Imagine cruising along the shimmering waters of Jalisco in a private boat, with the freedom to customize your day around snorkeling, local eats, and exploring charming coastal towns. That’s exactly what this private boat tour offers—a personalized way to experience the best of the Mexican coast with a relaxed, friendly vibe.
What makes this experience stand out? Firstly, it’s exclusive, so no crowded group tours here. Secondly, the flexible itinerary allows you to tailor stops and activities to your liking. And third, being guided by local experts ensures you get authentic insights into the area’s culture and hidden gems. That said, it’s worth noting that some may find the 6-hour window a little tight if they want to linger longer at each spot.
This tour suits travelers looking for a blend of adventure and relaxation, whether you’re traveling solo, with family, or as a couple seeking a romantic escape. The focus on authentic local spots makes it particularly appealing for those wanting to see beyond the typical tourist paths.
Key Points
Private and Personalized: Enjoy an exclusive, customizable experience tailored to your interests.
Snorkeling Adventure: Explore colorful reefs at Colimilla with plenty of marine life to discover.
Charming Yelapa: Wander through vibrant streets, taste local cuisine, and visit a waterfall.
Authentic Local Vibe: Visit lesser-known spots with guidance from local experts.
All-Inclusive Feel: Snacks, water, life jackets, and a retractable rooftop add comfort and convenience.
Timing & Flexibility: The 6-hour tour offers a well-paced day, but with some limits on extra time.
The Allure of a Private Boat Experience in Jalisco
This tour stands out because it offers a more intimate, tailored experience compared to larger group excursions. With Bruno, your guide and captain, you’ll feel like a guest in a friend’s boat rather than just another tourist. From the moment he picks you up at Boca de Tomatlán, the friendly and knowledgeable vibe sets the tone for a memorable day.
The vessel itself features modern comforts like a retractable rooftop, so you can enjoy the sun or shade depending on your mood. The hop-on-hop-off capability at the beaches means you can spend as much or as little time at each stop, making this a flexible adventure suited to your pace.
The tour’s value lies not only in the exclusivity but also in the thoughtful extras—snacks, water bottles, life jackets, and the option to ask for coolers. These little touches ensure your comfort while focusing on the fun part: discovering beautiful spots along the coast.
Looking for more options in Boca De Tomatlan? We've reviewed plenty of other experiences.
Itinerary Breakdown: What to Expect from Start to Finish
Starting Point: Boca de Tomatlán
Your adventure kicks off at Boca de Tomatlán, a charming fishing village known for its relaxed atmosphere and vibrant docks. Bruno will be waiting at the pier or beach, easily recognizable by the tour logo. This small but lively spot offers a glimpse of local life and sets a casual tone for your day.
The Water Taxi to Colimilla: Snorkel Paradise
Next, you’ll hop onto a water taxi—about 45 minutes—heading toward Colimilla Beach. This stretch offers scenic views of the coast, with the boat gliding past lush greenery and rocky cliffs. Once there, the snorkeling begins. Reports mention a “big diversity of fish,” hinting at a healthy reef full of colorful marine life. Since snorkeling gear is provided (though fins are not), you’ll want to bring your sense of curiosity and perhaps a waterproof camera.
Several reviewers emphasize the beauty of the underwater world here, with one mentioning, “The fish were incredible, and the water was clear enough to see everything.” The calm, shallow waters make it suitable for beginners but interesting enough for seasoned snorkelers. Keep in mind, the activity is flexible—if snorkeling isn’t your thing, the boat’s open design allows for relaxing on deck and enjoying the views instead.
More Great Tours NearbyYelapa: A Colorful Coastal Village
After your aquatic adventure, the boat heads to Yelapa—about 45 minutes away by water taxi. Yelapa is a favorite for its vibrant streets, artistic murals, and laid-back vibe. It’s a place where small shops and cafes spill onto narrow pathways, all decorated with eye-catching artwork.
Here, you can choose to relax, explore on foot, or opt for additional activities like riding horses or hiking to the waterfall (not included). Many reviews highlight the colorful artwork and welcoming atmosphere, describing it as “a little piece of paradise.” The waterfall, about 15 minutes’ walk from the town, offers a refreshing break—be prepared for a short hike and enjoy the cool splash of natural water.
Food-wise, Yelapa is packed with restaurants serving authentic local dishes—think fresh seafood, tacos, and tropical fruits. Travelers often commend the delicious food and relaxed outdoor dining options. You might find yourself lingering here longer if you’re eager to soak up the coastal life.
Return Journey & End at Boca de Tomatlán
After a leisurely afternoon, you’ll hop back onto the boat for the return trip, which is similar in duration to the outbound journey. Once back at Boca de Tomatlán, your day concludes with memories of stunning vistas, underwater marvels, and colorful streets.
Practical Details and What Sets This Tour Apart
Flexibility and Customization
One of the biggest perks is the ability to tailor your experience. You can spend more time snorkeling, exploring Yelapa, or simply relaxing on the boat. The guide, Bruno, is keen on ensuring your day fits your preferences, making this one of the most adaptable tours available in the area.
Transportation & Timing
The tour begins early in the day, with check availability to find the right start time. The boat ride to each stop lasts about 45 minutes, giving ample opportunity to enjoy the scenery. The total duration is six hours, which strikes a balance between a full day of adventure and avoiding fatigue. Because communication is mostly via WhatsApp, travelers should ensure they share their contact info for smooth coordination.
Value for Money
Charging $182 per person, the tour offers a comprehensive experience with private guiding, snorkeling gear, snacks, and life jackets included. For those seeking a personalized way to explore the coast, this price offers good value—especially considering the private boat, which minimizes crowds and maximizes comfort.
Limitations and Considerations
While the experience is highly customizable, the 6-hour window means you might need to prioritize activities if you want to see everything. Extra activities like horseback riding or additional water sports are not included, so if those are on your list, you’ll need to arrange them separately.
Authentic Experiences and Insider Tips
According to reviews, the guides and crew are friendly, knowledgeable, and eager to make your trip special. Bruno’s local insights add depth to your understanding of Yelapa and the surrounding areas. Many travelers note how quiet and peaceful the beaches are compared to busier tourist spots, making this a relaxing retreat.
Snorkeling gear is provided, but fins are not, so bringing your own fins or a waterproof camera is recommended. The coolers and ice are available upon request, which is perfect if you want to bring your own drinks or fresh fruit.
Noteworthy Details
- The tour is conducted in both English and Spanish, accommodating a diverse range of travelers.
- The activity ends back at the initial meeting point, making logistics straightforward.
- Cancellation is free if canceled at least 24 hours in advance, allowing flexibility if plans change.
Who This Tour Is Perfect For
This private boat tour caters to those who love authentic, flexible experiences, with a mix of adventure and chill time. It’s ideal for travelers who prefer exploring in a small, intimate group rather than large tour buses. If you’re interested in snorkeling, exploring colorful local towns, or simply enjoying a scenic boat ride, this tour ticks a lot of boxes.
Families, couples, or groups of friends will appreciate the personalized approach and the chance to create a day that suits their interests. LGBTQ+ friendly, the tour is welcoming to all who want a genuine taste of the Mexican coast.
To sum it up, this experience offers a well-rounded, authentic taste of Jalisco’s coast—beautiful underwater scenes, vibrant local culture, and the freedom to customize your day. It’s perfect for travelers seeking a relaxing, private adventure that delivers both scenic beauty and local flavor without the crowds.
FAQ
What is included in the tour?
The tour includes round-trip transportation, a captain and local guide, snorkeling gear (without fins), snacks, water bottles, life jackets, and a retractable rooftop on the boat. Coolers and ice are available on request.
How long is the tour?
The total experience lasts approximately six hours, including boat rides and stops at Colimilla and Yelapa.
Can I customize the activities?
Yes, the tour is flexible and can be tailored to your interests, whether that’s more snorkeling, exploring Yelapa, or relaxing on the boat.
What should I bring?
Bring your own fins if you want, along with sun protection, a waterproof camera, and any personal essentials. It’s also wise to communicate via WhatsApp for updates and coordination.
Is the tour suitable for children?
While not explicitly mentioned, the relaxed pace and calm waters suggest it’s suitable for families, especially with supervision. Check with the provider if you have specific age concerns.
Are extra activities available?
Extra activities like horseback riding, jet skis, or parasailing are not included and need to be arranged separately.
What is the cancellation policy?
You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund, providing peace of mind to adjust your plans if needed.
Is this tour LGBTQ+ friendly?
Absolutely, the tour welcomes all travelers looking for an authentic and fun coastal experience.
This private boat tour in Jalisco offers a relaxing, scenic, and customizable day perfect for those eager to see the coast from a unique perspective. With friendly guides, authentic spots, and flexible options, it’s an experience that makes you feel like a local exploring your own private paradise.
You can check availability for your dates here: