Four hours on a waterslide yacht feels surreal. You can customize your route in Bahia de Banderas, and I love the 3 waterslides plus the all-inclusive open bar that keeps everyone happy between dips. The one practical snag to plan for is that you must choose your meeting place before you submit your reservation.

I also like that this is a true private setup for up to 15 people, so you control the pace. You’ll get time to cruise the Puerto Vallarta coastline and the Bay of Banderas, then rotate through water toys and swim stops without worrying about a crowd schedule.

One more thing to consider: it runs about 4 hours, so it’s best if you want a high-energy half-day at sea, not a slow sightseeing day. If you’re aiming bigger, you can also go for a 7 hour full day with a choice between Marietas Islands or Yelapa Falls, but not both in the same day.

ChicaFUN 3 at a Glance: The most useful takeaways

• Private for your group (up to 15), which makes the day feel tailored instead of rushed.
• Waterslides plus water toys (snorkel gear, kayaks, paddle boards, water mattress, water tubes), so there’s something for every mood.
• Brand name open bar with lots of nonalcoholic options too, plus snacks like fresh guacamole and ceviche.
• Customizable Bahia de Banderas route, so you can steer toward what your group wants.
• Crew that stays hands on, including help with little moments that make a difference in the water.
• A longer-day option exists, with Marietas Islands or Yelapa Falls in a 7 hour format.

Why this private yacht charter is such a smart Puerto Vallarta choice

If your idea of a good day in Puerto Vallarta includes salt air, easy swimming, and a little action, this hits the brief. The ChicaFUN 3 experience is built around play on the water, with a format that feels like a private beach club, just afloat.

What I like most for your planning is that this is not just a boat ride. It’s a half-day package where you get the gear, the drinks, and the snacks, then you spend the hours actually using the water toys.

The private size matters. Up to 15 people means you’re not stuck waiting your turn for the slide or climbing into shared chaos. It’s also easier for mixed groups, like teens who want slides and adults who want cocktails and chill time.

The 4 hour plan in Bahia de Banderas (and how to customize it)

Your classic format here is a private 4 hour outing on the Bay of Banderas area. The core experience is cruising along the Puerto Vallarta coastline and around the Bay of Banderas, then enjoying on-water activities during the trip.

The key detail is that you can customize where you go within Bahia de Banderas. That’s huge because it lets you shape the day around your group, not around a rigid checklist.

Want a simple day with lots of swim time? You can keep things in the bay area. Want something more destination-like? The operator can plan popular options around the region, and there’s also a 7 hour full day choice if you want to stretch the time.

The 7 hour option if you want more than a half-day

For a longer day, you can choose either Marietas Islands or Yelapa Falls. You can’t do both in the same day, so the choice becomes your biggest decision if you go long.

If your group is water-activity heavy and wants something iconic, Marietas Islands tends to fit that style. If you want a change of scenery with Yelapa Falls, that’s your route. Either way, it’s the same private charter mindset, just with more hours to play with.

The waterslides and water toys: the real heart of the day

This is a waterslide yacht, so the first question for you is simple: will your group actually use them? If the answer is yes, the whole experience becomes more than a boat tour. It becomes your main event.

Along with the waterslides, you also get snorkel equipment and a full set of water toys. That means you can switch it up even if the group is split on what sounds fun.

Here’s what’s included for water time:

• Snorkel equipment
• Kayaks and paddle boards
• Water mattress and water tubes
• A setup that supports hanging out in the water, not just popping in for a quick dip

If you’re traveling with mixed ages, this setup is especially useful. One group had ages from about 10 to 82, and the spread worked because not everyone had to do the same thing. The people who wanted speed went to the slides, and everyone else still had a way to enjoy the water without feeling left behind.

Snorkeling and paddling without turning the day into a project

Snorkeling equipment and tools like kayaks and paddle boards sound straightforward, but the real value is how they remove effort. You don’t need to rent gear, you don’t need to coordinate extra transfers, and you don’t need to hunt for a place to put everything.

On a short outing, that matters. You want the day to start fast and stay fun, not become a checklist.

Your best move is to treat this like a playground. If you want to snorkel, do it when the group is ready, then switch to a kayak or paddle board when the energy changes. With water tubes and a water mattress, you also get a comfortable way to relax without giving up the fun.

The all-inclusive open bar and snacks that actually keep people content

This part is where the trip feels like a real package, not just a ticket. The open bar is brand name, and the list includes basics like water, coffee, juices, sodas, and mineral water.

Alcohol options include things like beer, wine, tequila, and mixed drinks such as piña coladas and margaritas. The big practical win here is that both adults and non-drinkers have easy choices without needing to ask or wait.

Then there’s the food, which is often the make-or-break on half-day tours. You get snacks including fresh made guacamole and ceviche with blue corn chips, plus potato chips.

What I take from this for your decision-making is that this format prevents the mid-trip mood crash. You can focus on the water toys and slides because you’re not suddenly hungry or thirsty in the middle of the day.

What the cruise part feels like: coastline time, not just yard games

Even though the slides and toys are the headline, the cruising time counts too. Your itinerary centers on the Bay of Banderas area, with a ride along the Puerto Vallarta coastline and around the bay.

That cruising portion gives you a change of pace. It’s how you get that sense of being out on the water, while still keeping the day active.

Also, cruising in the bay area usually means fewer logistical hurdles than far-flung trips. So you can spend more of the 4 hours where you want to be, in the water and on the boat, instead of stuck in long transit.

Crew and vibe: you’re not left to figure it out

The vibe on this kind of private charter often comes down to how the crew handles the small stuff. Here, the service style seems to be proactive, especially around water time.

In practical terms, expect crew members to be actively involved, including helping with things like keeping jewelry secure while you’re in the water. There’s also support that shows up when conditions change, like when winds run high.

That wind flexibility matters more than most people think. Sea days can swing fast, and it’s better when the team adjusts plans so you still get your main activities.

Names you might hear onboard include Gil, and crew members such as Sexy Dave, who have shown up in the operation’s culture and service style. If you’re curious who you’ll deal with before you go, that owner connection is a meaningful detail.

Price and value: $1,940 per group, and who it fits best

The price is $1,940 per group, up to 15 people, for about 4 hours. On paper, that looks expensive. In practice, it can become very reasonable depending on your group size.

Think of it this way: you’re paying for a private boat, a built-in party setup, and all-inclusive basics that many groups would otherwise spend extra money on. You’re getting:

• An open bar with a wide set of drink choices
• Snorkel equipment and a kit of water toys
• Snacks like guacamole and ceviche
• A crew and captain to run the day

So if you’re traveling as a family, a mixed friend group, or a small celebration crew, the per-person math improves quickly. It’s also a smart choice if you want to avoid the slow grind of coordinating multiple rentals, tickets, and pickup times.

If you’re going as just two or four people, it can still be worth it, especially if you care more about privacy and all-inclusive convenience than squeezing the lowest possible cost.

Pickup, meeting point, and the one detail you should not ignore

Pickup is offered, but it’s also listed that hotel pickup and drop-off are not included. That means you should plan on meeting the boat at the selected meeting location rather than expecting a full hotel service.

The most important rule for you: you must choose your meeting place before you submit your reservation. If you’re trying to keep things simple, lock that down early.

If you need a different meeting point or help with transportation to get there, you can request it. The owner, Gil, is specifically mentioned as the person to call for options.

Also, the experience notes that it’s near public transportation and that you’ll use a mobile ticket, so it’s not a mystery pickup in the middle of nowhere, as long as you confirm the meeting details ahead of time.

Weather reality: what to expect when winds show up

Sea days in this region can change quickly. The good news is that the crew has experience adjusting when high winds affect the day.

What that means for your planning is simple: bring the mindset of flexible fun. You’re buying a private, active day, and a good crew will work to keep the experience moving even when the water gets less predictable.

If you want to maximize your odds of having everything go smoothly, schedule this on a day when you’re not pinned to a tight evening plan. Even with adjustments, some timing can shift to match water and wind conditions.

Who should book ChicaFUN 3, and who might want a different option

This charter is a great fit if you want:

• Waterslides and water toys as the main event
• All-inclusive drinks and snacks so you don’t manage spending during the day
• A private group experience for up to 15 people
• A half-day outing that still includes scenic cruising

It may be less ideal if you’re looking for a slow, strictly sightseeing day with minimal water play. Also, if your group wants both Marietas Islands and Yelapa Falls in one day, that’s not how the longer 7 hour option is structured. You pick one.

If your group includes different personalities, this works because the boat offers multiple ways to participate, from sliding to snorkeling to relaxing.

Should you book this private yacht charter?

I think you should book ChicaFUN 3 if you want an easy, all-inclusive half-day that feels celebratory and lets your group use the water toys right away. The combination of waterslides, snorkel gear, and open bar makes it one of those trips where the value comes from how much you get to do, not just where you go.

Do book it with a clear plan for your meeting place, because that’s the one logistics piece you can control early. And if weather matters to your schedule, give yourself a little breathing room so the crew can adjust and keep the day fun.

If that sounds like your kind of Puerto Vallarta day, this private charter is a strong bet.

FAQ

How long is the Private Yacht Charter ChicaFUN 3?

The experience runs about 4 hours.

What is the price for the charter?

The price is $1,940.00 per group, for up to 15 people.

Is this tour private?

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

What is included in the all-inclusive package?

Included items include all-inclusive activities, a brand name open bar (water, coffee, juices, sodas, mineral water, plus alcoholic drinks), snorkel equipment, kayaks, paddle boards, a water mattress, water tubes, and snacks like fresh guacamole and ceviche with blue corn chips and potato chips.

Do I get a pickup from my hotel?

Hotel pickup and drop-off are not included. Pickup is offered, but you should confirm the meeting details for your selected meeting place.

Can I customize where we sail?

Yes. You can customize where you would like to visit within Bahia de Banderas. For a 7 hour full day, you can choose Marietas Islands or Yelapa Falls, but not both in the same day.

Is alcohol included?

Yes. The tour includes a brand name open bar with a wide range of drink options.

How do I handle the meeting point before booking?

It is required to choose your meeting place before submitting your reservation. If you need a different meeting point or help getting there, you can request assistance by calling Gil, the owner.

What is the cancellation policy?

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