Sunset on the water
Late-afternoon outings end with the sun dropping into the Pacific as the city lights come on. A sailing catamaran or a flybridge yacht gives you a wide-open view.
See catamaransExperiences at sea · Banderas Bay
Yacht experiences in Puerto Vallarta
On a private yacht you can snorkel at Los Arcos, anchor off south-shore beaches, watch the sunset, look for humpback whales in season or celebrate on board. You choose the plan; the captain fits the route to the day at sea.
01Snorkeling
Snorkeling at Los Arcos and south-shore coves
Every vessel in the fleet comes with snorkeling gear, so swimming among tropical fish fits into almost any plan.
Los Arcos, the cluster of rocky islets off Mismaloya beach, is the bay's best-known snorkeling stop. It is a protected natural area: the crew follows the current rules and shows you where to swim. Farther south there are small coves, such as Colomitos next to Boca de Tomatlán, or Majahuitas, where the captain looks for a comfortable anchorage depending on sea conditions.
- On the Trimaran 40, the outing includes guided snorkeling at Los Arcos, plus kayaks and paddleboards at Colomitos.
- The Sunseeker 46 carries ten sets of snorkeling gear, handy when the whole group wants to get in the water at once.
- The captain decides where and when to swim based on the weather, the swell and the rules in force that day.
02Beaches
South-shore beaches, from the water
Between Boca de Tomatlán and Yelapa, the Jalisco coastline hides beaches that most visitors reach by water taxi or by yacht.
Las Ánimas has a long beach lined with palapa restaurants; Quimixto is known for the hike to its waterfall; Majahuitas is a quiet cove wrapped in jungle; and Yelapa is a village set on its own small bay. On a private charter the captain can anchor off the beach so you can swim, take out the kayak or paddleboard if your vessel carries one, or have lunch on deck looking at the hills.
If you would like to go ashore, mention it when you request your quote and we will confirm in writing whether the route and the vessel allow it.
03More ideas
Sunsets, whales and celebrations
A private charter bends around whatever you want to celebrate or explore, and these plans pair well with snorkeling and beach time.
Humpback whales
Roughly December to March, humpback whales arrive in the bay. The captain watches them from a respectful distance under Mexico's federal approach rules.
Whale watchingCelebrations on board
Birthdays, proposals, symbolic weddings, bachelor and bachelorette parties, graduations and company outings, on vessels for groups of 5 to 200 guests.
Weddings & eventsFood and drinks
Each yacht has its own package, from ice and water to snacks, lunch, an open bar or a chef on board. We confirm quantities and menus in writing.
Food & drinks04Water toys
Kayaks, paddleboards and more, vessel by vessel
Beyond snorkeling gear, many vessels carry a kayak, a paddleboard, a floating mat or fishing rods. The equipment changes from yacht to yacht, and every listing shows exactly what is on board.
Trimaran
Trimaran 40
- Guests
- Up to 40 guests
- Length
- 40 ft
- Departs
- Puerto Vallarta
- Food & drinks
- Open bar & food
Sport yacht
Sunseeker 46
- Guests
- Up to 12 guests
- Length
- 46 ft
- Departs
- Puerto Vallarta
- Food & drinks
- Drinks & snacks
Flybridge motor yacht
Azimut 58
- Guests
- Up to 20 guests
- Length
- 58 ft
- Departs
- Puerto Vallarta
- Food & drinks
- Drinks & snacks
Sailing catamaran
Lagoon 38
- Guests
- Up to 20 guests
- Length
- 38 ft
- Departs
- Puerto Vallarta
- Food & drinks
- Drinks & snacks
Flybridge superyacht
Azimut 85
- Guests
- Up to 15 guests
- Length
- 85 ft
- Departs
- Puerto Vallarta
- Food & drinks
- Chef on board
Superyacht
Custom 103
- Guests
- Up to 50 guests
- Length
- 103 ft
- Departs
- Puerto Vallarta
- Food & drinks
- Open bar & food
Jet skis appear on the list for only a handful of vessels, such as the Azimut 85 and the Custom 103, which also carries a sea scooter. If something is not on the listing, please don't assume it is included: ask us before you book.
05Your day
How to plan your day at sea
Pick what you want to do
Snorkeling, a beach, the sunset, whales or a celebration. You can combine several plans in one outing.
Find the right vessel
Based on your group size, departure point and what each yacht includes. The full fleet lets you filter.
Agree on the route
It depends on charter length, departure point, weather and regulations. We confirm it in writing together with the schedule.
Head out to sea
The captain and crew handle the navigation, and on anything related to safety the captain has the final say.
Common questions
Frequently asked questions
What can you do on a yacht in Puerto Vallarta?
The most popular plans are snorkeling at Los Arcos, anchoring off south-shore beaches such as Las Ánimas or Yelapa, sunset cruising, whale watching in season and celebrating on board. On a private charter you can combine several of them in one outing, depending on charter length, departure point and sea conditions.
Is snorkeling gear included?
Yes. Every vessel in the fleet includes snorkeling gear. The number of sets and extras such as kayaks, paddleboards or floating mats vary by yacht; each vessel listing gives the details, and we confirm them in writing before you book.
Can I choose the route for my charter?
Yes, within what the charter length, departure point, weather and current regulations allow. Tell us what you would like to do and we will propose a route in writing. On the day, the captain may adjust it for safety or sea conditions.
Can we visit the Marietas Islands?
The Marietas Islands are a national park, and access is regulated by permits and rules that 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.
Is a yacht charter a good idea with kids?
Yes. A private charter lets you set the pace of the day with children on board, and catamarans, with their wide and stable decks, are a comfortable choice for families. When you ask for a quote, tell us how many children are coming and their ages so we can confirm the equipment and the route with you.
When can you see whales from a yacht?
Roughly December to March, when humpback whales are in Banderas Bay. Sightings depend on nature and on the rules for approaching the animals, so it is worth pairing them with snorkeling or a beach stop. More on our whale-watching page.
Have a date in mind?
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.
Just have a question? Use the contact page — no booking needed. Contact