Four hours, your own boat, and waterpark fun. This private ChicaFun 1 yacht charter from Puerto Vallarta turns the Bay of Banderas into a choose-your-own-adventure, with onboard waterslides plus snorkeling and watersports equipment already set up for you. I also like the all-inclusive food-and-drink plan—snacks and drinks keep the day moving, so you spend your energy on sun, sea, and the views instead of running a tab.

The main drawback to plan for is logistics: the boat meet-up isn’t automatically in central Puerto Vallarta, so you should expect some driving to the departure area (and confirm your meeting point ahead of time).

Quick take: what makes this charter worth your time

• A private boat for up to 15: You control the vibe, with no shared-boat schedule pressure.
• Waterslides plus water toys: Snorkel gear, paddle boards, kayaks, water mattress, and water tubes are included.
• All-inclusive drinks that go wide: Beer, wine, margaritas, piña coladas, champagne, sodas, juices, coffee, and water are part of the package.
• Route flexibility across the Bay of Banderas: You can tailor stops around Los Arcos, Yelapa, Colomitos, Majahuitas, Las Caletas, and more.
• Snorkel-and-swim stops built into the route: Rock formations, caves, and calm beach coves are designed for easy time in the water.
• Crew energy that can turn special moments into memories: I love how the captain and crew focus on keeping everyone happy, including birthday touches and on-water service.

ChicaFun 1 on the Bay of Banderas: private, playful, and built for water time

This is a private boat experience on the ChicaFun 1, and the biggest hint is in the title: waterslides. That changes the feel from typical “sail and swim” tours into something closer to a floating day-at-the-waterpark—fun for groups who want active time, not just sightseeing.

You cruise the Puerto Vallarta coastline and head around the Bay of Banderas, then shape the day around stops you want. The day isn’t just about looking at the sea; it’s about using it. With snorkeling gear, paddle boards, kayaks, and other flotation gear included, you can mix a few “in the water” breaks without having to switch to a different activity provider.

Price and value: $2,490 per group (up to 15) and what you’re really buying

The price is $2,490 per group for up to 15 people, for about 4 hours. That sounds like a big number until you price out what’s included. You’re not only paying for the boat—you’re also getting landing and facility fees, a full all-inclusive food-and-drink setup, and a pack of water activities (snorkel gear plus multiple equipment options).

If you fill the boat, the math works out to roughly $166 per person. If you bring fewer people, the cost per person rises, but you may still feel good about it because the package stays “one payment” instead of adding costs for drinks, snacks, and equipment.

Also, this is a private charter. You’re not waiting for other groups, merging schedules, or dealing with the awkwardness of coordinating different expectations on the same boat.

Getting to the boat: meeting point rules, pickup options, and why timing matters

Hotel pickup and drop-off are not included, and that’s worth knowing before you plan transport. You can ask about pickup, but the tour information points you to choosing your meeting place before submitting your reservation. Do that early—this kind of charter runs on precise departure timing, and changing the meet-up late can create friction.

What I’d plan for: the boat area may be outside central Puerto Vallarta. People have described needing about a 40–50 minute drive to reach the launch location. If that matches your itinerary, build the buffer in your schedule so you’re not stressing about traffic, parking, or finding your transfer driver.

One more practical angle: in at least one group setup, transportation was added directly with Chica Locca tours to get the whole group to the marina. If you want a smoother start (especially with a bigger group), asking about affordable luxury transportation to the meeting point is a smart move.

Setting the route: cruising, customization, and the Bay of Banderas highlights

Your day starts with a cruise along the Puerto Vallarta coastline and around the Bay of Banderas. The tone is “cruise first, then build your day.” From there, the charter focuses on iconic spots south of Puerto Vallarta, plus quiet coves that feel more remote.

A key detail: this is a private boat tour option, and you can customize where you visit in the bay. In practice, that means your captain and crew can help shape the route so you’re hitting the places that fit your group’s mood—more snorkeling time, more beach time, or a mix.

Los Arcos National Park: caves, arches, and wildlife above and below

Los Arcos National Park is one of the most famous landmark areas south of Puerto Vallarta, where naturally formed rock formations rise out of the sea. The promise here is two-fold: you’ll explore caves and float through giant granite arches, and you’ll get one of the better snorkeling zones in the bay.

What you can expect:

• Short segments designed for visual cruising around the formations
• Water time where snorkeling can be a big part of the visit

A practical note: rock-and-cave areas can mean the water experience depends on conditions. If your group is mostly “easy swim” folks, it helps to tell the crew what pace you want so they can steer you toward the most comfortable water windows.

Yelapa: a small coastal village with white sand and sapphire water

Yelapa is a charming coastal village south of Puerto Vallarta. It’s known for a white sand beach and clear, colorful water. This stop tends to work well when your group wants both nature and a little village atmosphere.

Why it’s valuable on a private charter: you can spend time at Yelapa without sacrificing comfort. Instead of jumping between shore excursions, you’re already on the water, so the day stays efficient.

If your group loves snorkeling, this stop can be a good “play and swim” match—just be ready that you’ll likely spend your best energy time in the water, not sitting around.

Colomitos: the small beach plan when you want something quiet

Colomitos is described as a hidden, small beach surrounded by the Sierra Madre mountains. It’s also called the smallest beach in Mexico, which gives you an idea of the vibe: more intimate, less scene.

This stop often appeals to people who want a calmer feel and are happy with a smaller “beach moment” rather than a long beach parade.

For a private group, the advantage is that you can set the amount of time you want there. If you want to swim and move on, you can. If you want to hang longer, you can.

That remote beach option: only by boat or a 1.5-hour hike

One of the most interesting route options is a remote beach only accessible by boat or by a 1.5-hour hike from Boca de Tomatlán’s jungle treks. This is the stop that feels closest to “we’re really getting away,” because the access limitations tend to keep the experience quieter.

What to know before you choose it: if your group isn’t into hikes, the boat access is the way to do it. If your group includes hikers, this stop can be a natural “split” moment, though the tour details here focus on the boat experience.

This is also where the value of customizing really shows. You’re not locked into one type of terrain for the day—you can pick what matches your group’s energy.

Playa Majahuitas: a top-rated beach feeling for Puerto Vallarta

Playa Majahuitas is often considered the best beach of Puerto Vallarta. Even if you’re not chasing rankings, the name comes with expectations: water time, sun time, and an easy beach day feel.

On a private charter, this stop is especially practical because you get more control over how long you stay. If conditions make snorkeling less comfortable at a certain time, you can still enjoy the beach while keeping the day relaxed.

Las Caletas: private-beach relaxation with a curated-feeling setup

Las Caletas is described as a magical private beach designed for full relaxation. That matters because it gives you a counterbalance to the more active stops like snorkel-focused zones and watersports time.

Think of it as the “slow down” chapter of the day—some groups enjoy this toward the end so they can ride the energy curve back toward calm.

Watersports and snorkeling gear: what’s included and how to use it well

Included equipment covers a lot of ways to play:

• Snorkel gear
• Paddle boards
• Kayaks
• Water mattress
• Water tubes

I like that you’re not asked to commit to one thing all day. You can snorkel for an hour, hop onto a paddle board, then switch to something more float-and-chat.

A practical tip: decide early how your group is dividing time in the water. If you’re traveling with different energy levels, it helps to pick one “must-do” activity per person or per couple, then keep the rest flexible. That’s where private time shines.

Food and drinks: the all-inclusive plan that keeps the day smooth

This is an all-inclusive setup with a wide beverage menu. You’ll have alcoholic beverages plus non-alcoholic options like water, coffee, juices, sodas, and mineral water. Alcohol options listed include margaritas, beer, wine, piña coladas, and champagne, plus other items.

Snacks are included too: fresh made guacamole and blue corn chips, plus potato chips.

What stood out from real on-water experiences shared with this company:

• Crew members have kept drinks moving constantly, so you don’t get stuck waiting when the group wants to relax.
• On a birthday outing, bartender Joel reportedly swam out to bring drinks on the ocean, which is exactly the kind of service that makes a private charter feel special rather than routine.
• There’s a playful, group-friendly approach. One big group birthday had the crew add a birthday cake touch for the celebration.

Even with all-inclusive food and drinks, it’s still smart to bring a plan for hydration and pacing, especially in strong sun. You can have great drinks and still want to avoid rushing the last half of the charter.

The crew and captain vibe: service that feels personal on a small boat

Chica Locca tours runs this charter with a highly experienced captain and a crew focused on taking care of your group. Named staff from experience with this operator include Alex, Luis, Joel, and owner Gil.

Why I care about names: it signals that people aren’t just interchangeable parts. When you have a captain and crew who know how to keep the day flowing—whales, snorkeling, swimming coves, and extra fun—it makes the difference between a good boat trip and a memorable one.

Also, if you’re booking for a birthday or a group celebration, tell the crew. They’ve handled birthday moments with cake, and that kind of flexibility is a big part of why people keep saying they’d do it again.

Fishing and whale time: the bonus moments that turn into stories

The core itinerary covers beaches, snorkeling, and coastline cruising, but the day can include natural surprises. One group charter included whale watching before a swim and snorkel stop.

There’s also an extra play element with fishing lines in the water. In one described outing, the crew helped kids reel in fish, and one fish was cooked onboard to taste before the trip wrapped up.

Do keep expectations realistic: whales and fish aren’t guaranteed. But the fact that the crew builds in chances for these moments is a big reason families and groups often walk away with more than photos—they get stories.

Photographer add-on: plan for memories, not just video

Souvenir photos are not included, but you can purchase them at check-in or from a photographer on the boat. If you like having a professional set for the day, treat this as a “budget a little for photos” line item.

Who this charter fits best (and who should think twice)

This private ChicaFun 1 charter is a great fit if you:

• Want a private boat for a group up to 15
• Care about lots of water time (snorkel, boards, kayaking, floats)
• Like an all-inclusive beverage-and-snack day where you don’t manage extra add-ons
• Want the flexibility to tailor stops around your group’s interests

It may be less ideal if:

• You hate car transfers or tight meeting windows and can’t spare buffer time for the drive to the departure area
• Your group prefers structured shore activities over water-based lounging and swimming
• You want hotel pickup as a guaranteed included service (it’s not included here)

Should you book this Chica Locca ChicaFun 1 private charter?

If your group wants a four-hour Puerto Vallarta-area water day with waterslides, snorkeling gear, and all-inclusive food and drinks, this is a strong option. The value gets better when you fill most of the up-to-15 capacity, because the pricing is per group and the inclusions are broad.

Book it if you like the idea of choosing between famous stops like Los Arcos, relaxing beach time like Las Caletas, and quieter coves like Colomitos. Skip it only if your schedule can’t handle the meeting point requirement and the likelihood of a drive outside central Puerto Vallarta.

FAQ

Is this tour private?

Yes. This is a private tour/activity, and only your group will participate.

How many people can be on the charter?

The price is per group up to 15 people.

How long is the charter?

It’s listed as about 4 hours.

What’s included in the all-inclusive package?

You get all inclusive activities, snorkel gear, paddle boards, kayaks, water mattress, and water tubes. Food includes fresh made guacamole and blue corn chips plus potato chips. Drinks include water, coffee, juices, sodas, mineral water, margaritas, beer, wine, piña coladas, champagne, and more, plus landing and facility fees.

Are hotel pickup and drop-off included?

No. Hotel pickup and drop-off are not included, though pickup is offered and you can request options for transportation to the meeting point.

Do I need to bring my own snorkeling gear?

No. Snorkel gear is included.

Do I have to choose a meeting place before booking?

Yes. You must choose your meeting place before submitting your reservation.

Are gratuities and souvenir photos included?

Gratuities are not included (optional). Souvenir photos are not included and can be purchased at check-in or from a photographer on the boat.

Can I cancel for a full refund?

You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund. If you cancel less than 24 hours before the experience starts, the amount you paid is not refunded.

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