If you’re looking for a lively, family-friendly way to enjoy Puerto Vallarta’s stunning coastline, the Pirate Ship Adventure aboard the Marigalante offers a lively mix of entertainment, beach fun, and cultural flair. While it’s designed to entertain all ages, the experience shines brightest for those wanting a mix of adventure, good food, and easy access to some of the area’s best beach spots.
The highlights include pirate shows and swordfights, snorkeling at Majahuitas Beach, unlimited drinks, and a hearty onboard breakfast and lunch. The tour’s lively atmosphere, engaging guides, and stunning ocean views make it an excellent choice for families, groups, or anyone wanting to add some pirate-themed fun to their Puerto Vallarta trip.
One thing to keep in mind is the 6-hour duration, which means you’ll want to be prepared for a full day of activities, including some travel time. If you prefer a more relaxed or shorter outing, this may feel a little packed. This tour is well-suited for travelers who enjoy a lively, interactive experience that combines entertainment with scenic beach time.
Key Points
- Family-friendly fun with pirate shows, treasure hunts, and kid activities
- All-inclusive drinks and delicious onboard meals add great value
- Snorkeling and water sports at Majahuitas Beach keep the adventure lively
- Lively pirate entertainment with swordfights and audience participation
- Comfortable cruise experience aboard the Marigalante with bilingual guides
- Duration of 6 hours provides a full, exciting day without feeling rushed
What to Expect from the Puerto Vallarta Pirate Ship Adventure
This tour sets sail aboard the Marigalante, a ship that decks out as a pirate vessel, setting the scene for a day full of fun and surprises. It’s a balanced blend of entertainment, outdoor activities, and good food, making it perfect for families and groups wanting a memorable day out.
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The Journey Begins: From Dock to Adventure
The tour kicks off with guests gathering at Puerto Vallarta’s Maritime Terminal, where you’ll get a brief safety orientation and meet your bilingual guides—most reviews note guides like Miguel and Carlos as especially knowledgeable and engaging. The full hot-cooked breakfast is served as you cruise out towards Majahuitas Beach, and you’ll love the way the crew keeps the energy lively from the start.
Pirate Shows and Interactive Entertainment
Once underway, the ship comes alive with pirate shows, singing, and swordfights staged directly on deck. These are more theatrical and fun rather than intense combat, but their lively nature and humorous dialogue definitely add to the atmosphere. Reviewers mention the guides as being very friendly and energetic, often involving guests in games, which keeps everyone entertained.
Majahuitas Beach: Water Fun and Relaxation
After about two hours at sea, the ship reaches Majahuitas Beach—a pristine spot perfect for snorkeling, kayaking, and banana boat rides. The clear waters make snorkeling rewarding, with many guests noting the ease of renting equipment and the vibrant marine life.
Kids especially enjoy activities like treasure hunts and tug-of-war, which are organized by the crew, adding a layer of playful engagement. Adults appreciate the unlimited beer, soft drinks, and open bar, which make relaxing at the beach even better.
More Great Tours NearbyFood, Drinks, and Beachside Fun
A hot lunch is served on the boat after returning from the beach, with two menu options—basic and premium, which include lobster tails and whisky for the more indulgent. Many review comments highlight the quality of the food as surprisingly good for a day cruise, with plentiful options catering to different tastes.
The onboard unlimited drinks keep spirits high, and the lively atmosphere is amplified by audience participation games and a variety of entertainment. Kids are kept busy with activities like face painting and mini treasure hunts, making the trip family-friendly.
Return and Reflection
As the day winds down, guests are encouraged to take photos, purchase DVDs of the performance, or simply soak in the sunset views. The ship docks back at Puerto Vallarta, leaving travelers with plenty of photos and stories.
The Experience: A Closer Look
The Itinerary Breakdown
- Morning departure with breakfast onboard: Expect a hearty, hot meal to start your day, which sets a good tone for the 6-hour adventure.
- Sailing and pirate shows: The lively shows and swordfights are staged right on deck, with guides like Miguel providing witty commentary that keeps everyone engaged.
- Majahuitas Beach stop: Around two hours here allows ample time for snorkeling, kayaking, or just lounging on the beach. The shallow, clear waters provide good visibility for snorkelers, and the banana boat rides are a big hit.
- Lunch and entertainment: The onboard buffet features both basic and premium meal options, with the latter including lobster tails and whisky—products of thoughtful menu planning that appeals to a range of tastes.
- Afternoon fun: Audience games, pirate shows, and raffles keep the energy high, while the open bar ensures everyone stays refreshed.
Water Activities and Beach Vibe
Guests particularly enjoy the water sports options, which are included in the price. The small group sizes and well-organized activities make it easy for everyone, especially beginners, to enjoy the water safely. The beach itself is tranquil, with beautiful scenery that photographs beautifully.
Food and Drink Quality
The fact that lunch is hot-cooked and served on board is a pleasant surprise, as many tours skimp on meals. The premium menu options with lobster tail elevate the experience for those willing to pay a little extra, making it feel like good value in the context of a full day of entertainment.
Guides and Crew
Multiple reviews praise the guides—like Miguel and Carlos—who are not only knowledgeable but also genuinely friendly. They help facilitate fun interactions, keep the energy lively, and ensure safety during water activities. Their bilingual ability (English and Spanish) makes the tour accessible to a broad audience.
Is This Tour Worth the Price?
At $245 per person, this cruise is priced on the higher side, but the inclusions justify it. With lunch, unlimited drinks, water activities, entertainment, and transportation included, it offers a comprehensive, hassle-free day out. If you’re traveling with family or friends, the variety of activities and the lively atmosphere make it a worthwhile investment.
Who Will Love This Tour?
This experience is perfect for families with kids, groups of friends, or couples who enjoy a mix of entertainment and outdoor fun. The pirate theme adds a whimsical touch that appeals especially to children, while the adults will appreciate the quality food and drinks. It’s a good choice if you’re after a full-day activity that combines sightseeing, water sports, and entertainment.
The Sum Up
The Puerto Vallarta Pirate Ship Adventure offers a lively, family-friendly way to enjoy the coastline with plenty of entertainment, water activities, and good food. The guides’ enthusiasm and the engaging pirate shows create a fun atmosphere, while the scenic stop at Majahuitas Beach means you get to enjoy the area’s natural beauty.
While the 6-hour duration might be a bit full for some, most guests find the pace energetic and satisfying. The inclusions—meals, drinks, water sports—add to the overall value, making it a compelling option for travelers wanting a memorable, action-packed day.
This tour is especially suitable for those who love a playful, interactive experience and are comfortable with a busy itinerary. If you’re traveling with kids or seeking a lively, all-in-one adventure, you’ll likely find this cruise hits the mark.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the duration of the tour?
The tour lasts approximately 6 hours, but it’s best to check the specific starting times available during booking.
Is there a meal included?
Yes, there is a hot-cooked breakfast at the start and a hot lunch served on board. The lunch options include both basic and premium menus, with lobster tail and whisky available in the premium.
Are drinks included?
Yes, guests enjoy unlimited beer, soft drinks, and an open bar throughout the day, which is part of the package.
Can I snorkel at Majahuitas Beach?
Absolutely. Snorkeling equipment is included, and the clear waters make it easy for beginners and experienced snorkelers alike to enjoy marine life.
Are there activities for kids?
Yes, children can participate in treasure hunts, tug-of-war, and face painting. The crew actively includes kids in games and entertainment.
What should I wear?
Casual beachwear, swimwear, and sunscreen are recommended. A hat and sunglasses are also useful for sun protection.
Is this tour suitable for non-swimmers?
While water activities are available, non-swimmers can enjoy beach lounging and observing the fun from the shore. Life jackets are provided for water sports.
Can I cancel or reschedule?
Yes, you can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund. Booking can be made with the flexibility to reserve now and pay later.
The Puerto Vallarta Pirate Ship Adventure offers a lively, full-day experience that combines entertainment, scenic beauty, and water fun—great for families, friends, and those young at heart looking to add some pirate-themed excitement to their vacation.
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