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Yelapa bay with pangas at anchor, a beach and jungle-covered hills

Bahía Azul Charters

Available on Tuesday, December 22 for 2 guests

Private trips

The whole boat, just for your group.

Shared tours

Buy seats on a scheduled departure.

The bay

Where we set sail from and where we go.

Chart of Banderas Bay with the departure points and each trip’s route

The fleet

  • Catamaran anchored in a turquoise cove with a rocky shore

    Garza Morena

    44 ft, room for 20 guests

    Sailing catamaran with bow nets, shaded deck, restroom, swim ladder, double kayak and four paddleboards.

  • White sailboat under full sail with people on board in turquoise water

    Niña Nayar

    42 ft, room for 10 guests

    Sailboat with two restrooms, shade awning, speaker and two paddleboards.

  • Pangas with sunshades by the Boca de Tomatlán pier, surrounded by jungle

    Pelícano Chato

    26 ft, room for 8 guests

    Panga with sun canopy, four-stroke engine and a hydrophone to hear whales. No restroom.

About Bahía Azul Charters

We're a family-run Banderas Bay outfit with three boats and a local crew. We sail from Marina Vallarta, La Cruz and Los Muertos to the Marietas Islands, Los Arcos, Majahuitas and into the sunset. We keep groups small and follow national-park rules.

Safety and permits

Our boats meet Port Authority (Capitanía de Puerto) requirements and every trip carries passenger liability insurance. Our captains hold current certification. On board: adult and child life jackets, a first-aid kit and a VHF radio. At the Marietas and around whales we follow CONANP rules and NOM-131-SEMARNAT-2010.

Provided by the operator.

Policies

Cancellation

Cancel 48 hours or more before departure for a full refund of your deposit. Under 48 hours, the deposit is non-refundable.

Weather

If the captain or the Port Authority cancels for weather or a port closure, you pick a new date at no cost or get a 100% refund.

Paying the balance

The balance is paid on the day, before departure, in cash or by bank transfer.

Frequently asked questions

Is the Marietas wristband included?

No. It's paid in cash on the day, about MXN 220 per person at the current CONANP rate.

Can we visit Hidden Beach?

With the add-on, Wednesday to Sunday, ages 10–65. It depends on the park's daily cap and the tide: you swim about 120 m with a life jacket and helmet.

What if the weather is bad?

The captain decides. You pick a new date at no cost or get a full refund.

What if a shared tour doesn't fill up?

Each shared tour needs a minimum number of guests. If it isn't reached, we let you know at least 48 hours before, and you choose a new date or a full refund.

When is whale season?

December 8 to March 23, per the official season notice.

Are kids welcome?

Yes, we carry kids' life jackets. They pay the same rate as adults.

Is there a restroom on board?

On the sailboat and the catamaran, yes; on the panga, no.

Can I bring my own food and drinks?

On private trips, yes: no glass and no single-use plastics.

How much should I tip?

10–20% for the crew is customary, in cash.

When should I get to the dock?

30 minutes early, with cash for the dock fee. We send the exact pin the day before.