The 15 Best Puerto Vallarta Boat Tours to Enjoy a Day on the Water

Ready to book the best boat tours in Puerto Vallarta?

You’re in the right place because the top 15 best Puerto Vallarta boat tours are all featured here. How do I know they’re your best options?

I’ve lived in Mexico since 2018, and have visited Puerto Vallarta several times, so I know that one of the best things to do is book a tour and explore the Bay of Banderas. When making this list, I only included highly-rated tours.

Banderas Bay is one of the largest bays in the world. While exploring it by boat, you’ll see iconic landmarks like the Los Arcos National Marine Park and the Marietas Islands, but also tons of marine life.

On your boat cruise to Puerto Vallarta, you can see tropical fish, sea turtles, dolphins, and even whales. 

However, with tons of Puerto Vallarta boat rides listed everywhere from Tripadvisor to Viator, it’s hard to know which are worth the money. That’s why I’m here to help!

Below, you’ll find 15 of the top-rated boat rides Puerto Vallarta has to offer so you know you’re making the right choice when booking your tour.

15 Best Puerto Vallarta Boat Tours

1. Luxury Yacht & Snorkel in Puerto Vallarta

⭐️ Rating: 4.5 out of 5 Stars | ⏳ Tour Length: 5 hours | 🤿 Check Rates and Availability

This Luxury Yacht & Snorkel Tour is one of the best overall boat trips Puerto Vallarta has to offer, with hundreds and hundreds of 5-star ratings ⭐️

The best part? You’ll enjoy an all-day open bar with premium drinks, so your drinks and snacks are also included.

Great adventure. Great food, island, and scenery. Can’t go wrong with this choice! 

-jason (SEE MORE REVIEWS)

This yacht tour in Puerto Vallarta spends five hours visiting the main highlights of the Bay of Banderas. Most of the time will be on the boat, but there will also be chances to snorkel and paddleboard, so you get closer to the marine life.

One of the best private yacht tours in Puerto Vallarta, led by Vallarta Sea Adventures, climb aboard for an unforgettable sightseeing cruise in Puerto Vallarta.

Best Puerto Vallarta Boat Tours

2. Private Boat Tour from Puerto Vallarta

⭐️ Rating: 5 out of 5 Stars | ⏳ Tour Length: 5 hours | 🛥️ Check Rates and Availability

This Puerto Vallarta Private Sightseeing Cruise is an amazing way to explore the beaches and marine life south of Puerto Vallarta.

You and your party of up to eight passengers will set off on a 26-foot yacht (8 m) for a private boat tour in Puerto Vallarta Mexico.

This was a fantastic boat trip! Fernando and Mitsen were both very friendly, helpful and informative!

-rlacorazza (SEE MORE REVIEWS)

Most guests choose to go snorkeling at Los Arcos de Mismaloya, followed by lunch at Playa Las Animas Beach — but you can customize your itinerary however you’d like.

As your Puerto Vallarta private yacht adventure comes to a close, you’ll cherish all the memories you’ve made on this Private Puerto Vallarta Sightseeing Cruise.

Best Puerto Vallarta Boat Tours

3. Mega Yacht All-Inclusive Yelapa Waterfall & Snorkeling Adventure

⭐️ Rating: 5 out of 5 Stars | ⏳ Tour Length: 6-7 hours | 🛥️ Check Rates and Availability

For an unique experience on a boat from Puerto Vallarta to Yelapa Mexico, this 100-Foot Mega Yacht Experience is a wonderful option.

There are two stops on this mega yacht tour in Puerto Vallarta. First is a visit to Playa la Piramide (Colimilla Beach), where you can relax on the beach or take an optional hike to Yelapa Waterfall.

We had the most amazing day! Staff was awesome, drinks came quickly, food was good! 

-pam (SEE MORE REVIEWS)

The next stop is strictly for Puerto Vallarta water sports activities, like SUP paddle boarding, kayaking, snorkeling, a water mattress, and whale watching.

🐳 Note: You’ll only see the whales in the winter season.

This is a truly all inclusive boat tour, as all passengers can enjoy a premium open bar, breakfast, lunch and light snacks. 

For an epic Puerto Vallarta boat tour adventure to Yelapa, this All-Inclusive Mega Yacht Adventure by Chica Locca Tours is a perfect choice.

Best Puerto Vallarta Boat Tours

4. Private Sunset Sailing Tour & Arcos Marine Park with Wine Tasting

⭐️ Rating: 5 out of 5 Stars | ⏳ Tour Length: 4 hours | ⛵️ Check Rates and Availability

This Private Sunset Cruise in Puerto Vallarta Mexico is the perfect way to explore the stunning Puerto Vallarta coastline in style.

Led by Eduardo, a lifelong sailor, this experience guarantees a delightful and laid-back atmosphere for each and every guest.

Soooooo good! Everything was perfect and it was a magical, relaxing, fun experience!  

-jess (SEE MORE REVIEWS)

Departing from the Puerto Vallarta Marina, you’ll board the ship and enjoy a delicious meat and cheese platter for breakfast.

From there, you’ll set sail directly to the breathtaking Los Arcos Marine Park. 

After swimming, snorkeling, and taking pictures, Eduardo and his crew will serve dinner on the sailboat with a view of the Romantic Zone and Malecon in beautiful Puerto Vallarta. 

One of the best Puerto Vallarta sailing tours, don’t miss out on this Sunset Dinner Cruise Puerto Vallarta.

Just make sure to bring enough sunblock since you’ll be on the open water during the whole day.

Best Puerto Vallarta Boat Tours

5. Puerto Vallarta Speedboat Tour with Zipline Adventure Ride

⭐️ Rating: 5 out of 5 Stars | ⏳ Tour Length: 7 hours | 🧗🏻‍♀️ Check Rates and Availability

This Puerto Vallarta Outdoor Adventure Tour starts with a thrilling speed boat ride to a secluded beach on the southern shore of Banderas Bay. Once you arrive, it’s just one adventure after another. 

Of all the zip tours we have been on, this was 100% the best one! Not just a zip line but so much more adventure. 

-jill (SEE MORE REVIEWS)

It starts with a 4×4 off-road tour to base camp, then a mule ride even further into the mountains. Once you reach the top, you will return to the beach via zip lines, waterfall rappels, and suspension bridges in the jungle.

Lunch, snacks, and water are included, as well as secure lockers for your belongings.

While it’s not the most relaxing tour on the list, this Puerto Vallarta Outdoor Adventure is undoubtedly one of the most thrilling.

Best Puerto Vallarta Boat Tours

6. Private Inshore Fishing Adventure in Puerto Vallarta with Snacks

⭐️ Rating: 4.5 out of 5 Stars | ⏳ Tour Length: 4 hours | 🐠 Check Rates and Availability

Have you ever wanted to go fishing in Puerto Vallarta? Well, now you can on this Private In-Shore Fishing Experience in Puerto Vallarta.

This tour includes a private guide and all the fishing gear you need to catch sailfish, yellowfin tuna, grouper, mahi mahi, and even marlin.

This by far was one of my more memorable trips. If you are looking for a fishing trip I highly recommend captain Fernando.

-whitney (SEE MORE REVIEWS)

Plus, your personal guide will give you pointers and help you discover top Puerto Vallarta fishing spots that you might have missed if fishing by yourself.

Regardless of whether you catch a fish or not, this Private Puerto Vallarta Fishing Tour hosted by La Vida Bella Boat Tours Puerto Vallarta promises to be an epic adventure.

Best Puerto Vallarta Boat Tours

7. Puerto Vallarta Pirate Sailing Cruise

⭐️ Rating: 4.5 out of 5 Stars | ⏳ Tour Length: 6 hours | 🏴‍☠️ Check Rates and Availability

Looking for things to do in Puerto Vallarta with kids? Embark on an adventure with the only Pirate Boat Tour in Puerto Vallarta.

Step aboard a replica of Columbus’ Santa Maria sip, where a spirited crew dressed as pirates complete the immersive experience. They will transport you to a world of swashbuckling fun.

Such a great experience for solo, couples, family, friends Such great people !!! 

-edline (SEE MORE REVIEWS)

This is a great boat tour for families, because the kids will enjoy pretending to be pirates as you make your way to Majahuitas Beach.

There is a pirate show, interactive games, and contests, too. 

Once at the beach, you and the family can enjoy an afternoon of kayaking, snorkeling, and beach volleyball. Lunch is included, and the food is quite good.

For a Puerto Vallarta shore excursion that is fun for the whole family, look no further than this Puerto Vallarta Boat Cruise hosted by Gray Line Puerto Vallarta, that takes place aboard a pirate ship.

Best Puerto Vallarta Boat Tours

8. Puerto Vallarta Cruise and Candlelight Dinner Show

⭐️ Rating: 4.5 out of 5 Stars | ⏳ Tour Length: 7 hours | 🍽️🕯️ Check Rates and Availability

The Puerto Vallarta Cruise and Candlelight Dinner Show is an unforgettable experience that combines the beauty of nature with mysticism and art. 

Grab your favorite drink at the open bar as you admire the orange-colored evening skies. You’ll make your way to a secluded beach, where you’ll enjoy a three-course, candlelit dinner prepared just for you.

This was by far our favorite thing we did while visiting Puerto Vallarta! Everything from start to finish was fantastic!!

-tiffany (SEE MORE REVIEWS)

Dinner is followed by a performance of the famous show, Rhythms of the Night, at the Pyramid Amphitheater. This show is a contemporary performance about what happens when we connect with the spirit of the jungle and nature. 

On this Puerto Vallarta Sunset Dinner Cruise, the show and dinner are both included, along with an open bar so you can enjoy cocktails with the sunset. It’s. one of the best mega yacht magical sunset show tours in town!

Best Puerto Vallarta Boat Tours

9. Private Los Arcos Snorkel and Beach Tour from Puerto Vallarta

⭐️ Rating: 5 out of 5 Stars | ⏳ Tour Length: 4 hours | 🤿 Check Rates and Availability

If you want a private snorkeling tour with beach time and exploration, don’t miss this Private Puerto Vallarta Beach Tour and Los Arcos Snorkel Adventure.

This half day tour is a great way to see some of the most notable places in the area without spending the entire day on the water.

The snorkeling was great! We really enjoyed how knowledgeable our guide, Chema, was.

-jennifer (SEE MORE REVIEWS)

At Los Arcos, tour guides provide sanitized snorkeling gear to explore the caves, underwater tunnels and vibrant reef systems.

After an hour, you’ll head to Playa Las Ánimas, a secluded beach only accessible by boat or foot.

Here, you’ll enjoy a free lunch at Los Conos Seafood Restaurant and relax for the rest of the afternoon.

If you are looking for a Private Snorkeling Puerto Vallarta Experience, this is the best day cruise Puerto Vallarta has to offer.

Best Puerto Vallarta Boat Tours

10. Learn to Sail Puerto Vallarta Catamaran Tour + Fish For Your Lunch

⭐️ Rating: 5 out of 5 Stars | ⏳ Tour Length: 3 hours | ⛵️ Check Rates and Availability

This awesome boat experience in Puerto Vallarta allows you to learn how to sail a Catamaran and try fishing for your own lunch.

After a short demonstration, each person on the catamaran cruise in Puerto Vallarta can practice their skills in real-time by navigating the sailboat themselves.

Absolutely a once in a lifetime and breathtaking experience! The guides and all of the people that helped make this possible were amazing from start to finish.

-amber (SEE MORE REVIEWS)

Then after learning how to sail, you can use their fishing gear (or bring your own) for deep-sea fishing. Whatever you catch, you will cook up right then and there for lunch on the boat.

👉🏼 Note: This tour is only available for small groups of one to four people.

Best Puerto Vallarta Boat Tours

11. Learn to Dive – Puerto Vallarta Scuba Diving Course

⭐️ Rating: 5 out of 5 Stars | ⏳ Tour Length: 7 hours | 🤿 Check Rates and Availability

Dive into this Puerto Vallarta Beginner Scuba Course at a 5-star PADI center in Puerto Vallarta.

Begin your day with a comprehensive introduction to the world of scuba diving, led by a highly qualified PADI-certified dive instructor.

The scuba lesson by our instructor Carlos was great. This was our first time scuba diving and Las Caletas was a good place for an introduction.

-kendall (SEE MORE REVIEWS)

Set off on a 50-minute scenic boat excursion to the secluded beach paradise of Las Caletas. There, explore the stunning, protected coves during your introductory dive.

Ideal for first-time divers or those without full certification, this all-inclusive adventure lets you discover the treasures of Banderas Bay under the guidance and safety of expert instructors.

Best Puerto Vallarta Boat Tours

12. Yelapa & Majahuitas Snorkeling Tour from Puerto Vallarta

⭐️ Rating: 4.5 out of 5 Stars | ⏳ Tour Length: 7 hours | 🤿 Check Rates and Availability

Set off on this day trip to Yelapa and Majahuitas, where you’ll have the opportunity to explore forests, bays, and beaches near Puerto Vallarta Mexico.

You’ll visit nearby villages and enjoy a light breakfast and buffet lunch on the boat. Along the way, you’ll stop at sandy shorelines perfect for swimming and snorkeling in clear waters teeming with marine life.

So much more than we expected! Crew was so fun and helpful. Had a blast, loved the smaller towns near PV

-addison (SEE MORE REVIEWS)

You’ll then discover the stunning Cola de Caballo waterfalls and immerse yourself in the natural beauty of Banderas Bay.

Whether you choose to kayak, swim, or simply relax, this Puerto Vallarta Snorkeling Tour offers a memorable experience in the picturesque surroundings of Puerto Vallarta

Best Puerto Vallarta Boat Tours

13. Whale Encounter in Puerto Vallarta

⭐️ Rating: 5 out of 5 Stars | ⏳ Tour Length: 3 hours | 🐳 Check Rates and Availability

This Whale Encounter in Puerto Vallarta is one of the best whale sea tours offered in Puerto Vallarta.

🐋 Note: Peak whale-watching season in Puerto Vallarta is from December to March, so that’s when you will have the best chance to see whales.

Our whale watching cruise last week was absolutely spectacular! Carlos and Javier are true professionals.

-marilyn (SEE MORE REVIEWS)

The experienced guides are experts at tracking and finding whales in the Bay of Banderas. Along with seeing them up close, you’ll have the opportunity to listen to their whale songs with a hydrophone.

Best Puerto Vallarta Boat Tours

14. Boat Tour from Puerto Vallarta to Marietas Islands

⭐️ Rating: 4.5 out of 5 Stars | ⏳ Tour Length: 7 hours | 🏝️ Check Rates and Availability

Another great way to tour Islas Marietas Puerto Vallarta is with this awesome Marietas Islands Snorkel Cruise.

This day tour will take you out on the water for a chance to see three different dolphin species. You’ll also have the opportunity to either snorkel, kayak, or stand up paddleboard.

We enjoyed the islands and especially the bird watching portion. The whole day was well organized and a lot of fun for everyone in our family.

-marilyn (SEE MORE REVIEWS)

In between the water sports, relax on deck, sipping beverages from the open bar or eating a tasty buffet lunch near the Islas Marietas Islands.

Perfect for high-energy travelers, this is one of the best Puerto Vallarta adventures to the Marietas Islands as it allows you to explore the amazing marine life of the Mexican Pacific and the Bay of Banderas.

Best Puerto Vallarta Boat Tours

15. Diana Boat Tours Booze Cruise

⭐️ Rating: 5 out of 5 Stars | ⏳ Tour Length: 8 hours | 🛥️ Check Rates and Availability

Diana Boat Tours Puerto Vallarta operates one of the top LGBTQ Tours in the world. It’s a bonafide Puerto Vallarta gay party cruise, so there’s an open bar, snacks, swimming, as well as the chance to see whales and dolphins.

This Gay Booze Cruise in Puerto Vallarta is nonstop energy and fun. Diana’s Boat Cruise Puerto Vallarta has been in service for more than 20 years — and isn’t slowing down anytime soon. 

During this Puerto Vallarta gay boat cruise, you’ll get a complimentary motion sickness pill, breakfast, and lunch at their beach club restaurant. However, you must bring your own towel, sunscreen, bathing suit, and sunglasses.

Not only the best gay boat tour in Puerto Vallarta, Diana’s Boat Tours may be the best overall Puerto Vallarta boat trip, and best Puerto Vallarta catamaran booze cruise for LGBTQ+ people.

Puerto Vallarta Travel Tips and FAQs

You can often find direct flights with inexpensive airfare to Puerto Vallarta. Several U.S. airlines fly to Puerto Vallarta through major cities, including Atlanta, Dallas-Fort Worth, Chicago, LA, and many more.

If you can’t find a direct flight, you can connect via one of the airports near Puerto Vallarta, like Mexico City Airport (code: MEX) or Guadalajara Airport (code: GDL).

You can also go the Cancun to Puerto Vallarta route through Cancun International Airport (code: CUN).

Best Puerto Vallarta Boat Tours

Other famous natural landmarks are Los Marietas Islands National Park and Los Arcos National Marine Park. 

It’s also known for being one of the top honeymoon destinations in Mexico, and one of the best LGBTQ-friendly destinations in Mexico.

Best Puerto Vallarta Boat Tours

But if you’d like more time to relax at the beach or enjoy a few boat trips from Puerto Vallarta, it’s best to stay for five to seven days. 

📝 Need more Puerto Vallarta guidance? Head to this article, Puerto Vallarta Itinerary How to Spend 3, 4 or 5 Days in PV.

Best Puerto Vallarta Boat Tours

This area has everything you need within walking distance, including many restaurants, shops, art galleries, and the beach. You can also rent a car in Puerto Vallarta and explore the neighboring town, like Sayulita.

Best Puerto Vallarta Boat Tours

🌡️ Puerto Vallarta Weather

If you’re looking to find a Puerto Vallarta party boat, the best time to go to Puerto Vallarta is either December, the busiest month for tourism, or March to April, during Spring Break.

For those hoping to see the whales migrating, Puerto Vallarta’s whale watching season runs from December to March, a good time for nature lovers.

Best Puerto Vallarta Boat Tours

As you saw in the weather chart above, this part of Mexico is hot and humid 🥵 for most of the year, so pack your Water-To-Go Bottle.

This will keep you hydrated and filter your drinking water so you don’t get sick in Mexico.

Mosquitoes are also an issue, so don’t forget your eco-friendly bug spray, and bring reef-safe sunscreen so you practice responsible tourism in Mexico.

If you’re planning to drink a lot, these Anti-Hangover meds need to be on your What to bring to Puerto Vallarta list.

🧳 Need more Puerto Vallarta packing tips? Head to this article, Packing List for Mexico: Outfit Ideas & FREE Printable Download.

Best Puerto Vallarta Boat Tours

Here you can find luxury villas and resorts, high-end shopping boutiques, cafes and restaurants, art galleries, and more. 

The Marina District is also the starting point for many Puerto Vallarta cruise tours heading to Banderas Bay.

Some additional areas that visitors love include the Zona Romantica (Romantic Zone) and Viejo Vallarta (Old Town Vallarta), both located near downtown.

Best Puerto Vallarta Boat Tours

It is also nearly 3,000-feet-deep (915 m) at its deepest point. The sheer size is one of the reasons that there are so many beaches and a variety of marine life. 

Best Puerto Vallarta Boat Tours

This beach town has a strong sense of community and is known for its warmth and hospitality.

You can also find pockets of upscale resorts near the Marina, ideal for high end travelers.

For those who want to party, there’s great food and nightlife on the Malecón boardwalk.

Final Thoughts: Puerto Vallarta Boat Tours

Puerto Vallarta is a year-round destination with some of Mexico’s most impressive beaches and interesting sights. 

There is something for every kind of traveler, but if you are interested in a Puerto Vallarta boat charter, you can’t go wrong with one of the tours on this list — especially the private boat tours Puerto Vallarta!

Still unsure which is the best Puerto Vallarta Boat Tour? We suggest this Puerto Vallarta Outdoor Adventure Zip Line and Speedboat Ride — which has a perfect 5 Star rating ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Remember that the best time to take a boat tour is in the winter for seeing whales and fishing.

However, the summers offer for calm, clear water — so schedule your vacation accordingly.

If you are most interested in seeing whales, this Whale Encounter Puerto Vallarta Tour is your best bet.

More Puerto Vallarta Travel Blogs

Looking for more info on traveling to Puerto Vallarta Mexico? Check out these additional Puerto Vallarta travel guides.

• Renting a Car in Puerto Vallarta Mexico
• Puerto Vallarta Itineray: 3, 4 or 5 Days in PV
• 20 Unique Things to Do in Puerto Vallarta Mexico
• 15 Best Puerto Vallarta Boat Tours You Can’t Miss
• Top 10 Puerto Vallarta ATV Tours to Book
• 11 Best Puerto Vallarta Booze Cruises