Private boat days in Puerto Vallarta are rare. This one brings 3 waterslides plus an open bar to Bahia de Banderas, and you can steer your own route with a captain who’s used to tailoring the day.

I like that you’re not stuck watching the scenery from one spot. You get a real mix of options—snorkel gear, kayaks, paddle boards, water tubes and a water mattress—so your group can bounce between relaxing and playing.

One thing to plan for: hotel pickup and drop-off are not included, so you’ll need to choose a meeting point in advance and get there on your own (though help is available).

Key highlights

• Private boat for up to 15: only your group on ChicaFUN 3
• 3 waterslides on board: built-in fun without leaving the boat
• Brand-name open bar all inclusive: from sodas and juices to beer, wine, tequila, and cocktails
• Snorkel and water toys included: snorkel equipment, kayaks, paddle boards, tubes, and water mattress
• Snacks that aren’t just chips: fresh guacamole and ceviche with blue corn chips plus potato chips
• Captain-led customization: you can choose where to go in Bahia de Banderas for your day’s vibe

ChicaFUN 3 Yacht Charter: Why This Feels Like Your Own Day at Sea

This is a private charter on the ChicaFUN 3, and that single fact changes the whole tone of your trip. You’re not squeezed into a crowded schedule. You’re working on your own rhythm, with a captain and crew who handle the heavy lifting and keep the energy up.

The boat setup is made for groups that want movement. The name isn’t just marketing—there are three waterslides, so even if your group is split between thrill-seekers and chill people, there’s something to do right on board. Add the included water toys (kayaks, paddle boards, and snorkel equipment) and you can build your day around “play time” rather than “waiting time.”

And the crew connection matters. In past trips, guests have called out how attentive the staff is—bringing drinks out while people are in the water and helping with small things like holding jewelry. That kind of care turns a fun day into a smooth one.

The 4-Hour Plan in Bahia de Banderas (And What You Can Customize)

Your charter is about 4 hours on the water. The big promise is flexibility: you can customize where you want to go in the Bay of Banderas area. That means you’re not boxed into one fixed route if your group has strong preferences—more coastline cruising, more water time, more time near particular spots, or a calmer schedule for families.

Cruise time: coastline views and bay cruising

The core of the experience is a cruise around the Puerto Vallarta coastline and the Bay of Banderas. This is where the views do their job: you get that “we’re actually on the water” perspective rather than just looking at the shoreline from land.

If wildlife shows up on your dates, you might catch it too. One review highlighted whale sightings on a holiday sailing, which is a good reminder that the bay can surprise you when conditions are right. Don’t count on it every day—but if you’re the type who cheers at unexpected moments, keep your eyes up.

Built-in water fun during the cruise

Since this is a waterslide yacht experience, most groups spend time cycling between:

• waterslides
• lounging on the water mattress/tubes
• short snorkel sessions with the included gear
• kayaking or paddle boarding in calmer stretches

The value here is that you’re not hunting for entertainment. It’s all already on the boat.

Possible full-day upgrade (if you want more than 4 hours)

If you decide you want a longer outing, there’s also a 7-hour option. For a full day, you can choose Marietas Islands or Yelapa Falls, but you can’t do both in the same day. That’s useful to know early: if your group has strong “must-do” opinions, pick one and go all in.

What’s Included: Open Bar, Snacks, and the Little Extras That Matter

The “all inclusive” label here isn’t just about alcohol. It’s also about making sure you’re fueled and your group stays comfortable.

Open bar that covers real tastes

The open bar includes things like water, coffee, juices, sodas, mineral water, and mixed drinks—along the lines of pina coladas, margaritas, beer, wine, tequila, and even champagne depending on what you choose. That’s a broad range, which matters because in a group of mixed ages you’ll have different preferences.

It also means you won’t spend your time tallying who wants what. When people are relaxing, the boat experience is smoother.

Food that’s tied to the vibe (not just filler)

You get snacks featuring fresh guacamole and ceviche with blue corn chips, plus potato chips. For a 4-hour charter, that’s exactly the right balance: light enough to stay comfortable in the sun and water, but substantial enough that nobody is hungry when they want to keep playing.

Water gear and toys are included

This is one of the strongest parts of the deal:

• snorkel equipment
• kayaks
• paddle boards
• water mattress
• water tubes

When everything’s included, you don’t need to stress about gear rentals or whether the right equipment will be available once you’re on the water. You just use it.

Waterslides and Water Toys: Fun for Families, Not Just Party Groups

The standout feature for many groups is the waterslide setup. If you’re traveling with kids, teens, or a “we’re here for the fun” crew, slides turn the boat into an attraction, not just a transport.

In at least one family-focused trip, a wide age range (from 10 to 82) had a good time. The key was that not everyone had to be on the same activity level. Some people were on the slides; others stayed in the water with toys; adults could relax and still feel part of the action.

That’s the practical advantage: your group doesn’t have to agree on everything. You’ll find something to do even if your idea of fun is totally different from your cousin’s.

Safety and staff help (what you should expect)

The crew has been praised for being hands-on—swimming drinks out, holding jewelry, and generally helping people enjoy the water without scrambling. That matters because it reduces the awkward parts of being on a moving boat with hands full and sun on you.

Crew and Captain: Customization Works Better When the Team Can Handle It

With private charters, the crew’s role is bigger than you might think. You’re paying for a smooth experience, not just a boat.

Chica Locca Tours leans into customization, and that’s the real point of booking a private option. You’re choosing your route within Bahia de Banderas, while the captain and crew support the plan and keep the day running.

There’s also an important real-world detail from a past sailing: the staff accommodated the trip due to high winds. Translation: when conditions change, you’re not stuck with disappointment. A good crew works around the day so you still get a memorable outing.

And yes, guests have mentioned the crew by name—Sexy Dave showed up in at least one review as part of the fun team. The owner, Gil Drory, also gets mentioned for being responsive, especially with meeting point planning.

Getting There: Meeting Place Rules and Pickup Reality

Here’s the part that can trip you up if you don’t plan early.

Hotel pickup and drop-off are not included. You’ll need to handle your own arrival at the meeting spot. The tour also requires you to pick your meeting place before submitting your reservation. So don’t leave this until the last minute when you’re tired and making decisions on the fly.

The good news: there is flexibility. If you need a different meeting point or help arranging transportation, the owner Gil is listed as the person to contact. In other words, if you’re trying to avoid headaches, you can ask for help finding an option that fits your group.

Practical tips so your start feels easy

• Decide your meeting point early, before you hit “book.”
• If your group has mobility needs, ask about transportation to the meeting point ahead of time.
• Build a little buffer. Getting everyone together on time is half the battle.

Value Check: What You’re Paying For (and Who Gets the Best Deal)

Price is $1,940 per group for up to 15. That’s not cheap if you’re traveling solo or as a couple. But for a private boat, your unit of comparison shouldn’t be “per person like a public tour.” It should be “how much would I pay to rent a boat with waterslides, gear, snacks, and open bar for 4 hours?”

This charter bundles a lot that’s usually separate on many trips:

• private boat access for your group
• waterslides on board
• snorkel and water toy gear
• kayaks and paddle boards
• snacks (guacamole, ceviche, chips)
• brand-name open bar with a wide selection

In a group of 8 to 15, the value gets much more compelling because the included items are shared. Plus, private time is often what people mean when they say they want a “real experience”—space, choice, and fewer hassles.

Who it’s best for

This is a strong fit if you have:

• a family group with mixed ages
• a friend group that wants to celebrate without planning every detail
• a group that values being on the water more than just sightseeing

If you’re traveling as a small party (like 2–4 people), you might still enjoy it, but you’ll want to be sure you’re okay paying for privacy and built-in activities rather than trying to find a cheaper public-option alternative.

When to Choose This Charter (And When You Might Want Something Else)

If you want a short, high-fun sailing where your group can immediately get in the water, this works well. The 4-hour format is ideal for:

• travelers who don’t want a full-day commitment
• families who need a clear end time
• groups that want waterslides and water toys more than long-distance stops

If your top priority is a specific destination like the Marietas Islands or Yelapa Falls, you may want to consider the longer day option instead, since those destinations aren’t described as part of this 4-hour charter setup.

Should You Book ChicaFUN 3? My Straight Answer

Book it if your group wants a private boat experience with waterslides, included water gear, and an open bar that keeps things easy. It’s also a good call if you’ll benefit from an attentive crew—people have highlighted how the team supports guests in the water and handles day-of changes when conditions aren’t perfect.

Hold off or plan carefully if:

• you need hotel pickup and drop-off
• your group isn’t comfortable coordinating around a chosen meeting point
• you’re only interested in a single destination and not the flexibility of Bahia de Banderas

If you’re deciding today: send the meeting point request early, and get your plan in place before you book. Then you can show up, get on the water, and let the waterslides do the talking.

FAQ

How long is the Private Yacht Charter ChicaFUN 3?

The experience is about 4 hours.

How many people can go on this private tour?

It’s priced per group for up to 15 people, and only your group participates.

What’s included with the charter?

All inclusive activities are included, including a brand-name open bar, snacks (fresh guacamole and ceviche with blue corn chips and potato chips), and use of snorkeling equipment, kayaks, paddle boards, a water mattress, and water tubes.

Is hotel pickup included?

Hotel pickup and drop-off are not included, but pickup is listed as offered. You still need to choose a meeting place before booking.

Can you customize where you go?

Yes. This is a private boat tour where you can customize where you would like to visit in Bahia de Banderas.

Does the boat have waterslides?

Yes. The charter is listed as ChicaFUN 3 Waterslides All Inclusive.

What is the cancellation policy?

You can cancel for a full refund up to 24 hours in advance. If you cancel less than 24 hours before the start time, the amount paid is not refunded.

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