There is no better place to appreciate the beauty of the region than sitting on the deck of a boat. Feel the fresh sea breeze in your face and the wind in your hair while you enjoy the beauty of Banderas Bay. There are multiple Puerto Vallarta boat tour operators and private charters to rent out fishing boats, party catamarans, and luxury yachts for a few hours or even a couple of days. There is something for everyone, including snorkeling trips, booze cruises, sailing tours, and more.
Puerto Vallarta Boat Tours
Below are our 7 favorite boat tours in Puerto Vallarta, including trips to Las Marietas Islands, South Shore, and snorkeling at Los Arcos. Popular spots to visit in the bay are:
- Majahuitas Cove (great for snorkelling)
- Marietas Island National Park
- Los Arcos National Park
- Coastal fishing towns of the South part of the bay, such as Quimixto, Las Ánimas, Yelapa, Colomitos.
- Or just navigate freely where the wind of Banderas Bay takes you!
Marietas Islands Boat Tours
Designated a world heritage site in 2004, the Islas Marietas National Park tour is undoubtedly one of the best things to do in Puerto Vallarta. These islands are also known as the “Mexican Galapagos”.
If you have the opportunity to go on a Puerto Vallarta boat tour to the Marietas Islands, you’ll have the opportunity to experience one of the most beautiful natural conservation parks in the world. Its beautiful hidden beach, Playa del Amor, is incredibly unique, and the surrounding area is magnificent.
Other than Playa del Amor, there are tons of other hidden beaches, ocean caves, rock formations, and tunnels. The Marietas Islands got their shape and impressive geography due to volcanic activity many centuries ago. To add to that, it was a bomb test site for the Mexican military back in the 1900s. The large explosions caused many of the caves and rock formations to be created. In the 1960s, the government decided to declare the islands a national park.
Whale Watching Boat Tours
Puerto Vallarta whale watching season is from Mid-November to March each year. These gentle giants can be seen breaching out of the water as parents instruct their baby calves in the ways of the watery world. Each year, between 300 and 500 Humpback Whales are registered in the area. In other words, if you go during the right season you are almost guaranteed to see them! Book a private boat or a group tour for the best whale-watching experiences in the bay.
Luxury Yacht & Snorkel Experience
With this Luxury Catamaran & Snorkel Experience, you get to enjoy these scenic seaside destinations in style. Enjoy delicious drinks and hors d’oeuvres served by the professional, bilingual, and friendly crew, and relax on the deck while we take you on a sightseeing tour unlike any other. Stop at some of the bay’s best snorkeling spots or take out the paddleboard and look out for dolphins and turtles. From December through March, keep an eye out for the humpback whales in the Bay!
Sailing Tour on Banderas Bay
Sail along the coastline of Banderas Bay on this half-day sail tour in Puerto Vallarta. Swim, snorkel, and enjoy included beverages and a delicious lunch as you cruise on this 6hr sailboat tour.
- Sail for 6 hrs throughout the Banderas Bay
- Swim and snorkel with all equipment provided
- Chance of seeing humpback whales, wild dolphins, and sea turtles
- Lunch, snacks and beverages included
Los Arcos National Park Boat Tour
This rock formation is about 15 minutes south of Old Town, and it is well worth the trip. The scenery is beautiful and you can catch glimpses of Blue-footed Boobies, Humpback Whales (seasonal), dolphins, stingrays, pufferfish, and so many colorful fish! Below are small group boat tours and private yacht rentals to Los Arcos National Park:
South Shore Boat Tour: Yelapa & Majahuitas
The south shore of Banderas Bay is absolutely stunning with sandy shores and picturesque views of the Sierra Madre mountain range. Below are the private boat tours we most recommend:
Fishing Charters
Puerto Vallarta fishing charters offer some of the best opportunities for sport and deep-sea fishing trips in Mexico. Mahi Mahi and Marlin season is best from September to February, but Red Snapper and Jack Crevalle fishing are great all year! There are also many opportunities to catch Sailfish and giant Yellowfin Tuna. Learn more about Puerto Vallarta fishing charters, prices, and deep-sea fishing tours ranging from 2 to 12-hour expeditions.
Private Boat Charters & Yacht Rentals
There are a variety of boat charters in Puerto Vallarta ranging from luxury yachts to classic sailboats and private catamarans, which are great for any special occasion such as family reunions, bachelor/bachelorette parties, wedding celebrations, birthday parties, or just-for-fun! Sail in any of the boats and enjoy the experience of traveling through the bay of Puerto Vallarta, watching a sunset, or enjoy water activities such as snorkeling, paddleboarding, or kayaking.
All you have to do is select the boat, the date, and the time you want to set sail. Here are a few charters and boat rentals in Puerto Vallarta that we highly recommend:
4hr Private Yacht “Pipe Dream”
This Tiara 42′ yacht is an excellent option to explore the bay, whether it is to see dolphins and whales, snorkeling, discover isolated beaches, or simply cruise the coastline in search of the best landscapes. Along the way, enjoy a delicious and fresh lunch accompanied by some refreshing beers. The crew of “Pipe Dream” really works hard to create unique experiences for you that become memories for a lifetime.
- 4hr Private Boat Charter: $800 USD
- Capacity: 10 people
- Lunch, snacks, water, and beers
- Snorkel equipment
- Pick-up and drop-off included
All-Inclusive Private Catamaran Charter
The ultimate idea for a birthday party, bachelorette party, or just because! Enjoy this private catamaran rental that was custom-built for fun! Everything Is All-Inclusive. Enjoy snacks, guacamole, potato chips, and an unlimited open bar. Drinks include anything from water, coffee, juice, smoothies, soda, margaritas, Piña Coladas, beer, tequila, and wine; whatever you can think of, whatever you choose to drink.
All water activities and toys are included too! Have fun in the water with: paddleboards, kayaks, fishing, snorkeling, whale watching (when in season), water tubing, splash nets, water mattress, our famous water slides, and endless fun! Feed your spirit of adventure and encounter the most beautiful landscapes that Bahia de Banderas has to offer.
- Private Catamaran Charter: $1750 USD up to 25 guests
- The maximum capacity is 85. Additional guests are $70 per person.
- Use of snorkel equipment, kayaks, paddleboards, & other water toys
- Unlimited drinks (Premium Open Bar, soft drinks, water, & more!)
6hr Private Luxury Boat Rental
This 6hr private luxury boat rental will take you anywhere in the bay you’d like. They can take you along the south shore to visit Los Arcos National Park, cruise by Los Arcos, and snorkel at Majahuitas. Perfect for families looking to cruise around the bay, snorkel, or even go sport fishing.
- 6hr Private Boat Charter: $1950 USD
- Capacity: 10 people
- Open bar: Champagne, tequila, and beer
- Pick-up and drop-off included
Hatteras 58′ Luxury Yacht
This is a “Choose Your Own Adventure” experience, which means you can spend time enjoying the party and music or just relaxing on the boat. Board your 58 ft Hatteras at Opequimar Marine Center or Paradise Village Public Pier and start your day exploring Banderas Bay. The day is yours to decide! We would highly recommend heading south, passing downtown Puerto Vallarta, then visit Los Arcos Marine Park, and other secluded beaches such as Majahuitas for excellent snorkeling. This luxury yacht rental includes:
- 4-6 hrs Private Boat Charter: $1700-2500 USD
- Capacity: 15 people
- Choose Your Own Adventure
- An open bar
- Delicious buffet lunch
- Access to snorkeling gear, a kayak, and a paddleboard
Bertram 57′ Yacht Rental
Spend a day on your own private luxury yacht rental! Gather up to 20 people and charter this boat that is amazing for wedding parties, family reunions, bachelor/bachelorette parties, birthday celebrations, or just because. Discover some of the most secluded and pristine beaches that the Southern side has to offer such as Los Arcos, Colomitos, Las Animas, Playa Madagascar, Majahuitas, and Yelapa.
- 4hr Private Yacht Charter: $1250 USD
- Capacity: 15-20 people
- Dimensions: 57ft
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