A good sail day starts with choices. This private Chica Sailing Adventure turns the Bay of Banderas into your own half-day plan, with an open bar and water toys included. My favorite parts are how personal it feels, and how smoothly the crew keeps food and drinks coming, but the main tradeoff is that you meet at the pier, not from your hotel.

You get a 41-foot boat, a small crew, and a route that can fit your mood, from laid-back swimming to a more active day on the water. If you’re traveling as a couple, celebrating a milestone, or bringing a small group who wants real time together, this is one of the easiest “one-book-and-enjoy” experiences in Puerto Vallarta.

Key things I’d book for

• Private by design for your group, not a cattle-call cruise
• Open bar with beer, wine, tequila, margaritas, and classic mixes
• Water toys included, including snorkel gear and paddle boards
• Crew-led flexibility, so you can lean romantic, sporty, or chill
• All-in snacks plus fruit and muffins on morning departures
• Crew names you’ll recognize, like Captain Gonzalo, Victor, Lalo, and Pepe, from past charters

A private 41-foot charter on the Bay of Banderas

Puerto Vallarta has plenty of boat options. What makes Chica Locca different is the private setup and the way the crew works with your group instead of marching everyone through the same photo stops.

This is a 41-foot sailing adventure that’s built for a group day on the water. The operator frames it as a charter that works well for up to 16 people, even though the listed price is per group up to 8, so you’ll want to double-check the group size you select when booking.

Paradise Village Public Pier: where the day begins

You start at Chica Locca Tours Paradise Village Pier, at Paradise Village Public Pier on Blvrd Nayarit in Nuevo Vallarta (near Puerto Vallarta). There’s no long maze or guessing, and the meeting point is set as the home marina and main place to connect with your crew.

The ride to the pier is on you since hotel pickup and drop-off are not included. If you’re staying in Puerto Vallarta proper, plan on a short taxi or rideshare to get there. Once you’re on board, the crew takes over and your day becomes a simple flow: arrive, get set, and then get out into the bay.

You should also know this is not a set-it-and-forget-it itinerary. The day is customizable, so expect the start to be more like planning your time at sea than following a strict checklist.

Cruising Bay of Banderas for 4 hours, with options built in

The main time on the water is a Bay of Banderas cruise. Think Puerto Vallarta coastline views, open water sailing, and the chance to choose how active the day feels.

Here’s what you can tailor:

• Go for a sunset-leaning romantic cruise if you want softer light and slower pacing
• Add more adrenaline and sailing time if your group wants to feel the boat in motion
• Head toward a secluded cove vibe if your goal is swimming, snorkeling, or paddle boarding

Timing matters. The experience is listed at about 5 hours total, with the bay time taking up roughly 4 hours. That “half-day sweet spot” is big for two reasons: you get real water time, and you still keep the rest of your day flexible for tacos, beaches, or a second activity.

Whale chances in season, plus real water time

If you’re traveling during the right season, humpback whales are part of the story here. You can also get that classic Pacific marine-life feeling, with the bay acting like a natural stage for what lives offshore.

I wouldn’t count on a whale sighting every single time. But I do like that the day is designed around being out in the bay long enough to make chances feel real. On past charters, whale sightings have been part of the magic, including close encounters where the boat slows so you can look.

Snorkeling, paddle boarding, and the included water toys

One of the best value moves in this type of tour is whether you get gear and time, not just a place to sit. Here, you get included snorkel equipment plus paddle boards.

You also have access to water toys like water mattresses and a water tube. Translation: even if you don’t snorkel, you’re not stuck sitting on deck for hours. The crew can help you with setup, and the boat’s layout gives you places to relax between swims.

If your group includes non-swimmers or people who want a lighter day, you can still make it work. The day can be built around short dips, floating, and easy cruising, with the active bits optional.

The food and open bar: why the all-inclusive angle works

This is one of the most practical all-inclusive setups I’ve seen for a sailing half-day. Drinks are not limited to beer and soda, and that changes the whole mood.

What’s included in the open bar

The included bar is described as brand name and open. In plain terms, you can expect options like:

• beer, wine, tequila
• mixed drinks such as margaritas
• champagne
• and non-alcoholic choices like water, coffee, juices, and sodas

That matters for value because you’re not paying for drinks one at a time during a multi-hour outing. Even better, past groups describe drinks staying stocked and the crew staying attentive about what people want.

Snacks and meals during the ride

Food is included too. You’ll get snacks like ceviche and fresh guacamole with blue corn chips, plus potato chips.

For morning tours, breakfast is included and includes fresh fruit, muffins, and coffee and juices. If you’re on an afternoon or sunset-style plan, you can still expect snacks to keep you going while you swim and sail.

There is also an optional upgrade: a hot lunch of Mexican fajitas for an additional 200 pesos per person. If your group tends to get hungry mid-boat, this add-on can turn the day into a full food experience without having to coordinate a separate meal stop.

Crew service that feels personal, not scripted

On a private boat, the crew either makes it easy or makes it awkward. The strongest theme in the experience is that the crew stays friendly, attentive, and good at matching the vibe of your group.

You’ll see familiar names pop up in past charters, including Captain Gonzalo, Victor, Lalo, Pepe, and crew members like Roberto, Elon, Alex, Eder, Alonso, Mario, Oswaldo, David, Kaliko, Rameses, and Tontino. I treat those names as a sign of consistent staffing and real hospitality, not just random mentions.

The service details that matter most:

• drinks staying available without you tracking down anyone
• food served at a comfortable pace while you’re enjoying the water
• the crew offering knowledge about the bay and what you’re seeing
• small celebratory touches, like cake surprises, happening fast once they know it’s your moment

One note on group energy: people have described the crew as reading the room and playing music that fits the day. That can sound minor, but on a boat it affects the whole atmosphere, especially if your group is celebrating something.

Photography options and keepsakes

Souvenir photos are not included, but you can reserve a photographer for an extra cost. If you’re the kind of traveler who wants fewer phone photos and better group shots, it’s worth considering.

If you skip it, you’ll still have plenty of natural photo opportunities, from coastline sailing to time near calm water and snorkeling moments.

Price and value: what you’re really paying for

The listed price is $1,155 per group, up to 8 people. The big question is whether that feels worth it for a half-day.

Here’s why it can pencil out:

• You’re paying for a private sailing setup, not a shared tour.
• Open bar and brand name drinks are included.
• Snacks and breakfast (on morning tours) are included.
• You also get snorkel equipment and paddle boards, plus water toys.

When I think about value, I’m not just counting the food. I’m thinking about “time and hassle.” You avoid the hassle of coordinating multiple rentals, buying drinks during the day, and figuring out where you’d swim safely. The crew handles that so your group just uses the water time.

If your group is closer to the upper end of the capacity range, you’ll likely feel the best value, because the boat day becomes a shared cost. If you’re only two people, it can still be a great experience, but check whether the group pricing feels right for your budget compared to other private boat options in the area.

Who this tour is best for

This tour fits best if you want:

• Private sailing time with a crew who keeps things easy
• a half-day format that doesn’t steal your whole day
• swimming and paddle boarding without hunting for gear
• a group-friendly celebration option, since crews have handled birthdays and bachelorette-style moments

It’s also a smart choice for couples who want real quality time. The private format helps your day feel like yours, not a shared agenda.

Should you book the Private Chica Sailing Adventure?

Book it if you want a private half-day on a real sailing boat with included gear and a drink-and-snack setup that keeps the day relaxed. It’s especially appealing for couples and small groups who like the idea of customizing the day, from romantic cruising to a more active swim-and-paddle rhythm.

Skip it if you need hotel pickup and drop-off, because that’s not included. Also consider whether meeting at a pier is easy for your schedule, since you’ll need to get there on your own.

If you match those two points, I’d put this on your short list. The combination of private pacing, included water activities, and a crew that handles the details so your group can just enjoy the bay is what makes it a top Puerto Vallarta sailing choice.

FAQ

How long is the Chica Sailing Adventure?

The experience is listed at about 5 hours total, with around 4 hours spent cruising in the Bay of Banderas.

Is this a private tour?

Yes. This is a private boat tour/activity, and only your group participates.

Where do we meet the crew?

You meet at Chica Locca Tours Paradise Village Pier, Paradise Village Public Pier, Blvrd Nayarit, 63732 Nuevo Vallarta, Nay., Mexico.

Are drinks included?

Yes. The tour includes an open bar with brand name options, including beer, wine, tequila, margaritas, champagne, and non-alcoholic choices like coffee, juices, sodas, and water.

What food is included?

Snacks are included, including ceviche, fresh guacamole with blue corn chips, and potato chips. On morning tours, breakfast is also included (fresh fruit, muffins, coffee, and juices). You can also add a fajita lunch for an additional 200 pesos per person.

What water activities and gear are included?

You get snorkel equipment and paddle boards, plus water mattress and water tube use.

Can I add a hot lunch or book photos?

Yes. There’s an option to add Mexican fajitas lunch for 200 pesos per person, and you can reserve a photographer for souvenir photos (available for purchase).

Is hotel pickup and drop-off included?

No. Hotel pickup and drop-off are not included, even though pickup may be listed as offered. Plan on getting to the pier on your own.

What is the cancellation policy?

Free cancellation is available if you cancel at least 24 hours before the experience start time. If you cancel within 24 hours, you do not get a refund.