Banderas Bay is one of the largest bays in North America, and most of its best spots can only be reached by boat: the granite arches of Los Arcos, the waterfall village of Yelapa, the hidden coves of the south shore and, to the north, the Marietas Islands. That is why Puerto Vallarta yacht charters are one of the most popular ways to spend a day here. This guide covers how much a charter costs in 2026, which boat suits your group, where the boats leave from, what is included, and why more travelers now choose boat rental by owner over a broker.
A Sunseeker 64 running past the Puerto Vallarta hotel zone. Photo: BYRBO listing.
Why charter a private yacht in Puerto Vallarta?
Shared boat tours in Vallarta are good value, but they run fixed schedules with 60–150 strangers. A private charter lets you choose. You decide when to leave, where to anchor, how long to snorkel, what music plays and what is in the cooler. For families with young kids, birthday groups, couples planning a proposal or friends who just want a quiet cove to themselves, that flexibility is worth the price.
Geography helps too. Puerto Vallarta sits in the middle of the bay, so in a single half-day you can run south to Los Arcos and Mismaloya, west along the coast to Las Animas and Quimixto, or north toward Nuevo Vallarta and the open Pacific. With a full day you can link several of them. The water is usually calm in the morning, visibility is good for snorkeling most of the year, and from December to March you are likely to see humpback whales on almost any outing.
Who books a yacht charter here?
- Families and multigenerational groups who want shade, a bathroom on board and a slow pace.
- Birthday, bachelor and bachelorette parties who want music, an open bar and room to celebrate.
- Couples planning a sunset cruise, an anniversary or a marriage proposal.
- Anglers chasing sailfish, dorado and yellowfin tuna on a sportfishing boat.
- Corporate teams and weddings who need a large catamaran or party yacht for 30 to 120 guests.
Boat rental by owner: what it is and why it matters
Most yacht websites are brokers. They list other people's boats, add their own commission and handle the conversation for you. That is convenient, but it means you are rarely talking to the people who will actually run your day, and part of what you pay goes to the middleman.
BYRBO (short for Boat & Yacht Rentals By Owner) works the other way. It is a marketplace where verified yacht owners and professional operators publish their own boats, and you contact them directly. At the time of writing, its Puerto Vallarta yacht charters & rentals page lists more than 50 boats across the bay, from a 25 ft Luhrs fishing boat to a 122 ft Hatteras superyacht.
Four advantages of booking owner-direct
- Transparent pricing. The owner sets the rate, and there is no hidden broker markup on top. You see the price per 4 hours, per day or per person up front.
- You talk to the people who run the boat. Questions about the route, the sea conditions, dietary needs or a surprise cake go straight to the captain or owner, not to a call center.
- Real flexibility. You can customize the route, the duration, the food and drinks and the onboard experience, and the owner can adjust on the day if the swell picks up.
- Better-kept boats. Owners take care of their own vessels. Listings show detailed photos, amenities, guest capacity and pricing, so you know what you are booking.
If you would rather have someone handle the logistics, BYRBO also offers an optional Hybrid service. A 10% fee applies only to bookings BYRBO closes for you. Either way, you get the transparency of owner-direct yacht rentals in Puerto Vallarta with as much or as little support as you want.
Types of boats you can rent in Puerto Vallarta
The right boat depends on your group size, budget and the kind of day you have in mind. These are the main categories you will find on Banderas Bay.
Sport and power yachts (35–65 ft)
This is the busiest category in Puerto Vallarta and the default choice for most groups of 6 to 25. Think Sea Ray Sundancers, Azimuts, Beneteau GTs, Sunseekers and the Sea Ray 60 XL. They are fast enough to reach Yelapa or Las Animas comfortably, with sun pads, shaded seating, a galley, a head and usually a sound system. A Sea Ray 46 for up to 14 guests starts around USD 1,000 for 4 hours, and a Sea Ray 60 XL for up to 25 guests starts around USD 1,200–1,300 for 4 hours. That is often the best value per person on the bay.
Catamarans and party boats
Catamarans have two hulls, so they barely roll, which makes them ideal for big groups, kids and anyone prone to seasickness. They also have huge decks for sunbathing and swimming. A Lagoon 38 for up to 23 guests starts around USD 1,290 for 4 hours, a custom 45 ft party catamaran with a waterslide carries up to 30 guests from about USD 1,666, and the 72 ft Canuwa II takes up to 120 guests for events from about USD 105 per person. Compare options on BYRBO's catamaran charters in Puerto Vallarta page.
The Baltra 45, a popular full-day option for up to 15 guests. Photo: BYRBO listing.
Luxury and superyachts (65–122 ft)
For VIP days, milestone celebrations and corporate hosting, Puerto Vallarta has a serious superyacht fleet: the Cheoy Lee 90 (up to 45 guests, from about USD 3,600 for 4 hours), the Azimut 85 (from about USD 4,900 per day), the Montefino 84 out of La Cruz (from about USD 7,500 per day), the Azimut 105 (from about USD 8,500 per day), the Strega 120 and the Hatteras 122 (from about USD 12,670 per day). Expect multiple decks, full crews, staterooms and premium bar service.
Sportfishing boats
Banderas Bay is a world-class fishing ground, with sailfish, marlin, dorado, roosterfish and yellowfin tuna. Fishing boats on BYRBO range from a Luhrs 25 (from about USD 700 for 4 hours) and a Custom 36 (from about USD 800) up to the Luhrs 38, the Hatteras 54 out of Nuevo Vallarta and the Davis 52. Inshore trips of 4–6 hours target roosterfish and jacks, while 8–12 hour offshore runs head out to the deep water and the banks.
Sailboats and small boats
If you want quiet, a sailboat is hard to beat. You glide on the afternoon breeze with no engine noise. The Down East 38 sailboat starts around USD 500 for 4 hours, one of the most affordable private outings on the bay. For couples or small groups who just want a few hours on the water, browse the private boat rentals in Puerto Vallarta collection.
Puerto Vallarta yacht rental prices in 2026
Prices below are the "from" rates published by owners on BYRBO's Puerto Vallarta yacht rentals listings in October 2026. Use them as a guide, since final quotes depend on date, duration, route and add-ons.
| Category | Example boats | Guests | From (USD) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sailboat / day boat | Down East 38 | up to 15 | $500 / 4 h |
| Small fishing boat | Luhrs 25, Custom 36 | 4–5 | $700–800 / 4 h |
| Sport yacht | Sea Ray 46, Californian 50, Sea Ray 60 XL | 14–30 | $1,000–1,300 / 4 h |
| Premium sport yacht | Azimut 52, Azimut 62, Sunseeker 64, RIO GT58 | 10–20 | $1,350–2,700 / 4 h |
| Catamaran | Lagoon 38, Custom 45 with waterslide, Leopard 47 | 15–30 | $1,290–2,000 / 4 h |
| Event catamaran | Canuwa II 72 ft | up to 120 | $105 per person |
| Superyacht | Cheoy Lee 90, Azimut 85, Azimut 105, Hatteras 122 | 12–45 | $3,600 / 4 h – $12,670 / day |
To keep the cost down, sail midweek, book early in high season, and share a larger boat with a bigger group. A 60 ft yacht split between 20 people often costs less per head than a crowded shared tour.
Where do yacht charters depart from?
Choosing the right marina saves you travel time, and on the water time is money. The three main departure points are:
- Marina Vallarta, next to the airport and the cruise ship terminal. It is home to most of the fleet and is the most convenient base for Los Arcos, Yelapa and the south shore.
- Marina Nuevo Vallarta, about 20 minutes north in Nayarit. It is a good base for guests staying in Nuevo Vallarta and Flamingos, and for trips toward the open Pacific.
- Marina La Cruz, at La Cruz de Huanacaxtle. It is the closest marina to the Marietas Islands and Punta Mita. See BYRBO's La Cruz yacht charters if you are staying on the Riviera Nayarit side.
The best yacht routes on Banderas Bay
Los Arcos and Mismaloya
The classic half-day route. Los Arcos is a protected marine park of granite islands with natural arches and good snorkeling just 20–30 minutes from Marina Vallarta. Add a swim stop at Mismaloya or Conchas Chinas and you have the perfect introduction to private yacht charters in Puerto Vallarta.
Las Animas, Quimixto and Yelapa
The south shore has no road access, so a yacht is the best way to explore it. Las Animas has a long sandy beach with palapa restaurants, Quimixto has a jungle waterfall you can hike or ride to, and Yelapa is a laid-back village with its own waterfall and famous homemade pies. A full-day charter lets you anchor at all three.
Marietas Islands and Punta Mita
The Marietas are a national park and UNESCO biosphere reserve with blue-footed boobies and the famous Hidden Beach. Access is regulated and requires permits, so ask your owner how they handle it. From Marina Vallarta the run takes longer, so many groups depart from La Cruz. Read our Punta Mita yacht guide (in Spanish) for details.
Sunset cruise
If you only do one outing, make it at sunset. Two or three hours on the water as the sun drops behind the bay, with drinks on the flybridge and the city lights coming on along the Malecón. Sunset slots sell out first in high season, so reserve your sunset yacht rental in Puerto Vallarta early.
Whale watching (December–March)
Every winter, humpback whales come to Banderas Bay to mate and give birth. Seeing a breach from the deck of a private yacht, with no crowd at the rail, is unforgettable. Mexican law sets minimum distances, and local captains know them. More in our whale season guide.
A Sea Ray 50 Sundancer off the Puerto Vallarta coastline. Photo: BYRBO listing.
What is included in a yacht rental?
Most Puerto Vallarta yacht charters include:
- A licensed captain and crew
- Fuel for local routes within the bay
- Basic amenities: ice, water, soft drinks, snorkel gear, towels and a sound system (these vary by boat)
Common add-ons that are usually charged separately:
- Food packages, a private chef or catered lunch
- Open bar or premium drinks
- Decorations for birthdays, proposals and events
- Water toys such as paddleboards, kayaks or a waterslide
- Marietas Islands park permits
- Gratuity for the crew (10–20% is customary)
Because you are talking to the owner directly, it is easy to confirm exactly what is and isn't included before you pay. That is one of the quiet advantages of boat rental by owner in Puerto Vallarta.
How to book your yacht in 5 steps
- Pick your date and headcount. Group size sets the minimum boat size.
- Choose the kind of day: snorkeling, beach-hopping, fishing, a celebration, a sunset or whale watching.
- Browse and filter the listings on BYRBO's Puerto Vallarta yacht charters & rentals page by area and boat type, and compare photos, capacity and pricing.
- Send a direct inquiry to the owner to confirm availability, the route, inclusions and any special requests.
- Confirm in writing, then check the marina, dock, meeting time and parking. Arrive 15 minutes early.
Tips for a perfect day on the water
- Go early. The bay is usually calmest in the morning, and the afternoon breeze can make the ride back bumpier.
- Use reef-safe sunscreen. It is required in protected areas such as the Marietas and Los Arcos.
- Pack light: swimsuit, hat, sunglasses, a light cover-up, cash for tips and a waterproof phone pouch.
- Take seasickness precautions if you are prone to it, or choose a catamaran.
- Check the forecast with your captain the day before. Owners will adjust the route if needed.
- Plan for the season. November to April is the driest and most popular. Read our guide to the best time to visit Puerto Vallarta.
Frequently asked questions
How much does a yacht charter in Puerto Vallarta cost?
On BYRBO's Puerto Vallarta listings, small sportfishing boats start around USD 700 for 4 hours, most 45–60 ft sport yachts run USD 1,000–2,700 for 4 hours, and superyachts range from about USD 3,600 for 4 hours to USD 12,670 per day. Compare current rates on the Puerto Vallarta yacht rental page.
What does "boat rental by owner" mean?
It means booking directly with the person who owns or operates the boat instead of through a broker or agency. There is no middleman markup, and you can customize the route, timing, food and drinks with the people who actually run the charter.
Where do yacht charters in Puerto Vallarta depart from?
Most depart from Marina Vallarta. Other common departure points are Marina Nuevo Vallarta and Marina La Cruz, which is closer to the Marietas Islands and Punta Mita.
What is included in a Puerto Vallarta yacht rental?
Most charters include the captain, crew, fuel for local routes and basic amenities. Food, open bar, decorations, Marietas permits and gratuity are usually add-ons, so confirm them with the owner before booking.
When is the best time to charter a yacht in Puerto Vallarta?
November through April brings calm seas and dry weather, with humpback whales from December to March. Summer is quieter and often cheaper, with warmer water and short afternoon storms.
How far in advance should I book?
For holidays, whale season and weekends in high season, book several weeks ahead. Midweek dates in the low season can often be booked a few days out.
Sources & references
Book your yacht directly with the owner
Compare yachts, photos and real prices across Banderas Bay, with no broker markup.
See Puerto Vallarta yachts on BYRBO →