A private sail in Banderas Bay feels different fast. You get a full day on the water from a central marina, plus snorkeling time in the Los Arcos area with all gear handled, and a food setup built around fresh guacamole. It’s genuinely made for your group, not a cattle-call day tour.

I especially like the snorkeling equipment inclusion and the way snacks are handled during the cruise. The included guacamole, chips, and snack spread show up as a real part of the day, not an afterthought, and it pairs nicely with the calm, scenic pace around the coast.

One consideration: this charter can end up being more motor-and-rocking than true sail-power on some days, and snorkeling visibility can vary by season. If your dream is nonstop sailing and crystal-clear reef life every minute, this may not always match that fantasy.

Key points to know

• Los Arcos National Park scenery: expect big coastal views from the water and a very photogenic bay.
• Snorkeling gear is included: you don’t have to sort out mask fins before you leave the marina.
• Food is built around guacamole: chips and fresh guac are a repeated highlight.
• Your crew steers the day: the captain and first mate adjust the plan toward swimming, snorkeling, paddleboarding, and wildlife when conditions allow.
• Seasonal water clarity matters: some days have better snorkeling than others, so manage expectations.

Why Los Arcos and Mismaloya work so well for a private sail

Puerto Vallarta’s coast looks postcard-perfect from shore, but it hits different when you’re gliding a few dozen yards off the waterline. This cruise targets the Los Arcos de Mismaloya area for scenery and sea-life potential, then continues toward Mismaloya for more bay time. The payoff is a day that mixes big views with actual water activities, without the stress of driving, finding parking, or negotiating crowds.

The private setup matters here because the crew can shift the day toward what you care about most. If you want calmer time for swimming and relaxing, they lean into that. If you want to get in and try snorkeling or paddleboarding, they help you do it safely and comfortably. That flexibility is the main reason people keep recommending this kind of charter over a standard group tour.

And yes, the food is part of the experience. Fresh guacamole and snacks aren’t just for boosting energy; they also make the cruise feel like a real outing rather than a checklist of stops.

Your 6-hour flow: marina start, bay time, and the included snack rhythm

The cruise runs about six hours, and it’s a true private experience, so the schedule is built around your group rather than a rotating lineup. You meet at the Marina Vallarta Boat Ramp at Proa 22, then you return back to the same meeting point at the end.

In practice, the day usually feels like this: settle aboard quickly, get your bearings, then spend the middle hours out on the water where the crew can choose the best spots for snorkeling and swimming. Food typically comes during the cruise, with guacamole and snacks served as you’re enjoying the break from the water activities.

This timing works because you’re not forced to rush from one thing to the next. You get time to breathe, enjoy the coastline, and then decide when you want to get in the water. If your group includes different comfort levels—kids, grandparents, and strong swimmers—that relaxed pacing can be a big deal.

Stop 1: Los Arcos de Mismaloya for big scenery and wildlife chances

Los Arcos de Mismaloya is the kind of area where the water view does half the work for you. From the sailboat, you get framed shots of the coastline and the distinctive coastal rock formations that make this part of Banderas Bay so recognizable.

This is also where you’re set up for snorkeling and swimming time. The cruise includes snorkeling equipment, which makes a difference: you can show up ready to go, and the crew can help you get sorted so you’re not stuck wrestling a mask while everyone else is already in the water.

Wildlife sightings can happen here and in the bay more broadly. Some groups have reported sea turtles, while others have had exceptional luck with whales or dolphins during the cruise. You should think of wildlife as a bonus, not a guarantee, but the captain and crew do seem to keep an eye out and try to give people a good chance to see what’s around.

Stop 2: Mismaloya for beach-bay vibes and more swimming time

Mismaloya is a nice follow-up stop because it’s where the day can shift toward “play” instead of “look.” You’re still in the same coastal region and still close to the water, so the day stays centered on sea time rather than long land transfers.

This stop is where you may find additional time for swimming and relaxing. Some groups have also managed to work in lunch stops depending on the day’s plan and timing, but lunch itself is not listed as an included item—so keep that in mind if you’re expecting a full meal built into the cruise.

What I like about placing your second stop in Mismaloya is that the energy of the day can soften. If snorkeling conditions aren’t ideal, the day doesn’t fall apart. You can still enjoy the coastal scenery, jump in for a swim, and reset with snacks and a view.

Snorkeling and paddleboarding: what you get and what to expect seasonally

The strongest practical win here is that snorkeling gear is included. That means mask, snorkel, and fins are part of the deal, so you don’t have to pay for rentals or worry about returning something.

Paddleboarding is also part of the activity menu when conditions allow. Some groups reported paddleboarding and swimming in clear areas, while others had a different outcome when the water wasn’t as clear. In other words, your best snorkeling day depends on the day’s water color and visibility—something you can’t fully control.

Also note the details that can matter on a boat day:

• If your group includes people who are less steady on their feet, getting in and out of the water needs to feel manageable. The crew is there to help, but the water activity portion is still active.
• If you need specific fin sizes, it’s worth asking ahead of time. A request for larger fins has come up as a helpful tweak.

If snorkeling is your top priority, I’d plan for it as a real possibility, but keep a flexible mindset. The same day can still be excellent even when snorkeling visibility isn’t perfect because you’re spending hours on a sailboat in a beautiful bay.

The crew makes the trip: names you might hear on board

This is one of those tours where the crew reputation shows up fast—right after you step aboard. Multiple groups highlighted attentive service and a welcoming tone, with people feeling cared for from the first moment.

You might interact with captains and first mates like Captain Luis and first mate Angel, along with others such as Felix, Ricardo, Cesar, Jorge, Gusto, Francisco, Chuy, Alberto, and Ramona. Different crew members share the workload, and the common thread is that they’re focused on comfort, safety, and getting you what you want from the day.

The most valuable part of their approach is how they guide activities. If you want to try snorkeling or paddleboarding, they help make it feel doable. If you’d rather relax, they keep the day calm and paced. And if wildlife appears—dolphins, sea turtles, or whales—the crew tends to create a good viewing moment rather than treat it as a random afterthought.

Food on board: fresh guacamole isn’t a small detail here

On many tours, snacks feel like filler. Here, the included food gets real attention. Guacamole—often described as some of the best people tried in Puerto Vallarta—shows up with chips, and there’s also a snack setup that keeps you satisfied during your on-water hours.

Groups have also mentioned fresh fruit platters and hot chips, plus the kind of relaxed rhythm where you eat without feeling like you’re being rushed back into gear. Water is included, and ice is included, which matters because warm drinks on a boat day are an easy way to ruin the vibe.

One thing to plan for: alcoholic beverages are not included. If your group wants drinks beyond the non-alcohol options, you’ll need to cover that separately.

Boat comfort and motion: a stable ride, but ask yourself about sea legs

A sailboat day can feel wonderfully smooth, or it can feel like a lesson in holding on. The good news is that the charter is run on a sailboat designed for passenger comfort and includes open deck space plus shaded areas depending on your spot aboard. One account even emphasized a steady, solid feel from a larger 48-foot center-cockpit style setup.

Still, conditions on Banderas Bay vary. Some groups noted a rocking motion during rougher seas, and one even mentioned that the sails didn’t open and the engine was used instead. That matters because the experience can shift from “sailing-glide” to “slow rocking cruise.”

My practical advice: if your group includes anyone prone to motion sickness or who dislikes uneven movement, bring whatever helps you (and plan to sit somewhere comfortable rather than roaming around). If your priority is just the view and being out on the water, this trip still delivers. If your priority is big sailing moments, it’s smart to keep expectations flexible.

Price and value: $985.73 for a private group up to 15

At $985.73 per group (up to 15 people), this isn’t a budget tour. But the value math changes when you think about what’s included and what private means in real life.

You’re paying for:

• A private charter rather than sharing space with strangers
• Snorkeling gear
• Snacks and fresh guacamole
• A crew that stays with you for the full time
• A scenic route around Los Arcos and the Mismaloya bay area

For a small group, it can feel steep compared with a group cruise. But for families or mixed-age friend groups, private can become the better deal because you’re not stuck with set departure times, crowded boats, or a one-size-fits-all pace. The per-person cost drops quickly as group size increases, and you gain control over the day’s vibe.

If you’re traveling with kids, this kind of private structure can also be a hidden win. You can ask for extra help when needed and you’re not competing with strangers for attention or safety guidance.

Getting there from cruise docks: the marina is your key waypoint

The meeting point is Marina Vallarta Boat Ramp at Proa 22. For cruise passengers, the marina is adjacent to the cruise ship dock area, but you may still need a short taxi hop to reach the correct ramp. The good part is that this is not a long, complicated transfer—just enough to matter if you’re tight on time.

You’re also set up near public transportation, which helps if you’re not coming by taxi. The tour uses a mobile ticket, so keep your phone ready and charged.

If you’re prone to being the person who gets lost at ports, arrive a bit early. A central marina meeting point is usually simple to find, but marinas have multiple ramps and gates, so give yourself buffer time.

Should you book this private sailing cruise?

Book it if you want a private day on the water with snorkeling gear included, a strong focus on comfort and service, and a food setup built around fresh guacamole. It’s a great fit for families, friend groups, and couples who want scenery plus water time without the stress of crowded tours.

Skip it or choose another option if:

• Your #1 goal is nonstop sailing under full sail (some days use the engine and rockier conditions can change the feeling)
• You need guaranteed top-tier snorkeling visibility every time (conditions can vary)
• Your group expects alcohol to be included

If you’re flexible about how the day unfolds—views, swimming time, and guided activities—this cruise is the kind of experience that can turn into a highlight you remember long after you’re back on land.

FAQ

How long is the private sailing cruise?

The experience runs about 6 hours.

Is this tour private or shared with other groups?

This is a private tour/activity, so only your group participates.

Where do we meet, and how do we get back?

You start at Marina Vallarta Boat Ramp, Proa 22, Marina Vallarta, and the activity ends back at the same meeting point.

Is snorkeling equipment included?

Yes. Snorkeling equipment is included.

What food and drinks are included?

You’ll have snacks plus guacamole, and water is included (along with hielo). Alcoholic beverages are not included.

What is the cancellation policy?

This experience is non-refundable and cannot be changed for any reason. If you cancel or request an amendment, the amount you paid is not refunded.

Is the tour conducted in English?

Yes, it’s offered in English.

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