So you are thinking about renting a boat in Puerto Vallarta.
Good call.
I have been coming down here for about eight years now. Not constantly, but enough. Enough that I stopped staying at the big resorts. Enough that I know which taco spots are actually good and which ones just look good on Instagram. Enough that I have probably made every mistake you can make on a boat down here.
Let me walk you through what I have learned.
My First Time Was a Mess
First time I rented a boat, I screwed up. Found some company online, booked it, showed up at the marina, and the boat was… fine. But the guy running it barely spoke to us. Took us out, dropped anchor somewhere, and just sat there. We were like, okay, is this it? Are we supposed to do something?
We ended up just floating around for a few hours, got bored, went back early. Total waste.
I tell you that because the boat itself is only part of it. Who you go with matters way more than you think.
What Actually Matters
These days, I do not even care that much about the boat. I mean, yeah, it should be clean and run properly. But I care more about the captain.
A good captain makes the day. They know where the water is calm when the wind picks up. They know which beaches have too many jellyfish that day. They know a guy who will paddle out to the boat with fresh tacos if you ask nicely.
One time, we had a captain named Chuy. Older guy, leathery skin from being on the water his whole life. Hardly spoke English. But he took us to this spot near Quimixto, cut the engine, and pointed down. We looked over the side and there was a sea turtle just hanging out, swimming circles around the boat. Stayed with us for like twenty minutes.
You do not get that from a fancy boat. You get that from someone who knows the water.
The Whale Thing Is Real
Everybody talks about whale watching like it is this bucket list thing you check off. But nobody tells you how it actually feels.
I was out there a few years ago, January I think. Cold beer in my hand, not really paying attention. Then this massive shape comes out of the water. Not all the way, but enough. Just hangs there for a second and crashes back down.
I dropped my beer. Did not even care.
The sound it makes when they hit the water again. It is not a splash. It is like a bomb going off. You feel it in your chest.
If you come between December and March, get on the water. Just do it.
Yelapa Is Worth It But
Everyone goes to Yelapa. And look, it is pretty. The bay is nice. The waterfall is cool.
But here is the thing. The main beach gets packed. Like, cruise ship packed sometimes. People trying to sell you stuff every two minutes.
Walk past all that. Go to the far end. There is a little path that goes behind the rocks. Takes you to a smaller beach where the locals actually hang out. No vendors. Just families and kids and old guys napping in the shade.
That is the Yelapa you want.
Los Arcos at Sunset
Okay so Los Arcos is those rock formations you see in every Puerto Vallarta photo. During the day, it is fine. Snorkeling is okay. Nothing special.
But sunset?
Different story.
The way the light hits those rocks turns them orange. Not Photoshop orange. Really orange. And the pelicans fly right at eye level coming back from wherever they go all day.
One time we anchored there right at golden hour. My wife and I just sat on the bow, not talking, watching the light change. Best night of the whole trip.
Food on the Boat
Some charters advertise “gourmet meals” and charge extra. Honestly, I would skip that.
The best food I have had on boats came from two places. Either the captain caught it that morning and made ceviche right there on the cutting board, or we stopped at some random beach and bought food from a lady cooking over a fire.
One time this woman paddled out to our boat in a kayak with a cooler. She had fish tacos, cold beer, and little bags of cut mango with chili powder. Paid her like twenty bucks and ate better than any restaurant in town.
If you want fancy food, eat dinner in the Romantic Zone. On the boat, keep it simple.
The Fishing Thing
I am not a fisherman. Tried it a couple times. Sat there for hours holding a pole, caught nothing, got bored.
But if you are into fishing, this is the place.
My buddy Mark is obsessed. He comes down every year specifically to fish. He has caught roosterfish, mahi-mahi, even a small marlin once. He says the captains here know their stuff. They do not just drive around randomly. They watch the birds, watch the water, know where the baitfish are.
Mark’s advice: book a full day, not a half day. The good spots are farther out. And bring a sweatshirt. Gets cold once you get going fast in the morning.
What I Always Forget
Every single time I forget something. Here is what I finally learned to bring:
- A dry bag: Not for your phone, for your regular stuff. Towels, extra shirt, whatever. Things get wet on boats even when you are not trying.
- Real sunscreen: Not the spray stuff. The spray blows away in the wind and you burn anyway. Get the cream kind.
- Cash: Small bills. For tipping, for buying stuff from guys in kayaks, for the bathroom on the beach if you go ashore.
- A hoodie: Sounds crazy in Mexico but once the sun goes down and the boat is moving, it gets chilly.
- Something to read: There is downtime. Anchored somewhere, waiting for lunch, whatever. I like having a book.
The Marina Area
If you are staying near the marina, you are in the right spot for boats. Lots of charters operate out of there. Easy to walk around, look at the boats, talk to people.
If you are staying down in the Romantic Zone, it is a bit of a ride. Taxi takes maybe twenty minutes, costs like fifteen bucks.
Worth it though.
Hotels vs. Boats
Look, I have stayed at nice places. Hotel Mousai is cool if you want the fancy adults only thing. Villa del Palmar is fine for families. The all inclusive resorts are easy.
But here is the thing. At the end of the trip, you do not remember the pool. You do not remember the buffet breakfast. You remember the day on the water.
I have never heard anyone say “remember that Tuesday we just hung out by the pool all day?” But I hear people talk about boat days for years.
How to Actually Book
Do not just click the first Google result. Talk to someone.
Call. Or if you are already here, walk down to the marina and talk to the guys standing by the boats. You can tell pretty fast who is legit and who is trying to sell you something.
Ask them where they would take their own family. See what they say.
If they immediately suggest the most expensive option, move on. If they ask what you actually want to do and suggest something that fits, you found the right person.
The Noise Thing
One thing nobody mentions. Some boats are loud. Like, really loud. If you are on a fast boat heading somewhere far, you cannot really talk. You are holding onto your hat and yelling at each other.
Nothing wrong with that if you know going in. But if you want a quiet, conversational day, get a slower boat or a sailboat.
I learned this the hard way trying to have a romantic conversation with my wife while going forty miles an hour into the wind. Not romantic.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What is the best time to rent a boat in Puerto Vallarta?
The best time depends on what you want to experience. December through March is especially popular for whale watching, while other months can be great for swimming, snorkeling, fishing, and exploring secluded beaches.
2. Is it better to rent a private boat or join a group tour?
A private boat gives you more flexibility. You can usually choose where to go, how long to stay at each location, and what kind of experience you want. Group tours can be a better option if you want to keep costs lower.
3. What should I look for when choosing a boat charter?
Don’t focus only on the boat. Ask about the captain, experience, itinerary, safety equipment, included food and drinks, fuel, and the type of activities offered. A knowledgeable captain can make a much bigger difference than having the newest boat.
4. Can you go whale watching from Puerto Vallarta?
Yes. Whale watching is one of the popular experiences on the Bay of Banderas during the winter season. If seeing whales is one of your priorities, ask the charter company about seasonal whale-watching trips.
5. Is Yelapa worth visiting by boat?
Yes. Yelapa is a popular destination for a day on the water, with beaches, coastal scenery, and opportunities to explore the village and nearby waterfall. Going by private boat can also give you more flexibility about when you arrive and leave.
6. What should I bring on a Puerto Vallarta boat trip?
Bring sunscreen, a dry bag, a swimsuit, extra clothes, a hoodie or light layer, sunglasses, and some cash. Keeping your belongings protected from water is particularly useful because things can get wet even when the weather is calm.
7. Is Los Arcos worth visiting by boat?
Yes. Los Arcos is one of Puerto Vallarta’s most recognizable coastal landmarks and can be especially beautiful around sunset. Depending on conditions, the area can also be used for snorkeling and swimming.
8. Should I book a half-day or full-day boat charter?
A half-day trip can be enough if you mainly want to swim, snorkel, see the coastline, or visit a nearby destination. A full-day charter makes more sense if you want to travel farther, fish, visit multiple locations, or spend a relaxed day exploring the bay.
9. Are boat trips in Puerto Vallarta suitable for couples?
Absolutely. A private boat can be a great option for couples who want a more personal experience. A sunset cruise, secluded beach stop, snorkeling adventure, or relaxed day on the water can feel much more intimate than a crowded tour.
10. Where should I stay if I plan to rent a boat in Puerto Vallarta?
Staying somewhere with convenient access to the marina can make your boat day easier. However, you don’t necessarily have to stay right beside the marina. If you’re staying in a private villa such as La Mansion Vallarta, you can arrange transportation to your charter while enjoying a more private and spacious accommodation experience.
Last Thing
Puerto Vallarta is not Cancun. It is not Cabo. It is smaller, more real, a little scrappy around the edges. The boats here are not all brand new shiny things. Some of them have been running for decades and have stories to tell.
That is what I like about it.
Get on the water. See the coastline from out there. Swim somewhere nobody else can get to. Eat something that came out of the ocean that morning.
That is the trip.
If you need a place to stay that puts you close to everything, check out La Mansion Vallarta. We are right there, good spot, good people. Happy to point you toward the captains we trust.
Anyway, hope that helps. Go enjoy the water.
