Destinations · Jalisco and Nayarit
Banderas Bay, shared by Jalisco and Nayarit, offers rocky islets for snorkeling, south-shore beaches reached by sea and, to the north, Punta de Mita and the Marietas Islands. Your route depends on the vessel, the departure point and the day.
01The bay
Banderas Bay is one of the largest bays in Mexico. The Ameca River marks the line between Jalisco to the south and Nayarit to the north.
On the Jalisco side are Puerto Vallarta and the south shore, with Mismaloya, Los Arcos, Boca de Tomatlán and the beaches that continue all the way to Yelapa. On the Nayarit side are Nuevo Vallarta, Bucerías, La Cruz de Huanacaxtle and Punta de Mita, with the Marietas Islands lying off the point.
Which destinations fit into your charter depends on its length, the departure point, the weather, sea conditions and current regulations. We propose a route in writing, and on the day the captain has the final say on safety.
02South shore
South of Puerto Vallarta, the mountains run right down to the sea and the coastline breaks into islets, coves and small beaches, many of them with no road access.
A cluster of rocky islets off Mismaloya beach, with arches and tunnels carved by the sea. It is a protected natural area and the bay's best-known snorkeling stop.
The area's rules apply to every vessel, and the crew shows you where to swim.
Boca de Tomatlán is a small fishing village at the mouth of a river, and the water taxis to the southern beaches leave from here. Right beside it is Colomitos, a tiny turquoise cove tucked between rocks and jungle.
The outing on the Trimaran 40 includes kayaks and paddleboards at Colomitos after snorkeling at Los Arcos.
A wide sandy beach with palm trees and palapa restaurants, between Boca de Tomatlán and Quimixto. It is a classic stop for a swim and a meal by the sea.
The yacht can anchor off the beach; if you would like to go ashore, we confirm in writing with your quote whether that is possible.
Quimixto is a small coastal village known for the hike up to its waterfall. Majahuitas, farther south, is a quiet cove of pale sand surrounded by jungle, good for swimming and snorkeling when the sea is calm.
A village on its own small bay, with a beach, palm trees and jungle-covered hills, where most visitors arrive by sea. It is one of the southernmost points on yacht routes.
The listings for some vessels, such as the Azimut 85, name Majahuitas and Yelapa among their destinations.
03North of the bay
The northern side of the bay belongs to Nayarit. It has departure marinas, beaches open to the Pacific and a national park with regulated access.
Uninhabited islands off Punta de Mita, protected as a national park. Access is regulated by permits and park rules that can change.
Some vessels, such as the Sea Ray 55 (Riviera Nayarit), mention outings toward the islands; any visit depends on those rules and on conditions that day. We never promise a landing on the islands.
The northern point of the bay, with open beaches and waves that surfers know well.
Some vessels, such as the Sea Ray 50 or the Azimut 80, can depart from Punta de Mita at extra cost.
La Cruz is a fishing town with Marina Riviera Nayarit, a departure point for part of the fleet. Bucerías, next door, is a beach town between Nuevo Vallarta and La Cruz.
04Departure points
Where you board depends on the vessel, and we confirm it in writing with your booking.
Jalisco · 42 vessels. Most of the fleet departs from here, which is convenient if you are staying in the Hotel Zone, Downtown or the Romantic Zone.
Nayarit · 13 vessels. North of the Ameca River, handy if you are staying in Nuevo Vallarta, Flamingos or Bucerías.
Nayarit · 3 vessels. At Marina Riviera Nayarit, on the northern side of the bay on the way to Punta de Mita.
05Vessels
The information for these vessels names specific destinations or departure points around the bay. Even so, your final route depends on charter length, weather and regulations, and is confirmed in writing.
Trimaran
Flybridge superyacht
Large event yacht
Flybridge motor yacht
Flybridge superyacht
Motor yacht
Common questions
On the south shore: Los Arcos and Mismaloya, Boca de Tomatlán, Colomitos, Las Ánimas, Quimixto, Majahuitas and Yelapa. To the north: Punta de Mita and, with regulated access, the Marietas Islands. Which ones fit into your charter depends on its length, the departure point and conditions on the day.
That depends on the national park rules, which regulate access through permits and can change. Some vessels mention outings toward the islands, but any visit depends on those rules and on conditions that day. We never promise a landing on the islands or entry to any of their beaches.
It depends on the route and the vessel. The yacht can anchor off the beach so you can swim and snorkel from the deck. If you would like to go ashore, tell us when you request a quote and we will confirm in writing whether it is possible and how it would work.
The most popular spot is Los Arcos, off Mismaloya, a protected natural area with tropical fish among the rocks. You can also snorkel in south-shore coves such as Colomitos or Majahuitas when the sea is calm. Every vessel in the fleet includes snorkeling gear.
By charter length, departure point, weather, sea conditions and current regulations. Tell us which destinations interest you and we will propose a route in writing. On the day, the captain may adjust it for safety.
Yes. 13 vessels depart from Nuevo Vallarta and 3 from La Cruz de Huanacaxtle, both in Nayarit. Some can also leave from Punta de Mita at extra cost. Use the "Nayarit departures" filter in the full fleet to find them.
Tell us how many people are coming and what you would like to do on the water. We check which vessels are available and send their details in writing.
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