Puerto Vallarta Luxury Sailing with Premium Open bar & lunch

A luxury sailing day on Banderas Bay is interesting because it mixes classic sea views with real time-in-the-water fun, not just sitting on a deck. I especially love the open bar that runs throughout the cruise and the small-group vibe that keeps things calm and attentive, with crews like Captain Sergio earning repeat praise. The one drawback to consider is that the day can feel long, and snorkeling quality can depend on water visibility that day.

You’ll also notice the details. The boat is repeatedly described as super clean, and the food arrives at the right moments so you’re never waiting around hungry. Just keep in mind you’ll jump off the boat to get in, then use small metal ladders to climb back, so it’s not ideal if you have mobility limits or get seasick easily.

Key things that make this sailing day work

• Premium open bar all cruise, kept topped up by a focused crew
• Multiple water activities with snorkeling and SUP gear included
• A route picked daily by conditions, so you’re not stuck on a single plan
• A small-group cap of 30, and many sailings feel closer to a private outing
• Possible whale season sightings, plus dolphins, manta rays, and sea turtles
• On-board food with real variety, from guacamole and chips to lunch and dessert

Price and what you truly get for $129

At $129 per person for about 6 hours, this tour is built around one idea: you pay once, and most of your day is handled for you. Your ticket covers the day cruise, lunch, open bar, and the snorkeling and paddleboarding equipment. That matters because similar half-day activities around Puerto Vallarta often nickel-and-dime you once you add drinks and gear.

One extra cost to plan for is the marina port dock fee of MX$40 per person, paid in cash at the marina. If you forget, it can slow boarding, so I’d bring the pesos ahead of time.

Also note there’s no hotel pickup and drop-off. You’ll either meet at the Nuevo Vallarta meeting point or head directly to the Puerto Vallarta marina, based on what you choose when booking. This is common for boat tours, but it’s worth planning your timing so you don’t sprint to the dock.

Arriving at Marina Vallarta: what to do before you board

Your start time is 9:30 am, and the main meeting point listed is Vallarta Adventures | Marina Vallarta, Mástil 13, Marina Vallarta, 48335 Puerto Vallarta, Jal., Mexico. The tour ends back at the same starting point, so you don’t have to guess where you’ll land afterward.

Here’s the practical move: show up a little early, not because the schedule is vague, but because you’ll want a calm moment to get settled on the lower deck and use the toilets before the water time starts. Toilets are located on the lower deck.

Then comes the part that sets the tone for the day. To enter the water, you jump off the boat, and to return you use small metal ladders. That’s a normal boat-to-water rhythm, but it’s still something to take seriously if you’re not comfortable with heights, slippery swim steps, or climbing ladders.

The route: Banderas Bay scenery, Los Arcos-style rock views, and daily choices

This sailing adventure is centered on Banderas Bay, leaving from either Puerto Vallarta or Nuevo Vallarta. The route is selected daily based on conditions, which is actually a good thing. Wind and current change, and the crew makes the call so you get safer sailing and better chances for the day’s water activities.

From the descriptions of similar days, you may get a scenic run toward areas known for rock formations, including Los Arcos-style views. Some trips also involve use of the motor for part of the route, then sailing when conditions allow. Translation: expect the day to be both relaxed and practical, not a hard grind of constant sailing.

On the water, you’re there for the feeling. Rocky edges, open sea, and that constant ocean breeze do the heavy lifting. You’ll also likely have multiple chances to change your angle of view, because the tour is not a one-stop parade.

Stops you can actually enjoy: beach time, snorkeling, and SUP

What makes this tour appealing is that it doesn’t just say snorkeling or paddleboarding. It sets you up with the gear and then gives you time to do it without running a sprint schedule.

The day is paced around a few main experiences:

• Swim time at a white-sand style beach stop or a sheltered cove
• Snorkeling in protected water areas, with equipment provided
• Stand-up paddleboarding (SUP) with gear provided, plus time on calm water

Not every water stop will feel identical, and that’s why the daily route matters. One downside that came up is that snorkeling can be underwhelming on days when visibility is lower. That’s not a crew failure. It’s simply how the ocean behaves.

If snorkeling isn’t your top interest, you’ll still have options. Multiple reviews mention people having more fun using paddleboards and floating time, especially when underwater visibility wasn’t the best. In other words, you’re not locked into one activity.

The open bar plan: drinks, food timing, and what “unlimited” usually means

This is where the tour earns its reputation. The open bar is described as flowing for the entire cruise, and the crew keeps a steady rhythm of drinks and food service. You’re not waiting long stretches for someone to notice your glass is empty.

A few specific details stand out:

• Drinks are described as being made individually, not like a weak batch from a big pitcher
• Food shows up throughout the cruise in stages, not all at once and then nothing
• The overall feel is social but not party-like, meaning you can talk and relax without chaos

One review note that’s worth your attention is this: unlimited drinks can still come with practical limits, even if it feels nonstop. That’s normal on boats where the crew has to stay responsible. The key is that you’ll usually feel properly taken care of.

Lunch and snacks on board: what’s served and why it works at sea

Lunch is included, and the tour lists a sample menu. Expect infused water and seasonal fruit up front, then items like guacamole with pico de gallo and tortilla chips. The main course is a gourmet sandwich with Serrano ham, tomato, pickle dressing, manchego cheese, arugula, and homemade bread. Dessert is a dark chocolate brownie.

But the bigger takeaway is how the meals are paced. Guests describe multiple snack moments, including charcuterie-style spreads and fresh fruit trays, plus more substantial lunch service when you’re ready for it. That matters because at sea you burn energy, and a single late lunch can feel too little, too late.

Also, the food is repeatedly described as fresh and nicely presented. On a boat day, you want the taste and the timing to be reliable, and this tour seems to do both.

Wildlife spotting without the stress: whales, dolphins, manta rays, sea turtles

This tour offers a strong wildlife angle. There’s a chance to see humpback whales when they’re in season, along with dolphins, manta rays, and sea turtles. The way it’s handled matters: the crew watches for signs and may adjust stops so sightings have a better chance.

When whales show up, they’re described as sometimes far away. Still, it’s treated as a real spotting opportunity, not a guarantee. In some sailings, guests report multiple whale-related pauses, which adds a lot of emotional payoff even when you’re not a hardcore marine life person.

A good mindset helps. If you go expecting a guaranteed animal sighting, you can feel let down. If you go expecting a chance, with a crew actively scanning the water, it feels like a bonus when nature cooperates.

The crew and boat comfort: small details that make a difference

The crew gets heavy praise, and the names matter because they show up in real experiences. Captain Sergio is one of the repeat callouts, and other crew members mentioned include Rubin, Christian, and Walter. If you’re the type who likes to connect with staff, this is one of the better tours for that.

On board, comfort is part of the luxury. Reviews describe an extremely clean boat, plenty of space to lounge, and even bathrooms onboard. One couple specifically noted four bathrooms, which is rare enough that it changes the whole flow of a long day.

There’s also a note on sailing style. Some days start with motor to reach the best areas, then you sail back when conditions are right. Wind determines sailing time, so you should expect a mix, not constant silent gliding the entire day.

Practical tips so you enjoy it instead of fighting it

A luxury day can still have rough edges if you’re unprepared. Here are the practical points that match what’s actually described.

First, bring sunscreen. Someone called out that sunscreen is important, and with long sun exposure on the water, you’ll thank yourself.

Second, be realistic about getting in and out of the water. You jump off the boat and climb back using small metal ladders. If that’s not your thing, you can still enjoy the sailing and the scenery, but you might decide to pass on the water activities.

Third, if you’re prone to motion sickness, take the warnings seriously. One review said the tour wasn’t recommended for people who get sea sick, which is consistent with the reality that you’re on open water and doing jumps.

Finally, consider the length. Several people felt the day was long, and one suggested shaving off time if possible. That doesn’t mean it’s unenjoyable. It just means you’ll want to settle in for a full morning to early afternoon rhythm.

Who should book this luxury sailing day (and who should skip it)

This tour is a great fit if you want:

• A calm, well-run day on the water without the hectic vibe of party boats
• Plenty of time for swimming, snorkeling, and SUP, with gear provided
• A day that includes real food and an open bar, not just a snack and a single drink
• Wildlife chances without needing to be an expert or carry equipment

It may be less ideal if you:

• Get seasick easily
• Have mobility limits that make ladder entry and water jumps difficult
• Are very picky about snorkeling visibility, since conditions can vary and one snorkeling stop was described as underwhelming due to poor visibility

If you’re going with a group, it can still work well. The tour caps at 30, and multiple experiences were much smaller, including groups around 8 to 11 people. That gives you space to lounge and a quieter, more personal feeling.

Should you book Puerto Vallarta Luxury Sailing with Premium Open bar and lunch?

I think you should book it if your idea of a good Puerto Vallarta day is this: sea air, scenic sailing, time in the water with equipment handled, and staff who keep things moving so you’re not managing the day yourself. The combination of open bar throughout, lunch included, and multiple water activities is the core value, and the boat cleanliness and service are repeatedly praised.

I’d pause before booking if you know you won’t like ladder entry and jumping off the boat, or if you’re very sensitive to motion. Also, if snorkeling is your only goal and you’re very dependent on perfect visibility, go in with realistic expectations.

If you want an easy, high-comfort way to experience Banderas Bay, this one fits. It’s not just a ride. It’s a full, handled experience that feels more like a luxury day out than a checklist excursion.

FAQ

Where does the tour start and what time does it begin?

The tour starts at Vallarta Adventures | Marina Vallarta, Mástil 13, Marina Vallarta, 48335 Puerto Vallarta, Jal., Mexico. The start time is 9:30 am. The tour ends back at the meeting point.

Is hotel pickup included?

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

What are the extra costs at the marina?

There is a port fee that you pay in cash at the marina. It’s listed as MX$40.00 per person.

What’s included in the ticket price?

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

What activities are available for getting in the water?

You can swim and snorkel, and you can also do stand-up paddleboarding (SUP). Snorkeling and SUP equipment are included.

What’s the minimum age and cancellation policy?

The minimum age is 10 years, and it has no exceptions. Free cancellation is available up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund. If you cancel less than 24 hours before the start time, the amount paid is not refunded.