15 top-rated Puerto Vallarta boat tours: sunset cruises, scuba diving, dinner cruises, and more!

The best Puerto Vallarta boat tours with prices, types of boats, excursion types, and information about renting a boat in Puerto Vallarta.

The Bay of Banderas, or Bahía de Banderas in Spanish, is a beautiful natural bay located on the Pacific Coast of Mexico.

It’s one of the largest and deepest bays in the world, spanning more than 42 kilometers at its widest point and reaching depths of more than 900 meters. The states of Jalisco and Nayarit surround the bay.

The city of Puerto Vallarta, a major tourist destination, is situated on the southern shore of the bay. Many other smaller communities dot the coastline as well.

The Bay of Banderas is known for its rich biodiversity, including humpback whales that come to the bay to breed and calve during the winter months.

👉🏾 See also: Puerto Vallarta travel guide for first-timers

Dolphins, sea turtles, and numerous fish species can also be found in these waters, making it a popular location for snorkeling, diving, and wildlife tours.

Additionally, the bay offers sailing, fishing, and other water sports opportunities. The surrounding region is equally diverse, with jungles, mountains, and waterfalls adding to the area’s natural beauty.

Prices for Puerto Vallarta boat tours can vary significantly depending on the type and duration of the tour.

Basic tours generally cost around $30 USD per person for a few hours, while more extensive, all-day tours with amenities like meals, drinks, and activities such as snorkeling or fishing might cost up to $100 USD or more per person.

Here are our recommended Puerto Vallarta boat tours with prices, excursion duration, and more info!

⛵ Puerto Vallarta boat tours

Marietas Islands boat tour from Puerto Vallarta

⏰ 7 hours
💲 from $99 USD

The Marietas Islands boat tour is one of many available Puerto Vallarta boat tours that will let you explore the magnificent marine life of the Mexico Pacific Ocean and the Bay of Banderas. This is just

You will depart from the Maritime Terminal of Puerta Vallarta and head on to your first stop – the Bay of Banderas. Here you will be given time to observe the sea and, if lucky, sight various kinds of dolphins, such as Pacific Bottlenose, spotted, and spinner dolphins. 

On board, you will be served beverages in an open bar as you sail through the ocean. You will continue the tour and head to the rugged rock formations of Marietas Islands. Here you can select a water activity you want to participate in. 

You can ride a kayak, snorkel, enjoy paddle boarding, or relax. And don’t worry because a knowledgeable guide will join you throughout the trip to help and assist you with your needs. 

Luxury Yacht and snorkel in Puerto Vallarta

⏰ 5 hours
💲 from $149 USD

Enjoy the beauty of the Bay of Banderas as you board a luxury yacht for a sightseeing tour. This Luxury Yacht and Snorkel tour starts at Marina Vallarta, where you will be boarding. 

From there, you will cruise through Muelle de Playa Los Muertos, Los Arcos de Mismaloya, and Malecon Boardwalk (depending on the sea condition) and where you can admire the landscapes and spot marine life. 

Then, the yacht will anchor at Majahuitas Cove, a secluded beach south of Puerto Vallarta. Here you can use the rest of your time swimming, snorkeling, and exploring the area. 

The tour includes all necessary snorkeling equipment, an open bar, and light snacks. Moreover, a knowledgeable guide accompanies the guests throughout the tour, providing insights into the area’s history and traditions.

Sleek sports yacht with gourmet lunch and open bar

⏰ 6 hours 
💲 from $4,200 USD

The Sleek Sports Yacht is a 6-hour tour in Puerto Vallarta that offers guests a luxurious and exclusive experience aboard a private sports yacht. This tour has no set itinerary; the package is fully customizable based on your preferred tour. 

During the planning process, let your tour organizer know the places you want to visit during the excursion. And don’t worry about food and drinks because this includes a gourmet lunch and an open bar.

You will be aboard a luxury yacht with complete amenities during this tour. Moreover, a knowledgeable guide will accompany you throughout the tour, providing insights into the area’s history and natural wonders. 

Private Puerto Vallarta boat tours: 57’ Bertram Yacht

⏰ 4 hours
💲from $1250 USD

Renting the 57 Bertram Yacht while in Puerto Vallarta allows you to enjoy a luxurious and exclusive experience aboard a yacht. The yacht can accommodate up to 15 guests and has modern amenities, including air conditioning, comfortable seating areas, and a sound system. 

During this private charter, you can customize your day itinerary, letting you choose the route and activities that best suit your interests.

Additionally, you can bring your food and drinks or opt for the catering service available on board. A professional captain and crew will accompany you throughout the tour, ensuring a safe and enjoyable experience.

Luxury boat rental in Puerto Vallarta

⏰ 4 hours 
💲from $300 USD

This luxury boat rental tour will take you to different places in Puerto Vallarta. A captain will be heading the tour and will be the one to share your daily itinerary with you. 

You might visit Las Animas Beach, Colomitos, Arcos de Mismaloya, and Boca de Tomatlan. Meanwhile, you can also ask for a customized itinerary. Let your organizer know which places you want to visit in Puerto Vallarta. 

The boat rental already includes a life jacket, a cooler with ice and water, and snorkel equipment for water activities.

Las Caletas boat tour with open bar and lunch

⏰ 7 hours 
💲from $149 USD 

Discover the secluded area of Las Caletas nature reserve as you go on a day cruise from Puerto Vallarta. Las Caletas is a private beach that is only accessible only by boat. You’ll cruise from Puerto Vallarta or Nueva Vallarta towards Las Caletas during this boat day tour. 

Once you depart from the port, you will also pass by other beaches, including Puerto Magico, Malecon Boardwalk, and the Bay of Banderas. The last stop of the cruise will be at Las Caletas.

At Las Caletas, you will be given enough time to relax on its secluded beach, explore the jungle trails, or enjoy water activities such as kayaking, paddle boarding, and snorkeling. 

Scuba diving in Puerto Vallarta

⏰ 7 hours 
💲from $119 USD

If you are looking for a day excursion to make use of your scuba diving skills, this scuba diving tour lets you enjoy the marine life at Puerto Vallarta. 

During the 7-hour tour, you will explore renowned diving spots, caves, tunnels, and reefs. The tour departs from Marina Vallarta, and from there, you will be provided with all necessary diving equipment – scuba dive tanks and weights. Moreover, a PADI-certified divemaster and other diver joiners will accompany you throughout the tour.  

Bay of Banders Day Sailing

⏰ 6 hours 
💲from $129 USD

This day sailing tour is a 6-hour tour that offers a luxurious sailing experience on the Bay of Banderas. The tour departs from the Marina Vallarta and will cruise through different areas such as the Nuevo Vallarta Beach and Vallarta Adventures. 

As you cruise through these areas, you can enjoy the landscape and spot marine life, such as dolphins and whales. Moreover, you will also be given plenty of time for swimming, snorkeling, and even kayaking when possible, 

All equipment for snorkeling and swimming is already included, as well as some lunch, snacks, and beverages. 

Puerto Vallarta Sunset Sailing

⏰ 3 hours 
💲from $99 USD

Get to board a luxurious vessel at Marina Vallarta during this Puerto Vallarta sunset sailing tour.  During your voyage, you will be aboard a boat with an open bar where you can choose from various exquisite wines and refreshing soft drinks. 

As the sun begins to set, you’ll see a fantastic ocean view and gaze at different hues of the sky. The sailboat is spacious, comfortable, and equipped with modern amenities, including a sun deck, lounge areas, and a sound system, perfect for that sunset cruise. 

Yelapa All-Inclusive boat tour from Puerto Vallarta

⏰ 6 hours
💲from $125 USD 

The Yelapa All-Inclusive Boat Tour is a 6-hour tour that offers guests a luxurious and all-inclusive journey to explore Yelapa. 

Yelapa is a picturesque village near Puerto Vallarta, accessible only by boat or on foot. As you depart from Puerto Vallarta, you will be cruising along the coast of Playa la Piramide, going to Yelapa. 

Once you arrive at your destination, you will be given time to explore the village, hike to the Yekapa Waterfalls, and relax on the beach. The tour also includes a gourmet lunch, an open bar, and all necessary water-related equipment. 

Los Arcos, Las Animas, and Quimixto boat tour

⏰ 8 hours
💲from $59 USD

The Los Arcos, Las Animas, and Quimixto are Puerto Vallarta’s top natural attractions. During this 8-hour boat tour, you’ll discover these areas while enjoying some activities. 

You will depart from Puerto Vallarta and head to your first stop. As you move on to the second and third stops, you will have access to an open bar and an all-you-can-eat lunch buffet. 

During the cruise, you can enjoy snorkeling, stand-up paddle boarding, and kayaking at each stop. All the equipment is already provided; a professional guide and captain will accompany you throughout the tour. 

🤿 Family-friendly boat tours in Puerto Vallarta

Puerto Vallarta cruise with candlelight dinner show

⏰ 5 hours
💲from $159 USD

Enjoy the secluded island of Las Caletas by night as you go on a sunset cruise to the area. From Puerto Vallarta, you will cruise through Banderas Bay until you reach Las Caletas. 

The boat then anchors at the cove, where a candlelit dinner show will await you. The dinner includes a three-course meal with a variety of options (vegetarian and gluten-free as well). 

During the dinner, you can enjoy traditional Mexican music and dance show and end the day with a Rythms of the Night show at the Pyramid Amphitheater. 

Yelapa and Majahuitas snorkeling tour

⏰ 7 hours
💲from $99 USD

During this Yelapa and Majahuitas Day Tour, you’ll spend hours at forests, bays, and beaches outside Puerto Vallarta. Yelapa is a small village accessible only by boat. Here you can explore the cobblestone streets, visit the waterfall, and relax on the beach. 

On the other hand, Majahuitas is a secluded beach with crystal-clear waters. You can enjoy water activities like swimming, snorkeling, kayaking, and paddleboarding here. Moreover, the tour includes a delicious lunch, an open bar, and all the equipment for water activities. 

Mega Yacht All-inclusive

⏰ 6 hours
💲from $125 USD 

During this Mega Yacht All-Inclusive tour, you will be cruising through the coastline of Puerto Vallarta and heading to the village of Yelapa. 

You will be boarding a 100-foot mega yacht that is enough to accommodate several people. The yacht also has modern amenities, including comfy chairs, an open bar, and an open lounge space. 

Also included in this package is an exclusive service of a masseuse, which you and your friends can enjoy as you cruise along the bay. Moreover, several water activities (with equipment provided) are already included.

You can enjoy paddle boarding, kayaking, fishing, snorkeling, whale watching (when in season), water tubing, and much more!

Swim with dolphins

⏰ 3 hours 30 minutes
💲from $87 USD

Experience a once in a lifetime activity in Puerto Vallarta when you join a tour that lets you go swimming with the dolphins. 

This 3-hour excursion starts as you climb aboard a boat that will take you to where the dolphins are. Inside the boat is a hydrophone that will allow you to hear the dolphins communicate. 

During the tour, you will be taught how to swim with wild dolphins and handle them in their natural habitat. And as you cruise through the coast, a biologist guide will share the necessary marine life information you need to know. 

Mega Yacht Sunset Show

⏰ 3 hours
💲from $68 USD

The Mega Yacht Sunset Show is a luxurious and all-inclusive journey to explore the natural beauty of Puerto Vallarta and its surroundings. You will be riding a luxury catamaran with an open bar where you can sip on your favorite drink – from juices and smoothies to margaritas and beer. 

As you board the yacht, you will enjoy the sunset while listening to live music and performances. Some destinations you will pass through are Puerto Vallarta and the Bay of Banderas. 

Whale and dolphin watching in Puerto Vallarta (all-inclusive)

⏰ 4 hours 30 minutes 
💲from $72 USD

During this excursion, you will have the chance to encounter whales at the Bay of Banderas.  The essence of this tour is to observe the marine life and enjoy the calm moments as you watch the whales migrate through the bay. 

And while the tour’s highlight is the whale-watching experience, there is no exact day to witness the whales and dolphins in their natural habitat. Besides, you can learn more about these mammals by joining this all-inclusive tour.

In addition, you will also be given time to enjoy swimming or snorkeling and, at the same time, enjoy lunch and snacks provided on board. 

Puerto Vallarta snorkeling and speed boat tour

⏰ 5 hours and 30 minutes 
💲from $105 USD

Enjoy a day of speedboating, ziplining, and snorkeling as you go on a boat ride to the southern part of Banderas Bay. This 5-hour tour will let you experience various activities, starting with a speed boat ride. You will then ride a zipline and grab lunch at a riverside restaurant. 

Your lunch menu will include international and Mexican food, such as fajitas or sizzling shrimp and chicken. Meanwhile, the tour also provides tequila tasting and an animal sanctuary visit.  

Half-day snorkeling tour with beach club 

⏰ 4 hours

During this snorkeling tour, you will visit the top snorkeling locations in Puerto Vallarta. The time starts with an early cruise from the port of Nuevo Vallarta Quia. On board, you will enjoy a continental breakfast and a Mexican buffet lunch already included in the package. 

Some of the areas you will visit include Los Arcos and Wakari Club. Once you arrive at these areas, you will have all the time to enjoy water activities such as snorkeling and kayaking. A tour guide will also join you to accommodate your requests and needs.

Puerto Vallarta Pirate Ship dinner and cruise

⏰ 4 hours 
💲from $170 USD

Another excellent boat tour you should try when in Puerto Vallarta is to go on a pirate ship dinner cruise. Aboard the pirate ship, you will head to an island where you’ll get to ride a zipline and rainforest canopy. 

This Puerto Vallarta Pirate ship cruise is a fun way to explore Puerto Vallarta while enjoying a thrilling pirate-themed adventure. Aside from enjoying a day’s adventure, you’ll also have the chance to enjoy a day show aboard the ship while sipping tequila and drinks.