Planning guide
How to plan a yacht charter in Puerto Vallarta
A step-by-step guide to choosing the right yacht, the right departure point and the right inclusions — and to knowing exactly what you have agreed before you board.
The short version
Six decisions shape every great charter
Planning a private yacht charter in Puerto Vallarta is less complicated than it looks. Almost every choice flows from six questions: who is coming, where you will board, how long you want to be out, what you want to eat and drink, what extras you need, and what the written confirmation says.
Work through them in order and the right yacht usually reveals itself. Skip one — guest count is the usual culprit — and you can end up comparing vessels that were never going to fit. This guide walks through each decision, then covers what to bring and how the seasons affect the bay.
If you would rather talk it through, send what you know so far through the contact form. Partial answers are fine; we fill in the gaps together.
Count your guests
Capacity rules out more vessels than anything else.
Pick a departure area
Puerto Vallarta, Nuevo Vallarta or La Cruz de Huanacaxtle.
Choose your hours
Charter length decides how far a route can reasonably go.
Settle food and drinks
Inclusions vary more than anything else between yachts.
Add the extras
Catering, decorations, a chef or larger toys — by arrangement.
Read the confirmation
Every detail in writing before you commit.
Step 01
Count your guests, then leave some room
Each vessel lists a maximum number of guests. That figure is a safety and licensing limit, not a comfort target, so a group that exactly matches a yacht's maximum will feel fuller than a group with a little headroom. If your numbers are still moving, plan for the higher estimate.
Children count as guests. Some yachts also have a base arrangement for a smaller group with additional guests accommodated up to the maximum by arrangement — the yacht pages say so where it applies. At the other end of the scale, the largest event catamarans list a minimum group size.
Step 02
Choose where you will board
Most of the fleet departs from Puerto Vallarta, while a number of yachts are based in Nayarit, on the bay's northern shore. Boarding close to where you are staying saves time on land — and sometimes on the water.
Puerto Vallarta
The departure point for most yachts, including Marina Vallarta near the hotel zone and airport. A per-guest marina fee may apply there; we confirm it with your quote.
Nuevo Vallarta
Convenient for resorts north of the Ameca River. 13 vessels list Nuevo Vallarta as a departure point.
La Cruz de Huanacaxtle
Home to Marina Riviera Nayarit on the northern shore, closer to Punta Mita. 3 vessels list La Cruz departures.
Several yachts can also begin from a different point — Punta Mita, for example — for an additional fee. Ask when you inquire. Northern shore guide
Step 03
Choose your hours with the route in mind
Charter length is the single biggest influence on where you can go. Listings commonly offer four, six or eight hours, a few vessels list shorter minimums, and extra time can often be added by arrangement.
As a rule of thumb, shorter charters suit cruising the waterfront, a sunset outing or one swim stop. Longer charters make room for snorkeling, a beach stop and an unhurried lunch at anchor further along the south shore. Exactly what fits depends on your departure point, the yacht and the conditions on the day — we will suggest a realistic plan rather than an ambitious one.
Time of day matters too. Mornings are often calmer, midday suits beach and snorkeling stops, and late-afternoon departures catch the sunset over the water, since the bay opens to the west.
Routes are never guaranteed. Weather, sea conditions, port-authority decisions and park regulations can change a plan on the day. The captain has the final word on safety.
Step 04
Decide how you want to eat and drink
This is where yachts differ most. Each listing falls into one of five arrangements, from ice and water only to a chef on board. Decide which suits your group, then shortlist within it.
Ice & water
Ice and bottled water are listed; most of these vessels welcome your own food and drinks, and catering can be arranged.
3 vesselsDrinks & snacks
A set allowance of beer and soda plus snacks such as fruit, guacamole and chips. Quantities vary by yacht.
37 vesselsLunch included
Drinks and snacks plus a listed lunch — often ceviche — on select yachts.
3 vesselsOpen bar & food
An open bar (national or international brands, depending on the vessel) with snacks or a meal.
7 vesselsChef on board
A chef prepares food on board, typically with drinks or an open bar included in the listed arrangement.
3 vesselsWhere a listing allows it, you may bring your own food and drinks; many yachts can also arrange catering at an additional cost. Compare open bar options or read about catering and private chefs.
Step 05
Add the extras that make it yours
Beyond the listed inclusions, many requests can be arranged: catering or an upgraded menu, decorations and flowers for a celebration, a cake, extra hours, or an alternative departure point. Some vessels already carry paddleboards, kayaks, floating mats or a jet ski; on others, extra equipment may not be possible.
Everything that is not part of the yacht's listing is confirmed separately — what it is, whether it is possible on that vessel, and any additional cost. That way nothing appears for the first time on the day.
Celebrations
Cakes, flowers and decorations by request. Party ideas
Dining
Catering, a chef or an upgraded menu where available.
Weddings
Ceremony and reception details. Wedding charters
More time
Extra hours can often be added by arrangement.
Step 06
What your written confirmation should cover
Before you commit, check that the confirmation for your yacht states each of the following. If anything is missing, ask — we would rather answer now than on the dock.
- The vessel's name and its maximum number of guests
- Your date, departure time and number of hours
- The confirmed departure point and where to meet
- Everything included — crew, fuel, drinks, food, toys
- Everything not included, such as transport, towels or marina fees
- Any extras you requested and their cost
- Payment, change and cancellation terms for your booking
- What happens if weather or port conditions prevent sailing
On the day
What to bring aboard
- Swimwear, a cover-up and a hat
- Towels — most listings do not include them
- Sunscreen; reef-friendly formulas are kinder to snorkeling spots
- Sunglasses and a light layer for the ride home
- Any medication you need, including for motion sickness
- Food and drinks only if your yacht's listing allows outside items
- Gratuity for the crew, which is not included on the listings
Seasons
How the time of year changes the bay
Winter and spring bring the driest, most settled weather of the year and the humpback whale season, typically from about December to March. It is also the busiest period for charters, so popular yachts are best requested early.
Summer and early autumn are hotter and more humid, with afternoon storms more common. The Eastern Pacific hurricane season officially runs from mid-May to the end of November, so plans can occasionally change at short notice. Your confirmation explains how weather-related changes are handled.
Private charter request
Tell us the date. We'll match the yacht.
Share your group size, occasion and preferred departure. We check live availability with the vessel and reply with the options that fit — including exactly what each one includes.
Questions & answers
Charter planning questions
Straight answers to the questions guests ask most. Anything not covered here is confirmed in writing when you inquire.
How many hours should I book for a yacht charter?
It depends on what you want to do. Shorter charters suit cruising and a single swim stop; longer charters allow snorkeling, a beach stop and a relaxed lunch further along the coast. Listings commonly offer four, six or eight hours, and we suggest a length that fits your plans.
How do we choose a departure point for our charter?
Usually whichever is closer to where you are staying. Most yachts depart from Puerto Vallarta, while others are based in Nuevo Vallarta or La Cruz de Huanacaxtle. The yacht you choose may decide it, and some vessels can depart elsewhere for an additional fee.
How much headroom should we leave on capacity?
There is no fixed rule, but a group comfortably below a yacht's maximum enjoys noticeably more deck space and shade. If your numbers may grow, choose a vessel whose maximum covers the higher estimate.
When is the best time of day for a charter?
Mornings are often calmer for snorkeling, midday suits beach stops, and late-afternoon departures are timed for sunset. Conditions vary by season, so we suggest timing when you share your plans.
Can we change the route once we are on board?
Often, yes, within the hours you booked and as long as the captain considers it safe. Larger changes, such as heading much farther away, may not fit the time or conditions.
What should our written confirmation include?
The vessel name and maximum guests, date and hours, departure point, inclusions and exclusions, any extras and their cost, payment and cancellation terms, and how weather-related changes are handled.
Do we need to bring towels?
Most listings do not include towels, so plan to bring your own. A few yachts list them; your confirmation will say.
Is ground transportation to the marina included?
No. Transportation between your accommodation and the marina is not included on the listings. If you need help, mention it in your request.
Can children come on a yacht charter?
Children are welcome on private charters and count toward the yacht's guest maximum. Tell us their ages so the crew can have suitable life jackets ready and we can suggest family-friendly plans.
What if someone in our group gets seasick?
Calmer morning conditions, staying within the bay and choosing a stable vessel such as a catamaran can help. Guests prone to motion sickness should bring their own remedy, taken as directed before boarding.
How far ahead should we plan for the winter season?
As early as possible. Winter and spring are the busiest months, and holiday dates in particular fill quickly. Shorter-notice requests are still worth sending.
Can guests with limited mobility join a charter?
Many can, but boarding involves steps, gangways or a swim platform, and conditions on the dock vary. Tell us about any mobility needs so we can ask the vessel what is practical before you book.