Pirates, beach, and a show-packed afternoon. This Puerto Vallarta tour pairs Majahuitas Beach water time with a full pirate show and fireworks. You can do it by day or by night, and the pacing is built for maximum fun without feeling rushed.

I especially like the hands-on water activities, like the banana boat run and time with kayaks and snorkeling. I also love that breakfast and lunch are included along with entertainment, so you are not constantly figuring out food or add-ons mid-trip.

One consideration: port taxes are not included, and the experience depends on good weather to run as scheduled. If you are the type who hates plans changing, keep that in mind when you book.

Key Highlights

• Majahuitas Beach for calmer time away from the crowds, with snorkel and beach activities built in
• Banana boat and kayaking for real action, not just standing around
• Treasure Hunt for kids with pirate-style clues and puzzles on the sand
• Meals and soft drinks included, so you stay fueled for the water fun
• Pirate Show and fireworks included as part of the evening style experience
• Small group size (maximum 50 travelers) for a more comfortable vibe

Pirate Ship Vibes With a Real Beach Break at Majahuitas

This is not one of those tours where you just hop on, sit down, and hope the scenery does the work. You get a proper beach segment at Majahuitas Beach, described as secluded and calmer than the usual crowd spots. That matters because you actually get room to breathe, swim, and do activities without feeling squeezed.

Then the day or night shifts into the pirate theme. You are getting a mix of motion (banana boat, kayaks, snorkeling) and classic entertainment (pirate show plus fireworks). If you like travel days that feel like a mini event, this tour is built for that.

One more practical point I like: the whole plan is designed to wrap back to the same meeting point, so you are not stuck with complicated end-of-day logistics.

Price and What You Actually Get for $220

At $220 per person for about 5 hours, this tour can feel pricey at first glance. But when you look at what is included, the value picture gets clearer. You are paying for a whole bundle: water entertainment (banana boat and kayaking), snorkeling, pirate-style show time, fireworks, plus breakfast and lunch, along with soft drinks.

Two details keep your budgeting honest:

• Port taxes are extra (listed as $30 MXN).
• Tips are not included, so you will still want a little cash for that.

For me, the best value is that the major fun items are bundled together. You are not doing a “pay-per-activity” approach. That is especially helpful if you are traveling as a couple, a group of friends, or with kids and want everyone to stay in the same experience rhythm.

Also, this is booked fairly far in advance on average (about 28 days). That is a sign it is popular, and it usually pays to lock in your day rather than waiting for last-minute deals.

Getting to the Start: Pirates of the Bay Boutiques MARINAH

You start at Pirates of the Bay Boutiques MARINAH, Escuela Naval Militar S/N, Zona Hotelera, Área Militar de Vallarta, 48333 Puerto Vallarta, Jal., Mexico. The good news is that this pickup point is noted as being near public transportation, which helps if you are not using a private taxi.

You will also use a mobile ticket, which is the kind of small thing that makes check-in easier. And since confirmation is received at booking time, you will have the details you need before you arrive.

The tour ends back at the meeting point. That is a relief if you want to keep the rest of your evening simple, especially if you plan to grab dinner near your hotel afterward.

Majahuitas Beach: Banana Boat, Kayaks, Snorkel, and a Pirate Treasure Hunt

Majahuitas Beach is the heart of the schedule. The whole vibe is described as beautiful and secluded, which is exactly what you want for a swim-and-play block of time. Instead of rushing between busy stops, you get one anchored beach experience with multiple activities.

Here is what you can expect while you are there:

Banana boat for adrenaline

The banana boat portion is the quick hit of excitement. It is designed for group energy, so you get that laugh-and-splash feeling fast. If you are prone to motion sickness, it is worth taking a moment before you ride to decide if you are comfortable with speed and bumps. If not, you can watch from the water edge while others go.

Kayaking at your own pace

Then you have kayaks and time to paddle around and explore at a calmer speed. Even if you are not a confident paddler, kayaks give you a sense of control. You are not just being carried along.

Snorkeling in crystal-clear water

Snorkeling is included, and the tour specifically positions the water as crystal clear. That detail matters because visibility is what makes snorkeling feel worth it, even for first-timers. Bring a practical mindset: this is about enjoying the water and seeing what you can, not about turning it into a scuba expedition.

A pirate-style treasure hunt for kids

For families, there is a Treasure Hunt with pirate clues and puzzles on the beach. The point is playful problem-solving in a pirate theme, which tends to keep younger kids engaged while adults enjoy the sea time.

Possible drawback to consider

Because the beach segment includes multiple activities, you will want to manage your own energy. If you go hard on banana boating and snorkeling back-to-back, you may feel tired later when the food and show portion starts. Pace yourself, take short breaks, and you will enjoy the whole arc.

On Board: Breakfast and Lunch, Pirate Show, and Fireworks

After the beach action, the experience leans fully into the pirate package. Meals and entertainment are part of the main flow, which is one reason this tour works so well for a fun evening plan in Puerto Vallarta.

Breakfast and lunch included

Breakfast and lunch are included as part of the sea-themed pirate experience. You do not have to hunt down a meal between activities, and that keeps the day from feeling like a series of interruptions. I also appreciate that this kind of inclusion helps kids and picky eaters stay on schedule.

One note: the drinks listed are soft drinks. If you are hoping for alcohol, it is not listed in the included items here, so it is smart to confirm what is available on site.

Pirate show with high-energy entertainment

A Pirate Show is included. Even with families, this is usually the segment that turns the trip into a full event, not just a beach outing. And in one review detail I found especially telling, the onboard team member Dany was praised as an excellent waiter and for also bringing performance talent to the show. That combination often means the entertainment feels like it is connected to service, not something disconnected happening in the background.

Fireworks to close out the mood

Fireworks are also included. That is the kind of ending that makes the night feel special, even if the earlier parts were active. If you book the night option, plan to stay in the moment for the final segment rather than rushing off immediately.

Day vs Night: Choosing the Right Time Slot

This tour is offered by day or by night, and that choice changes what you will remember most.

• Day option: You will likely focus on water activities and the daytime beach energy. This can be great if you want the most time in the sun and want kids to burn off energy before the evening.
• Night option: You usually get a stronger evening feel with show time and fireworks as a finale. If your travel style is more about atmosphere and photos, night can be more rewarding.

Since both versions include the core components (beach activities plus the pirate-style entertainment package), your best decision comes down to your personal rhythm. If you wake up early and love daytime swimming, go day. If you prefer a more event-like evening, go night.

Group Size, Energy Level, and Who This Suits

The group max is 50 travelers, which is big enough to feel like a party but small enough that you are not constantly lost in a crowd. For most people, that is the sweet spot.

This tour is also listed as “most travelers can participate,” which suggests it is not restricted to a very narrow group. That said, you should still be honest with yourself about which activities you want to tackle. Banana boating and snorkeling mean you are spending time in and around water.

Here is who I think will enjoy it most:

• Families with kids who want structured fun (the pirate treasure hunt is a big win)
• Couples and friend groups who want action plus entertainment
• Travelers who prefer a single, organized experience instead of cobbling together multiple tours

If you are traveling solo and want a more social day, this can work well too because the beach activities and show segments naturally keep people together.

What to Bring for a Smooth Beach and Boat Day

Since the tour combines beach time, water sports, snorkeling, and meals, you will be happiest if you prepare for getting wet and staying comfortable.

Bring:

• Swimwear and a quick-dry layer you are comfortable wearing for changing temperatures
• Sun protection (sunscreen and something for your head), because beach time is the centerpiece
• A bag or pouch that you can keep dry as much as possible during activities
• A positive attitude about sharing space with a group during high-energy segments

If you are planning to snorkel, you should also be ready for a short gear and safety briefing from the crew. The tour includes snorkeling, but the exact gear details are not spelled out here, so it is wise to show up expecting they will guide you on what to use.

Weather, Taxes, and the One Money Detail

This experience requires good weather. If conditions are poor, the tour may be canceled and you will be offered a different date or a full refund. That is standard for water-based activities, but it is worth planning around if your schedule is tight.

Also, remember the money detail people sometimes miss: port taxes are not included, listed as $30 MXN. Even if you do not think about it during booking, you will want to be prepared when you arrive so you are not scrambling.

And yes, bring a little extra for tips since that is also not included.

Should You Book This Pirate Ship Tour?

Here is my honest take: if you want a 5-hour Puerto Vallarta experience that feels like an event, this one is worth serious consideration. The best reason is the package deal. You are getting beach fun at Majahuitas, multiple water activities, snorkeling, pirate-themed entertainment, and even fireworks, plus breakfast and lunch and soft drinks. That is a lot for one ticket price, as long as you are comfortable paying for convenience and structured fun.

Book it if:

• You are traveling with kids or you want a family-friendly pirate theme
• You want a mix of water action and evening atmosphere (especially for the night option)
• You like tours that include meals so you can focus on the experience

Skip it or rethink it if:

• You dislike weather-dependent outdoor plans
• You want a quiet, low-activity day with minimal group energy
• You prefer bringing your own schedule and handling food and activities separately

One more nudge: since it is popular enough to be booked about a month in advance on average, I would not wait until the last minute. Pick your day or night option with confidence, show up prepared for water time, and you will likely leave with the kind of story you tell later.

FAQ

How long is the pirate ship tour in Puerto Vallarta?

The tour lasts about 5 hours.

What is included in the ticket price?

Soft drinks, kayak and banana boat entertainment, snorkeling, breakfast and lunch, a pirate show, and fireworks are included.

Are port taxes included?

No. Port taxes are not included and are listed as $30 MXN.

Where do I meet for the tour?

The meeting point is Pirates of the Bay Boutiques MARINAH, Escuela Naval Militar S/N, Zona Hotelera, Área Militar de Vallarta, 48333 Puerto Vallarta, Jal., Mexico.

What language is the tour offered in?

The tour is offered in English.

Is there a mobile ticket?

Yes, it is listed as a mobile ticket.

Do I need good weather for the tour?

Yes. The experience requires good weather, and if it is canceled due to poor weather, you will be offered a different date or a full refund.

How many people are in the group?

The tour has a maximum of 50 travelers.