Puerto Vallarta, Mexico area
Sailing Charter Itineraries

Sail the Mexican Riveria. Warm air and water temperatures make Puerto Vallarta area sailing charters a delightful experience:
Trip A: 3-5 days, start/end Bay of Banderas.

Fly in/out of Puerto Vallarta. Board the yacht at 5-star Nuevo Vallarta Resort. Sail the Bay of Bandera, one of the best sailing locations in Mexico. We see humpback whales swimming and breaching on every charter - our record is 80 whales in 6 days! We see smaller rays jumping out of the water every day. We sometimes encounter giant Manta Rays, 6-24' across, and you can have a thrilling swim with them! We also usually see a few sea turtles each week. Visit Los Arcos, Boca De Tomathlan, Yelapa, Punta Mita or beautiful Las Tres Marietas National Ecological Park, with spectacular caves and many birds (including blue-footed Boobies). This is an outstanding sailing cruise for those who are new to sailing and families with young children. The Bay of Banderas can be affected by swells. At night, we anchor, or if you prefer stay in the marina at 5-star Nuevo Vallarta (add $55 per night).

Trip B:
6 or 7 days, Bay of Banderas/Isla Isabela/Bay of Banderas.

Enjoy the best of the bay, and sail 75 miles offshore to the "mini-Galapagos" Isla Isabela's spectacular beauty and wildlife. Other options include Chacala, Jeltamba and stops listed in Trip A above. Fly in/out of Puerto Vallarta. Board the yacht at 5-star Nuevo Vallarta Resort.

Trip C:
7-10 days: Start Bay of Banderas, end Manzanillo area, 125-130 miles

Note: The mainland West coast of Mexico is exposed to the open ocean and motion can be experienced when sailing or at anchor. Relatively few yachts are cruising along the Mexican Riviera. Many stops are in very small towns rarely frequented by tourists.

Sailing south one-way, it's a downwind coastal passage along the Mexican Riviera. Possible stops:

  • Yelapa: A small Indian village, uniquely only accessible by boat or donkey trail, and all transportation is by Mule, Donkey or Panga. Many artisans and writers make this their winter home.
  • Ipala: A small fishing village and popular overnight anchorage. From here, the next port is 53 miles, a full day underway.
  • Bahia De Chamela: Secure, well-protected anchorage that is usually calm. Small village, very long sandy beach, several smaller islands to explore.
  • Bahia Careyes: A small anchorage surrounded by a few resorts like Bell Hotel and Club Med. A large turtle nesting site is a half-mile south.
  • Bahia De Tenicatita: Large well protected bay with several calm anchorages. Perfect beach complete with palm huts and tropical fish among rocks. Visit the town of La Manzanilla with its large Crocodile pond. Explore the inland lagoon and the Mangrove lined river, which we call "the jungle tour" - watch for crocodiles! Great snorkeling area called "The Aquarium". Close to the Manzanillo airport.
  • Barra/Bahia De Navidad. Normally anchored overnight in the very calm lagoon, but can dock in marinas at Manzanillo or Bahia De Navidad (at small extra charge). Barra de Navidad is a nice small town with a few restaurants, cafes and small shops, and lots of things to see and do! The movie "McHales' Navy" was filmed here in 1997. Close to the Manzanillo airport.
Please contact your charter broker or travel agent for booking