A private boat day feels like cheating. ChicaFUN 4 is a private Puerto Vallarta charter in Bahia de Banderas where you set the vibe, cruise the bay, and usually end up at Los Arcos National Park for caves, granite arches, and top-notch snorkeling. What makes it especially fun is how easy it is to go from lounging to playing in the water, with snorkel gear and water toys ready.

I also like the way the day runs on autopilot: you’ve got all-inclusive food and drinks on board, and the crew stays on it—friendly service, constant refills, and a boat that stays clean and comfortable. One thing to watch: hotel pickup isn’t included, and you must lock in your meeting place before you book, so plan how your group gets to the marina.

Quick Takeaways

• All-inclusive on the water: drinks, snacks, and water-time extras included
• You call the stops: Captain and crew handle the rest in Bahia de Banderas
• Los Arcos National Park: caves, arches, and wildlife above and below the water
• Built for families and groups: water toys and active deck fun show up during the day
• Worth it if you fill the boat: up to 10 people share the group price
• Confirm transport details: pickup/drop-off isn’t included, so get your meeting plan straight

Private Yacht Charter on the Bay of Banderas (Up to 10, 4 Hours)

This is a small-group private yacht experience, sized for up to 10 people, with about 4 hours on the water. That matters because you’re not stuck in a cattle-line tour. You can talk, spread out, and make decisions without negotiating with strangers.

The big twist here is customization. Your day isn’t a rigid script. You choose where you want to go in Bahia de Banderas, and the experienced captain and crew take care of routing, timing, and the in-water parts.

For the record, this is also the kind of trip where the memories come fast: coastline cruising, a main landmark stop, snorkeling time, and enough onboard fun to keep kids (and grown-ups who act like kids) smiling.

Price and Value: What $1,300 Gets Your Group

The price is $1,300 per group for up to 10 people, for roughly 4 hours. If you go as a full group, that’s about $130 per person—often less than what you’d pay when you add up boat-only fees plus separate snorkeling gear rentals plus food and drink costs.

What helps the math: landing and facility fees are included, and the charter includes a long list of alcoholic drinks plus non-alcoholic beverages. You’re also not scrambling for snacks mid-ride.

Gratuities aren’t included, which is standard. The main value question is simple: does your group actually fill the capacity? If yes, this is a strong way to buy a smooth, private water day without nickel-and-diming yourself.

Meeting Point and Getting There Without Stress

Hotel pickup and drop-off are not included. That means you need a clear plan for getting your group to the marina meeting spot.

There’s a practical detail you can’t ignore: you must choose your meeting place before submitting your reservation. It’s not a minor checkbox—this is how the crew lines everything up.

If you need a different meeting point or help with transportation to the meeting area, the owner (Gil) can arrange it if you request it. You’ll save headaches by confirming your exact plan well ahead of departure, especially if your group includes kids, or if you’re splitting across multiple vehicles.

All-Inclusive Onboard: Drinks, Snacks, and Water Toys

This is what turns a boat trip from nice to worth the money. On board, you get use of snorkel equipment, kayaks, paddle boards, plus water mattress and water tubes. That gives you options beyond just hovering near the boat rail.

Food is also handled for you. Fresh made guacamole with blue corn chips is included, along with potato chips. On a hot day on the bay, that kind of snack mix hits the sweet spot: easy to grab, not fussy, and perfect between water sessions.

Then there are the drinks. Alcoholic beverages included include margaritas, beer, wine, piña coladas, champagne, and more—plus water, coffee, juices, soda, and mineral water. One review specifically praises drinks constantly flowing, and that’s exactly what you want on a charter like this: you shouldn’t be tracking down a crew member every time your cup feels empty.

For families, water fun is part of the deal. Guests have talked about water toys and kids jumping off the slides and deck. If you’re bringing children, this is the sort of setup that keeps them entertained without turning the day into a constant babysitting job.

Cruise Along Puerto Vallarta’s Coastline and the Bay

The cruise portion is built around the Puerto Vallarta coastline and around the Bay of Banderas. Think of this as the “sit back and let the scenery move” section of your day.

You’ll get wide-open views from the water that you just don’t get from the shoreline. It also sets you up for wildlife moments. Several past bookings mention humpback whales in the background while cruising around the bay. You can’t treat whales as guaranteed, but when they’re around, the timing and vantage from a private boat is a big advantage.

A private charter also changes how you experience the ride. You can linger on a spot, go a little slower where the view is best, and keep the day comfortable for your own pacing.

Los Arcos National Park: Caves, Granite Arches, and Snorkeling

South of Puerto Vallarta, Los Arcos National Park rises out of the sea with naturally formed rock arches and caves. It’s one of those destinations where the water is both the show and the route.

This stop is described as being full of wildlife above and below the water. That’s why it works so well for snorkeling: you’re not just looking at rocks. You’re floating into a living, fishy environment created by the geology.

The action here is very specific:

• Explore caves
• Float through giant granite arches

That’s the heart of the experience for most people. Caves and arches create natural structure, which usually means you spend less time searching and more time actually seeing what’s around you.

A quick practical note: if you’re sensitive to choppy water, you’ll want to bring that up early so the captain can plan accordingly. Private means you can ask those questions and expect them to matter.

How Customization Actually Feels on the Water

When a tour says you can customize where you go, you’ll want to know what that really means. Here, it’s not just choosing between two pre-written stops. You’re effectively telling the captain what kind of day you want in Bahia de Banderas, and the crew takes it from there.

This is ideal if your group has mixed preferences:

• One person wants snorkeling time first
• Another wants calmer cruising
• Someone else wants more time for paddle boarding or kayaking

Because you’re private, you’re not forced to rush to keep pace with other boats. You can shape the order of activities in a way that fits your energy level.

Just be aware that customization works best when you pick clear priorities. If you know you want Los Arcos, treat that as a must. If you want whales, ask the crew about timing and where they’ve had luck. Private charter equals flexibility, but planning still helps.

Crew Service: Interactive Fun, Attentive Deckhands, Big Smiles

The most consistently praised part is the crew. People call out attentive service, drinks kept flowing, and crew members who interact with the group instead of just standing by.

Names you’ll see tied to great days include Alex, Lalo (lead crew), Ricky (and the crew team), plus Ramses and Mario on other charters. That matters because service quality on a boat is intensely human. A great captain charts the water, but a great crew makes the day feel effortless.

A particularly memorable detail from one experience: the crew swam out with drinks while guests were in the water to make sure everyone stayed hydrated. They also handled fun extras like tequila shots in the ocean during a larger celebration group.

And for family groups, the crew attention extends to kids. Guests have described how the team caters to children’s needs and keeps them safe while the adults enjoy the ride.

So yes, this is about scenery. But the reason people keep booking again is that the service matches the setting.

Food Moments: Snacks On Board and What Else You Might Request

You’re definitely covered for snacks: guacamole with blue corn chips and potato chips. That’s a solid base for a 4-hour day, especially with water activity happening on and off the boat.

Some groups have mentioned additional catering like fajita-style food during their outing. Because that’s not spelled out in the standard included list, I’d treat it as something to ask during confirmation so you’re clear on what will be served for your exact charter day.

Either way, don’t plan on getting hungry mid-trip. This is designed so your food and drink needs don’t interrupt the fun.

Best For: Families, Friend Groups, and Whale-Spotting Days

This charter works well for:

• Families with kids who want active water play
• Friend groups that want privacy and nonstop fun
• Groups hoping to see whales while cruising the bay
• Anyone who wants snorkeling time without dealing with rental hassle

Because it’s private and sized for up to 10, it’s also a great way to mark something—birthday, welcome event, engagement, or just a get-together where everyone wants the same good day.

If your group includes kids, pay attention to the water-toy and deck-play setup. Past reviews specifically highlight slides and deck jumping, which is exactly the kind of activity that keeps kids engaged without constant go-go-go.

Logistics and Comfort: What to Confirm Before You Go

Before booking, I’d do three quick checks to make your day run smoothly:

First, confirm your meeting place and make sure everyone in your group knows the exact plan. This trip requires you to choose it ahead of time.

Second, ask about your transportation options to the marina. Pickup isn’t included, but the owner can help arrange affordable luxury transportation to the meeting point if you request it.

Third, if your group is large and you’re thinking about shuttles, get clarity on how many vehicles you’ll need and when they’ll return. One past experience complained about shuttle timing and comfort on the way back. That’s not the standard you want, so don’t assume it will work out—ask, then confirm.

Should You Book ChicaFUN 4 All Inclusive?

I’d book this if you want a private Puerto Vallarta water day with:

• All-inclusive drinks and snacks
• Real snorkeling time with Los Arcos National Park
• Water toys plus paddle/kayak options
• A crew that’s known for staying attentive and keeping the energy high

I’d think twice if your group needs guaranteed hotel pickup or stress-free end-to-end transportation. Since pickup/drop-off aren’t included, the day can go smoothly or be annoying depending on how well your meeting plan is organized.

If your group can get to the meeting spot easily and you’re okay making a few simple planning calls ahead of time, this feels like one of the better ways to spend a half day on Bahia de Banderas—especially if Los Arcos is on your list.

FAQ

FAQ

How many people is this private yacht charter for?

This is a private tour/activity for up to 10 people per group.

How long is the ChicaFUN 4 charter?

The duration is about 4 hours.

Is alcohol included in the all-inclusive package?

Yes. Alcoholic beverages are included, along with water, coffee, juices, soda, and mineral water.

What food is included on board?

You get fresh made guacamole with blue corn chips and potato chips as snacks.

What snorkeling and water equipment is included?

Snorkel equipment is included, plus kayaks, paddle boards, a water mattress, and a water tube.

Is hotel pickup and drop-off included?

No. Hotel pickup and drop-off are not included, though pickup is offered and you’ll need to arrange your meeting point.

Do I need to pick a meeting place before booking?

Yes. You must choose the meeting place before submitting your reservation.

Is this tour private or shared with other groups?

It’s private. Only your group participates.

What is the cancellation policy?

Free cancellation is available. You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund, and within 24 hours there is no refund.

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