Plan · Common questions

Frequently asked questions about yacht charters

Answers to what we are asked most about chartering a yacht in Puerto Vallarta and on Banderas Bay: how to get a quote, what is included, where you depart from, what to bring and what to expect on the water.

Booking & quotes

How do I request a quote?

Fill in the quote request form with your date, number of guests and what you would like to do, or call us at +1 305 515 4735. We check which vessels are available and send you options with their details and inclusions. Asking for a quote does not commit you to book.

How much does it cost to charter a yacht in Puerto Vallarta?

It depends on the date, the vessel, the hours and the size of your group, which is why we quote each charter instead of publishing a single price. Your quote includes the rate and what the charter covers, so you can compare options with all the information.

What details do you need for a quote?

The essentials are your date, the total number of guests including children, and the departure point that suits you. It also helps to know the occasion, your preferred time of day, any yacht you have in mind and what food or drinks you would like on board.

How far in advance should I book?

As early as you can if your date falls on a weekend, Easter week, the Christmas and New Year holidays or whale season, because the most requested vessels go first. Short-notice charters are possible too, as long as there is availability for your date and group.

What do I receive in writing before I book?

The schedule, the departure point, the vessel, what the charter includes, any upgrades you have chosen and the booking terms. Read it carefully: anything not in that document is not part of the charter unless we confirm it in writing.

Can I change the date or cancel?

Change and cancellation terms are part of the written confirmation you receive before you book, and they can vary by vessel and date. Read them before you confirm and ask us about anything that is unclear; we are happy to walk you through each point.

The fleet & capacity

How many vessels do you have?

The fleet has 53 vessels: sport and motor yachts, flybridge yachts, catamarans, trimarans and event vessels. In the full fleet you can filter them by group size, departure point or food included.

How many people fit on a yacht?

It depends on the vessel: options range from 5 to 200 guests. For comfort, choose a yacht whose maximum capacity is a little above your headcount. On some yachts the base rate covers a smaller group, and additional guests up to the maximum are added by arrangement.

What is the difference between a motor yacht and a catamaran?

A motor yacht usually has a flybridge, an indoor salon and cabins, and is practical for cruising the coastline. A catamaran has two hulls, so its deck is wide and stable: it works very well for families, snorkeling and groups who like to move around freely. Compare options on our catamarans page.

What makes a yacht a luxury yacht?

We flag 26 vessels in the fleet as luxury for their size, finishes and equipment: flybridges, air-conditioned salons and, on some, a chef or an open bar on board. See the full selection on our luxury yachts page.

Do you have options for large groups?

Yes. 23 vessels take 20 guests or more, and the event catamarans go up to 200. Those catamarans require a minimum number of guests, which we share when we quote. Find more options on our yachts for groups page.

Departure points

Where do the yachts depart from?

From three points on Banderas Bay: Puerto Vallarta in Jalisco, and Nuevo Vallarta and La Cruz de Huanacaxtle (Marina Riviera Nayarit) in Nayarit. Each listing shows where the vessel departs, and the exact boarding point is confirmed in writing with your booking.

Which departure point is right for me?

Usually the one closest to where you are staying. Puerto Vallarta is convenient from the Hotel Zone, Downtown and the Romantic Zone, and faces the south shore. Nuevo Vallarta and La Cruz suit you if you are staying in Nayarit or want to explore the north of the bay and Punta de Mita.

Can we depart from Punta de Mita or somewhere else?

Some vessels offer optional departures from La Cruz de Huanacaxtle or Punta de Mita at an extra cost, and their listing says so. If you need to board somewhere else, mention it when you request your quote and we will confirm in writing what is possible with each vessel.

Is transportation to the marina included?

No, ground transportation is not part of the charter. We send you the exact boarding point in writing so you can arrange a taxi or transfer in good time, allowing for traffic, especially in high season and over holidays.

What is included

What does a yacht charter include?

Every vessel includes a captain and crew, fuel and snorkeling gear. Drinks, food and water toys vary by yacht: each listing details its package, and we confirm it in writing before you book.

What is not included?

Unless the listing says otherwise: ground transportation to the marina, towels, gratuity for the crew, marina or port fees where they apply, and any service that does not appear on the listing, unless we confirm it in writing.

Are there kayaks, paddleboards or other water toys?

It depends on the vessel. Many include a kayak, paddleboards, a floating mat or fishing rods, and a few add jet skis, such as the Azimut 85 and the Custom 103. The exact list is on each yacht's page.

Are towels provided?

Only on vessels whose listing includes them, such as the Custom 55. On the others, bring your own beach towel. If you would like towels on board, mention it when you request your quote and we will confirm whether that is possible.

Is the gratuity included?

No, gratuity for the crew is not included in the charter. In Mexico it is customary to tip when you have enjoyed the service, and the amount is up to you. The simplest approach is to bring it in cash and hand it over at the end of the charter.

Food & drinks

What food and drinks does each yacht include?

Each vessel has a tier: ice and water; drinks and snacks; drinks with lunch; an open bar with food; or a chef on board. The listing details quantities and menu, and our food and drinks page compares the tiers. Everything is confirmed in writing before you sail.

Can I bring my own food and drinks?

On many vessels, yes: the listing says so when it is allowed, and if it does not, we confirm it when you book. It is a practical option on yachts that include only ice and water. Several vessels also offer catering at an extra cost.

Are there yachts with an open bar?

Yes, 9 vessels include an open bar in their package, from classic yachts such as the Hatteras 61 to the Custom 90 for events. The drinks and food included vary by vessel, so check the listing and your written confirmation.

Are there yachts with a chef on board?

Yes, 3 vessels include a chef on board, among them the Azimut 105 and the Custom 55. The chef prepares food during the charter, and drinks are included as shown on each vessel's listing.

Can you handle allergies or special diets?

Let us know when you request your quote: allergies, vegetarian meals or any other restriction. We confirm with the vessel what can be prepared or adjusted and put it in writing. If the included menu does not suit you, you can bring your own food where the vessel allows it.

Safety, weather & what to bring

Who decides whether it is safe to sail?

The captain, who has the final say on safety. Depending on wind, swell or notices from the Port Authority, the captain may change the route, choose another swim spot or decide not to sail. Routes also depend on the departure point, charter length and current regulations.

What happens if the charter is canceled due to weather?

What applies in that case is part of the terms you receive in writing before you book. Read them carefully and ask us anything before you confirm, so you know exactly what to expect if the weather does not allow you to sail.

What should I bring?

Swimwear, a hat, sunglasses, sunscreen (ideally biodegradable), a towel if your vessel does not include them and a light layer for the afternoon. If you are prone to seasickness, take your medication ahead of time, and bring cash if you would like to tip the crew.

Can children come on board?

Tell us their ages when you request your quote. We confirm with the vessel that life jackets in the right sizes are on board and suggest a comfortable plan for the family, with swim stops and a schedule that suits younger travelers.

Do I need to know how to swim to go snorkeling?

You do not need to swim to come on board. If you want to snorkel but are not a confident swimmer, let the crew know and wear a life jacket in the water. Nobody has to get in: you can also enjoy the charter from the deck.

Will I get seasick?

It depends on the person and on sea conditions. It helps to choose a larger vessel or a catamaran, to sail in the morning when the water tends to be calmer, and to watch the horizon from the deck. If you are prone to seasickness, talk to your doctor before the charter.

Whales & destinations

When is whale season in Puerto Vallarta?

Humpback whales visit Banderas Bay roughly from December to March. It is one of the busiest seasons, so booking ahead is a good idea. Find more details on our whale-watching page.

Can we be sure to see whales?

Nobody can promise it, because sightings depend on nature. In season they are common on the bay, and the captain approaches in line with Mexican federal rules on distance and viewing time, which protect the animals and the people on board.

Can we visit the Marietas Islands?

The Marietas Islands are a national park with regulated access. Some vessels mention outings to that area, but any visit depends on permits, park rules and conditions on the day. We cannot promise a landing on the islands or access to their beaches.

Which beaches and destinations can we visit?

To the south, Los Arcos off Mismaloya, Boca de Tomatlán, Las Ánimas, Quimixto, Majahuitas and Yelapa, beaches reached by sea. To the north, Bucerías, La Cruz de Huanacaxtle and Punta de Mita. What you can reach depends on your charter hours and departure point. Ideas on our destinations page.

Where can we go snorkeling?

The most popular spot is Los Arcos, a group of rocky islets off Mismaloya. There are also coves along the south shore that can work depending on sea conditions. The captain chooses the spot for the day with safety and water conditions in mind.

Events & groups

Can we hold a wedding on board?

Yes. The ceremony on board can be symbolic or led by the officiant the couple chooses. We confirm what the vessel allows in terms of guest numbers, decorations, music and food, and put it in writing. More ideas on our weddings and events page.

Can you help us plan a marriage proposal?

Share your idea when you request a quote: the time of day, how many people are coming and whether you would like decorations, a cake or special drinks. We confirm with the vessel what can be prepared on board and put it in writing. Sunset charters and catamarans such as the Lagoon 45 are popular choices.

Do you arrange charters for companies or large groups?

Yes. For company teams, graduations or family reunions there are yachts for groups and event catamarans for up to 200 guests, such as the Catamaran 90, with two bars and a DJ booth. These catamarans require a minimum number of guests.

Can we bring music, a DJ or decorations?

Many vessels have a sound system you can connect your phone to, and the largest catamaran in the fleet has a DJ booth. For decorations, musicians or outside vendors, let us know when you request a quote: we confirm with the vessel what it allows and include it in your written confirmation.

Still have questions?

Ask us directly

If your question is not answered here, email or call us. We reply in English or Spanish, whether or not you have a date in mind, and asking does not commit you to book.

Request a quote

If you already have a date and a number of guests, request a quote and we will send you options in writing.

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