Sailing in Banderas Bay feels like a vacation cheat code. This 6-hour luxury sail gives you open-bar drinks plus a plated-feel lunch on the water, and it’s built around real time outside: swim, snorkel, or paddleboard with provided gear. The main thing to consider is the timing and sea conditions—this is a day on the boat, and water activities depend on visibility and winds.

You’ll board at Marina Vallarta (or you can drive to the Nuevo Vallarta meeting point), then your captain picks the route daily based on conditions. I love that the crew keeps things moving without rushing, and you’re not stuck in tourist chaos with a huge crowd. One practical drawback: entry is a jump off the boat, and getting back up uses small metal ladders, which may matter if you have mobility concerns.

Key Things That Matter Before You Book

• Small-group vibe (up to 30): it stays social but not party-boat loud
• Daily route planning: the captain adjusts stops to match wind and water
• Water time is the point: swim, snorkel, or SUP with equipment provided
• Open bar through the cruise: drinks are part of the flow, not a one-time pour
• Lunch that doesn’t feel like a snack: deli-style meal plus dessert
• Possible marine wildlife moments: dolphins, humpback whales (seasonal), sea turtles, manta rays

Pricing and What You Get for $129

At $129 per person for about 6 hours, this is priced like a true “experience day” rather than a quick sightseeing cruise. You’re paying for three things that add up fast in Puerto Vallarta: time on a sailing boat, organized water activities with gear, and food plus free-flow drinks.

A key detail: you’ll also pay a small port/dock fee in cash at the marina (listed as MX$40 per person). It’s not huge, but it’s one more thing to have ready so you don’t scramble when you arrive.

If you’re trying to compare to cheaper boat tours, the difference is how the day is paced. This one aims for a relaxed rhythm: sail time, a beach or cove break when conditions allow, and a lunch that’s more than chips and fruit. That pacing matters because the whole point is to enjoy Banderas Bay without feeling like you’re being rushed from stop to stop.

Getting to the Boat: Marina Vallarta Meets the Real Rules

This tour starts at 9:30am and ends back where it begins. The meeting point is Vallarta Adventures at Marina Vallarta (Mástil 13).

A practical heads-up: there’s no hotel pickup. If you’re staying in central Puerto Vallarta, you’ll likely want a taxi or rideshare to the marina. If you’re already based around Nuevo Vallarta, the transfer time tends to be easier.

When you arrive, plan for a short check-in, then you pay the dock fee in cash before boarding. After that, you’ll meet the crew and get the day rolling.

On board logistics are pretty straightforward. Toilets are located on the lower deck. For the water activities, you should expect to jump off the boat, then climb back up using small metal ladders—common on boats like this, but important for anyone nervous about water entry.

The Sailing Day Plan: How the Route Works

The tour is built around Banderas Bay and a route that’s selected daily based on conditions. That means your day might look a little different from someone else’s—more or less sail time, different cove selection, and potentially different wildlife viewing opportunities.

Here’s how the flow tends to feel:

• You cruise out and settle in with drinks and views
• You reach a spot where swimming, snorkeling, or SUP makes sense
• You take a lunch break while back on the water
• You return to the marina when the timing works out

In my experience-style reading of the day, the captain’s choices are the secret ingredient. Wind and visibility shift a lot in the bay, and a good crew doesn’t fight the ocean—they works with it.

Also, keep your expectations flexible on snorkeling. When water clarity is good, snorkeling can be a highlight. If visibility is limited that day, you may still have fun, but you might not see as much as you hoped.

Open Bar and Lunch: The Part That Makes It Worth Slowing Down

This is one of the most consistent strengths: the food is timed so you’re fed without interrupting the fun.

Your lunch includes items like:

• infused water and seasonal fruit
• guacamole with pico de gallo and tortilla chips
• a gourmet deli sandwich (serrano ham, manchego cheese, arugula, and a tomato/pickle dressing)
• a dark chocolate brownie for dessert

The open bar is described as free-flow drinks during the cruise. That’s exactly how it tends to feel on board—drinks coming regularly as the day moves. If you like your beverages simple and steady (rather than fancy cocktails you have to wait for), you’ll probably be happy.

One reviewer-style takeaway that’s useful for you: they keep refilling, and the crew is attentive about keeping the pace going. That matters on a sailing trip because once you’re in sun and wind, small needs (water, a refill, a snack) can feel big.

A small reality check: the quality of mixed drinks can vary by day and by what you order. I’d treat the open bar as part of the relax factor, not as a craft cocktail class.

The Water Activities: Swim, Snorkel, and SUP (With Gear)

You’re not just watching the ocean—you’re playing in it.

Swimming breaks

You may stop at a white-sand beach or a secluded cove where jumping in feels easy and natural. These are typically the moments when you can truly unplug: sun, water, and that low-key boat sound.

Snorkeling (conditions dependent)

Snorkeling is included with equipment provided. You might see tropical fish and other marine life, and there’s a good chance of whale/dolphin spotting on some sailing days too.

But here’s the honest consideration: snorkeling quality depends on that day’s water visibility. If it’s murky, the experience can turn from wow to okay. If snorkeling is your number-one priority, I’d still book this for the overall day—just don’t assume every hour of snorkeling will be crystal-clear.

Stand-up paddleboarding (SUP)

SUP is also included, with gear provided. This is a great backup if you want movement without the snorkel focus. It’s also a solid choice if you’re not thrilled by the idea of staying underwater for long.

I like that SUP gives you a different kind of view of the water. Even if snorkeling visibility is mediocre, you can still enjoy paddling and the calm feeling when the boat lines up.

Wildlife: What You Can Spot in Banderas Bay

This cruise gives you a real chance of seeing wildlife, and they describe it as possible sightings including:

• dolphins
• humpback whales (in season)
• manta rays
• sea turtles

From what I see in the way the day is run, it’s not just a claim. The stops and scanning effort are part of the experience. You may get more than one look, and sometimes sightings happen far enough out that you’ll spot movement before you ever zoom in.

If humpbacks are a big reason you’re going, plan on being flexible. Wildlife doesn’t show up on schedule, and the captain’s route decisions can influence your odds.

Crew and On-Board Experience: Where the “Luxury” Shows Up

“Luxury” on a sailing day should mean fewer headaches. In this case, it’s mostly about people and flow.

The crew is consistently described as welcoming and attentive, and that shows in small details: drinks appearing at the right time, food showing up when you’re hungry, and clear help with water activities.

You’ll also hear about specific staff roles in day-to-day terms:

• Sergio has been mentioned as captain, with an especially hands-on approach during time in the water
• snorkeling support has included guides like Rubin, plus crew members like Christian and Walter
• a photographer is present (with photos available for purchase)

If you’re sensitive to professional photo pressure, just keep your boundaries. Ask what’s available and decide upfront whether you want prints or digital copies.

What a “Long Day” Feels Like (and Who Should Skip It)

This is about 6 hours on the water. That’s not a quick cruise, and it’s not a sit-in-the-shade boat-only plan.

A common consideration is that it can feel long if you don’t like being out on the water for hours. Also, if you get sea sick easily, you should be cautious. The boat type and your personal sensitivity matter, and the tour’s description doesn’t promise a motion-free experience.

Another big “think twice” note: water entry is a jump with ladders back aboard. If you can’t or don’t want to do that, you may still enjoy the sailing and sightseeing portion, but the built-in swim/snorkel/sup time might not feel right.

Value Check: Should You Treat This as a “Main Event”?

If you’re spending a day in Puerto Vallarta and want one activity that feels like the centerpiece, I’d rank this as a strong choice.

Here’s why it’s good value in real-life terms:

• You get multiple modes of fun (sailing, beach/cove time, SUP, snorkeling)
• Food and drinks are part of the day, not add-ons every time you get thirsty
• Group size stays limited (maximum 30), which helps the day feel calmer
• It’s structured around the bay, not a rushed lineup of photo stops

If your priority list is only nightlife or only cultural touring, this may not match your mood. But if you want sun + water + comfort without planning every detail, this is made for that.

Quick Planning Tips That Will Save You Hassle

Bring what you need to enjoy the water time:

• sunscreen (this is one of the most repeated practical reminders)
• a light layer for shade when the wind picks up
• water-friendly footwear if you’re picky about ladder entry or stepping around areas
• a towel strategy in your mind (since water time is central)

Also, arrive ready for the marina rhythm: dock fee in cash, quick check-in, then you’re boarding.

Should You Book This Luxury Sailing Tour?

Book it if:

• you want a relaxed luxury day on Banderas Bay with food and drinks handled
• swimming/snorkeling/SUP is your type of vacation time
• you want a smaller, calmer feel rather than a loud party boat

Skip it (or choose another style) if:

• you’re not comfortable with jumping into the water and climbing metal ladders
• sea sickness is a frequent problem for you
• you only want short time on the water and lots of shore time

If you’re on the fence, here’s my simple advice: treat this as a main-day activity. The value is in how the crew manages the day—keeping you fed, watered, and safely guided—so you can focus on the bay, the wildlife odds, and the easy fun.

FAQ

What’s included in the Puerto Vallarta Luxury Sailing with Premium Open Bar & Lunch?

It includes the day cruise, lunch, an open bar, snorkeling, and paddle boarding. Equipment for the water activities is provided.

Where do I meet for the tour?

The start meeting point is Vallarta Adventures at Marina Vallarta, Mástil 13, Marina Vallarta, Puerto Vallarta, Jal., Mexico. The tour ends back at the meeting point.

What time does the sailing tour start?

The start time is 9:30am, and the duration is about 6 hours.

Is there a dock or port fee?

Yes. There is a port fee to be paid in cash at the marina (listed as MX$40.00 per person). It’s not included in the tour price.

What should I know about getting in and out of the water?

To enter the water, you jump off the boat. To get back on board, you use small metal ladders.

Who can join?

Most travelers can participate, but the minimum age is 10 years old (no exceptions). Toilets are located on the lower deck.

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