Banderas Bay · Jalisco & Nayarit · Mexico
- Position
- 20.6°N · 105.2°W
- Region
- Banderas Bay, Jalisco, Mexico
Overview
One bay, two states
Banderas Bay stretches roughly 100 km of coastline from Punta de Mita in the north to Cabo Corrientes in the south. Puerto Vallarta, in the state of Jalisco, sits on its eastern shore; Nuevo Vallarta, Bucerías, La Cruz de Huanacaxtle and Punta de Mita, across the bay to the north, are in the Nayarit municipality of Bahía de Banderas.
Despite the state line, the bay works as one destination, and since 2010 the Nayarit side around the bay keeps the same Central Time as Puerto Vallarta. For a charter, what matters is the marina: several large marinas around the bay serve private yachts and catamarans, and the right one depends on where you are staying and where you want to go.
The appeal of the bay is its variety. To the south, the coast turns wild and green, with villages and coves such as Las Ánimas, Quimixto, Majahuitas and Yelapa that are reached by boat. To the north lie the Marietas Islands, a protected national park. In winter, humpback whales use the bay to breed and calve, and a whale-season cruise is one of the most memorable charters in Mexico.
Marinas
Departure points around the bay
Not every vessel departs from the same marina. These are the main bases for private charters.
Marina Vallarta
Puerto Vallarta's main marina, near the airport and the cruise terminal, with hundreds of slips for yachts of many sizes.
Puerto Vallarta, JaliscoNuevo Vallarta
Marina Nuevo Vallarta and Paradise Village Marina serve the resort area just north of Puerto Vallarta, now also marketed as Nuevo Nayarit.
Bahía de Banderas, NayaritMarina Riviera Nayarit, La Cruz
A large marina in the fishing town of La Cruz de Huanacaxtle, convenient for the northern bay and Punta de Mita.
La Cruz de Huanacaxtle, NayaritSmaller pangas and water taxis to the south-shore beaches also leave from Los Muertos Pier in Puerto Vallarta's Zona Romántica and from Boca de Tomatlán.
Where you'll cruise
The south shore and its coves
South of Puerto Vallarta, the mountains drop straight into the sea. This is the classic charter route for snorkeling and beach hopping.
Los Arcos
Granite islets off Mismaloya, protected since 1975 as a marine reserve and one of the bay's most popular snorkeling and diving sites, with nesting seabirds on the rocks. (Not to be confused with the Los Arcos amphitheater on the Malecón.)
Las Ánimas
A beach with a small pier, calm swimming and snorkeling, reached by water taxi or charter from Los Muertos Pier or Boca de Tomatlán.
Quimixto
A fishing village between Las Ánimas and Majahuitas, with a waterfall reached on foot or horseback from the beach.
Majahuitas
A small cove with reefs and quiet water, good for snorkeling and kayaking.
Yelapa
A village with no road for ordinary vehicles, reached by boat: beaches, a jungle waterfall and a relaxed pace.
Marietas Islands
A national park with strict access
The Marietas Islands, off Punta de Mita in Nayarit, have been a national park since 2005 and are managed by Mexico's protected areas commission, CONANP. They are reached only by water, and only with tourism providers that hold a CONANP permit. Inside the park, activities are limited to swimming, snorkeling, diving and approved beach visits, and alcohol is not permitted.
The islands were closed to visitors in 2016 to let the reefs recover, then reopened under limits. The famous hidden beach, Playa del Amor, has a small daily visitor quota and is reached by swimming through a short tunnel, so access is never guaranteed.
If the Marietas are on your list, we will check whether a permitted operator can include them for your date, or recommend a permitted tour alongside your private charter.
Permitted operators
Only CONANP-permitted providers may take visitors.
No alcohol
Food and drink are served aboard, outside the park.
Whale season
Humpbacks in the bay
Banderas Bay is an important breeding and calving ground for humpback whales, which are usually present from around December to March. Whale watching is carried out by authorized vessels following Mexico's national whale-watching standard, which sets approach distances and time limits. Sightings are common in season but never guaranteed.
Weather: the rainy season runs from June to October, overlapping the Eastern Pacific hurricane season (May 15 to November 30). The dry winter months are the most popular for charters.
For your Vallarta quote
- Date and group size
- Where you are staying around the bay
- Snorkeling, beach hopping, whales or a celebration
- Whether the Marietas Islands are a priority
Current fleet & availability
Ask about boats on Banderas Bay
Tell us where you are staying, your date and group size, and whether you would like snorkeling, beach hopping, whales or the Marietas. We will check the yachts and catamarans available around the bay.
Related destinations
More of the Mexican Pacific
Puerto Vallarta FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions About Yacht Charters in Puerto Vallarta
Straight answers to the questions travelers ask most about chartering in Puerto Vallarta. If yours is not here, ask us when you request a quote.
Which marina do Puerto Vallarta charters leave from?
Common departure points include Marina Vallarta in Puerto Vallarta, the Nuevo Vallarta marinas and Marina Riviera Nayarit at La Cruz de Huanacaxtle. The marina depends on the vessel and on where you are staying.
Can a private charter take us to the Marietas Islands?
Only if the operator holds a CONANP permit for the national park. We check whether a permitted vessel is available for your date, or suggest a permitted tour.
Can we visit Playa del Amor, the hidden beach?
Access is limited by a small daily quota and conditions, and visitors swim in through a short tunnel. It is only possible with a permitted operator and is never guaranteed.
When is whale season in Puerto Vallarta?
Humpback whales are usually in Banderas Bay from around December to March. Whale watching is done by authorized vessels under national rules.
Can we snorkel at Los Arcos?
Yes, Los Arcos off Mismaloya is one of the bay's most popular snorkeling and diving sites, conditions permitting.
Is Nuevo Vallarta part of Puerto Vallarta?
No. Nuevo Vallarta is in the state of Nayarit, just north of Puerto Vallarta, but it shares the same bay and, since 2010, the same time zone.
How long does it take to reach Yelapa by boat?
Around 45 minutes from Puerto Vallarta, depending on the vessel and sea conditions.
Can we drink alcohol on a Marietas trip?
Not inside the national park. Drinks can be enjoyed aboard before or after the visit.
When is the rainy season in Puerto Vallarta?
Roughly June to October, overlapping the Eastern Pacific hurricane season from May 15 to November 30.
How long is the boat ride to the Marietas Islands?
Plan on roughly an hour each way from Puerto Vallarta, and considerably less from Punta de Mita, which lies much closer to the islands. Times depend on the vessel and sea conditions, and only CONANP-permitted operators may take visitors.
Is there sport fishing on Banderas Bay?
Yes. The Riviera Nayarit tourism board highlights deep-sea fishing for tuna, marlin and mahi-mahi from La Cruz de Huanacaxtle, home to Marina Riviera Nayarit. Seasons and inclusions are confirmed by the operator for your date.