Whale sightings are just one perk. This private ChicaFun 1 charter pairs waterslides with an all-inclusive day on the water around Puerto Vallarta and the Bay of Banderas. I like the way you can customize your route, and I also like the all-day convenience: snorkel gear and water toys are covered, and the drinks and snacks keep coming. The one thing to watch is logistics: hotel pickup and drop-off aren’t included, and you’ll need to pick your meeting place before you submit.

The crew sets the tone fast. On trips like this, hosts like Alex meeting you at the marina, and bartenders like Joel who keep drinks moving (even swimming them out), are the kind of details that make a charter feel like a party boat with purpose. A possible drawback is timing and travel: you may have a drive to reach the marina area where the boat starts, so plan for it rather than expecting it to be right in Puerto Vallarta.

Key things that make this charter worth your time

• ChicaFun 1 waterslides plus classic yacht cruising in the same 4-hour window
• All-inclusive water toys: snorkel gear, paddle boards, kayaks, water mattress, and tubes
• All-inclusive bar: margaritas, beer, wine, piña coladas, champagne, and more
• Top snorkeling geography: Los Arcos National Park arches and caves
• Beach options south of PV: Yelapa, Colomitos (often called the smallest beach in Mexico), Playa Majahuitas, and Las Caletas
• Crew energy with extras: fishing fun, birthday cake moments, and a photographer on hand

ChicaFun 1 Waterslides and All-Inclusive Comfort in Puerto Vallarta

This is the kind of private charter that works for both beach-day people and kids-and-adventure people. The star is the ChicaFun 1 setup with waterslides on board. You’re not just cruising from point A to point B. You’re building in downtime where everyone can hop in, splash around, and still feel like the day is structured.

What really helps is the all-inclusive approach. You’re provided with snorkeling gear and multiple ways to play in the water—paddle boards, kayaks, and float options like water tubes and a water mattress. Then there’s food and drinks. You’re not doing the awkward stop-and-pay dance. The snack lineup includes fresh made guacamole and blue corn chips, plus potato chips. Drinks include options like margaritas, beer, wine, piña coladas, and champagne.

If you’re the type who likes planning a good day without micro-managing it, that’s where this charter shines.

4 Hours, Your Group, Your Pace: How the Private Charter Works

The total time is about 4 hours, give or take. That duration is long enough to do real snorkeling and reach multiple coastal highlights, but short enough that most groups don’t end up feeling “stuck on a boat” for half a day.

The tour is private, so only your group participates. That means you can keep the mood you want—chill and swim, or more active with paddle boards and snorkel time. It’s also described as customizable. In plain terms: you choose the direction and the crew takes care of the running.

This “short + private + customizable” combo is great for families and friend groups. It also helps if you’re traveling with people who don’t all want the same pace. Some can stay in the water. Others can ride in the shade and enjoy the coast cruise.

The Coastal Cruise and Bay of Banderas Scenery

The day starts with cruising along the Puerto Vallarta coastline and around the Bay of Banderas. Even before you reach the snorkeling stops, the view is part of the show: rocky shoreline, sea cliffs, and the constant feeling that you’re leaving the city behind.

And because it’s private, your group isn’t split up or waiting around for strangers to board. You’ll typically get moving at the start of your scheduled window, then the crew handles the rest.

Los Arcos National Park: Caves, Giant Arches, and Snorkeling Worth the Effort

One of the best reasons to pick a charter like this is to get to the water features you can’t reach as easily on your own. South of Puerto Vallarta, Los Arcos National Park is famous for its natural rock formations rising from the sea.

Here’s what matters for your day:

• You’ll see the granite arches that make the bay famous.
• The description calls out caves and wildlife both above and below the water.
• It’s also positioned as one of the best snorkeling destinations in the bay.

Snorkeling on a charter is different than snorkeling from a crowded beach. You’re dropped near the action, and the crew can guide the best spots to swim. Bring a positive attitude for water conditions: even on a good day, you might have moments where visibility changes. Still, the structure of the arches and caves is the kind of scenery that makes snorkeling feel like exploring.

Yelapa’s White Sand and Easy “Stay in the Water” Time

Next up is Yelapa, a charming coastal village south of Puerto Vallarta. The highlight here is the beach vibe: white sand and sapphire water. If your group wants a classic beach swim-and-chill stop, Yelapa tends to fit.

This is also a smart stop for mixed groups. Some people can snorkel when they want. Others can just relax on the beach or paddle around. Because it’s a private charter, you can time your movement to avoid the moments when energy dips.

Colomitos: The Small Beach Moment People Talk About

Then there’s Colomitos, described as a small and beautiful beach surrounded by the Sierra Madre mountains—and often referred to as the smallest beach in Mexico. On a boat day, that kind of stop is about atmosphere. You’re not looking for a big “everything for everyone” beach. You’re looking for a quick, memorable beach moment with scenery that feels remote.

Because it’s still in the Puerto Vallarta south zone, it fits cleanly into a 4-hour route. You get the vibe without losing the whole day in transit.

Boca de Tomatl Access: Boat Stop vs 1.5-Hour Hike Option

The itinerary includes a remote beach option that’s only accessible by boat or by a 1-hour and a half hike from Boca de Tomatl’s jungle treks. The key word is accessible. This is one of those stops where the decision affects the entire experience.

If your group loves walking and doesn’t mind a hike, the land route might appeal. If your group wants to keep the day focused on water time and less effort, the boat-access plan is the easier match.

Either way, this stop is a reminder of why a charter helps. You’re getting to a more secluded area than a simple beach transfer would reach.

Playa Majahuitas and Las Caletas: Two Different Beach Moods

Playa Majahuitas is often considered the best beach of Puerto Vallarta. That’s a big statement, but it also tells you what to expect: the kind of water and scenery where people want to linger.

Then there’s Las Caletas, described as a magical private beach designed especially for relaxation. This is the place to shift gears. After snorkeling and active water toys, Las Caletas is where you slow down—swim, float, and take in the setting.

Together, these two beach stops give you variety: one beach that feels like a highlight destination, and one that’s more about unwinding.

Food and Drinks: This Is Where the Charter Feels Like a Treat

The included snack plan is simple but smart: fresh guacamole with blue corn chips and potato chips. It’s enough to keep energy up while you’re in and out of the water without bogging your group down with a heavy meal.

Then comes the drinks. Alcoholic beverages are included, with a broad list: margaritas, beer, wine, piña coladas, champagne, and more. Also included: water, coffee, juices, and sodas.

What stands out from real moments on charters like this is the crew’s attention to keeping things flowing. In one birthday-style outing, the bartender Joel even swam out with drinks. That’s not a small detail—it changes how your group experiences the day. You don’t have to break the rhythm to grab a beverage.

And it’s not only “drinks and lounge.” The crew often adds playful touches. In one case, fishing lines were set in the water and the crew helped people—especially kids—reel in catches. They even cooked one of the fish onboard to try before the trip ended. That’s exactly the kind of memory-making detail you can’t recreate on your own.

If you’re a birthday planner, this is also the kind of setting where someone on the crew might handle a birthday cake moment. It’s not something you should bank on, but it’s part of the way they run celebrations.

Snorkel Gear, Water Toys, and What You Should Bring

Snorkel gear is included, along with paddle boards and kayaks, plus float and swim gear. That’s a big deal because it lowers the friction. You don’t have to pack your own mask or tubes. You can arrive, get in the water, and start having fun.

Even so, I’d suggest bringing:

• Your own swimwear and a dry bag (so you can keep valuables protected)
• Sunscreen and a hat
• Reef-safe sunscreen if you have it, just to be on the responsible side
• A light layer for after you dry off (wind off the water can feel cool)

Since there are waterslides on board, consider that you’ll likely be getting wet repeatedly. Plan for that. The day is structured around it.

Price and Value: $2,490 for Up to 15 People

At $2,490 per group (up to 15), you’re buying a private boat experience instead of paying per person for a shared tour. The math gets better the more people you bring. If you have a larger group, the per-person cost can drop fast, especially because you’re not separately paying for snorkeling gear, most water activities, and a full range of drinks.

The value story here is the inclusions:

• Snorkeling gear
• Paddle boards and kayaks
• Water tubes, water mattress
• Alcoholic beverages
• Snacks (guacamole and chips)
• Landing and facility fees

If you were doing this day yourself—renting gear, paying for transport to the marina, arranging a boat, and trying to recreate the snack and drink flow—the total usually balloons. This charter keeps it simple.

The trade-off is that you’ll want to confirm your group size and meeting logistics so the day stays smooth.

Getting There: Meeting Place Choice and Pickup Reality

Here’s the part you need to handle early: hotel pickup and drop-off are not included. That said, there is pickup offered, and you can request assistance for affordable luxury transportation to the meeting point. The key is that you must choose your meeting place before submitting your reservation.

One helpful detail from real outings: someone noted a 40–50 minute drive to the boat’s starting location since it’s not in Puerto Vallarta proper. That doesn’t mean it will be exactly the same for everyone, but it’s a clue to plan for transit time and avoid “we’ll just arrive whenever” thinking.

Practical tip: pick your meeting place with the easiest access for your group, not the one that looks closest on a map. Then build in buffer time.

Who This Charter Suits Best

This charter is especially good for:

• Families with kids who want waterslides and a playground on the water
• Friend groups who want to celebrate without micromanaging food and drinks
• People who care about snorkeling and want it built into the route, not tacked on as an afterthought
• Groups who like a mix of cruising views and multiple beach styles

If your group only wants one beach and one short swim, a private charter might feel like extra. But if you want a true day on the water with multiple stops and a higher level of service, it fits nicely.

Should You Book This Private ChicaFun 1 Charter?

I’d book it if you want a private, all-inclusive boat day with waterslides, snorkeling gear, and a crew that actively runs the fun—not just a checklist of stops. The biggest wins are the combination of waterslide energy, strong inclusion value (snorkel gear + drinks + snacks), and the kind of crew service that shows up in details like drinks kept flowing and playful activities like fishing.

I’d pause if your group needs guaranteed hotel pickup and you don’t want to think about meeting places or possible transit time. Also, if your group hates any chance of getting wet repeatedly, remember: this day is built around swimming.

If you’re planning from Puerto Vallarta and you want a memorable water day that feels special without spending all day coordinating, this is a strong choice.

FAQ

How much does the private charter cost?

It costs $2,490 per group, up to 15 people.

How long is the experience?

The duration is about 4 hours.

What’s included with the charter?

Snorkel gear is included, along with paddle boards, kayaks, water mattress, and water tubes. Alcoholic beverages are included, plus water, coffee, juices, sodas, and snacks like fresh made guacamole and blue corn chips.

Is meeting point pickup included?

Hotel pickup and drop-off are not included. Pickup to the meeting point may be requested, but you must choose your meeting place before submitting your reservation.

Is the tour private?

Yes. This is a private tour/activity, and only your group will participate.

What’s not included?

Gratuities are not included (optional). Souvenir photos can be purchased at check-in or from the photographer on the boat.

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