Whales, snacks, and free drinks on a sail. This Puerto Vallarta luxury sailing trip moves at a relaxed pace across Banderas Bay, with a premium open bar and a lunch that is more than chips and salsa. I also like the practical mix of time on the water, from swim stops to snorkeling or SUP, with a crew that stays on top of refills and safety.

One thing to plan for: the water access is active. You jump in from the boat and get back using small metal ladders, so it is not the easiest option if you have mobility issues or you get sea sick.

Key points to know before you go

• Premium open bar during the cruise with drinks kept moving all day
• Small-group feel up to 30 people, and it often feels more intimate in practice
• Real water time options: swim, snorkeling, and SUP, with gear provided
• Wildlife is a real possibility including humpback whales in season, plus dolphins, manta rays, and sea turtles
• Lunch has structure and variety with fruit, guacamole, a gourmet sandwich, and dessert
• Route changes with conditions, so you are not stuck repeating the same scenery every day

Sailing Banderas Bay: why this cruise feels special

Puerto Vallarta sits right on Banderas Bay, and this trip is designed to let you enjoy it like a long beach day, not like a packed tour bus. You start in the morning and spend the bulk of the day floating, sailing when the wind allows, and stopping for water activities.

What makes it feel like luxury is not just the setting. It is the rhythm: cruise time, drink refills, a planned lunch, then more time to swim or paddle. The best part is how much is included for the price, especially since you get both snorkeling and SUP gear without needing to rent anything separately.

A sailboat also changes the mood. You tend to feel more relaxed and less like you are on a party cruise. Even when the day is busy, the crew keeps things organized and moving at a human pace.

Where you meet the boat at Marina Vallarta

You will meet at Vallarta Adventures, Marina Vallarta, at Mástil 13, Puerto Vallarta, Jal., Mexico. The start time is 9:30 am, and the tour ends back at the same meeting point.

The day begins either at the Nuevo Vallarta meeting point or by heading directly to the Puerto Vallarta marina. In both cases, once you board, you follow a route chosen daily based on water and weather conditions.

Also, do not forget the dock fee. There is a port fee MX$40.00 per person that you pay in cash at the marina.

The boat and crew details that matter in real life

This is a large sailboat, not a small skiff. From the way the trip is described, it is built for comfort, with clean facilities on board. One standout detail: there are multiple bathrooms, and people have commented on how spotless everything stays.

The crew is a big reason this gets such high ratings. The tone is friendly and attentive, and they keep checking that you are comfortable, fed, and hydrated. Captains and guides also get involved with the day, including helping with the water activity and safety.

Safety is taken seriously. You should expect a crew that gives clear instructions, especially because you will likely be jumping into the water and climbing back aboard using ladders. If you are the type who wants to know exactly what is happening before you try it, you will probably like the structure here.

Premium open bar: what you actually get all day

The open bar is described as free-flow drinks during the cruise, and the vibe is that they keep refilling rather than letting you wait around for the next round. This matters because the day is long enough that you will probably want steady hydration and something cold as you switch between sun and shade.

Drink quality can be a personal thing, and there is at least one note that some mixed drinks were just okay. Still, the overall pattern in feedback is positive, and most people seem happy with how frequently drinks arrive.

A practical tip from the tone of the feedback: bring sunscreen. With all that time outside, you will not want to gamble on whether you packed enough, especially on a long sail day.

Lunch that feels like a real meal, not filler

Lunch is included, and it comes with more thought than most boat trips. The sample menu includes:

• Infused water and seasonal fruit
• Guacamole with pico de gallo and tortilla chips
• A gourmet sandwich with serrano ham, tomato, pickle dressing, manchego cheese, arugula, and homemade bread
• Dark chocolate brownie

On many outings, people also talk about extra presentation style food like charcuterie spreads and fresh items served through the day. Even if your exact plate varies, the takeaway is consistent: you should eat something substantial, not just snacks.

One more detail I appreciate: the drink and food pacing. The tour is set up so you are not constantly waiting for the next meal moment. That keeps you in vacation mode instead of checking the clock.

Your water time: swim, snorkel, and SUP with gear

This is not a one-activity tour. It is a choose-your-adventure day on the water, with equipment provided for snorkeling and paddle boarding (SUP).

Here is how it works in practice:

• You may swim at a white-sand beach stop or in calmer spots.
• You may snorkel in a sheltered cove, if conditions allow decent visibility.
• You may use SUP during the middle of the day.

The snorkeling experience is dependent on conditions like water clarity. Some days are better than others, and at least one note calls out underwhelming snorkeling visibility due to water conditions, not crew skill. Still, even when snorkeling is not perfect, people have found plenty to do, including paddle boarding and floating around.

For getting in and out, plan ahead. To enter the water, you jump off the boat. To get back on board, you use small metal ladders. That is totally doable for many people, but it is not a “gentle step into the water” setup.

If you love water play but you do not want to focus on snorkeling, SUP and beach time can do a lot of the heavy lifting for fun.

Wildlife odds in Banderas Bay, including whales

One of the big draws is the chance to see marine life. The tour highlights include potential sightings of humpback whales (when in season), dolphins, manta rays, and sea turtles.

A key point: do not treat wildlife as guaranteed. This is a nature situation that depends on where the animals are and what the water conditions are like that day. The best approach is to go in expecting possibilities, then celebrate when you get lucky.

The upside is that the itinerary is built around being out long enough to improve your odds. People have described multiple whale sightings and also dolphins and sea turtles. When whales are present, the crew often spends time looking and adjusting stops to keep the chances alive.

If you care about marine life, this is the kind of cruise where it is not just “drive-by sightseeing.” It is a day on the bay with actual time to watch and react.

Wind, sailing time, and why the route can change

One thing to understand before you go: you will not be sailing at full speed the entire time. There can be motor use at times, and sailing time depends on wind.

Some people describe a flow that includes using a motor to reach an area like Los Arcos, then sailing back on the return when conditions allow. That means the day is still scenic and relaxing even if the boat switches between powered movement and sail.

This flexibility is part of why it works. When the route is chosen daily based on conditions, the crew is not forcing the day to match a rigid plan. Instead, they try to give you the best combination of comfort, water access, and wildlife spotting opportunities.

Toilets, comfort, and how to stay relaxed on a 6-hour day

The tour lasts about 6 hours. Toilets are located on the lower deck. That sounds minor, but on a boat day it helps to know where things are so you are not constantly asking.

Comfort is also about expectations. You are on the water for hours, so you will want to think about sun protection and hydration. The open bar helps, but it is still real outdoor exposure.

Also, keep in mind motion. If you are sensitive to sea conditions, you may want to choose your day carefully and consider bringing something that helps you manage nausea. One note specifically suggests the tour is not a good fit for people who get sea sick.

Price and value: is $129 a good deal for this cruise?

At $129 per person, this tour hits a sweet spot because so much is included:

• Day cruise on Banderas Bay
• Lunch
• Open bar
• Snorkeling and paddle boarding

You are also paying for time on a sailboat, not just a speed ride. The included gear saves you the effort of arranging rentals and makes it easier to say yes to the activities once you are there.

The main extra cost you should plan for is the MX$40.00 per person dock fee paid in cash at the marina. If you forget that, it can turn into an annoying moment right at the start.

Compared with boat days that only include a basic snack, the structured meal plus open bar is where the value shows. Compared with tours that charge separately for snorkeling or water toys, having everything bundled makes this price easier to justify.

Who this Puerto Vallarta luxury sailing tour fits best

This is a strong match if you want a relaxing day on the water with real comforts. People describe it as laid back, and the small-group vibe up to 30 travelers helps it feel more personal than a large party boat.

It also fits couples and small friend groups. Many people mention the experience feeling private yet still social, with attentive service and plenty of food and drink.

You should think twice if:

• You need easy water access without jumping, ladders, and getting in and out actively.
• You get sea sick.
• You need a strictly sailing-focused itinerary where you never use a motor.

If you are active enough to handle the water entry method, and you want a mix of sightseeing, swimming, and optional snorkeling, this tour is one of the most straightforward ways to get a high-value day on Banderas Bay.

Should you book this Puerto Vallarta luxury sailing with open bar and lunch?

If you want a high-comfort boat day with an included lunch, included snorkeling and SUP gear, and an open bar that keeps the day moving, I think this is a book-worthy option. The best-case day includes marine wildlife sightings, beach and water time, and a crew that keeps things smooth and friendly.

Book it with two realistic expectations: wildlife sightings depend on nature, and water clarity affects snorkeling. If you are fine with that and you like the idea of a relaxing sail where you can choose how you spend the water time, you are likely to be happy with your pick.

If you are cautious about motion, or you dislike jumping into the water, skip it and choose something with easier entry.

FAQ

What time does the tour start?

The tour starts at 9:30 am.

How long is Puerto Vallarta Luxury Sailing with Premium Open bar and lunch?

The duration is about 6 hours.

Where do I meet for the tour?

You meet at Vallarta Adventures, Marina Vallarta, Mástil 13, Marina Vallarta, 48335 Puerto Vallarta, Jal., Mexico. You may also go to the Nuevo Vallarta meeting point or head directly to the Puerto Vallarta marina.

What is included in the price?

The included items are the day cruise, lunch, open bar, and snorkeling and paddle boarding.

What extra fee should I bring cash for?

There is a port fee MX$40.00 per person, paid in cash at the marina.

What is the minimum age to join?

The minimum age is 10 years old.

Is hotel pickup and drop-off included?

No. Hotel pickup and drop-off are not included.

Do I need to bring snorkeling or SUP equipment?

No. Snorkeling & paddle boarding equipment are provided.

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

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

What is the cancellation policy?

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