at the same time
• A plan that works for mixed ages

It is especially appealing for families because everyone has something to do. It is also a good choice for friend groups who want a party-feel without the chaos of shared tour crowds.

What I would be cautious about is if your top priority is a very specific far-off destination. In that case, you should look closely at longer-day options, since this is focused on the Bay of Banderas and a shorter time frame.

Should you book ChicaFUN 3?

If you want a half-day that feels like a full day on the water, I think you should seriously consider booking. The combination of waterslides, included water toys, and an open bar means you can keep energy high without spending time coordinating extras. Add in the private group size up to 15 and you get a lot of control over the day.

Book it if your group will actually use the water gear and you care about having refreshments and snacks handled. Skip it or upgrade your plan if your group needs hotel pickup as a must, or if your dream itinerary depends on far-away stops that require more time than a 4-hour cruise typically allows.

FAQ

How long is the Private Yacht Charter ChicaFUN 3?

It is about 4 hours.

How many people can be in the group?

The charter price is per group for up to 15 people.

Is this tour all-inclusive?

Yes. Alcoholic beverages in a brand name open bar are included, along with snacks, and use of snorkel equipment and water toys.

What beverages are included in the open bar?

The open bar includes items like water, coffee, juices, sodas, mineral water, piña coladas, margarita-style drinks, beer, wine, tequila, and champagne, depending on what you choose.

Are hotel pickup and drop-off included?

No. Hotel pickup and drop-off are not included, though pickup options and meeting point transportation assistance may be requested.

What water gear is included?

You get snorkel equipment, kayaks, paddle boards, a water mattress, and water tubes.

Do I need to choose a meeting place before booking?

Yes. You must choose your meeting place before submitting your reservation.

What is the cancellation policy?

You can cancel for a full refund if you cancel at least 24 hours in advance. If you cancel within 24 hours of the start time, the amount paid is not refunded.