Are There Bareboat Yacht Charters in Puerto Vallarta?
- Boat and Bay
- Aug 9
- 3 min read
If you’ve ever dreamed of taking the wheel of a yacht yourself, you might be wondering: Are there bareboat yacht charters in Puerto Vallarta? The short answer is no — in Puerto Vallarta, all yachts are rented with a captain and crew, even for overnight charters. And once you understand why, you’ll see that it’s actually a big advantage for your safety, enjoyment, and peace of mind.
The Two Main Types of Yacht Charters
When it comes to chartering a yacht, there are generally two models worldwide:
Bareboat Charters – You rent the yacht without crew, take full responsibility for navigation, docking, and safety, and cover any damages or repairs.
Crewed Charters – You rent the yacht with an experienced captain and crew who handle navigation, safety, and service, leaving you free to relax.
While bareboat charters are popular in certain destinations, Puerto Vallarta operates differently — and for good reason.
Why There Are No Bareboat Yacht Charters in Puerto Vallarta
1. Owners’ Peace of Mind
Yacht owners here simply do not want their vessels to leave the marina without their trusted captain on board. A yacht is a high-value, highly technical asset, and owners know that with their own crew, it’s handled by people familiar with every switch, engine sound, and quirk.
2. Local Regulations & Procedures
Once a yacht leaves the marina, the captain must register the departure, log details, and communicate with authorities — all in Spanish. Local captains know exactly what’s required and how to handle it efficiently. In some cases, regulations may even prohibit someone other than the registered captain from taking the yacht out. By always having a licensed captain on board, you avoid potential legal headaches and delays.
3. Navigating Local Waters
The waters of Banderas Bay can surprise even seasoned sailors with sudden weather shifts, hidden sandbars, or tricky currents. Local captains not only know the safe routes but also where the dolphins, whales, and secret beaches are hiding (and how to approach them).
4. On-the-Spot Problem Solving
Boats are complex machines, and while rare, breakdowns can happen. An experienced crew can often fix an issue right there on the water or coordinate quick assistance — something that can be tricky without local contacts and know-how.
5. Service & Comfort
With a professional crew, you’re free to focus on enjoying yourself — not navigating, docking, or repairing. The crew serves food and drinks, helps with snorkeling gear, and ensures you’re comfortable from start to finish.
But Can You Still Drive the Yacht? Absolutely!
While Puerto Vallarta doesn’t offer true bareboat charters like in some other destinations, that doesn’t mean you can’t get behind the wheel. Many captains are happy to let you steer for a while if you’re licensed — and even if you’re not, they can show you the basics. We even have a special “Co-Captain for a Day” activity for kids, where they can help steer, learn the ropes, and feel like a real sailor.
It’s the best of both worlds: you can enjoy the thrill of driving without any of the stress or responsibility if something unexpected happens.
The Bottom Line: Crewed Charters Give You More Freedom
In Puerto Vallarta, the absence of bareboat charters isn’t a limitation — it’s a luxury upgrade. You get all the excitement of a private yacht adventure without having to handle the technical, legal, or safety responsibilities yourself. All you need to do is relax, soak in the views, and enjoy the effortless experience.
So if you were hoping for a bareboat yacht charter in Puerto Vallarta, you’ll find something even better: a fully crewed, worry-free, and unforgettable journey on the water.
