Puerto Vallarta Catamaran Tours: What to Know

A typical catamaran tour takes you out into Banderas Bay for 2–4 hours. Expect comfortable seating, open decks, basic snorkel gear if included, and a lot of loud music. Most trips either head to Los Arcos for snorkeling or stay closer to the bay for a sunset sail with an open bar. The boat itself is stable and spacious compared to smaller vessels, but it can feel crowded when 30–50 people are aboard. Water is usually clear enough for decent snorkeling from November through May; the rest of the year it gets murky from runoff.

Expect to pay around $60–$120 per person depending on duration, whether it’s a day or sunset trip, and what’s included. Sunset tours are generally cheaper and more relaxed. Best time is November to April when the weather is dry and the bay is calmer. June through October brings heat, humidity, and a higher chance of rough seas or last-minute cancellations.

Pick a smaller-group sailing if you can find one; the big party boats get chaotic fast. Skip the snorkeling add-ons during the rainy season – you’ll see more fish from the deck than underwater. Bring your own reef-safe sunscreen and a light jacket for the ride back once the sun drops.