The Best Boat Rentals in Puerto Vallarta

Most private charters in Puerto Vallarta start around $100–$200 USD per hour for smaller powerboats, $120–$250 per hour for sailboats, $250–$450 per hour for mid-size yachts, and $450–$1,200+ per hour for larger luxury yachts and catamarans. A 4–5 hour cruise is the most common booking window. Rates usually include a licensed captain and crew, fuel for standard bay routes, ice and bottled water, a Bluetooth sound system, and basic snorkeling gear. Expect add-ons for catering or open bar packages, national park wristbands for protected areas, a small per-person dock or terminal fee at certain piers, and gratuity for the crew.

You can choose from comfortable motor yachts for cruising and celebrations, sportfishing boats set up for deep sea or inshore trips, mono-hull sailboats for a classic day under sail, and spacious sailing or power catamarans that work well for larger groups. If you’re planning a simple bay cruise with swimming and snorkeling, a mid-size yacht or catamaran offers the best mix of shade, deck space, and stability.

Nearly all charters here are captained, which keeps your day simple and stress-free. Bareboat (self-operated) options are uncommon and typically require strong boating experience and proof of competency. Most travelers find a captained trip easier for navigating local conditions, docking at busy piers, and handling national park rules.

Common meeting points include Marina Vallarta in the Hotel Zone, the Los Peines public docks at the Maritime Terminal near the cruise port, the iconic Los Muertos Pier in the Romantic Zone, and marinas just north of town such as Paradise Village Marina in Nuevo Vallarta and Marina Riviera Nayarit in La Cruz de Huanacaxtle. Your booking confirmation will specify the exact dock and any terminal fee or check-in steps.

Expect sweeping views of the Malecón skyline, the Sierra Madre foothills, and clear-water coves to the south. Popular stops include Los Arcos Marine Park for snorkeling beneath granite islets and arches, beach towns like Las Ánimas, Quimixto, and Yelapa, and, on longer trips, the Marietas Islands near Punta de Mita. Wildlife is a highlight: dolphins are spotted year-round, sea turtles are common in warmer months, and humpback whales visit the bay in winter.

For standard private charters, no boating license is needed because a licensed captain is included. If you specifically book a self-operated vessel, the owner may require proof of competence. If you plan to fish and there is fishing gear on board, everyone on the boat typically needs a valid Mexican sportfishing license, which your charter can usually arrange or advise you on. National parks like the Marietas also require wristbands and follow strict access rules issued by park authorities.

Yes—families are very welcome. Licensed charters carry life jackets for all ages and provide a safety briefing before departure. If you’re traveling with infants or very small children, confirm sizing in advance; some parents prefer to bring a familiar, properly fitted child PFD. For comfort, look for boats with shade, a restroom, and easy water access ladders, and pack sun protection and snacks your kids like.

Most captains allow BYO snacks and beverages, and many offer catered menus or open bar packages if you want a turn-key experience. Glass bottles are discouraged at certain terminals and on many boats, so plan for cans or reusable containers. Your crew will typically supply coolers with ice and bottled water; confirm any corkage or package pricing when you book.

Some boats are pet-friendly with prior approval, often with a small cleaning fee and a request to bring a pet life jacket and towel. If your departure is through the Maritime Terminal, pets may need to arrive in a carrier to pass security. Let your captain know your pet’s size and temperament, and avoid sensitive protected areas or crowded swims if your pet is anxious around water.

Mornings on Banderas Bay are usually the calmest, with summer and early fall bringing brief afternoon storms. Rainy season runs roughly June through October, and the Eastern Pacific hurricane season is May 15 through November 30, with late-summer peaks. If conditions are unsafe, the local Harbor Master can restrict small-craft navigation; in that case, most operators offer to reschedule or refund according to their policy. If your group is flexible, choosing an early start time and keeping a backup day increases the odds of smooth seas and golden light.

Absolutely. Boats here regularly host birthdays, bachelor and bachelorette parties, proposals, and team events. Captains can tailor the route for swimming, snorkeling, and beach time, and many vessels include a sound system, shaded lounge areas, and a salon or cabin for cake and decorations. For the most availability and best prices, reserve well ahead for weekends, holiday periods, and major events.

For smooth seas and great visibility, mornings are ideal year-round. Peak boating months are December through April, with humpback whale season typically running from early December to late March. Spring brings sailing events such as the Banderas Bay Regatta in March, and late May sees Vallarta Pride week, both of which increase demand. U.S. holiday weekends—Memorial Day, July 4th, and Labor Day—also book up quickly with visiting travelers. If your dates are flexible, weekdays usually offer better selection and value than Saturdays.

The Marietas Islands are a protected national park with rules that help preserve the ecosystem. Access to Playa del Amor (the “Hidden Beach”) is tightly limited each day, timed to the tides, and only authorized operators can bring visitors when permits are available. Even with advance planning, entry is not guaranteed, and visitors must follow park rules such as wearing required safety gear and avoiding sunscreen in the water. If Hidden Beach slots aren’t available, you can still enjoy excellent cruising and snorkeling around the islands or opt for a southern route to Los Arcos and the scenic coves toward Yelapa.