Maxum 30
A compact cruiser for couples and very small groups, with cushioned bow seating, a dining area and a cozy cabin with a bed and bathroom.
Destination guide · Puerto Vallarta
Private Yacht Charter from Puerto Vallarta
Most of the fleet sails from Puerto Vallarta, and the coastline explains why: a skyline of resort towers, a hillside old town and, to the south, green mountains dropping into coves you reach by sea.
The coast at a glance
Puerto Vallarta, seen from the water
From the deck, the city reads as three distinct stretches of shoreline. Knowing them makes it much easier to decide what kind of private yacht charter from Puerto Vallarta you actually want.
To the north sits Marina Vallarta, the city's main marina, between the hotel zone and the airport. Heading south, the resort towers give way to the Malecón, the seaside promenade at the heart of town, and to the old town, its tiled roofs and church tower set against the green foothills of the Sierra Madre. Past the Zona Romántica the coast turns rugged: homes cling to the slopes above Conchas Chinas and Mismaloya, the granite islands of Los Arcos rise offshore, and at Boca de Tomatlán the highway leaves the shoreline and heads inland.
That last stretch is a big part of why so many guests charter from the city. For most visitors, the south-shore coves and villages beyond Boca (Colomitos, Las Ánimas, Quimixto, Majahuitas and Yelapa) are reached mainly by boat, and a private yacht lets you decide which of them, if any, belong in your day.
A charter does not have to go far to feel complete, though. Some of the most requested outings never lose sight of the skyline: a swim stop, a slow pass along the waterfront and the sun going down over open water, because the bay faces west.
Know the shoreline
Three stretches of coast, three kinds of day
Most routes from the city combine two of these. Which ones, and in what order, depends on your charter length, the yacht and the sea.
Marina Vallarta & the hotel zone
The city's main departure point. Leaving the marina, you cruise past the line of resort towers and beaches. It is an easy first stretch for settling in, finding shade and getting to know the crew.
The Malecón & old town
The city's most photographed view from the sea: the promenade, the old town climbing into the hills and, a little farther south, Los Muertos Pier. It is the backdrop most guests want for golden-hour photos.
The south shore
Cliffs, coves and villages with no coastal road: Mismaloya, Los Arcos, Boca de Tomatlán and the beaches beyond. This is the stretch for snorkeling, beach clubs and quieter anchorages, conditions permitting.
Interactive map
Departure points and destinations around the bay
Select a point to see what it is known for. The map is schematic: your actual route is set with the captain according to charter length, departure point, the yacht, the weather and park regulations.
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 yachtStart here
Marina Vallarta
The usual boarding point for charters from the city. Departure points are shown in champagne and destinations in turquoise; select any of them to compare what lies along the coast.
Los Arcos by private yachtDeparture point
Boarding at Marina Vallarta
Most of the fleet lists Puerto Vallarta as its departure point, and the city's main departure point is Marina Vallarta.
The exact dock or meeting point depends on the vessel, so it is written into your booking details rather than assumed. A per-guest marina or port fee may apply when boarding here; it is not part of any yacht's listed inclusions, and we confirm whether it applies to your charter before you book.
A few vessels list both Puerto Vallarta and Nuevo Vallarta departures, including the large event catamarans, the Portofino 46 and the Hatteras 58. If you are staying north of the Ameca River, our Nuevo Vallarta guide covers the departures on that side of the bay.
Before you arrive
- Check the dock or meeting point named in your confirmation, and share it with anyone arriving separately.
- Arrange ground transportation in advance; transfers to and from the marina are not normally included.
- Leave extra time to find the yacht if you are bringing a larger group, children or celebration supplies.
- Pack what your yacht does not list, such as towels on most vessels, plus sunscreen and any food or drinks you have agreed to bring.
- Mention mobility needs when you inquire so boarding can be planned with the crew.
Charter length
What a half-day allows, and what a longer day adds
Length shapes a route more than anything else. We do not publish timings, because they change with the yacht, the sea and the plan, but the general pattern holds.
A half-day charter
Usually best with one main focus close to the city.
- A cruise past the hotel zone and the Malecón
- A snorkeling stop at Los Arcos when conditions allow
- A swim from the yacht in a sheltered spot
- A sunset cruise built around golden hour
A good fit for first-time charterers, families with young children and celebrations that are more about the people than the places.
A longer or full-day charter
Gives the route room to reach farther along the south shore, and time to slow down once you arrive.
- Several stops rather than one
- Coves such as Majahuitas or Yelapa, depending on the yacht and the sea
- Time at a beach club or restaurant where a landing is arranged
- A relaxed lunch on board where your yacht includes or allows it
Whether a particular place fits is confirmed when you book and adjusted by the captain on the day.
Routes are plans, not promises. The captain and the port authorities have the final say on where a yacht can go. Wind, swell, visibility and park rules can change a stop on the morning of your charter, and your crew will suggest the best alternative.
Ideas, not itineraries
Four ways guests shape a day from Puerto Vallarta
Use these as starting points for the conversation. Each is adapted to your yacht, your group and the conditions.
The snorkel morning
Head south past the old town and, if the water is calm and clear, stop at Los Arcos to swim among reef fish, then cruise back along the waterfront with the rest of the day still free.
The south-shore beach day
A longer charter that works down the coast: a swim, then a cove such as Las Ánimas or Majahuitas, where a beach club or restaurant can be part of the plan if landing is possible.
The golden-hour cruise
A shorter outing along the waterfront as the light softens, with the Malecón and the hills in view and the sun dropping into the open bay.
The celebration on board
Birthdays, proposals and reunions where the yacht is the venue: a calm anchorage, your music, any catering arranged for your yacht, and the city behind every photo.
When to go
Seasons on the bay
Charters run throughout the year. What changes is the weather, the feel of the water and, for a few months, the wildlife.
Winter and spring
Generally the drier, milder part of the year and the busiest for charters. Humpback whales visit in winter, typically from about December to March, and whale watching follows its own seasonal rules.
Summer and early autumn
Hotter and more humid, with the rainy season bringing storms that often build later in the day. It is also the Pacific hurricane season, so captains follow forecasts and port notices closely.
Holidays and peak dates
Winter holidays, Easter week and long weekends are in demand. If your date is fixed, tell us early so we can check which suitable yachts are free.
Departing Puerto Vallarta
42 vessels list Puerto Vallarta departures
Here is a cross-section by size and style, from a compact cruiser for a couple to a sailing catamaran for a larger group. Every detail comes from the vessel's listing and is reconfirmed for your date.
Beneteau 48
Modern finishes, air conditioning and reclining stern seats for up to ten guests seeking a polished small-group day.
Marquis 50
A sporty, modern luxury yacht for up to 12 guests, with a ceviche lunch and snacks included in the listed arrangement.
Rio 58
Elegant, sporty Italian styling with open areas to sunbathe and socialize, and ceviche among the listed snacks.
Ferretti 80
A forward sun deck, a shaded flybridge with dining space and an air-conditioned salon with an entertainment center.
Lagoon 45
A modern, elegant catamaran for up to 25 guests, popular for proposals, anniversaries and sunset dinners.
Keep planning
Guides for the rest of the bay
Marine park
Los Arcos
Snorkeling the bay's best-known protected islands.
South shore
Yelapa & Majahuitas
Coves, villages and beach clubs reached by sea.
Golden hour
Sunset cruises
The city at dusk from the water.
North shore
Nuevo Vallarta & La Cruz
Departures on the Nayarit side of the bay.
Reefs & coves
Snorkeling charters
Where and how to swim from a private yacht.
Up to 10 guests
Small groups
Yachts sized for couples and families.
Private charter request
Tell us your day. We'll find the yacht.
Share your date, group size and the stretch of coast you have in mind. We check which Puerto Vallarta yachts are available and confirm the dock, inclusions and route ideas in writing.
Questions & answers
Puerto Vallarta departure questions
Straight answers to the questions guests ask most. Anything not covered here is confirmed in writing when you inquire.
Which marina do Puerto Vallarta charters use?
The main departure point is Marina Vallarta, Puerto Vallarta's main marina between the hotel zone and the airport. The exact dock or meeting point depends on the yacht and is stated in your booking details, so everyone knows where to go before the day.
Is there a marina fee at Marina Vallarta?
A per-guest marina or port fee may apply when you board at Marina Vallarta. It is separate from the yacht's listed inclusions, and we confirm whether it applies to your charter when you book.
How do we get to Marina Vallarta?
By taxi, rideshare or a private transfer you arrange; ground transportation is generally not included in the charter. The marina sits between the hotel zone and the airport, so it is convenient from most of the city.
Do all Puerto Vallarta yachts leave from the same dock?
No. Of the 53 vessels listed, 42 list Puerto Vallarta departures, and each has its own berth or meeting point. A few, such as the large event catamarans, also list Nuevo Vallarta. Your confirmed boarding location is part of your booking details.
Is a half-day charter enough to see Puerto Vallarta from the water?
Yes, for one main focus. A half-day usually suits a waterfront cruise, a swim stop or a snorkeling visit to Los Arcos when conditions allow. If you want several stops or a farther cove such as Yelapa, a longer charter gives the route room to breathe.
Can we see the Malecón and the old town from the yacht?
Yes. Cruising the city waterfront is one of the simplest routes from Marina Vallarta, conditions permitting. The view takes in the seaside promenade, the old town and the green hills behind it, and it is especially popular as the light fades.
Which south-shore places suit a charter from Puerto Vallarta?
Los Arcos and the nearer coves such as Colomitos are common on shorter charters, while Majahuitas, Yelapa or Pizota usually call for more time. What fits depends on your charter length, the yacht and the sea; route ideas are confirmed in writing and adapted by the captain on the day.
What is the best season for a charter from Puerto Vallarta?
Winter and spring are generally the driest and most popular months, and winter brings humpback whale season. Summer and early autumn are hotter and wetter, with the Pacific hurricane season to watch, but charters still run when the captain and port authorities judge conditions safe.
Can we stop for lunch at a south-shore restaurant?
On some charters, yes. Restaurants and beach clubs at places such as Las Ánimas and Majahuitas are popular, but landing depends on the yacht, the anchorage and the sea. Bills ashore are separate from the charter unless your booking says otherwise. See the Yelapa & Majahuitas guide.
Can a charter start in Puerto Vallarta and finish somewhere else?
Plan on returning to your departure point unless a different arrangement is confirmed in writing. If you need a one-way trip or a different drop-off, ask when you inquire and we will check whether the vessel can offer it.
Which yachts suit a couple departing from Puerto Vallarta?
Smaller vessels usually suit two people best, and the Puerto Vallarta fleet includes cruisers listed for as few as five guests. Browse small-group yachts, then tell us the occasion so we can suggest the right deck space and inclusions.
What should we bring when boarding at the marina?
Your booking confirmation with the dock details, swimwear, sunscreen, a towel if your yacht does not list towels, and any food or drinks you have agreed to bring. If documents are needed for your vessel or marina, we tell you before the day.