The 4 Best Puerto Vallarta Catamaran Cruises

1.Catamaran Yelapa Beach Tour with Snorkeling, Food and Open Bar

★★★★★★★★★★4.0 · 23 reviews · 7 to 8 hours (approx.) · from $94Our pick

Spend 7 to 8 hours sailing from Puerto Vallarta to Majahuitas and Yelapa. You get breakfast, lunch, snorkeling, water activities, an open bar, and beach time. Guides such as Alberto and Brown Sugar help lead the onboard games, but expect loud music, a difficult beach transfer, and extra charges for horses or ATVs.

“Well organized with great entertainment. Although we were out of the port about an hour after we were supposed to head out, the experience stretched far into the evening. It was truly a jam packed day.”

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2.2 Hours Catamaran Sunset Tour

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 18 reviews · 2 hours 30 minutes (approx.) · from $99

You’ll sail from Paradise Village Public Pier along Puerto Vallarta’s coast aboard a catamaran, with sunset views, an international bar, vegan ceviche, dips, tapas, pesto pasta, and possible whale sightings in January. Live saxophone music and open-air decks add to the easygoing evening.

“Very friendly and helpful staff. Answered my questions via email prior to trip so we knew food would not be gluten free but we were welcome to bring our own. The food served was very good for those of us who can eat gluten. Loved the live music saxophone player. Says wheelchair friendly which it is to get on boat, but restrooms are downstairs and although they had railings on both sides, they were a spiral, so not wheelchair friendly. Cruise itself was a very mellow ride - easy to walk around. Boat has upper and lower deck with benches and some tables & chairs. We got to sit at…”

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3.Discover Hobie-Cat Sailing and Fish your own Lunch

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 9 reviews · 2 hours 30 minutes (approx.) Top rated

Learn to read the wind and sail a 16-foot Hobie Cat with a licensed guide in Puerto Vallarta. You will practice steering and basic maneuvers, set fishing lines, and may finish with fresh ceviche or sashimi from your catch. Dolphins, turtles, and seasonal whales are possible sightings.

“We had a wonderful time sailing with our 8 year old son! This was a highlight of the trip. They are really patient and easy to understand. They let everyone try to steer and turn the boat around all while teaching the basics of sailing. We sadly did not catch any fish, but we still enjoyed the fresh guacamole on the beach afterward and stuck around to relax. I would highly recommend this activity!”

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4.Catamaran Tour to the Arches, Playa las Animas, Snorkeling and more

★★★★★★★★★★3.5 · 6 reviews · 7 to 8 hours (approx.) · from $92Best value

Spend 7 to 8 hours aboard a catamaran from Puerto Vallarta, snorkeling at Los Arcos, stopping at Playa Las Animas, and choosing between beach time, water sports, or a 1.5-kilometer walk to Quimixto waterfall. Breakfast, snacks, lunch, an open bar, and onboard entertainment are included.

“Trip was just okay, wouldn't do it again. Only made 2 stops, thought we were making 3. Snorkeling was okay, water was pretty murky, a lot of people in same area swimming together. Lunch at thr Beach was just okay, took a long time to get food. Getting back on the boat after beach stay took way to long, need a better process. Boat ride back to the port was way to slow. Seemed dragged out for longer trip. Workers were friendly and nice, they did a great job for what it was.”

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