Puerto Vallarta Booze Cruise: Worth It?

A booze cruise in Puerto Vallarta is exactly what it sounds like: several hours of open-bar drinking on a boat, usually with loud music, dancing, and a stop for swimming or snorkeling. Expect a lively, party-oriented experience. The big boats carry 100+ people and feel like floating nightclubs with DJs and organized games. Smaller options (around 30-50 passengers) are more relaxed but still involve plenty of tequila and beer. The bay is generally calm, though it can get choppy in the afternoons during summer. Most trips last 3–5 hours and include some time anchored in a cove where you can jump in the water.

The best time is November through April when the weather is dry and temperatures are pleasant. Summer and early fall bring heat, humidity, and a higher chance of rain. Expect to pay around $60–$110 per person depending on boat size, inclusions, and whether it’s a daytime or sunset cruise. Premium boats with better food and smaller groups sit at the higher end.

Pick a smaller-capacity boat if you want to actually talk to people and enjoy the views; the mega party yachts can feel like a crowded club at sea. Skip the cheapest options — they often run old boats with weak AC and watered-down drinks. Bring sunscreen, a waterproof phone case, and cash for tips. Go with the mindset that it’s a drinking cruise first, sightseeing second.