Puerto Vallarta looks different from a private yacht. I like the custom pace and the chance to snorkel at Los Arcos de Mismaloya without a crowd taking over the day. The one thing to plan for is that this is not a hotel-to-boat setup, and lunch and hard liquor cost extra.

If you want a real change of rhythm from the usual tour crush, this cruise fits well. For a group up to eight, you get a relaxed sightseeing day with soft drinks and beer included, snorkeling gear ready, and life jackets on board. You also stay flexible enough to spend more or less time where your group cares most.

Key Highlights That Make This Cruise Worth Your Time

• Private yacht, small group size (up to 8), so the day feels like yours
• Los Arcos snorkel stop with the option to stay on board if conditions are rough
• South Shore views by boat, including the downtown and romantic-zone coastline from the water
• Drinks included (soft drinks and beer), with a crew that keeps things moving smoothly
• Playa Las Animas beach time, with optional activities and lunch available for additional cost

A 26-Foot Private Yacht That Keeps Puerto Vallarta Personal

This is a private sightseeing cruise on a 26-foot (about 8-meter) yacht, good for couples, families, and small friend groups up to eight people. You meet at Marina Los Peines, Los Peines 332, Isla Iguana, Puerto Vallarta, and the day ends back at the same meeting point. No hotel pickup is included, so you’ll want to plan a straightforward way to get yourself to the marina.

What I like most about a smaller vessel is how it changes the feeling of the trip. It is not a huge party boat, and it is easier for the crew to pay attention to your group’s comfort. You can also hear the skipper and the crew more clearly, which matters on a day that includes both sightseeing and water time.

The boat is set up for active people, but it still works if your group is more “watch and relax” than “do everything.” Bring your swim stuff, but also your sunscreen. Towel needs are yours, since towels are not included.

Los Arcos de Mismaloya: Snorkeling With Real Marine Life

The morning (or first main stop) centers on Los Arcos de Mismaloya. You get about an hour here, and you have two good options: snorkel with the provided gear or stay on board to enjoy the area’s birds and tropical fish.

Los Arcos is known for clear water and fish life, and on this cruise the timing is designed to help you get in with less hassle. People have described seeing schools of fish that are easy to notice without turning it into a complicated activity. If you are traveling with kids or teens, that hour can be just the right length. You are not stuck in water for the whole trip.

A practical consideration, though: ocean conditions can change. If the water gets choppy, you may spend more time on the boat instead of in the water, and that still works. One of the nice surprises people talked about was how rougher water sometimes led to extra wildlife viewing along the coast.

The South Shore Drive: Views, Wildlife Spotting, and a Relaxed Timeline

Between the stops, the cruise becomes the show. From the water, you see Puerto Vallarta’s coastline in a way you cannot get from sidewalks or a bus window. The route passes the downtown area and the romantic zone coastline, so you get a broader sense of how the city sits along the bay.

This is also where the wildlife factor can show up. People have shared sightings of whales and dolphins during the cruise, sometimes close enough to make the whole group stop talking for a moment. On one day, choppier water limited snorkeling, but it gave more time for whale watching a couple miles down the coast. That is a good example of how this itinerary can stay fun even when the sea has other plans.

One reason small private trips score well is pacing. You are not getting rushed to fit into another group’s schedule. The crew helps keep the day on track while still letting you decide how long you want at each location.

Playa Las Animas: Beach Time, Lunch Options, and Optional Side Activities

Your final main stop is Playa Las Animas, with about two hours on the sand. This is the downshift part of the day. You can relax, swim if conditions are right, and if you want lunch, you can eat at the beach restaurant.

Lunch is not included in the price, and drinks at the restaurant are also extra. That said, people have been happy with the food options they found there. If your goal is a full day of “snack-to-meal” convenience, plan a budget for lunch on site.

Las Animas is also where optional activities pop up. You might see things like horseback riding, para-sailing, jet skis, and banana boat rides available for additional cost. One review described horseback riding at around 200 pesos per person for roughly 30 minutes. Prices and availability can change day to day, so treat it as a menu of options rather than a guaranteed add-on.

A practical heads-up: once you disembark, there are not many nearby bathroom options. If your group is drinking beer and soda through the day, plan your timing so nobody has an inconvenient moment. Simple planning makes beach time feel smooth.

What You Actually Get: Included Gear, Included Drinks, and Extra Costs

Let’s talk money and details without the fluff. The essentials included are bottled water, snorkeling equipment, and life jackets. You also get soft drinks and beer included during the cruise.

Not included:

• Lunch
• Towels
• Hotel pickup and drop-off
• Private transportation
• Any hard liquor (hard liquor is extra)
• Port entrance and facility fees, specifically a port entrance fee of 41 MXN pesos or $2 USD per person

That port entrance fee is the kind of add-on that surprises people at the start of the day. It is not huge, but it is real. If you want a clean budget, plan on it for each person in your group.

Because towels and transport are not included, your prep matters. Pack a small towel, or decide if you are okay buying one locally. Also think about a dry bag for your phone and wallet if you plan to snorkel.

Crew Service: Friendly Hosting, Safety, and Keeping the Drinks Flowing

The crew is a big part of what makes this cruise feel special. People consistently highlight the captain and the team working together, staying attentive without being pushy. Names come up often, including Captain Fernando, with crew members like Julio, Jorge, Mitsen, and Titus described as helpful and friendly.

What I like about this style of service is that it supports both active and non-active days. If you want to snorkel, the crew helps you get set up with the gear and keeps an eye on the group. If your group wants calmer sightseeing and photo time, the focus shifts to comfort and spotting wildlife.

There is also a “keep it easy” vibe around beverages. Soft drinks and beer are part of the package, and people have described the crew keeping glasses filled. One person even mentioned the crew’s salsa and DJ music as part of the fun atmosphere, which tells you this is not a stiff museum tour. It is still relaxed, just with a little party energy when you want it.

Safety is handled in a normal, practical way for a private water outing. Life jackets are provided, and the crew stays aware of who is in the water and who is on board. That matters when you have kids, older relatives, or anyone who gets nervous around water.

Value Check: What $678 Buys for a Private Group of Up to 8

The price is $678 per group for up to eight people, for about a five-hour cruise. Because it is per group, your per-person cost changes a lot based on how many seats you fill.

Quick math:

• For 8 people, it is about $84.75 per person before the port fee and any food or hard liquor.
• For 4 people, it is about $169.50 per person before extras.

So this is best value when you actually fill the group size. That is why families and small groups tend to love it, especially when everyone wants the same day but not the same crowds.

The cruise also includes snorkeling gear and life jackets, plus bottled water and beer or soda. When you add all of that, you are not just paying for the boat. You are paying for a whole day structure where the crew handles the route, the water stop, and the timing.

Yes, lunch and hard liquor will add to the bill if you choose them. But you are always in control of how much you order. If your group sticks to included drinks and shares lunch carefully, the cost stays pretty predictable.

Practical Tips That Help You Avoid Small Friction Points

Here are the things I would do if I were planning this as my day in Puerto Vallarta.

First, bring sunscreen and plan for sun exposure. The deck time and beach time stack up fast. People specifically called out bringing sunscreen, and that is solid advice for a South Shore day.

Second, bring pesos or cash for on-site choices. Activities at Las Animas, plus lunch and any extras, are paid directly. One review mentioned discounted pricing for activities, which usually only works well if you have local currency ready.

Third, pack around your group’s water comfort. Snorkeling gear is included, but towels are not. If you are snorkeling and getting off the boat for beach time, a small towel and a dry plan for your phone can save your day.

Fourth, remember there are no hotel logistics included. You are meeting at Marina Los Peines. If you’re on a cruise ship, tell the operator in advance so they can coordinate your situation at the cruise terminal area. Also note that if a cruise ship is late and you miss the tour, refunds are not issued for that reason. That is not meant to scare you, it is just real-world planning.

Finally, keep an eye on weather. The cruise runs under favorable weather conditions. If it gets canceled for poor weather, you should have options like an alternative date or a refund of the deposit.

Is This the Right Fit? Who Should Book This Cruise

This cruise makes the most sense if you want a private day that avoids the big-group party feel. Couples and families tend to love it because the day stays flexible, and the crew can tailor attention to the group. The small-group size also helps if you have kids who want action but also need breaks.

If your group hates long waits, this itinerary works because it gives a clear structure. You snorkel at Los Arcos, you cruise the coastline for sightseeing and possible wildlife, and you finish with beach time at Las Animas.

It also works if your group is split. Some people snorkel, others stay on board. The beach stop works for walkers, swimmers, and people who just want a pretty shoreline view.

If your group wants a full-on open-bar party or a nonstop schedule with a lot of stops, you might feel this is calmer than you expected. But if you want “relaxed and personal,” that is exactly the point.

Should You Book South Shore Private Sightseeing Cruise in Puerto Vallarta?

If you are choosing between a crowded tour and a smaller, crew-led day on the water, I would lean private. The snorkeling stop at Los Arcos, the relaxed pace, and the chance for wildlife spotting make it feel like a real excursion, not just transportation with photos.

Book it if:

• You can fill more of the up-to-eight capacity to get better value.
• Your group wants to snorkel or at least experience the water stop without a stressful crowd.
• You care about service and want the crew to stay attentive rather than disappearing into a loud mass of people.

Skip it or rethink it if:

• You need hotel pickup and door-to-door transport.
• You plan to eat lunch and drink hard liquor in large amounts, and you have a tight budget.
• Your group hates being out in sun for extended deck time, because this is a water-focused day.

Overall, this is one of those Puerto Vallarta experiences where the money buys comfort, flexibility, and a day that feels like it belongs to your group. If you want the South Shore story, told at your pace, it is a strong choice.

FAQ

How long is the South Shore private sightseeing cruise?

The cruise is about 5 hours (approx.).

What group size is this private cruise for?

It is a private tour for up to 8 passengers.

What is included in the price?

Included are bottled water, snorkeling equipment, life jackets, and soft drinks and beer.

Is lunch included?

No. Lunch is not included, and hard liquor is also an extra cost.

Where do we meet for the tour?

You start at Marina Los Peines, Los Peines 332, Isla Iguana, 48333 Puerto Vallarta, Jal., Mexico, and you return there at the end.

Do we need hotel pickup and drop-off?

No. Hotel pickup and drop-off are not included.

Is there a port entrance fee?

Yes. The port entrance fee is 41 MXN pesos (or $2 USD) per person.

What happens if weather is poor?

If it is canceled due to poor weather, you can choose an alternative date or receive a full refund of your deposit. Confirmation is received at booking time.