Six hours on Banderas Bay, with whales as a bonus. This is a smooth, high-comfort way to see Banderas Bay up close, with a free-flow open bar and guided water time (snorkel or SUP) built into the day.

I also like how the crew keeps the pace easy, with drinks coming often and food served when you actually want it, not at some awkward time. One thing to keep in mind, it’s a long day, and the water entry is a jump off the boat, so think about comfort with ladder steps and any sea sickness.

Key Points You’ll Care About

• Small-group luxury with a max of 30 people
• Open bar all cruise, not just a first-round moment
• Snorkeling and SUP with gear included
• Daily route changes based on conditions for safer, better water time
• Wildlife chances for whales in season, plus dolphins and sea turtles

Meeting at Marina Vallarta, Then Straight Onto the Water

Your morning starts at Vallarta Adventures, Marina Vallarta, address Mástil 13. The start time is 9:30am, and the tour ends back at the same meeting point, so you’re not stuck figuring out transport afterward. One practical note: there’s no hotel pickup listed, so plan on getting yourself to the marina.

When you arrive, you’ll pay a small port dock fee in cash at the marina, MX$40. It’s not included in the base price. Also, the meeting point is in the Marina Vallarta area, while some departures can be from Nuevo Vallarta, depending on the day’s setup, but the vibe stays consistent: crew, boat, and out to sea.

Once you’re aboard, you’ll get settled fast. Toilets are on the lower deck, which matters once you’re out there for a while. And for water time, the process is clear: you jump off the boat into the water, and you come back up using small metal ladders. If you want to stay dry and never get near the water, this tour may feel like overkill. If you’re okay with the jump and the ladder steps, you’ll love how much water time you get.

What the Sailing Time Feels Like on Banderas Bay

This cruise is built around Banderas Bay, with the route selected daily based on conditions. That’s not just a random detail. It can affect how long you cruise under sail versus when the boat uses a motor to reach certain areas for swimming, snorkeling, or viewing. A couple of people noted they used a motor to get toward Los Arcos, then sailed back, and that pattern makes sense for comfort and timing.

You’ll see the kind of coastline that Puerto Vallarta is famous for, including rugged rocks and that open-bay feel where the horizon does a lot of work for you. Expect gentle ocean breeze, plenty of time to lounge, and a day that doesn’t feel like a sprint.

Also, you’re on a “luxury sailing” setup, not a party boat. The boat capacity is capped at 30 travelers, and many guests reported feeling like it was either small or close to private. That usually translates into less jostling at the rail, easier movement when you’re waiting for your turn to snorkel or paddle, and a more relaxed vibe around the bar and lunch.

If you’re expecting the sail to be happening every single minute, temper that. This is a full day with multiple activities, so the sailing is part of the experience, not the only experience.

Snorkeling and SUP: Gear Included, Conditions Vary

This is one of the biggest reasons the value feels strong. You get snorkeling and paddle boarding options, along with equipment. You’re not hunting for rentals or guessing which swim spot is worth it. The crew and guide help you get oriented, and you can choose what fits your comfort level that day.

Snorkeling highlights you might see include tropical fish and rays. Some guests mentioned seeing manta rays, stingrays, and even puffer fish, and one person described a very memorable moment with an octopus during a guided interaction. You may also spot sea turtles. Whales are not guaranteed, but more on that in a moment.

The one drawback to be honest about: snorkeling quality depends on visibility and water conditions. One review called it underwhelming due to poor visibility, while others described great sea life. That means you should treat the snorkeling as a bonus experience that can be amazing or merely decent, not a guaranteed clear-water aquarium.

SUP is often the easier “wins” option when you don’t feel like swimming, or when the water conditions change. Reviews included mentions of using paddle boards and even a lily pad setup, which sounds like a great low-stress way to enjoy the water without committing to a full snorkel session.

If you get sea sick, take that seriously. This is time on open water, and while the crew aims for a smooth day, movement can still happen. If you’re cautious, bring what you need (like medication you already trust) and consider choosing calmer water activities first.

Your Open Bar and Lunch Plan, Built for the Real Day Pace

The tour includes lunch plus a premium open bar. Guests consistently praised how consistently drinks were handled, with the crew keeping refills coming throughout the cruise. That matters, because on many boat tours, the bar is either slow or turns into a “wait for the next person” situation.

Food is served as a deli-style lunch while you head back toward port. The sample menu listed is:

• Infused water and seasonal fruit
• Guacamole, pico de gallo, and tortilla chips
• A gourmet sandwich with serrano ham, tomato, pickle dressing, manchego cheese, arugula, and homemade bread
• Dark chocolate brownie

In addition to that menu structure, some people described extra-style spreads like fruit trays, chips and guac, charcuterie, and fresh ceviche, plus plated desserts like fruit tart. The common thread is that you’re not eating a sad snack to keep you going. You’re fed in a way that matches the “luxury” positioning.

Also, there’s a timing rhythm that makes sense. Drinks and snacks show up when you’re ready for them, and lunch isn’t delayed until you’re already worn out from the morning swimming. If you’re the type who hates waiting around hungry, this is a real selling point.

Quick tip from the real world: bring or buy sunscreen before you board, and don’t assume you’ll have time to reapply later. Boat sun is strong, and you’ll likely be in and out of the water under full daylight.

Wildlife Watching: Whales in Season, Plus Dolphins and More

Here’s where the bay earns its reputation. Your cruise includes chances to see dolphins, manta rays, and sea turtles. If you’re traveling in humpback whale season, you also have a shot at spotting humpbacks, and the crew may pause or adjust the route when there are sightings.

A few guests mentioned whales appearing far away, which is typical in open water. Expect “possible sightings” rather than the idea of guaranteed whale encounters at close range. Even with that, getting on the water during the right season can still be worth it, because the whole day is designed around scanning the surface.

Also, spotting multiple species tends to happen when you choose the right time of day and keep your eyes up between activities. The crew helps you focus, and some people reported multiple whale sightings during their trip, plus dolphins and turtles.

Los Arcos and Those Rock Formations You Came For

Many Puerto Vallarta boat days feel similar until you reach the “signature” areas. This tour often heads toward Los Arcos, and that’s a big part of why it feels scenic even between swim stops. The rocks and coastline create a dramatic backdrop for both lounging time and water time.

Sometimes the boat uses a motor to get you there efficiently, then sails back when wind and timing line up. That mix is useful. It keeps the day comfortable and still delivers the sailing experience when conditions allow.

Even if you don’t snorkel a ton, this stretch tends to give you the best views. It’s also a good time to relax with a cold drink and just watch the bay do its thing.

What Makes This Feel Like Luxury (and What It Doesn’t Promise)

I like three things about how this tour earns the luxury label:

First, the boat is described as very clean and comfortable, with multiple bathrooms mentioned on some trips. That’s a small detail that changes the whole feel of a long day on the water.

Second, service is active. The crew doesn’t just hand you a drink once and disappear. Guests mentioned the staff checking in and keeping drinks flowing steadily, which matches the open bar promise.

Third, the small-group cap (max 30) helps the tour feel less crowded in the moments that matter. You’ll spend your day at water level, around the bar area, and near equipment. Less crowding makes all of those transitions smoother.

Now, what it doesn’t guarantee: perfect snorkeling visibility. And it doesn’t promise you’ll sail the entire time under sail. It’s a real-world, conditions-based day. If you want a strict itinerary with one stop no matter what, this isn’t that style.

Price and Value: Why $129 Can Actually Make Sense

At $129 per person for about 6 hours, this tour can be a strong value if you’ll use the included extras. You’re getting:

• Day cruise experience
• Lunch
• Open bar
• Snorkeling and paddle boarding with equipment

The big value isn’t just that food and drinks are included. It’s that they’re included during a day that already has multiple activity stops. If you tried to replicate this on your own, you’d pay for marina access, rentals, and guided help, then still be responsible for timing and transport.

Also, the limited group size helps value because you’re not paying luxury prices just to share the boat with a full crowd. If you want a day that feels more like a special outing and less like a production line, this price can feel fair.

One more value note: port dock fees are extra at MX$40 per person. Small, but budget for it so you’re not surprised at the marina.

Who Should Book This Sailing Cruise

This tour fits you best if you:

• Want a relaxed luxury day on the water without complicated planning
• Plan to snorkel or try SUP, not just sit on the boat all day
• Appreciate steady service, not a bar that only works during a short window
• Prefer a smaller-group feel, with a cap of 30 people

It may not be your best pick if:

• You can’t handle jumping off a boat and climbing ladders back on
• You get seasick easily and don’t have a plan
• You’re only interested in snorkeling and need guaranteed clear visibility

Should You Book Puerto Vallarta Luxury Sailing with Open Bar and Lunch?

If you want an easy “one-ticket” day that mixes sailing, water time, good food, and a bar that actually stays active, I’d book it. The combination of lunch, open bar, and included snorkeling and SUP is what makes the $129 price feel like more than just a boat ride.

Do book with realistic expectations: wildlife sightings and snorkeling clarity can vary with conditions. But that’s also what makes a bay cruise feel alive. If you’re ready for a comfortable, well-run day with multiple ways to enjoy the water, this is a strong choice.

FAQ

How long is the sailing tour?

It lasts about 6 hours.

What time does the tour start?

The start time is 9:30am.

Where is the meeting point?

The meeting point is Vallarta Adventures, Marina Vallarta, Mástil 13, Marina Vallarta, 48335 Puerto Vallarta, Jal., Mexico.

Is hotel pickup included?

No. Hotel pickup and drop off are not included.

What is the port fee?

Port fees are not included and must be paid in cash at the marina. The fee listed is MX$40.00 per person.

Is lunch included?

Yes. Lunch is included.

Is there an open bar?

Yes. The tour includes an open bar.

What water activities are included?

Snorkeling and paddle boarding are included, with equipment provided.

Are there age limits?

Yes. The minimum age is 10 years old.

Is there a cancellation window?

Yes. You can cancel for free up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund. If you cancel less than 24 hours before the start time, it’s not refunded.