Cruises in Puerto Vallarta

Daytime bay cruises generally begin with a quick jaunt to Los Arcos Underwater Preserve, off Mismaloya Beach. There's about a half hour for snorkeling or swimming—sometimes with legions of little jellyfish in addition to the turtles that feed on them. Cruises then proceed to Yelapa, Quimixto, or Playa las Ánimas, or to Islas Marietas for whale-watching (in winter), snorkeling, swimming, and lunch. Horseback riding might be available at an additional cost (about $15).

There are plenty of similar tours available; the following are among the most popular and professional.

Word of Mouth

"There is no electricity , so dinner and the trails are all lit by candles. Very cool and romantic. I would highly recommend this."

-MichelleY

Logistics

Buy your ticket from licensed vendors at Parque Lázaro Cárdenas, just north of the Cuale River, along the boardwalk at Los Muertos Beach, and at sportfishing operators such as Master Baiters.

Prices are somewhat fluid; like car salespeople, the ticket sellers give discounts or jack up the price as they see fit. Full-day booze cruises cost about $45-$70 per person, including open bar, Continental breakfast, lunch, snorkeling, and/or kayaks. Dinner cruises cost $75-$80. Expect to pay a small port fee (about $2) at the maritime pier in addition to the cost of the ticket.

Outfitters

Cruceros Princesa (Terminal Marítima, Marina Vallarta. 322/224-4777) has full-day and half-day trips to the beaches of southern Bahía de Banderas with snorkeling, beach time, and lunch. Half-day cruises generally go to Los Arcos or Las Animas; full-day cruises access several different spots, such as Yelapa and Majahuitas or Los Arcos, or Quimixto and Playa las Ánimas, as well as jaunts to Islas Marietas for half-day whale-watching (in winter), snorkeling, swimming, and lunch. The boat "Zarape" heads to Los Arcos for 40 minutes of snorkeling, and then continues to Las Animas and Quimixto. After beach time there's lunch aboard the boat on the return trip ($38).

Cruceros Santamaría (Paseo de la Marina Sur 161, Interior 14, Las Palmas I Condominiums, Marina Vallarta. 322/221-2511. www.santamariacruises.com) has two different full-day tours to Los Arcos and Las Ánimas with visits to either Quimixto or Yelapa. It also rents boats for large private parties. You can buy tickets from their office or booth vendors.

A really-and-truly sailing vessel that has circumnavigated the world more than once, the Marigalante (Paseo Díaz Ordáz 770, Centro. 322/223-0309 or 322/223-1662. www.marigalante.com.mx) has a pirate crew that keeps things hopping for preteens and even older kids with fun and games. The dinner cruise, with open bar and pre-Hispanic show, is geared for adults and has some bawdy pirate humor. Women who don't want to be "kidnapped" may prefer the day cruise or another operator.

Vallarta Adventures (Paseo de las Palmas 39-A, Nuevo Vallarta. 322/297-1212; 888/303-2653 in U.S. and Canada. www.vallarta-adventures.com) has day or evening cruises to Caletas Beach, its exclusive domain. Although the day cruise can accommodate 150 passengers, there's plenty of room to spread out: boulder-bordered coves, sandy beaches, hammocks in the shade, and jungle trails ensure that you won't feel like a cow about to be branded "tourist." The Caletas by Day cruise includes snorkeling, kayaking, hiking, and lunch (scuba or spa treatments available for additional fees). The Rhythms of the Night evening cruise includes dinner on the beach and a show at the amphitheater. Most folks love the show—men and women dressed as voluptuous natives do a modern dance to dramatic lighting and music. Kids under 10 are not allowed. Both tours cost $85.