Dawn on Banderas Bay feels calm and bright. The green folds of the Sierra Madre slip straight into clear water, and every so often a ray of sunlight catches a dolphin's splash. Humpbacks visit in winter, sea turtles surface for air, and frigatebirds circle overhead. We have watched this shoreline for years, and we still think the best vantage point is the deck of a private yacht.
When the boat is yours, the experience is tailored to your group—no crowded decks, no rigid itineraries, just open water and a crew ready to guide you to quiet coves and reef-lined inlets. Private charters give you the freedom to shape the day your way, whether you're planning a honeymoon sunset, a family snorkeling adventure, a laid-back outing with friends, or a memorable corporate escape.
Daytime sailboat, catamaran, and yacht charters are available in 5- or 6-hour slots, depending on the vessel. For sunset-time experiences, the standard duration is 3 hours—just enough to soak in the golden light and enjoy the calm of the Bay.
Why Nothing Compares to a Private Yacht Experience
The moment you step aboard your private boat, the bustle of the Malecon fades behind the wake. With no strangers on deck you can stretch out, move from bow to shaded lounge, and set the day's pace. Chartering your own yacht turns Banderas Bay into your private playground.
Want to swim first then linger over lunch? Prefer to chase the afternoon breeze toward Majahuitas on a lively Saturday? A private charter lets you decide. We adjust routes on the fly, choosing quiet pockets that big tour boats cannot reach, such as Playa Caballo or Colomitos.
Our crew handles every detail. You get cold drinks, fresh guacamole, and snorkel gear without queuing at a bar or rental stand. Many guests are surprised to learn that when six or more friends split the cost the per person price rivals upscale group tours yet delivers hotel suite comfort. Plush seating, comfortable cabins for a quick nap, and shade feel good after hours in the sun, and you step ashore rested rather than rushed.
Crafting Your Ideal Experience
Planning your perfect yacht adventure starts with the basics. How many people are stepping on deck determines everything else. Mexican law keeps passenger numbers tied to yacht size, so your group count guides us toward the right vessel and cabin layout while following strict safety regulations.
Next think about what you want to do once we cast off. Calm coves like Majahuitas invite easy snorkeling and paddleboarding. From December through March humpbacks cross Banderas Bay and a slow cruise often turns into a whale-spotting session. Sunset sails are popular for proposals while families may prefer a midday swim and enjoy a meal on board.
Time on the water shapes the mood. A three-hour hop gives you a taste of the coastline, a half day lets us reach quieter beaches, and a full day opens the door to places like Yelapa with enough breathing room for a waterfall walk. We can extend our standard outings if you want more open-sea hours.
Match the plan to the occasion. Birthday brunch, multi-generation reunion, or a quiet anniversary all call for different menus, music volume, and onshore stops. Share every detail with your Concierge during your booking process. The more we know about dietary needs or gear requests, the smoother the day feels once the ropes come off.
Experience Excellence with Vallarta Adventures Private Charters
When you step aboard one of our private charters, you sail with a crew that grew up watching the tides of Banderas Bay. Our bilingual crew and guides share stories about humpback mothers and calves, point out nesting frigatebirds, and keep a close eye on shifting weather so you stay safe and relaxed.
We maintain a varied fleet—sleek sailboats for smaller groups up to 20 passengers, sleek yachts for up to 15 passengers or spacious catamarans for large family reunions or groups up to 40 passengers—so your group size never limits what you can do. Tell us you want quiet snorkeling in Majahuitas or a sunset run past the Sierra Madre peaks and we build the day around you. Lunch, open bar, and top-quality gear are always included, letting you focus on the sea, not the logistics.
Popular Private Charter Journeys
We start by asking what you want from the bay. A morning swim with bright fish, a quiet sail at dusk, or a sightseeing tour. Our crew knows the coves and gentle currents around Bahía de Banderas.
Clear water lovers often choose Majahuitas Cove. Palm trees shade emerald water that stays calm most months. A nearby reef shelters angelfish and pufferfish, so we keep snorkel gear ready. After you explore the reef, you can paddle a kayak or float on deck while the jungle birds call from shore.
For a mix of beach time and a light walk we guide guests to Yelapa. The boat anchors near the pier and you step onto a broad sandy shore free of roads. A gentle twenty-minute stroll along a river leads to a waterfall before fresh ceviche awaits back on board.You can also choose to explore the charming coastal fishing towns of southern Banderas Bay, such as Quimixto, Las Ánimas, Pizota, and Colomitos.
As evening falls, we raise the sails for a sunset run beside the Sierra Madre peaks. The bay often glows pink and gold. We serve tapas and cool drinks so you can watch the light change across the water.
Every plan stays flexible. You decide whether to linger for an extra swim or detour toward Los Arcos to watch pelicans dive. Share your priorities when booking and we will adjust the timing, menu, and activities to match what matters most to your group.
Tips for Booking Your Private Charter Escape
- Plan ahead for your group - Have essential details ready when you reach out: total group size (including children), preferred date and at least one back-up date, plus any special occasions or requests like a birthday cake or sunset ceremony.
- Consider your location - Most departures leave from Marina Vallarta. We ask you to arrive thirty minutes before sailing so we can handle check-in, a quick safety briefing, and a welcome drink while your crew stows bags. If you're staying north in Nuevo Vallarta or south near Mismaloya, tell us early. We can often arrange a closer pier.
- Understand what's included - Your charter price covers the vessel, captain, bilingual host, fuel, lunch, an open bar, and water toys like snorkel gear and paddleboards. During the booking process, your concierge will explain all fees associated so you can relax and enjoy the experience without surprise charges.
- Budget for extras - While the essentials are covered, optional upgrades can enhance your experience. Guests often add premium selections, a private photographer to capture special moments, chef on board, champagne or a custom dessert for proposals and celebrations. Crew gratuities and upgraded spirits are not included, so budget for those if you plan to enjoy them.
- Book according to season - High season in the bay runs November through April. Whale watching peaks then, but yachts also book out fastest. We recommend confirming at least four weeks ahead for weekend dates or holiday periods. Last-minute space is easier to find in summer, though afternoon rain showers are common.
- Reserve early for special dates - If you're planning around a honeymoon, anniversary, or holiday weekend, we suggest booking 6-8 weeks in advance to secure your preferred vessel and time slot.
- Consider weather patterns - Morning departures typically offer calmer waters, while afternoon charters might catch more breeze for sailing. Discuss your preferences with our team to time your adventure perfectly.
- Pack strategically - Bring only what you'll need: swimwear and a dry change of clothes, reef-safe sun lotion, hat, and sunglasses, plus a quick-dry towel and phone in a waterproof pouch. We provide everything else, including ice-cold drinks and the local knowledge that turns a simple day on the water into a story you will tell for years.
- Prepare for motion - If anyone in your group is prone to seasickness, consider bringing appropriate medication or wristbands, though Banderas Bay is typically quite calm.
- Communicate dietary needs - Let us know about any food allergies or preferences at least 48 hours before departure so our chef can prepare accordingly.
- Capture the moment - While we encourage disconnecting, waterproof cameras or phone cases are worth bringing to document your adventure without worry.
- Use sun protective clothes - The Mexican sun is stronger on water due to reflection.
Your Unforgettable Ocean Adventure Awaits
Picture the shoreline slipping away as we set a smooth course across Banderas Bay. Sea turtles surface beside the hull, the Sierra Madre peaks glow in the distance, and the deck is yours to roam in complete privacy. A personal yacht experience means no crowded decks, only a bilingual crew focused on you, pouring chilled drinks and suggesting quiet coves for a swim.
Every detail, from lunch to snorkel gear, is already on board. We've been running these expeditions for years, and we know exactly how to time departures for the best light and calmest waters. Ready to trade land traffic for open water? Book your private yacht and see Puerto Vallarta from the most exclusive angle.
