There is no better spot to admire nature’s splendor than sitting on a boat deck and taking in Banderas Bay.
Fishing boats, catamarans, and luxury yachts may be rented for a few hours or even a few weeks by various Puerto Vallarta boat tour companies and private charters.
There is something for everyone, including snorkeling expeditions, cruises, and sailing tours, among other activities.
Want to learn more about Puerto Vallarta boat rentals? You’ve arrived to the correct location!
If you want to explore Mexico by boat, check out my other yacht rental guides:
- Tulum Yacht Rental
- Cancun Yacht Rental
- Cabo San Lucas Yacht Rental Guide
Contents
Why Should You Hire A Boat in Puerto Vallarta?
Cruising in Puerto Vallarta is becoming increasingly popular as more guests go to the west coast of Mexico to escape Cancun’s parties and nightlife. This village on the Pacific Coast is a fascinating and bustling getaway.
There is never a lack of things to do in El Malecn since it boasts a diverse choice of restaurants, boutique stores, pubs, nightclubs, and a gorgeous beach promenade. Consider, for example, a sailing trip!
The enormous expanse of spectacular maritime scenery around Puerto Vallarta makes renting a private boat to cruise from a popular option.
If you want the finest weather for your trip, I suggest arranging your sailing holiday in Puerto Vallarta between April and July. When there is almost no rain, and there are many fewer tourists than during the winter season, which lasts from December through March.
Yet, no matter what time of year you visit the city, you will discover a variety of activities to see and do.
The 3 Best Sailboat Rentals in Puerto Vallarta
You’ve come to the correct spot if you’re looking for the greatest boat rentals in Puerto Vallarta.
- Vallarta Yacht Company can offer you a broad choice of yachts that have passed tests of comfort, service, and enjoyment. Their yacht charters are all-inclusive, covering all activities such as snorkeling, kayaking, paddleboarding, premium bar, exotic drinks, gourmet foods, and world-class service.
- Vallarta Yacht Rental has made a dedicated selection of the best yachts, sailboats, and catamarans available for rent in Puerto Vallarta. You can count on personalized renting service, trips to the bay, visits to the most breathtaking beaches in Puerto Vallarta and the Riviera Nayarit, yachts for competitive fishing, or for special events like weddings, parties, birthdays, graduations, and much more.
- In Vallarta Yachts, you can find a fine fleet of yachts, sailing boats, catamarans, and fishing yachts in Puerto Vallarta and Banderas Bay. They say, and we quote, “Yacht Rental in Puerto Vallarta and Banderas Bay has never been so easy and affordable as it is with Yachts Vallarta.’”
Plan your next sailing adventure and enjoy Puerto Vallarta from a new perspective.
Yachting Destinations
To get you started on your vacation, I’ll offer you some recommendations for locations you should see!
Sail to the Marietas Islands
While planning your itinerary from Puerto Vallarta, include a visit to Islas Marietas, which is home to the famed circular beach, which looks to be an underground water pool from above.
The closest site on the mainland to the islands is Punta de Mita. While there are ferry boats that leave from the mainland and carry groups of guests to Marietas, it is usually a far more enjoyable experience to explore from the luxury of your yacht.
Las Animas, New Mexico
Visit Las Animas Beach, which is encircled by large palm trees, and dive in to see the marine life up close. You may relax on the magnificent beach overlooking the sparkling seas of Las Animas Beach, participate in sports such as paragliding, or continue exploring the community of Quimixto.
Playa Mismaloya and Playa Los Muertos
While organizing a boat excursion in Puerto Vallarta, its bay and shoreline provide tourists, sailors, and visitors with a fantastic length of magnificent seasides to check out.
Playa Los Muertos is one of the nearest beaches to the Los Arcos Marine Park, a rocky series of islands that form a protected national park that is highly worth seeing.
Mismaloya is a sandy and palm-lined beach surrounded by lush forest that provides spectacular views.
Playas Camarones and Yelapa
Despite its location in the heart of the Puerto Vallarta hotel zone, Playa Camarones is one of the quietest and calmest sandy beaches in the area.
It’s an excellent choice if you want some peace and quiet while enjoying the sun and gorgeous seas on your sailing excursion in Puerto Vallarta. Swimming and water activities are ideal at Yelapa Beach.
There are also some beautiful, clear-water rocky places ideal for snorkeling and observing interesting fish and coral. The bay itself is quiet and isolated, surrounded by thick greenery.
What You Should Know Before Renting A Boat
If you’re new to this, you’re certain to have a lot of unanswered questions. Fortunately, you don’t have to search any farther!
Things To Look For When Buying A Boat
You certainly want your vacation to go off without a hitch. One of the most important responsibilities is to take over the boat before departure.
Why, you could ask? Because ships aren’t always as well-prepared as they should be. Moreover, quite frequently, you must resolve a slew of issues and barriers before departing.
The time you take over the boat or check-in is critical in avoiding the rental firm from requesting payment for damages committed by prior crews.
If you had to inspect every detail, you’d probably never be able to set sail, so concentrate on the materials and equipment that you’ll need or that are essential to sailing.
The boat inspection is broken into two stages. The external and internal inspections are those components.
Before you begin, turn on all of the switches on the saloon’s dashboard.
Things to look for on the outside:
Deck and Hull
- Take a smartphone or camera with you as you go around the outside of the boat, taking photos of any visible scratches and damages.
- Take a closer look at the edges and the sides of the boat, the bow, and the bow area near the anchor, as the bow can be damaged by the anchor.
Begin the engine.
- Make sure it starts up without any difficulties. Shifting gears should be smooth, and don’t forget to check and see if you can feel the transition between neutral, forward, and reverse.
Windlass for anchors and anchors
- Leave the engine running and examine the bow anchor.
- First, check the connection of the anchor to the chain, the anchor itself, and its placement in the mount.
- Next, check the anchor controls and try lowering and raising the anchor.
Riggings
- If the conditions allow it, hoist the sails one at a time.
- If the sails are damaged, ask for their repair or replacement.
- Check the lines, winches, stoppers, and the boom mast attachment.
- Visually check the mast, boom, side vents, and the fore and aft shrouds for damage.
Onboard technology
- Check the instruments onboard, the marine plotter, depth indicating devices, wind direction and speed, and autopilot data.
- Check the lifebuoy and rescue light buoy, and check the onboard lights.
Autopilot and rudder
- Check the operation of the steering wheel and check the autopilot that controls the rudders.
- Inspect the rudder blade if you can see it from the jetty.
Dinghy
- Check that the dinghy is in good shape and that it is inflated.
- If you are not sure that it is inflated enough, try to inflate it and watch for air leaks.
Examining the inside:
- Stove and refrigerator
- Switch on the gas to the stove, using a lighter or matches to light the flame.
- Gradually test that all ovens work.
- Check the galley cooking equipment.
- Don’t forget to check that the refrigerator is cooling and that the temperature can be regulated.
- Safety equipment
- Don’t forget to check the number, location, and condition of life jackets and harnesses.
- If you are sailing with children, check whether they can use universal life jackets meant for adults.
- Next, find out about the location of fire extinguishers and fire axes, check the signal equipment, flares, and day shapes.
- Finally, find out where the first aid kit is and inspect its contents.
- Navigation
- Check the navigation equipment, maps, navigation aids, the pilot for the area, etc.
- Water and tanks
- Check and make sure that water flows and drains well everywhere on the yacht.
- Next, find out where to turn off the water and waste pipes.
- Next, ask about the location of the water tanks – how and where to switch water tanks.
- Finally, find out where the tank filler is.
- Boat documents
- The boat documents should include the technical inspection certificate, a permit to sail in the area, a crew list, and boat insurance.
- Make sure that the rental company gives you contact information in case any problems occur.
- Engine
- Open the engine compartment and check for oil leaks.
- If there aren’t any engine leaks and the space under the engine is dry, you should check the oil and coolant levels and tension the V-belts if they are not covered under the hood.
- Lastly, ask if the diesel tank has been refilled and check the fuel gauge.
Things to Keep in Mind While Bringing On Board
Are you going sailing for the first time and wondering what to bring and what not to bring? Examine these suggestions and advice to ensure you haven’t overlooked anything important.
- Gloves
- Safety Glasses
- Snorkeling Kit
- First Aid Kit
- Flashlight or Headlamp
- Waterproof Bags
- Sunscreen and Lip Balm
What To Do And What Not To Do
Hiring a boat is a fantastic way to go away and unwind. A yacht holiday, on the other hand, must strike the correct balance between high-end service and respect for guest privacy.
Following a few simple principles is vital for a great stay. Here is a list of Dos and Donts to remember.
Dos:
- Listen to the safety briefing. Your crew takes safety very seriously. So, make sure you listen to them with undivided attention. In rare cases of rough seas or different issues, the information you’ll learn can be of great benefit.
- Always ask about any specific rules and policies for bringing animals on board and about smoking.
Do you want to bring your four-legged best friend? If you notify your charter broker, this should not be an issue.
Are you a cigarette smoker? Every boat has a strict no-smoking policy. Although most boats do not permit smoking inside, some do have designated smoking spots outside.
- Fill out the preference form in advance. This helpful document goes a long way in making your trip the most enjoyable.
- Don’t forget to tip the crew. The crew tip is usually 15-20 percent of the total charge. This, of course, is your decision. This percentage can go up and down depending on your satisfaction with the service.
Donts
- Don’t do anything illegal! There is zero tolerance aboard yachts for unlawful activities. The fine for any such behavior is the yacht being taken, and the license can be lost.
As a result, the captain and crew will cut your excursion short and return you to shore. The authorities will then take action.
- Don’t enter the crew quarters. Avoid crew areas unless you’ve been invited there. The galley, or kitchen, is usually off-limits to guests unless requested by the chef. The crew will be there to provide beverages and take any food orders throughout your stay.
- Don’t walk on the boat in your shoes. As soon as you step onboard, you’ll see a similar sight on any yacht and a basket for shoes by the entry.
- Don’t waste any water. A yacht is a self-sufficient unit, and as such, the crew manages all aspects of power generation, garbage disposal, and water consumption.
Last Thoughts
Have you fallen in love with Puerto Vallarta yet? It’s no surprise that it has. Because of the variety of its beaches, you could spend a lifetime exploring it on your boat and still have more to see.
So maybe it’s time to start the experience, and Puerto Vallarta is the ideal location. There are a variety of boats available and waiting for you!
Do you want to begin arranging your vacation to Mexico? Don’t forget to check out these websites for extra information and helpful hints!
- Should you buy travel insurance for Mexico?
- What to take for your trip to Mexico.
- My best travel hacks, tips, and advice.