Catamaran 72
A 72-foot event catamaran for 55 to 150 guests, with a bar, four restrooms, a sound system and menu options by charter length.
Destination guide · Riviera Nayarit
Nuevo Vallarta Yacht Charters & the Northern Bay
Staying on the Riviera Nayarit side of Banderas Bay? Your charter can start close to where you sleep. Here is how Nuevo Vallarta, La Cruz de Huanacaxtle and Punta Mita work as departure points, and what to know about the Marietas Islands.
The north shore
Banderas Bay's other side
Banderas Bay is shared by two states. Puerto Vallarta is in Jalisco; cross the Ameca River heading north and you are in Nayarit, where the shoreline runs past Nuevo Vallarta and La Cruz de Huanacaxtle to Punta Mita at the bay's northern tip.
Nuevo Vallarta sits just north of the river, a resort community of beachfront hotels and residences. Farther along the coast, La Cruz de Huanacaxtle is a fishing town that has grown into a yachting hub around Marina Riviera Nayarit. Punta Mita closes the bay to the north-west, with the Marietas Islands offshore.
For guests staying in Nuevo Vallarta, Bucerías, La Cruz or Punta Mita, starting a yacht charter on this side of the bay can spare you a drive across the river to Marina Vallarta. It also changes what is practical on the water: the northern shore is right at hand, while the south-shore coves beyond Puerto Vallarta usually call for a longer charter.
Departure points
Three places to start on the Nayarit side
Each vessel lists its own base. Anything beyond that base is an option to confirm with the yacht, sometimes for an additional fee.
Nuevo Vallarta
Listed as the departure point for most of the Nayarit-based fleet, from a compact yacht for six guests to classic Hatteras flybridges and custom luxury yachts. The exact marina or dock is named in your booking details.
La Cruz de Huanacaxtle
Home to Marina Riviera Nayarit. The Azimut 80, the Azimut 55 and the Sea Ray 55 (Riviera Nayarit) list departures here, which places them well for the northern shore and the Punta Mita area.
Punta Mita
Not a standard base, but some vessels can begin here for an additional fee, including the Azimut 80, the Sea Ray 50 and the Catamaran 72 and Catamaran 90. Ask before you plan around it.
Nayarit departures
15 vessels list Nuevo Vallarta or La Cruz departures
Shown exactly as listed, including the few that also sail from Puerto Vallarta. Departures beyond a vessel's listed base are confirmed with the yacht and may carry an extra fee.
Catamaran 90
The largest vessel in the fleet: up to 200 guests, two bars, a DJ booth and four restrooms for major celebrations.
Beneteau 35
An intimate option from Nuevo Vallarta for up to six guests, with Punta Mita outings possible at extra cost.
Portofino 46
A simple, comfortable yacht with a spacious sunbathing bow, departing from Nuevo Vallarta or Puerto Vallarta.
Sea Ray 50
A refined 50-footer departing Nuevo Vallarta, with Punta Mita and La Cruz departures available at extra cost.
Sea Ray 52
A flybridge with hardtop and sunroof, bow and stern lounges, and three cabins for a private group of up to ten.
Azimut 55
A 55-foot Azimut based at La Cruz de Huanacaxtle, convenient for the northern shore and Punta Mita area.
Sea Ray 55 (Riviera Nayarit)
A sunken bow lounge, flybridge dining and an air-conditioned salon with bar, departing from La Cruz or Nuevo Vallarta.
Luxury Custom 45
Starlink internet, Smart TVs, a premium Bluetooth sound system and two bathrooms for groups of up to 15.
Custom 55
An exclusive Italian yacht for up to ten guests with a private chef, an open bar, towels and a chef-selected lunch.
Custom 60 (Nuevo Vallarta)
Luxury finishes, onboard internet, Smart TVs, a full kitchen and two bathrooms for up to 20 guests.
Luxury Custom 70
An entertainment-focused yacht with karaoke, a cinema setup, 60-inch Smart TVs and onboard internet.
Hatteras 58
A classic Hatteras with a cushioned bow and panoramic flybridge, listed with an open bar, snacks and a ceviche lunch.
Hatteras 61
A classic 61-foot Hatteras departing Nuevo Vallarta with a detailed open bar, food, a kayak and a paddleboard.
Azimut 80
A wide flybridge and bow for up to 20 guests from Marina Riviera Nayarit, with a ceviche-tostada lunch listed.
Marietas Islands
The Marietas Islands: what a charter can and cannot promise
The Marietas are the most asked-about place on the northern side of Banderas Bay, and the one with the most rules. Read this before building a day around them.
The Marietas Islands are a small, uninhabited group of islands off Punta Mita. They were declared a national park in 2005 and are managed by CONANP, Mexico's National Commission of Natural Protected Areas. The islands are an important refuge for seabirds, and the surrounding waters are part of the protected area.
Visits are regulated. Access to the islands, landings and the well-known Hidden Beach (Playa del Amor) are permit-based and limited in number, and the rules have changed over the years, including closures to let the site recover. Hidden Beach in particular can only be visited under specific conditions through authorized operators, with capped visitor numbers.
That is why only some charters can include the Marietas, and why no visit is guaranteed in advance. In this fleet, the listings for the Azimut 80 and the Sea Ray 55 (Riviera Nayarit), both based on the Nayarit side, and for the Azimut 85 from Puerto Vallarta mention Marietas outings. Even for those yachts, whether and how a visit happens depends on the park rules in force, permits for your date and conditions on the day.
Before you plan around the Marietas
- Tell us early that the islands matter to you, so we can check which vessels and permits could apply to your date.
- Expect the plan to separate seeing the islands from the water, swimming nearby and landing anywhere, because each can be governed differently.
- Assume Hidden Beach is not included unless your written confirmation says so.
- Follow the crew's and park staff's instructions on the water; they work within the park's rules.
- Keep a backup idea in mind. If rules or conditions do not allow a visit, the captain will suggest an alternative.
Rules change. Park access conditions are set by the authorities and can change from one season to the next. In whale season, official notices have also closed waters around the islands to whale watching to protect mothers and calves. We confirm what is possible for your date in writing, and never sell a Marietas landing as guaranteed.
On the water
Days that suit a northern departure
Ideas rather than set routes. What fits depends on your yacht, the charter length, the sea and any regulations in force.
A swim close to home
Shorter charters from Nuevo Vallarta or La Cruz can focus on cruising and swimming along the northern shore, without first crossing the bay.
Sunset over open water
The bay faces west, so the sun sets over the sea. A late-day charter from the north shore is an easy way to see it without a long transfer to Puerto Vallarta.
Winter wildlife
Humpback whales visit in winter, typically from about December to March. Whale watching is regulated and arranged only with authorized vessels, so read the whale watching guide first.
Crossing to the south shore
Los Arcos, Las Ánimas and Yelapa lie on the far side of the bay. They can be part of a longer charter from the north, or you can board in Puerto Vallarta instead.
Big groups on either side
The Catamaran 72 and Catamaran 90 list both Nuevo Vallarta and Puerto Vallarta departures, which helps when a group is staying on both sides of the bay.
A chef on board
The Custom 55, based in Nuevo Vallarta, is listed with a chef, an open bar and a chef-selected lunch for up to ten guests. See catering & private chef for more.
The bay
From Punta Mita to Puerto Vallarta
Select a point to read about it. The map is schematic and not to scale; it is for orientation, not navigation.
Departure pointsDestinationsSchematic illustration — not to scale and not for navigation
Departure on request · Riviera Nayarit
Punta Mita
The northern tip of the bay and the closest mainland point to the Marietas Islands. Some vessels can begin here for an additional fee — ask when you inquire.
Explore the northern shoreProtected national park
Marietas Islands
A protected island park off the mouth of the bay. Access, landings and Hidden Beach visits are regulated, permit-based and subject to change, so only some charters can include them. Ask before planning around a visit.
Read the Marietas guidanceDeparture point · Marina Riviera Nayarit
La Cruz de Huanacaxtle
A fishing town turned yachting hub on the northern shore. The Azimut 80 and Azimut 55 are among the yachts listed with departures from Marina Riviera Nayarit here.
See Nayarit departuresDeparture point · Nayarit
Nuevo Vallarta
The resort community just north of the Ameca River. Vessels such as the Hatteras 61, Sea Ray 50 and Beneteau 35 list Nuevo Vallarta as their departure point.
Nuevo Vallarta chartersDeparture point · Puerto Vallarta
Marina Vallarta
Puerto Vallarta's main marina, between the hotel zone and the airport. Most of the fleet departs from Puerto Vallarta, and a per-guest marina fee may apply when boarding here.
Puerto Vallarta guideDestination · Waterfront
Downtown Puerto Vallarta
Cruising the city waterfront brings views of the Malecón, the old town and the green Sierra Madre foothills behind them — especially striking at sunset.
Sunset cruisesDestination · Marine park
Los Arcos
Granite islands off Mismaloya protected as a national marine park, and the bay's best-known snorkeling stop. Conditions on the day decide whether swimming is advisable.
Los Arcos chartersDestination · Hidden cove
Colomitos
A tiny turquoise cove beside Boca de Tomatlán, reached by sea or by a coastal trail. Space is limited, so yachts usually anchor just offshore.
Snorkeling chartersDestination · Beach & beach club
Las Ánimas
A long south-shore beach with seafood restaurants and the Ánima Beach Club, a popular stop for yacht groups.
South-shore beachesDestination · Secluded cove
Majahuitas
A quiet cove between Quimixto and Yelapa, with a beach club reached from the water.
Yelapa & MajahuitasDestination · Village & waterfall
Yelapa
A relaxed village on a deep cove, known for its beach, its palapa restaurants and the walk up to its waterfalls.
Yelapa by yachtNorth shore
Select a point on the map
Punta Mita, La Cruz de Huanacaxtle and Nuevo Vallarta are shown in champagne as departure points; the Marietas Islands and the south-shore coves appear in turquoise as destinations.
Whale season in the bayPlanning
Choosing between north and south
Where you board is a practical decision as much as a scenic one.
Start from where you are staying
Guests in Nuevo Vallarta, Bucerías, La Cruz or Punta Mita may find a northern departure simpler; guests in the hotel zone, downtown or the south shore usually board in Puerto Vallarta.
Match the base to the day
A northern base suits the northern shore and late-day cruising. A south-shore beach day is usually more relaxed starting from Puerto Vallarta.
Ask about other starts
Some Nayarit-based yachts can begin in La Cruz, Punta Mita or Puerto Vallarta on request, sometimes at extra cost. We confirm what your yacht offers.
Get the dock in writing
Your confirmation names the departure marina or meeting point, so drivers and late arrivals know exactly where to go.
Keep planning
Related guides and collections
Jalisco side
Puerto Vallarta guide
Marina Vallarta, the Malecón and the south shore.
Winter
Whale watching
Season dates, rules and authorized vessels.
Nuevo Vallarta
Hatteras 61
A classic flybridge with an open bar listed.
Luxury
Luxury yachts
Flybridges, superyachts and chef-led days.
21+ guests
Large groups
Event catamarans and big-deck yachts.
Step by step
Plan your charter
From first message to boarding.
Private charter request
Staying on the Nayarit side?
Tell us where you are staying, your date and your group. We suggest yachts that depart nearby and confirm what each includes, including any Punta Mita or Marietas questions.
Questions & answers
Nuevo Vallarta & northern bay questions
Straight answers to the questions guests ask most. Anything not covered here is confirmed in writing when you inquire.
Which yachts depart from Nuevo Vallarta?
Vessels listing Nuevo Vallarta departures include the Hatteras 61, Hatteras 58, Sea Ray 50, Sea Ray 52, Luxury Custom 45, Custom 55, Custom 60 (Nuevo Vallarta), Luxury Custom 70, Portofino 46 and Beneteau 35, plus the Catamaran 72 and Catamaran 90. In total, 15 vessels list Nuevo Vallarta or La Cruz departures, all shown on this page.
Which yachts sail from Marina Riviera Nayarit in La Cruz?
The Azimut 80, the Azimut 55 and the Sea Ray 55 (Riviera Nayarit) list departures from La Cruz de Huanacaxtle. Some Nuevo Vallarta yachts can also start at La Cruz, such as the Hatteras 61 on request and the Sea Ray 50 at extra cost.
Can a yacht pick us up in Punta Mita?
Some can. Punta Mita is not a standard base, but the listings for the Azimut 80, the Sea Ray 50 and the Catamaran 72 and Catamaran 90 mention Punta Mita departures at an additional cost. We confirm whether that option is available for your date.
Is Nuevo Vallarta in a different state from Puerto Vallarta?
Yes. Nuevo Vallarta is in Nayarit, just north of the Ameca River, which forms the state line with Jalisco, where Puerto Vallarta is. On the water it is one bay, and several vessels list departures on both sides.
Can we visit Hidden Beach (Playa del Amor) on a private charter?
Only in limited cases, and never as a guarantee. Hidden Beach is inside the Marietas Islands National Park, where landings are permit-based, capped and subject to change. Unless your written confirmation specifically includes it, assume the beach is not part of your charter.
Which charters mention the Marietas Islands?
In this fleet, the listings for the Azimut 80, the Sea Ray 55 (Riviera Nayarit) and the Azimut 85 mention Marietas outings. Even on those yachts, any visit depends on park rules, permits for your date and conditions on the day.
Who manages the Marietas Islands?
The islands are a national park managed by CONANP, Mexico's National Commission of Natural Protected Areas. The park's rules decide where and how boats and visitors may go, and those rules can change from season to season.
Can we snorkel at the Marietas Islands?
Possibly, but only where and how the park rules allow on your date, and only on a charter able to include a park visit. Some areas and activities are restricted, so we confirm what is permitted before you book rather than promising it.
Is it better to depart from Nuevo Vallarta or Puerto Vallarta?
It depends on where you are staying and where you want to go. Northern departures suit guests on the Nayarit side and days along the northern shore; Puerto Vallarta suits Los Arcos and the south-shore coves. We suggest the base that makes the most sense for your plans.
Can a charter from Nuevo Vallarta reach Yelapa or Los Arcos?
It can on some charters, usually longer ones, because these places are on the far side of the bay. Whether it fits depends on the yacht, the hours booked and the sea; if the south shore is the priority, boarding in Puerto Vallarta often makes the day easier.
Is there a large event catamaran on the Nayarit side?
Yes. The Catamaran 72 and Catamaran 90 list departures from both Nuevo Vallarta and Puerto Vallarta, with La Cruz or Punta Mita optional at extra cost. Both have minimum group sizes, listed as 55 and 65 guests respectively.
Are there yachts with a chef based in Nuevo Vallarta?
Yes. The Custom 55, based in Nuevo Vallarta, lists a chef, an open bar and a chef-selected lunch for up to ten guests, and the Hatteras 61 lists an open bar with food. Inclusions are reconfirmed for your date before you book.