Puerto Vallarta: Semi-Private Sailing for Small Groups

If you’re looking for a way to enjoy Puerto Vallarta’s beautiful coastline that combines intimacy with a touch of social fun, this semi-private sailing tour might just be the perfect fit. As far as we can tell from reviews and the tour description, it offers a relaxed, personalized experience that’s ideal for small groups, couples, solo travelers, or anyone craving a laid-back day on the water.

What makes this sail appealing is its cozy size—limited to just two groups of up to four guests each—which promotes a friendly, unhurried vibe. We love that the tour offers two different sail times: a refreshing morning option or a sunset cruise to witness the sky’s changing colors. On the flip side, if you’re prone to seasickness, this might not be the most suitable adventure since it involves open water sailing, but for most, the gentle waves and scenic views are enough to keep everyone comfortable.

This experience is especially well-suited for those who enjoy a casual, flexible atmosphere where they can add their own drinks and snacks and customize their playlist. If you’re after a memorable, small-group outing that’s both scenic and easygoing, this tour could be just what you need.

Key Points

• Small group size creates intimacy and a friendly atmosphere.
• Flexible schedule with morning and sunset options.
• Bring your own drinks and snacks for a personalized experience.
• Stunning views of Puerto Vallarta’s coastline and ocean breezes.
• Includes complimentary margarita, guacamole, and fresh fruit.
• Limited availability, so booking early is recommended.

This tour from Marina Vallarta offers a 4-hour escape on the water with a balance of laid-back comfort and scenic beauty. The process begins at Dock “E”, directly in front of the lighthouse (El Faro), making it easy to find and access. You’re welcomed aboard with a complimentary Margarita—a nice touch that sets a relaxed tone from the start.

What’s included? Beyond that welcome drink, the tour provides ice, bottled water, a cooler, and full onboard service. You can connect your own playlist to the sound system, allowing you to set the mood—whether you prefer soft acoustic tunes, lively Latin beats, or your favorite chill playlist. This is a great way to make the experience your own, without being tied to the boat’s pre-set music.

The boat itself offers a comfortable space to lounge, sunbathe, and take in the views. Whether you’re soaking up the sun or relaxing in the shade, the vessel’s design prioritizes comfort. The tour is limited to eight participants in total, with two groups of four—meaning you are not lost in a crowd but still enjoy a lively, social atmosphere.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Morning vs. Sunset Sail

You can choose between a morning sail—starting your day with sunshine, gentle sea breezes, and possibly spotting local marine life—or a sunset cruise, which promises a romantic sky painted with oranges and pinks. Based on reviews, travelers particularly enjoy the sunset option, as it offers the breathtaking spectacle of the sun dipping below the horizon over the coastline.

The Food and Drinks

While the tour includes guacamole and seasonal fruits—a refreshing snack after a few hours on the water—most travelers bring their own drinks, whether cocktails, sodas, or water. The ability to make it a personal party is a big plus; you could even pack some chips or other small snacks to enjoy along with your beverages.

Who Will Love This?

This tour appeals most to couples, small groups, solo travelers, or friends who want a relaxed, friendly environment. It’s perfect for those who appreciate stunning scenery, enjoy adding their own music, and prefer a more intimate experience than a large cruise or tour.

The Experience in Action

One reviewer describes the experience as “a chill vibe and stunning views,” emphasizing the personalized nature of the cruise and the chance to connect with fellow travelers. Another notes that the “good times, ocean breezes, and unforgettable views” made it a highlight of their trip.

While some mention the limited space and availability—”book early to lock in your spot”—most agree that the value for the cost (around $490 per group) is fair, considering the private-like environment, food, and drinks included.

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What to Expect During the Cruise

As the boat leaves the marina, the ocean breeze immediately starts to relax you. You’ll enjoy the gentle sway of the vessel, and if you’ve connected your playlist, the music sets the tone. Expect stunning views of Puerto Vallarta’s coastline, with opportunities to take photos, lounge comfortably, or chat with your companions.

In the morning, the sunlight dances on the water, illuminating the coastline and making for bright, cheerful photos. During the sunset, the sky transforms into a canvas of rich colors, perfect for romantic photos or simply soaking in the moment.

The treats like guacamole and fresh fruit are served mid-journey, giving you a taste of local flavors while you relax. The full onboard service ensures you’re well taken care of, and bringing your own drinks means you can toast to the sunset or toast the morning with whatever you fancy.

Duration: Four hours—just enough time to unwind without feeling rushed.
Price: $490 per group up to four people—offering good value for a private-like experience.
Availability: Usually during low season; limited spots, so booking early is wise.
Meeting Point: Dock “E” at Marina Vallarta — easy to find and close to other amenities.

What to bring:

• Camera for those stunning views
• Your preferred food and drinks
• Sunscreen to protect against the sun
• Any personal music devices for playlist connection

Not suitable for:

• People prone to seasickness or with motion sickness issues.
• Those looking for a more active or adventure-focused trip—this is primarily a relaxing sail.

Languages spoken: English and Spanish, making it accessible for most travelers.
Reservation flexibility: Cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund, and you can reserve now and pay later, offering peace of mind.

Recent reviews highlight the delicious food and tapas as a standout feature, with guests appreciating the relaxed ambiance and stunning views. The ability to add your own drinks makes it feel more like a personal gathering, and many travelers comment on how easy it is to connect with others in such a cozy setting.

One traveler shared, “The open ocean breeze and beautiful coastline made me forget about everything else,” emphasizing the tranquil vibe. Others noted that the sunset cruise was “magical” and “the perfect way to end a day in Puerto Vallarta.”

This semi-private sailing experience offers a straightforward, enjoyable way to see Puerto Vallarta from a different perspective—on the water, with a small, friendly group, and plenty of chances to make it your own. If you love scenic views, good food, and relaxed vibes, this cruise is likely to be a highlight of your trip.

It’s particularly well-suited for couples seeking a romantic sunset, small groups of friends wanting an easygoing adventure, or solo travelers looking to meet new people in a cozy setting. The flexibility to bring your own drinks and connect your playlist makes it easy to personalize, while the stunning scenery ensures you’ll remember this experience long after the boat docks.

However, if you prefer a more active or adventure-packed day, or if seasickness is a concern, you might want to explore other options. Still, for those wanting a laid-back, scenic, and intimate sailing experience, this tour offers excellent value and authentic charm.

How many people are on each boat?
Each boat hosts two small groups of up to four guests, making a maximum of 8 participants in total.

What’s included in the tour?
A welcome Margarita, guacamole, seasonal fruits, bottled water, ice, and full onboard service.

Can I bring my own drinks and snacks?
Yes, you’re encouraged to bring your own drinks and snacks to make the experience more personal.

What are the sail times?
There are two options—morning and sunset—so you can choose based on your preferred time of day for scenic beauty.

Is this experience suitable for children?
While not specifically mentioned, the relaxed nature suggests it’s best suited for adults or older children, especially considering it involves open water.

What should I bring?
Bring a camera, sunscreen, your drinks and snacks, and a playlist if you want to customize the onboard music.

What if I get seasick?
This tour involves open water sailing, so if you’re prone to seasickness, it’s wise to consider whether this relaxed cruise is suitable for you.

In all, this semi-private sailing tour offers a beautiful, laid-back way to enjoy Puerto Vallarta’s coastline with a cozy group, personalized touches, and unforgettable views. It’s a peaceful yet social escape that balances comfort with scenic splendor—perfect for making the most of your time on the water.