Private charters on the Bay of Banderas feel like cheating.

For about four hours, you get a private boat ride on the Chica Super Panga 30, plus real flexibility to plan your day around cruising and water time. I especially like the all-inclusive open bar and the fact that you can choose the focus, whether it is snorkeling, fishing gear, or whale and dolphin spotting when the season lines up.

What really won me over is the hands-on beach time at Playa Chica Locca, reached only by boat, where you can relax and eat without racing around town. I also like the included snorkeling kit and water toys, so you are not scrambling to find rentals once you are on the water.

One consideration: hotel pickup and drop-off are not included. You will need to plan your meeting point in advance, and if you want help getting to the marina, you should coordinate that early with Gil, the owner.

Key points to know before you go

• Private charter for up to 5 people, so you control the pace and the stops
• Playa Chica Locca is boat-access only, with food, drinks, and beach time built in
• Open bar included, including beer, wine, tequila, and mixed drinks like piña coladas
• Snorkeling equipment and water toys included, plus fishing rods and gear
• No fixed itinerary, you can customize, including cruises around the Bay of Banderas
• Whale watching is seasonal, so set expectations and lean into dolphin or cruising too

Chica Super Panga 30: the sweet spot for a 4-hour private day

This is the kind of trip that works even if you do not want a full day commitment. You book a private charter for your group, up to five people, and you are out on Banderas Bay for about four hours. The boat setup is geared for getting in and out of the water, not for pretending you will sit politely the whole time.

The overall style is simple: meet at the marina, cruise the coastline, do a beach stop, and add whatever water activity fits your group. It is practical private time, not a rigid tour script.

How your charter day starts at La Cruz Marina

Your main meeting point is La Cruz Marina (in the Puerto Vallarta area, at Marina Cruz de Huanacaxtle). There is no set order of events beyond getting you to the right areas. You can customize what you do, and the crew handles the rest.

You will want to plan your priorities before you arrive. This is a big part of the value: the charter format means you are not stuck doing one standard loop. If your group wants wildlife, you can focus on that. If your group wants active fun, you can go snorkeling and swimming more than sightseeing.

A few key geography notes from the typical cruising options: you can cruise along the Puerto Vallarta coastline and around the Bay of Banderas, and destinations may include Yelapa, Majahuitas, Las Animas, and Quimixto. You might not hit all of them in a four-hour window, but the point is that the boat is set up to reach the coastline stops people actually care about.

Playa Chica Locca: why the beach stop is the main event

The standout moment is the second stop, Playa Chica Locca, a secluded beach experience accessible only by boat. That detail matters. It is one of the few ways you get a calmer beach feel without spending half your day traveling there and back.

The description is all about a private day pass vibe: you unwind, you eat, you drink, and you do water activities if you want them. In real terms, you show up and spend time on a beach that is harder for the typical day-trippers to reach.

The practical benefit is that the beach stop is built into your private charter rhythm. You are not negotiating with beach clubs, hunting menus, or figuring out where to rent gear. Your snacks and drinks are part of the included experience, so you can stay in vacation mode.

Water time: snorkeling gear, paddle boards, and swimming in real conditions

This charter includes snorkeling equipment, plus water toys like a paddle board, water tubes, and a water mattress. If your group enjoys being in the water, those inclusions turn this from a “boat ride with a beach stop” into a true water day.

You can also bring the fishing vibe. Fishing rods and gear are included, so if you want to try for something while you are cruising, you can do it without adding extra rentals.

In the real world, water conditions change fast. I like that the crew approach seems flexible. One family reported that when the sea was rough, the crew adjusted and moved to another location to keep the experience enjoyable with young kids on board. That is exactly what you want to hear for a short private charter.

Wildlife watching when it lines up, plus cruising for everyone else

If your timing is right, you can add whale watching and dolphin spotting. Whale activity is listed as seasonal, so do not expect whales on every date, but do expect the crew to look. This is a key part of why private charters work well: you can make wildlife time the priority without worrying about a large-group schedule.

Even when wildlife is not the only goal, cruising matters. The routes along the Puerto Vallarta coastline and around the Bay of Banderas give you that “we are actually away from the crowds” feeling, and the crew can aim for the scenery and the swim spots that fit the day.

You’ll also notice a recurring theme from the guides and captains: they focus on finding sightings and keeping people having fun at the same time. Names I saw connected to excellent outings include David with Captain Ivan, Alex, Eduardo (also referred to as Reuben), Edward, Oswaldo, Luis, Edder, Casper, Roberto, Alonso, and Paul. That is a good sign that the operation runs with a real team, not just one person holding it together.

Included food and open bar: what all-inclusive really means here

The included “open bar” is not a vague promise. You can choose from a range of drinks, starting with basics like water, coffee, juices, and sodas. It also lists options like beer, wine, tequila, and mixed drinks such as piña coladas, plus champagne. If you want a casual float day with drinks that keep pace with the sunshine, this is built for that.

Snacks are included too, and they are not just chips dropped into a bag. You get fresh items like guacamole and ceviche, plus blue corn chips and potato chips. In several accounts, people singled out the fresh guac and ceviche as a highlight, including tuna ceviche and pineapple ceviche style mentions. That tells me the food is meant to be part of the experience, not a token add-on.

Value check: $955 for up to five people (and what you get for it)

Let us talk money in plain terms. The price is $955 per group, up to five people, for about four hours.

On paper, that can look like a lot if you think per person in a vacuum. But for a private boat, the math changes fast. You are effectively paying for:

• the boat charter time (not shared with strangers)
• snorkeling equipment and water toys
• fishing rods and gear
• food snacks
• an open bar of drinks

If you split it among five people, it starts feeling more like a premium group activity than an individual tour. And because the itinerary is flexible, you are not paying just for one pre-chosen stop. You are paying for a crew-led day where you can shape what happens.

Also, you avoid a common hidden cost of beach days, which is figuring out food, drinks, and rentals. Here, those are part of what you book.

Booking smart: meeting place choice and getting to the water

This trip is private and you must choose your meeting place before submitting your reservation. The main meeting point is La Cruz Marina, but the operator offers pickup-style help in the broader sense. The details say hotel pickup and drop-off are not included, yet they also mention pickup offered and that you can request a different meeting point or affordable transportation by calling Gil, the owner.

So here is my practical advice: do not wait until the day of. Decide where you will be meeting from your lodging situation, then message or call early so you are not scrambling.

A second practical note: it is marked as near public transportation. That matters if you are not staying in the marina zone. You can plan around a simple commute rather than expecting a full door-to-door service.

Who this charter fits best

I think this works best for groups that want control and comfort, not rigid schedules. Specifically:

• couples who want a private, relaxed water day with drinks and snacks
• families who want a short charter where the crew can adjust for sea conditions
• friends celebrating something, since the included cocktails and music vibe is part of the day for many groups
• wildlife-focused travelers who want the crew actively seeking whale and dolphin sightings when possible

If you hate negotiating and you like the idea of choosing your own focus, this is your style. The crew can keep the day moving while you decide how much time goes to swimming, snorkeling, or sightseeing.

Should you book Chica Locca Tours?

Yes, if you want a private half-day on the water with real inclusions. The combination of open bar, snorkeling and water toys, and a boat-access beach stop makes this feel like a complete outing rather than a short transfer to the “real fun.”

Book it with a few expectations in mind:

• Whale and dolphin sightings are seasonal, so treat wildlife as a bonus, not a guarantee.
• Plan your meeting point early. Hotel pickup is not included, but you can request help coordinating a meeting point with Gil.
• The sea can be rough sometimes, and the crew seems willing to adjust locations when conditions change, which is a big plus for families and kids.

If that sounds like your kind of day, Chica Super Panga 30 with Playa Chica Locca is an easy choice.

FAQ

What is the price for the private charter?

The price is $955 per group, up to five people.

How long is the experience?

The duration is about four hours.

Is there hotel pickup and drop-off included?

Hotel pickup and drop-off are not included. Pickup is offered in the sense that you can request assistance, but you should coordinate your meeting plan in advance.

Where do we meet for the tour?

The main meeting point is La Cruz Marina (Marina Cruz de Huanacaxtle). You also need to choose your meeting place before submitting your reservation.

What activities are included?

Included activities can be customized, and they may include fishing, snorkeling, paddle board use, water tubes, and water mattress time. Fishing rods and gear are included, and snorkeling equipment is included.

Is there food and drink included?

Yes. You get snacks like guacamole, ceviche, and chips, plus an open bar with options like beer, wine, tequila, and mixed drinks. The bar also includes non-alcoholic items.

Can I cancel for a full refund?

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