There is something special about a private yacht day. This Puerto Vallarta charter pairs Los Arcos cave-tunnel snorkeling with beach time in Yelapa, plus an open bar and a crew that keeps things running on schedule. One drawback to weigh is that snorkeling at Los Arcos depends on conditions, so you might do a backup stop at Majahuitas instead.

The vibe is easy and flexible, not rushed. I like that it is a true private format, so your group can linger for photos or whale watching, and everyone gets the same relaxed pace. Still, the best day is weather-dependent, so plan for possible date changes if seas get rough.

Key highlights you will feel right away

• Private yacht with an open bar including beer, cocktails, and nonalcoholic drinks
• Los Arcos National Reserve photo stops with a cave tunnel backdrop
• Snorkeling when conditions allow, with Majahuitas as the fallback
• Yelapa time for lunch and a waterfall hike (with optional ATV or horse)
• Onboard comfort perks like WiFi, a restroom, snacks, and air-conditioned comfort

Why Los Arcos caves and Yelapa work so well together

This is the kind of Puerto Vallarta trip that gives you two very different moods in one day. First you cruise along the coast toward Los Arcos National Reserve, where the scenery feels dramatic and the water is the main event. Then you slow way down in Yelapa, a beach town that feels like a small escape from the main tourist strip.

I really like how the itinerary is built around flow. The day starts with a relaxed run from Marina Vallarta, then you do your first big nature moment at Los Arcos, and finally you land in Yelapa long enough to actually eat, stroll, and choose your own adventure. It is not a do-everything checklist. It is more like, pick what you want and the crew supports it.

There is also a practical bonus for groups. Private charters are often better for timing than shared tours because the captain can adjust the pace. In past charters, captains have even slowed down for whale sightings, so the trip can feel tailor-made instead of clock-watching.

Getting to Bruma Café in Marina Vallarta without stress

Your meeting point is Bruma Café & Cocktails, Mástil 11, Marina Vallarta. The location is near public transportation, which helps if you are not taking a taxi straight from your hotel.

Plan to arrive a bit early. Even with a smooth check-in, you will want time for the small steps that make a day like this feel effortless, like confirming everyone is accounted for and settling in before departure. The tour also lists an air-conditioned vehicle as included, which usually helps with moving from the marina area to the yacht without turning your day into a logistics puzzle.

One detail I appreciate: it is a private tour, meaning only your group rides along. That matters when you want a calm pace, a consistent experience from start to finish, and less time waiting around for other schedules.

The coast cruise: Malecón church views and slow photo moments

Before you even reach Los Arcos, you are treated to a scenic Puerto Vallarta coastline cruise. The timing is set so you can take photos and enjoy the views, including the iconic church crown on the Malecón.

This cruising portion is not just transportation. It is a chance to get your bearings and ease into vacation mode. A day on the water can feel faster once you are already settled and enjoying the scenery, and this part helps you start that way.

Also, keep an eye out on the horizon during the run. Whale and dolphin sightings have been a highlight in past charters, and the captain has been known to slow down so people can watch longer. You should not count on it every time, but it is part of the fun when you are doing a longer, private coastal cruise.

Los Arcos National Reserve: cave-tunnel photos and real snorkeling options

Los Arcos de Mismaloya is the first major stop, and it is set up as both a photo and water time. You get a picture opportunity with the cave tunnel in the background, which is one of those scenes you will recognize immediately once you see it.

Snorkeling is the next step, and this is where the day stays realistic. The plan is to lead a snorkeling experience through the caves of Los Arcos if conditions are acceptable. That means visibility, water movement, and weather can affect what is safest and most comfortable that day.

Why this matters: a charter like this is only as good as the crew’s decision-making in real conditions. The upside of a flexible plan is that you are not stuck staring at the ocean hoping it improves. If Los Arcos does not cooperate, the tour has a built-in alternative.

One more practical detail: admission is listed as free for Los Arcos. So once you are aboard, you are mostly paying for the experience and the crew, not adding extra fees mid-day.

Majahuitas as the backup: stay ready for a second snorkeling chance

If Los Arcos snorkeling cannot happen as planned, the itinerary routes you to Majahuitas Beach for snorkeling instead. That is a smart design for a weather-dependent activity.

Majahuitas is close enough to keep your day on track, and it still delivers that classic Pacific feel. The water and coastline here tend to be good for snorkeling whenever the sea state cooperates, so you are not losing the main event, you are swapping locations.

In real-world terms, this is the difference between a trip that feels like a plan with options versus a trip that feels like a single-point gamble. With this backup structure, you get another shot at seeing colorful fish and having that in-water moment without cutting the rest of the day.

Yelapa Beach time: casual lunch and waterfall choices

Yelapa is where the trip turns from ocean action to beach-town time. You cruise there and get time ashore for lunch at one of the beachside restaurants. Lunch is not included, so you will pick what sounds good on the dock and keep it simple.

This is also the part of the day where you can tailor your effort level. You may hike up through town toward a scenic waterfall. If walking is not your thing, there are optional ATVs or horses available, typically priced around $20-$30 USD.

A key insight for planning: your Yelapa time is about enjoying the place, not sprinting through it. The schedule gives you roughly two hours ashore, so choose one main activity. If you want the waterfall hike, commit to it. If you want relaxed beach time, skip the hike and pick a longer sit with a drink and a snack.

You might also notice how shore logistics can work here. In past charters, boats have anchored and a small boat transferred people to shore for the day. If you are sensitive to motion or prefer minimal transfers, it helps to ask the crew what the landing plan is that day.

Comfort and value on board: snacks, WiFi, and an open bar that is actually fun

Here is where this charter earns its price tag for many people. You are not just paying for a boat, you are paying for a full day of comfort and service built around you.

Included onboard perks are generous:

• Alcoholic beverages with an open bar, including beer and cocktails
• Water, soda, juices
• Snacks like chips and guacamole
• Snorkeling equipment
• Air-conditioned vehicle support
• Restroom on board
• WiFi on board

The open bar matters because it changes the tone of the day. You can keep sipping and snacking without negotiating a budget every hour. In past charters, crews have also been attentive about refilling drinks whenever needed, which makes a big difference on a longer outing where you would otherwise keep track of empty glasses.

Snorkeling gear is included too, which saves you time and rental hassle. People have commented that the snorkeling equipment, especially the fit of flippers, was better than what they had used elsewhere. Comfort in the water is not a small thing, it is what lets you actually enjoy the experience instead of fighting gear.

Crew and captain attention: why private feels different here

The crew makes this feel like a real charter, not a tour that just happens to have a boat. In past sailings, hosts have included people like Phillip, with captains such as Carlos and Oscar, and crew members like Victor. There is also mention of a Master diver named Charlie for certain guests, which hints at the operator’s focus on safety and skill when it matters.

What you should expect from this setup:

• Smooth timekeeping so you do not worry about missing your return
• A captain willing to keep the boat positioned so people can take photos
• Practical help in the water and on board, especially around snorkeling readiness and gear

For families, this kind of attention also matters. Past charters have included kids in the group, and guests emphasized how safe and comfortable their children felt. If you are traveling with young kids, this private format is often the easiest way to keep everyone calm and on schedule.

How long is the day, and what to plan around?

The tour runs about seven hours. The day is structured with cruising blocks between each highlight, so you are not stuck waiting around for the next step.

Key timing to know:

• You cruise down the coastline and reach Los Arcos after about 1.25 hours
• Majahuitas is about 0.75 hour after Los Arcos
• Yelapa is reached after about 0.5 hour cruise from Majahuitas
• The cruise back to Marina Vallarta is about 2 hours

Why this matters: with a seven-hour day, you want to show up hungry and ready. Bring your energy for at least one main activity period, either Los Arcos snorkeling or Majahuitas snorkeling, then keep your second wind for Yelapa lunch and the optional waterfall plan.

If you are squeezing this around a cruise ship or a tight schedule, focus on the captain’s responsibility for return timing. In past charters, the host was very conscientious about timing so guests had zero worry about getting back to port in time.

Who should book this private Puerto Vallarta yacht charter

This works best if you want a more personal Puerto Vallarta day and you value comfort. It is especially a good fit for:

• Couples who want a relaxed, scenic day without group-bus crowds
• Families with kids who need a calm, guided experience with plenty of onboard amenities
• Small friend groups who want to snack, drink, and snorkel at a pace that feels like yours
• People who care about flexibility, like a backup snorkeling stop instead of a single-location gamble

It also helps that the tour is offered in English and lists that most travelers can participate. Children must be older than four years old, so plan accordingly if you are traveling with little ones.

If you hate ocean time that feels chaotic, this private setup is also a plus. Your group stays together. You are not constantly sharing space and trying to negotiate who goes when.

Price, value, and the big question: is it worth $1,225 per person?

Let’s talk money. At $1,225 per person, this is not a budget yacht day. You are paying for a private charter format, the crew, the snorkeling equipment, an open bar, onboard snacks, and a full set of experience stops.

So where is the value? Here are the parts that typically justify the cost:

• Open bar and snacks included, which cuts down on mid-day spending
• Snorkeling gear included, which saves you rental time and money
• Two major locations in one day, Los Arcos for cave scenery and Yelapa for beach-town time
• A captain-led experience with practical flexibility if conditions change

Where the price might not make sense: if you are trying to snorkel only briefly and you do not plan to use the onboard service, you could feel like you are paying extra for comforts you barely touch. If that is you, consider a shorter or shared option instead.

But if you want the whole package, and especially if you will actually use the open bar, the restroom, the WiFi, and the snorkeling support, the price starts to look more like paying for convenience plus time on the water.

Should you book this Puerto Vallarta yacht tour?

Book it if you want a private day that mixes dramatic marine scenery with relaxed beach-town atmosphere, and you like the idea of an itinerary that adjusts based on real conditions. This charter is a strong choice when you want Los Arcos and Yelapa in one smooth run, with snacks and drinks handled for you.

Consider a different style of trip if you are on a tight budget or you do not care about snorkeling much. At this price, you will feel the cost most if you expect the day to be just transportation to the next stop.

My practical advice: do this when the timing is flexible enough that a weather shift does not wreck your vacation. The experience requires good weather, and you will want the best chance at that Los Arcos snorkeling plan, then a fun backup at Majahuitas if needed.

FAQ

What is included in the open bar?

The open bar includes water, soda, juices, beer, and cocktails. Snacks like chips and guacamole are also included.

Is lunch included in Yelapa?

No. Lunch while you are on shore in Yelapa is not included. You will have casual lunch at beachside restaurants.

Do I need to bring snorkeling equipment?

No. Snorkeling equipment is included, and the crew provides it for your snorkeling time.

What if snorkeling at Los Arcos is not possible?

If conditions prevent snorkeling at Los Arcos, the tour plans snorkeling at Majahuitas Beach instead.

Where do we meet for the tour?

You meet at Bruma Café & Cocktails, Mástil 11, Marina Vallarta, 48335 Puerto Vallarta, Jal., Mexico.

How long is the tour?

It is approximately 7 hours.

Are the tours private?

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

How does the cancellation work if weather is bad?

The tour requires good weather. If it is canceled due to poor weather, you will be offered a different date or a full refund.

Are children allowed?

Children must be older than 4 years old.