There is a certain moment when Puerto Vallarta disappears behind you, the Sierra Madre Mountains become greener and more dramatic, and the crystalline Pacific opens into a private world of hidden beaches, jungle coves, and villages accessible only by water.
That is when a day on the South Shore truly begins.
Our favorite route combines the unique beauty of Majahuitas, Las Ánimas, Quimixto, and: if time and sea conditions allow: Yelapa. It is a spectacular way to experience the coastline aboard a private yacht from Puerto Vallarta, with a professional captain and crew managing every detail while you focus on swimming, dining, laughing, and deciding whether the ocean or the yacht has the better view.
The short version? Reserve at least eight hours. The luxurious version? Let us customize the day around your priorities.
Why a private yacht is the best way to explore the South Shore
A conventional boat tour gives you a schedule. A private yacht Puerto Vallarta experience gives you choices.
You decide whether the morning begins with snorkeling in calm, emerald water, whether lunch is served aboard with an onboard chef or enjoyed at a beachfront palapa, and whether your afternoon is devoted to a waterfall hike, paddleboarding, or doing absolutely nothing on a sun-soaked deck.
With a yacht charter Puerto Vallarta, you also avoid crowded departures, confusing transfers, and the logistical gymnastics that can turn a vacation day into an Olympic event. Our experienced captains understand the coastline, changing sea conditions, and the practical timing required to enjoy several destinations without rushing.
We handle the route. You enjoy the voyage.
The ultimate South Shore route
1. Majahuitas: Begin in a hidden cove
Majahuitas is the ideal first major stop because it immediately delivers the feeling of escape. Located south of Puerto Vallarta and surrounded by lush jungle, this secluded cove is accessible only by boat, making it an especially rewarding destination aboard your own yacht.
The water is often calm and clear, with excellent conditions for swimming, snorkeling, kayaking, and paddleboarding. Beneath the surface, schools of tropical fish move through the cove while rays, sea turtles, and other marine life may appear depending on the season and conditions.
This is where we recommend beginning your water activities. The morning light is beautiful, the cove feels wonderfully serene, and you can enjoy the water before settling into the rhythm of the day.
For a more indulgent experience, we can arrange a fresh breakfast, champagne service, or a gourmet lunch through our onboard chef service. Majahuitas is also an excellent setting for couples, families, and groups who want their first stop to feel calm, polished, and gloriously far from ordinary.
2. Las Ánimas: Beach energy with a Mexican flavor
From Majahuitas, your captain can continue toward Las Ánimas, a lively beach destination with golden sand, clear water, and a line of inviting palapa restaurants.
Las Ánimas offers a different atmosphere from Majahuitas. It is more social and energetic, with opportunities for swimming, beach lounging, parasailing, banana boat rides, and horseback riding. The shoreline is also known for fresh seafood and traditional Mexican dishes, making it an excellent place for a relaxed lunch with your feet near the sand.
Of course, you can also remain aboard. Many of our guests prefer a private lunch served on deck, where the sea breeze replaces the dining room soundtrack and the only dress code is “comfortable enough to swim afterward.”
For groups celebrating a birthday, bachelor or bachelorette party, or anniversary, Las Ánimas creates an effortless transition from peaceful cruising to festive enjoyment. Add a photographer through our professional photography service and you can enjoy the day without assigning one guest the unfortunate responsibility of documenting everyone else’s fun.
3. Quimixto: Jungle trails and a hidden waterfall
Quimixto is where the South Shore becomes more adventurous.
This charming coastal village is known for its relaxed atmosphere, beach restaurants, and lush inland trails leading toward a picturesque waterfall. After arriving by yacht, guests can go ashore and follow the jungle path toward the falls, usually a moderate walk through tropical vegetation. Depending on your preferences, horseback riding may also be arranged.
The reward is a refreshing natural pool beneath the cascading water: a perfect place to cool off after the walk and experience one of the coastline’s most memorable hidden wonders.
Quimixto is particularly appealing for travelers who want more than a beautiful beach. It offers a glimpse of the region’s slower, more authentic rhythm, where jungle, village life, local cuisine, and the sea exist in close conversation.
We recommend allowing approximately two hours here if you want to enjoy the waterfall without turning the experience into a race. Afterward, return to the beach for a fresh drink, a seafood snack, or a leisurely swim before reboarding.
4. Yelapa: The optional grand finale
Yelapa is the furthest destination on this route and deserves special consideration. It is a tranquil fishing village framed by jungle-covered hills, golden sand, beachside restaurants, and waterfalls reached by walking inland from the shore.
If Yelapa is your priority, we suggest booking a longer charter or making it the principal destination of the day. Attempting to fully enjoy Majahuitas, Las Ánimas, Quimixto, and Yelapa: plus snorkeling and lunch: in a standard eight-hour charter can make the itinerary feel hurried. Luxury is rarely improved by hurrying.
That said, an experienced captain can assess the day’s sea conditions, your vessel’s speed, and your group’s priorities to determine whether a brief Yelapa visit is realistic. Alternatively, we can create a dedicated luxury day charter to Yelapa with time for the village, waterfall, swimming, and a leisurely meal.
A sample eight-hour itinerary
Every route is customized, but this is a practical starting point for a South Shore day charter:
- 8:30 a.m. – Private yacht departure from Puerto Vallarta
- 9:30 a.m. – Arrive at Majahuitas for snorkeling, swimming, and paddleboarding
- 11:00 a.m. – Cruise toward Las Ánimas
- 11:30 a.m. – Beach time, water activities, or lunch at a beachfront restaurant
- 1:00 p.m. – Continue to Quimixto
- 1:30 p.m. – Waterfall walk, horseback riding, or relaxed beach time
- 3:30 p.m. – Begin the scenic cruise back to Puerto Vallarta
- 4:30–5:00 p.m. – Return to the marina, depending on departure point and conditions
If Yelapa is essential, we may recommend extending the charter, swapping one stop, or planning a dedicated Yelapa day. Our captains and charter specialists will help you choose the route that feels generous rather than overbooked.
Make the day entirely yours
The finest luxury yacht rentals Puerto Vallarta offer more than a beautiful vessel. They offer thoughtful personalization.
Enhance your itinerary with:
- An onboard chef preparing breakfast, lunch, or a gourmet tasting menu
- Private transportation to and from your hotel through our transportation service
- A professional photographer to capture the celebration
- Premium bar upgrades and champagne service
- WaveRunners, paddleboards, and snorkeling equipment
- Horseback riding at Quimixto or nearby South Shore destinations
- Massage services for a deeply relaxing day on the water
Our fleet includes super luxury yachts, catamarans, sailing vessels, sport yachts, and comfortable options for different group sizes and occasions. Whether you are searching for a puerto vallarta yacht rental for a family adventure, a romantic escape, or a milestone celebration, we will match the vessel and experience to your plans.
Book your South Shore escape
A standard boat rental Puerto Vallarta can get you from one beach to another. A private charter with Luxury Yachts Mexico turns the entire day into the destination.
With professional captains, attentive crew, premium add-ons, carefully selected yachts, and secure, hassle-free booking, we make it easy to explore the South Shore in comfort and confidence. From the hidden cove at Majahuitas to the waterfall at Quimixto, every stop becomes part of one unforgettable story.
Request your private charter and tell us what matters most: snorkeling, waterfalls, fine dining, celebration, relaxation: or all of the above. We will design your perfect day from Puerto Vallarta to the most beautiful shores of Banderas Bay.
