PUERTO VALLARTA GUIDED TOUR FIELD GUIDE
Private Boat Across the Bay of Banderas — Snorkel, Waterfalls and Secluded Villages
A private boat tour from Puerto Vallarta that visits Yelapa or Animas for snorkeling, coastal vistas and a guided waterfall walk — this guide explains what to expect and how to plan for the 4.5–6 hour outing.
Private Boat Across the Bay of Banderas — Snorkel, Waterfalls and Secluded Villages.
Fringed by jungle and cliffs, the Bay of Banderas opens like a long, blue room — and a private boat is the best way to read its coastline. On this outing you pick between two intimate runs across the bay, to the surf‑kissed village of Yelapa or the quieter Animas cove, with snorkeling stops, a shore walk to a waterfall on the Yelapa option, and bilingual guides handling navigation and safety.
Highlights
Outing Highlights
Explore half the Bay of Banderas in one private run
Choose the longer Yelapa route or the shorter Animas run; both are private charters that let your group steer the day’s tempo while guides point out coastal geology and local beaches.
Snorkel crystal pockets of the bay
Snorkeling is built into the trip: guides supply masks and life jackets so you can swim sections of clear coastal water and inspect reefs and fish close to shore.
A guided walk to a waterfall and local dining
On the Yelapa itinerary you’ll be led on a shore walk to a waterfall; both Yelapa and Animas have simple restaurants if you want to linger over lunch before the return crossing.
What the day feels like
What the day feels like
From the moment you step onto the private skiff at the pier, the rhythm is maritime and unhurried: a short cruise across the bay, a first snorkel stop where guides hand out masks and life jackets, followed by a sheltered beach landing and — on the Yelapa option — a guided stroll up to the waterfall. The operator provides bilingual guides, a cooler and ice, and the trip is designed as a private charter for your group.
Suitability
Who it's for
Who this trip suits — and who should consider alternatives.
Practical planner
Details to review before reserving
Wear a swimsuit and bring a towel, sunscreen, hat, sandals and a camera. Pack shorts and a light jacket depending on season, and bring drinks/snacks or cash for restaurants ashore; the operator provides a cooler and ice but not meals.
Both itineraries start at 9:00 am. The Animas private boat tour lasts about 4.5 hours; the Yelapa private boat tour lasts about 6 hours.
Departure is from Los Muertos Pier in Zona Romantica (Muelle de Playa Los Muertos). Small private boats are used and the operator provides bilingual guides, life jackets and snorkeling equipment.
Review cancellation policies before reserving.
Frequently asked questions
Planning Your Outing
How long is the tour?
The private boat tour to Animas is approximately 4.5 hours; the private boat tour to Yelapa runs about 6 hours.
Where do we meet for departure?
The meeting point is Los Muertos Pier (Muelle de Playa Los Muertos) in Zona Romantica, Puerto Vallarta.
How many people are on a private boat?
The private boat options are priced and organized by group size; the listed private tours accommodate up to eight people.
What is included in the trip?
Included items on the private Yelapa tour are bilingual guides, a cooler with a bag of ice, life jackets, snorkeling equipment and the guided walk to the waterfall; the operator provides professional bilingual service and safety equipment.
What should I bring?
Bring a swimsuit, towel, camera, sunscreen, hat and sandals; consider shorts and a light jacket depending on season, plus drinks/snacks or cash for restaurants ashore.
What time do the tours start?
Both the Yelapa and Animas private boat tours start at 9:00 am.