Puerto Vallarta boat tours can look similar at first, but these three options fit very different travel styles. One centers on snorkeling at Los Arcos, one is a private luxury yacht cruise at sunset, and one is a private sailing cruise focused on scenic evening views.
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Puerto Vallarta tour options at a glance
Use this comparison to match the itinerary, traveler feedback, duration, and key features to your preferred travel day.
| Tour | Best for | Rating | Reviews | Duration | Key point | Link |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
 Snorkel day boat | Travelers who want a short boat trip built around swimming and snorkeling | ★ 5.0/5 | 40 reviews | Approx. 2 hr 30 min | Includes snorkel gear and a life jacket | View on Viator |
 Private yacht sunset | Couples or small groups who want a private sunset outing with drinks and onboard service | ★ 5.0/5 | 30 reviews | Approx. 3 hr | Private yacht format for a more exclusive feel | View on Viator |
 Private sail sunset | Travelers who prefer a quieter sailing-style evening with scenic views | ★ 5.0/5 | 25 reviews | Approx. 3 hr 30 min | Private sailboat setting | View on Viator |
Puerto Vallarta boat options: route, duration, and fit
Each option includes its own photo gallery, overview, key features, traveler profile, and direct Viator link.
Compare it if you want the most activity and the least onboard lounging.
Snorkel & Epic Boat Ride to Los Arcos Sanctuary
Best for: Travelers who want a short boat trip built around swimming and snorkeling
This boat trip is built for travelers who want a straightforward water-based activity rather than a long evening cruise. The route includes a scenic ride along the South Bay before reaching Los Arcos de Mismaloya, where the guide explains the area and you can snorkel in clear water. The confirmed inclusions are bottled water, snorkel and life jacket, and a sandwich breakfast. It is the shortest of the three experiences, so it suits visitors who want to fit a boat tour into part of the day and spend the focus on swimming, fish viewing, and the return trip.
Snorkeling and scenic cruising in one outing
- Includes snorkel gear and a life jacket
- Shorter outing than the sunset cruises
- Confirmed bottled water and a sandwich breakfast
Compare it if you want privacy and onboard amenities over activity.
Puerto Vallarta: Private Luxury Yacht Sunset Cruise with Open Bar
Best for: Couples or small groups who want a private sunset outing with drinks and onboard service
This option is designed as a private evening cruise with a luxury feel. It departs from Marina Vallarta, heads toward Los Arcos Nature Preserve, then cruises back along the coast and past the Malecon boardwalk after dark. The experience includes a premium international open bar, snacks, WiFi on board, restroom access, and an air-conditioned vehicle. It is the clear choice here for travelers who want a private setting and a longer, service-oriented boat ride rather than an activity such as snorkeling. The route and pacing make it especially suitable for a celebration or a calm sunset outing with a drink in hand.
A private yacht cruise centered on golden-hour views
- Private yacht format for a more exclusive feel
- Includes an open bar plus onboard snacks
- Bathroom and air-conditioned vehicle are listed
Compare it if you want a private sail and a slower sunset pace.
Private Sunset Sailing Cruise in Puerto Vallarta
Best for: Travelers who prefer a quieter sailing-style evening with scenic views
This private sailing cruise offers a different mood from the yacht option: it emphasizes a calm evening on a sailboat rather than a luxury motor-yacht service. The description highlights views of the Sierra Madre mountains and downtown Puerto Vallarta, with a local guide on board to help answer questions. Confirmed inclusions include bottled water, alcoholic beverages, snacks, and restroom access. It is longer than the snorkeling trip and slightly longer than the yacht cruise, so it works well for travelers who want to linger on the water and enjoy the scenery without planning around a swim stop or a more celebratory open-bar style outing.
A sailing-based sunset cruise with a relaxed pace
- Private sailboat setting
- Includes two courtesy alcoholic cocktails
- Restroom and snacks are confirmed
Choosing the right Puerto Vallarta boat-tour style
If you want a daytime activity with time in the water, start with the Los Arcos snorkeling trip. If you prefer an evening outing with drinks and a private setting, compare the yacht cruise and the sailing cruise based on how formal or relaxed you want the boat experience to feel.
Los Arcos snorkeling route
Scenic South Bay boat ride with snorkeling at Los Arcos de Mismaloya and return to Puerto Vallarta.
Sunset yacht cruise route
Private cruise from Marina Vallarta to Los Arcos Nature Preserve and back along the coast after sunset.
Private sailing sunset route
Scenic sailing cruise with views of the Sierra Madre mountains and downtown Puerto Vallarta.
Before you book in Puerto Vallarta
Check the live product page before booking. Departure details, activity order, inclusions, and available options can change.
Puerto Vallarta booking checklist
- Check the included items carefully, since the three tours confirm different onboard amenities and extras.
- If you want a private experience, both sunset cruises are listed as private, while the snorkeling trip is not.
- Review the route description before booking so you choose the format that matches your interest in snorkeling, sightseeing, or sunset cruising.
Puerto Vallarta tour questions answered
Which of these Puerto Vallarta boat tours includes snorkeling?
Only the Los Arcos sanctuary trip explicitly includes snorkeling gear and time in the water.
Which option is the best fit for a celebration or special evening?
The private luxury yacht cruise is the most celebration-oriented choice because it is private and includes open-bar service and snacks.
Which tour is better if I want a quieter scenic cruise rather than a swim stop?
The private sunset sailing cruise is the best match if you want a relaxed boat ride with scenic views and no snorkeling focus.