Puerto Vallarta: Luxury Day Sailing Tour of Bay of Banderas

The best part of this Puerto Vallarta sailing trip is the balance: you get a proper day on the water without being packed into a loud party boat. You’ll sail along Bay of Banderas, visit scenic coastal spots, and have time to swim, snorkel, or paddleboard from the boat. I especially like the six-hour schedule and the fact that lunch, towels, and water gear are included.

I also like the polished crew service and the chance to take the helm if conditions allow. Captain Rueban received special praise for creating a relaxed day at sea. The main consideration is that snorkeling conditions can change. After heavy rain, the water may be murky, and this outing is not designed for children under 10, wheelchair users, or people with mobility impairments.

Key points to know before booking

• A calm alternative to a party cruise: The premium open bar is included, but the tone is relaxed and refined rather than loud or alcohol-focused.
• Two long sailing periods: You spend about 75 minutes sailing out and another 100 minutes returning, with a longer stop for lunch and water activities.
• Water gear is included: Snorkels, paddleboards, and towels are provided, so you do not need to rent equipment separately.
• Captain Rueban has earned special praise: His crew is noted for friendly service, good food, music, and a leisurely pace.
• The price covers more than the boat ride: At $119 per person, lunch, drinks, gear, and six hours on the bay are included.
• Plan around the access limits: The trip is for ages 10 and up and is not suitable for wheelchair users or people with mobility impairments.

A relaxed way to see Bay of Banderas

Puerto Vallarta is easy to enjoy from shore, but the bay gives you a different view of the region. From the water, the city recedes and the shoreline becomes a series of coves, cliffs, beaches, and open sea. This trip is built around that change of pace.

You board a luxury sailboat or sailing catamaran and spend much of the day outside the city. The fleet is chosen for comfort and maneuverability, so you get a pleasant platform for sightseeing as well as swimming and snorkeling. This is not simply a transfer to a beach. The sailing itself is a major part of the experience.

The six-hour duration matters. Short boat trips can feel rushed, especially when you want time both to sail and to get into the water. Here, the schedule allows roughly 75 minutes on the way out, about two and a half hours for lunch and water activities, and another 100 minutes under sail on the return.

That gives the day a natural rhythm. You begin with open-water views, settle into a longer stop, then enjoy another extended stretch at sea before returning to the marina.

What the $119 price includes

The cost is $119 per person. That is not a budget boat excursion, but it is a fairer deal when you count what comes with it. Lunch, a premium open bar, towels, snorkeling equipment, and paddleboards are all included.

I would compare this price with the total cost of a simpler boat trip plus food, drinks, and water gear. The value becomes clearer if you plan to use several of the included features. If you only want a short ride and do not care about snorkeling or paddleboarding, you may find a less expensive option that fits better.

The premium open bar also needs a little context. This is not promoted as a drinking contest, and the tone is better suited to a calm day at sea. A previous booking described it as classy and relaxing rather than a booze cruise. That distinction is useful: you can enjoy included drinks, but the main attraction is the sailing, scenery, food, and crew service.

Lunch is served during the extended bay stop. The exact menu is not specified, so I would choose this trip for the overall package rather than for a particular dish. Still, food quality and service received especially warm praise, which is reassuring for a six-hour outing where lunch is part of the central break.

Checking in at Vallarta Adventures

The listed meeting point is at Paseo de las Palmas 390A, at the Vallarta Adventures location. Hotel pickup and drop-off are not included, so you need to arrange your own way to the check-in point.

At the Vallarta Adventures desk, you must redeem your reservation before boarding. Give yourself enough time to find the desk and complete that step, especially if you are unfamiliar with the marina area. The boat trip itself may feel carefree, but the start still depends on arriving at the correct place and checking in properly.

The tour has two pickup location options listed, but the provided details identify Paseo de las Palmas 390A as the Vallarta Adventures meeting point. Confirm the exact departure time and meeting instructions when booking, since the six-hour duration has different possible starting times.

Bring your passport or ID card. Gratuities are not included, so plan for a tip if the crew provides the kind of attentive service this trip is designed to offer.

Sailing out for roughly 75 minutes

The first sailing period lasts about 75 minutes. This is your chance to settle into the boat and enjoy the bay without rushing toward the activity stop.

The sailing route is described broadly as Bay of Banderas, with access to scenic waterfront locations and quieter coves. The exact course can vary, so you should not expect a guaranteed list of named stops beyond the general bay area. A recent outing included a trip toward Los Arcos, one of the region’s best-known coastal sights, but the precise route may depend on the day.

This portion is especially valuable if you enjoy the movement of a sailboat. You can sit back, watch the shoreline, and let the crew handle the boat. You may also get the chance to take the helm and try sailing yourself, an unusual touch for a packaged day tour. It is not a private sailing lesson, but it gives you a more active connection to the boat.

The catamaran or sailboat setting also makes the trip feel more spacious than a basic motorboat ride. The information does not specify the group size or exact vessel, so I would not book it expecting a private charter. You are paying for a luxury-level shared excursion, not exclusive use of the boat.

The two-and-a-half-hour stop for lunch and water activities

The longest part of the outing is a 2.5-hour stop in the bay. This is when you can eat lunch, use the included open bar, and get into the water.

The activity list includes swimming, snorkeling, and stand-up paddleboarding. You do not need to bring your own snorkeling equipment or paddleboard. Towels are also included, which saves you from carrying wet gear back to your hotel or arranging a rental.

I like this stop because it gives you choices. You can swim and snorkel if you want activity, paddleboard for a quieter way to explore the water, or remain aboard and enjoy the scenery. Not every person in a group needs to spend the afternoon doing the same thing.

The snorkeling quality will depend on water conditions. One outing encountered murky water after recent rain. That is a useful warning, not a flaw in the crew or boat. Coastal visibility changes with weather, runoff, and sea conditions, so you should treat snorkeling as a welcome possibility rather than the sole reason to book.

If clear underwater views are your top priority, ask about current conditions before you commit. If you want a full day that includes snorkeling but is not dependent on it, this trip is a stronger match.

The return sail lasts about 100 minutes

The second sailing period is listed at about 100 minutes, longer than the outward journey. That gives you plenty of time to enjoy the bay after lunch and water activities.

By this point, you will probably appreciate the trip’s slower pace. You have already had time to swim, paddleboard, or snorkel, so the return becomes a chance to dry off, enjoy a drink, and watch the coast from the boat.

Music is part of the atmosphere, and the experience is designed to feel social without becoming rowdy. The crew’s service has been praised for being friendly and polished, with special attention to food, drinks, cleanliness, and knowledge of the local waters. Captain Rueban was singled out by name for a leisurely day at sea, though the actual captain and crew may vary by departure.

The long return is also why this trip suits people who genuinely like being on a boat. If you become restless after an hour at sea, six hours may feel excessive. If sailing is the point of the day, the extended time is one of the main reasons to choose this outing.

Who will enjoy this sailing day most

I would recommend this tour to adults, couples, and families with older children who want a comfortable day on the water rather than a hard-charging activity schedule. The minimum age is 10, so it is not aimed at families with small children.

It works well for a mixed group. One person can snorkel, another can paddleboard, and someone else can stay aboard with lunch and a drink. That flexibility is a real advantage when not everyone has the same idea of a perfect beach day.

It is also a good fit if you value service. The crew is central to the experience, and the strongest praise has focused on hospitality, food, cleanliness, music, and care with the boat. A six-hour excursion feels much better when the staff keeps the day running smoothly.

I would be more cautious if you have limited mobility. The trip is specifically listed as unsuitable for people with mobility impairments and wheelchair users. The information does not provide details about boarding steps, transfer assistance, or accessible facilities, so you should not assume the boat can accommodate those needs.

What to bring and what not to expect

Bring your passport or ID card. Since towels and water equipment are supplied, you do not need to pack snorkeling gear or a paddleboard.

You will want ordinary swim-day essentials, but the supplied information does not specify a full packing list. Keep your booking details handy for check-in and remember that you are responsible for getting to and from the Vallarta Adventures meeting point.

Do not expect hotel transportation. The tour includes access to the Vallarta Adventures check-in desk, but hotel pickup and drop-off are not part of the package.

Do not expect guaranteed crystal-clear snorkeling. Weather and recent rain can affect visibility. The best approach is to view the water stop as one part of a broader sailing day.

Do expect a professional English- and Spanish-speaking crew. The tour offers a live guide in both languages, which helps if your group includes people who are more comfortable in either language.

Timing, cancellation, and practical flexibility

The activity lasts six hours, but the starting time depends on availability. Check the departure options before booking so the tour fits your Puerto Vallarta plans.

You can cancel up to 24 hours before the activity for a full refund. The reserve-now, pay-later option also gives you some breathing room when you are organizing a longer trip with several moving parts.

That flexibility is useful, but it does not replace checking the meeting point and departure time. You still need to redeem your reservation at the Vallarta Adventures desk, and you are responsible for reaching the location.

Is this sailing tour worth booking?

I would book this trip if you want a polished, unhurried day on Bay of Banderas with the main costs handled in advance. The strongest value comes from the combination of six hours of sailing, lunch, a premium open bar, towels, snorkeling equipment, and paddleboards.

Choose it for the overall day, not just for snorkeling. Water visibility may be poor after rain, and the exact route can change. The long sailing periods also mean you should like being at sea.

Skip it if you want a short, cheap boat ride, a loud party atmosphere, or a fully private charter. Book it if you want scenic sailing, thoughtful crew service, several ways to enjoy the water, and enough time to relax without racing from one stop to the next.

FAQ

How long is the Puerto Vallarta luxury sailing tour?

The tour lasts six hours. The schedule includes about 75 minutes of sailing out, 2.5 hours for lunch, snorkeling, and paddleboarding, followed by about 100 minutes of sailing back.

What is included in the $119 price?

The price includes lunch, a premium open bar, towels, snorkeling equipment, and paddleboards. Hotel pickup and drop-off are not included.

Where does the tour meet?

The listed meeting location is the Vallarta Adventures check-in desk at Paseo de las Palmas 390A. You must redeem your reservation there before boarding.

Can I swim or snorkel during the tour?

Yes. The tour includes time for swimming and snorkeling at scenic spots in Bay of Banderas. Snorkeling visibility can change with weather and recent rain.

Is paddleboarding included?

Yes. Stand-up paddleboards are included during the water-activity stop.

Is the tour suitable for children?

The tour is not suitable for children under 10 years old.

What languages are available, and can I cancel?

The live guide service is available in English and Spanish. You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund, and the reserve-now, pay-later option lets you book without paying immediately.