Category Cruises & Boat Tours

Puerto Vallarta · CRUISES & BOAT TOURS

Top 15 Boat Trips & Cruises in Puerto Vallarta

46 tours

Half the good stuff around Banderas Bay has no road to it, which makes the boat the real transport of Puerto Vallarta. Below are the trips worth the deck space: catamarans, pangas, sunset sails and the all-inclusive mega yachts, with what is included, how long you are at sea, and who each suits.

Puerto Vallarta Best Zipline Canopy + Tequila and Speed Boat Ride

Puerto Vallarta Best Zipline Canopy + Tequila and Speed Boat Ride - The Final Zipline That Runs Into Tequila

1.Puerto Vallarta Best Zipline Canopy + Tequila and Speed Boat Ride

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 3,786 reviews · 5 hours (approx.) · from $120Our pick

Zipline over Puerto Vallarta’s jungle, finish in a tequila bar, then cool off with river slides, kayaking, and animal encounters.

“We had an amazing time ziplining in Puerto Vallarta! The Speed boat was so fun and we got to see the city and some wildlife too (sea turtles and even a whale). The water slides and river at the end are gorgeous and so much fun after the ziplinel. FYI you will do some b riefhiking to different ziplines so wear good shoes and at least shorts. For the restaurant, the food is very good and the staff is sweet, but note the portions are massive and could easily feed 2 people. We wished we spent less time at the restaurant and more time at the river to play in…”

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Mega Yacht ALL INCLUSIVE Yelapa Waterfall & Snorkeling Adventure

Mega Yacht ALL INCLUSIVE Yelapa Waterfall & Snorkeling Adventure - Getting There: Pick the Correct Meeting Point and Pass Security

2.Mega Yacht ALL INCLUSIVE Yelapa Waterfall & Snorkeling Adventure

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 2,515 reviews · 6 hours (approx.) · from $117

6-hour yacht cruise from Puerto Vallarta to Yelapa waterfalls with snorkeling, kayaks, an all-inclusive open bar, and fajita lunch.

“Our second time on this tour. Took my mother in law this time as she hadn't been to Yelapa before. Staff is very attentive and keep the food and drinks going non stop from start to finish. Super friendly staff. Quality of food and drinks are perfect for this style of excursion. Beautiful views with whale sightings when in season. Snorkeling an chilling with views of the rainforest are fun. Always meeting fun people on the boat. Yelapa although a small little town just fun to see and the waterfall for pictures or another quick dip. Highly recommend. Lastly, it doesnt take all day. Leave early and typically make it…”

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Outdoor Ziplining, Waterfalls & Speed boat in Puerto Vallarta

Outdoor Ziplining, Waterfalls & Speed boat in Puerto Vallarta - Mule trek and jungle ziplines, including the 1,000-foot line and roller-coaster moment

3.Outdoor Ziplining, Waterfalls & Speed boat in Puerto Vallarta

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 1,796 reviews · 6 hours 30 minutes (approx.) · from $129

Speedboat, Unimog 4WD, mule trek, waterfall rappel, jungle ziplines, and water slides in Puerto Vallarta’s Sierra Madre.

“If you’re looking for an unforgettable experience that blends thrill, beauty, and pure joy, Valletta Adventures delivers beyond imagination. From zip lining through breathtaking views to racing across the water on a speedboat and hiking the most scenic trails, every moment was packed with excitement and laughter. Our guides, Cesar, Tania, Fito “Lancer,” Wes, Alex, and Gato, turned this trip into something truly magical. Their energy, professionalism, and fun-loving spirit made us feel safe while still pushing us to embrace adventure like never before. Each of them brought something special to the journey, from jokes that kept us laughing to local insights that made us fall in love with the…”

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Rhythms of the night, Sunset Cruise, Candlelit Dinner & Alma Show

Rhythms of the night, Sunset Cruise, Candlelit Dinner & Alma Show - Candlelit buffet dinner, open bar, and the live music mix

Boat and Snorkel Tour to 5 Islands of Los Arcos

Boat and Snorkel Tour to 5 Islands of Los Arcos - Five islands, sea caves, and bird sanctuaries

5.Boat and Snorkel Tour to 5 Islands of Los Arcos

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 1,176 reviews · 3 hours 30 minutes (approx.) · from $48

Small-group boat and snorkel tour to Los Arcos from Puerto Vallarta, with five islands, sea caves, bird sanctuaries, and a Mismaloya beach stop.

“It was a great experience. Guide Andres was very welcoming and a wonderful tour guide. I would recommend.”

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Luxury Yacht & Snorkel with All inclusive Open bar and lunch

Luxury Yacht & Snorkel with All inclusive Open bar and lunch - Sailing the Bay of Banderas: Los Arcos, the Malecon from the sea, and wildlife moments

6.Luxury Yacht & Snorkel with All inclusive Open bar and lunch

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 754 reviews · 5 hours (approx.) · from $119

Puerto Vallarta yacht to Majahuitas for snorkel and paddleboard, with unlimited open bar, lunch, and up to 40 guests.

“A nice, enjoyable experience. Great crew, helpful and attentive service. The snorkeling experience was enjoyable even if a bit short. One thing that was disappointing was that the food was not quite as advertised. That needs to be updated to provide an accurate description of what is provided. You cannot label a tour as "luxury" with an average sandwich for a meal. The number of guests is ideal as it does not feel crowded at all. Thanks to Diego Chihuahua for his guide services during the snorkeling activity. Be aware that the banana boat ride can get quite rough thanks to the boat driver. You have to be careful with…”

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Mega Catamarans ALL INCLUSIVE Remote Paradise Beach Adventure

Mega Catamarans ALL INCLUSIVE Remote Paradise Beach Adventure - Check-In at Puerto Mágico: The Rules That Affect Your Day

7.Mega Catamarans ALL INCLUSIVE Remote Paradise Beach Adventure

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 470 reviews · 6 hours 30 minutes (approx.) · from $135

All-inclusive catamaran to Playa Chica Locca and Quimixto, with watersports, open bar, two meals, and optional ATV to waterfalls.

“Highly recommend! By far the best tour we’ve been on! We were lucky enough to be with a small group on this trip and the crew made it such a fun time. The boat ride to Quimixto included a breakfast plate to keep us satiated while we were served beer and delicious cocktails made by Guadalupe. Luis and Dana were very social and got the party started. Just as we arrived and were beginning to want a snack, we were given delicious guacamole and chips and we always had a drink in hand. The resort-like private beach that Chica Locco took us to was beautiful and very clean and there…”

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Puerto Vallarta, Luxury Sunset Sailing

Puerto Vallarta, Luxury Sunset Sailing - Getting on board at Marina Vallarta, and the one extra cost

8.Puerto Vallarta, Luxury Sunset Sailing

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 415 reviews · 3 hours (approx.) · from $99

3-hour luxury sunset sail from Puerto Vallarta with open bar, wine, cheese and hors d’oeuvres, and big Bay of Banderas views.

“Beautiful tour and crew was great at entertaining us . Limited but good food; abundant drinks. Overall very good.”

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Whale Watching Cruise In Puerto Vallarta & Nuevo Vallarta

Whale Watching Cruise In Puerto Vallarta & Nuevo Vallarta - Inside the catamaran: shade, space, and clean basics

9.Whale Watching Cruise In Puerto Vallarta & Nuevo Vallarta

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 398 reviews · 4 hours (approx.) · from $99

Puerto Vallarta whale watching on a catamaran with breakfast, buffet lunch, and open bar, plus Banderas Bay close sightings.

“Our boat was slightly delayed clearing the gangway (25 minutes). We contacted Mikes Fishing and told them, they said when you get off head right to the pier, which we did and they were GONE. they are denying us a refund because it wasn’t their fault. (Wasn’t my fault either). Wouldn’t use Viator or Mike’s fishing ever again. Save $20, but lost $200. Total ripoff. I can understand I didn’t make the boat, but to not offer my money back or a future credit makes the nickels worth of savings not worth it. Lesson learned.”

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Bioluminescence & sunset local boat tour to Los Arcos Sanctuary

Bioluminescence & sunset local boat tour to Los Arcos Sanctuary - The Los Arcos sanctuary walkthrough, what the guides actually bring to the trip

10.Bioluminescence & sunset local boat tour to Los Arcos Sanctuary

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 327 reviews · 3 hours (approx.) · from $83

Cruise to Los Arcos at sunset, then swim to see bioluminescent plankton light up the bay from boat and cave.

“Crew was friendly and informative. Safety was a priority. Experience with the bioluminescence was amazing. This is a must do excursion. Water is a little choppy and no bathroom breaks for 2.5hrs so be prepared!”

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Puerto Vallarta: Los Arcos Islands Boat Tour and Snorkeling

Puerto Vallarta: Los Arcos Islands Boat Tour and Snorkeling - Los Arcos National Marine Park: Five Islands, Bird Caves, and Real Habitat Talk

11.Los Arcos Islands Boat Tour and Snorkeling

★★★★★★★★★★4.7 · 317 reviews · 3 hours · from $47Best value

Snorkel Los Arcos National Marine Park from Puerto Vallarta with a guided boat ride, bird caves, and an easy 3-hour round trip.

“Bruno was excellent. Highly recommend. The 3 hour tour was perfect as it does take up your whole day and you can go in the afternoon.”

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Puerto Vallarta Luxury Sailing with Premium Open bar & lunch

Puerto Vallarta Luxury Sailing with Premium Open bar & lunch - Where you meet the boat at Marina Vallarta

Private Yacht Charter ChicaFUN 3 Waterslides All Inclusive

Private Yacht Charter ChicaFUN 3 Waterslides All Inclusive - The 4 hour plan in Bahia de Banderas (and how to customize it)

13.Private Yacht Charter ChicaFUN 3 Waterslides All Inclusive

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 214 reviews · 4 hours (approx.) · from $1,940

Private ChicaFUN 3 yacht in Puerto Vallarta with all-inclusive drinks, waterslides, snorkeling gear, and snacks for up to 15.

“Had 17 in our family ranging in age from 10 to 82. Everyone had a great time. Everyone enjoyed getting in the water with all of the water toys. Plus the slide was a hit. Also, there was an abundance of beers and cocktails to keep the older groups happy. The staff was super helpful and a lot of fun. Highly recommend this outing.”

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Whale & Dolphin Watching Cruise in Puerto Vallarta All Inclusive

Whale & Dolphin Watching Cruise in Puerto Vallarta All Inclusive - How the humpback and dolphin search really plays out

14.Whale & Dolphin Watching Cruise in Puerto Vallarta All Inclusive

★★★★★★★★★★4.0 · 212 reviews · 4 hours 30 minutes (approx.) · from $78

Puerto Vallarta whale and dolphin cruise with open bar, breakfast, lunch, hydrophone, and a marine biologist. Around 4.5 hours.

“Initially it was good. Followed a mother and baby whale. Saw a couple of whales jump out of water. Went further north into the ocean just to turn around and come back. Few of us saw a whale, but tour bout didn’t slow down. Seat where not secured or safe. When hitting higher waves, people fell out of the charges and almost face planted on deck.”

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Mega Yacht Limousine of the Sea 1: Puerto Vallarta

Mega Yacht Limousine of the Sea 1: Puerto Vallarta - The open bar setup: what you’ll actually get onboard

15.Mega Yacht Limousine of the Sea 1: Puerto Vallarta

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 201 reviews · 4 hours (approx.) · from $6,455

Private 4-hour Mega Yacht cruise in Puerto Vallarta with open bar, fresh ceviche and guacamole, and easy water activities in Bahia de Banderas.

“I want to leave a 5-star review for my pre-wedding boat party with Chicca Loca Tours. We originally had a different yacht booked, but had to switch because that boat wasn’t renovated in time. I was honestly pretty worried at first—but the owner, Gil, reassured me that everything would still be amazing, and wow… he was absolutely RIGHT.”

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