Puerto Vallarta: Snorkel and Swim Tour with Lunch and Drinks

If you’re seeking a relaxing yet exhilarating way to explore Puerto Vallarta’s beautiful coastline, this private yacht tour offers an excellent mix of comfort, adventure, and authentic beauty. For around 4.5 hours, you’ll enjoy a luxury vessel complete with an attentive crew, exploring the renowned Los Arcos National Marine Park, with time for swimming, snorkeling, and sunbathing. Plus, a tasty lunch with drinks makes this a full-blown mini-vacation.

What makes this tour stand out? First, the personalized experience on a private yacht means you’re not stuck in a crowded boat or fighting for space. Second, the stunning views of the Puerto Vallarta skyline and the iconic Church of Our Lady of Guadalupe from the water are truly postcard-worthy.

However, one thing to keep in mind is that this experience isn’t designed for everyone: non-swimmers or individuals with mobility issues might find it less accessible. But for those comfortable in the water or happy to relax on deck, this trip is a fantastic way to see the coast from a different perspective.

This adventure suits travelers who love a blend of luxury, scenic beauty, and active snorkeling, especially those wanting a more intimate experience than a typical group tour. It’s perfect for couples, small groups, or families who value comfort and personalized service.

Key Points

• Private yacht experience for personalized comfort and attention.
• Stunning coastal views of Puerto Vallarta and Los Arcos.
• Snorkeling in clear waters with opportunities to spot local wildlife.
• Comfortable amenities including shaded decks, WiFi, and air conditioning.
• Delicious onboard lunch and open bar with drinks to enjoy at your leisure.
• Ideal for non-mobility or non-swimmers with some water activities possible.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Exploring the Details of the Snorkel and Swim Tour

Setting Sail from Marina Vallarta

Your adventure begins at Marina Vallarta, where the crew provides a brief safety talk and quick overview. We found the check-in process smooth, thanks to a separate entrance that sped us past any lines. The boat itself is what I’d call a true luxury yacht — plenty of shaded and open seating, air conditioning, and high-speed WiFi (a surprising touch that lets you share the views instantly).

The Yacht Itself: Comfort and Convenience

The vessel features three cabins and two bathrooms, making it well-suited for groups who want a comfortable space to relax or store gear. We loved the ample outside seating, which is perfect for soaking up the sun or enjoying the sea breeze. The crew, including Captain Carlos, is friendly, attentive, and eager to assist with snorkeling gear or any needs. The yacht’s stability and smooth ride mean less worry about seasickness even if the water gets a little choppy.

First Stop: Los Arcos National Marine Park

The highlight for many is a photo stop at Los Arcos, a protected area known for its dramatic rock formations and rich marine life. From the boat, you get a perfect vantage point of these impressive natural sculptures. Then, we headed into the water for snorkeling — a 45-minute adventure that allows you to see colorful fish, coral, and maybe even a sea turtle or two, depending on the day.

Guests have praised the professional snorkeling support from the crew, who help with equipment and tips. One reviewer mentions, “Captain Carlos led a great snorkeling trip — we saw lots of fish and had fun floating around the rocks.”

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El Paredón: A Beachside Oasis

After snorkeling, the boat anchors at El Paredón, a charming stretch of Gamelas Beach. This stop offers a nice mix of activities—swimming, paddleboarding, or simply lounging on the comfortable cushions. It’s an excellent spot to enjoy the peaceful music of the waves and the sea breeze while sipping drinks from the open bar.

The Lunch: Simple, Fresh, and Satisfying

The onboard sandwich lunch features freshly made sandwiches and a salad trio, enough to satisfy hungry travelers after time in the water. Several reviews highlight the quality of the food, describing it as “delicious and fresh,” with the perfect balance of casual and satisfying. The open bar with water, sodas, juices, beer, and cocktails adds a relaxing touch to your day.

Cruising along the Malecon

The return cruise offers stunning views of Puerto Vallarta’s skyline along the famous Malecon, with plenty of photo opportunities — especially of the Church of Our Lady of Guadalupe with its distinctive crown-like top. The entire experience feels like a floating sightseeing tour, blending natural beauty with the city’s vibrant spirit.

What to Expect and Practical Tips

Duration & Itinerary: The full tour lasts about 4.5 hours, starting from Marina Vallarta. It includes a safety briefing, a 75-minute yacht cruise to Los Arcos, a 45-minute snorkeling session, a 75-minute stop at El Paredón, and a final hour back to the marina.

What you need to bring: Pack a hat, swimwear, towel, camera, and sunscreen. The yacht offers shaded seating but you’ll want protection from the sun during outdoor activities.

Accessibility: Unfortunately, this tour isn’t suitable for people with mobility impairments or wheelchair users. Also, non-swimmers might find some water activities less appealing, though the boat’s amenities and deck lounging options cater well to those who prefer staying dry.

Group size & language: As a private group experience, the tour can be tailored to your needs. The guides speak both English and Spanish, making communication easy for most travelers.

Cost & value: While the price might seem higher than generic group tours, the personalized service, luxury yacht, and included food and drinks offer good value—especially for those wanting a more exclusive experience.

In-Depth: Why This Tour Excels

Stunning Views and Unique Perspectives: We loved the way the boat allowed us to see Puerto Vallarta from a different vantage point, especially cruising along the Malecon. The sight of the church crown framed by the city skyline makes for some spectacular photos.

Water Activities & Wildlife: The snorkeling in clear waters is the star — the visibility is excellent, and the crew’s guidance ensures you get the most out of it. Multiple reviewers mention seeing abundant marine life, making it worthwhile for snorkeling enthusiasts.

Comfort & Convenience: The yacht’s modern amenities—air conditioning, WiFi, shaded decks—mean you can relax comfortably whether you’re soaking up the sun or escaping the heat. The delicious lunch and open bar turn this into a true escape, not just a tour.

Authentic Local Experience: Watching Puerto Vallarta’s coast glide past while enjoying a drink or a swim feels authentic and uncrowded, especially compared to larger, more commercial excursions.

What Could Be Improved? Some travelers might wish for more snorkeling time or additional stops, but given the tour length, the schedule is well-paced. Also, those requiring full accessibility may need to look elsewhere, as the yacht’s design favors those able to navigate steps and water.

Who Should Consider This Tour?

This experience is perfect for couples seeking a romantic escape, small groups of friends, or families with older children comfortable in the water. It’s ideal for travelers who value personalized service, scenic beauty, and good food, rather than a large, crowded boat. If you’re looking for a relaxing, scenic, and activity-rich half-day, this tour hits the mark.

The Sum Up

The Puerto Vallarta Snorkel and Swim Tour on a private yacht offers a balanced mix of luxury and adventure. With its stunning coastal views, well-organized itinerary, and delicious onboard dining, it delivers a memorable experience without feeling rushed. The personalized nature of this trip makes it especially suitable for those wanting a touch of exclusivity in their coastal exploration.

While it’s not suitable for every mobility level, for anyone comfortable in or around water, this tour provides a wonderful way to see the natural beauty and vibrant life of Puerto Vallarta’s coast. It’s a sound choice for travelers who want to combine scenic beauty, marine wildlife, and comfortable amenities into one memorable outing.

FAQs

What is included in the tour?
The tour includes a private yacht, snorkeling gear, a sandwich lunch with a salad trio, and an open bar with drinks. The crew provides assistance with snorkeling and guidance.

How long is the tour?
The total duration is approximately 4.5 hours, from safety briefing to return to the marina.

Where does the tour start?
The meeting point is at Marina Vallarta, Pier H, with coordinates 20.6659, -105.2512.

Is this tour suitable for non-swimmers?
Non-swimmers can enjoy time on the yacht or relaxing on deck but may find water activities less appealing. The tour is not designed for those with mobility impairments.

Can I customize the experience?
As a private group experience, the itinerary can be tailored to your needs, though specific modifications aren’t detailed in the info provided.

What should I bring?
Bring a hat, swimwear, towel, camera, and sunscreen for your comfort and safety.

Is WiFi available onboard?
Yes, high-speed WiFi powered by Starlink is available, allowing you to share your experiences or stay connected.

How is the food quality?
Guests report the sandwiches and salads are fresh and satisfying, providing just the right amount of nourishment after water activities.

What’s the best time of day for this tour?
While the specific start times vary, booking during daylight hours ensures optimal sunlight for snorkeling and sightseeing.

This private yacht tour in Puerto Vallarta stands out as a well-rounded, comfortable, and scenic way to enjoy the coast’s natural beauty. It’s especially suited for travelers who want a more intimate experience, excellent service, and a chance to see the coast from a new perspective—all with good food and drinks to top it off.

You can check availability for your dates here: More Great Tours Nearby