Sailing in Puerto Vallarta: Real Adventure, Powered by the Wind
- Boat and Bay
- Jun 23
- 4 min read
Updated: Jun 29
What Sailing Really Is
Sailing is the original way people conquered the sea — no engines, no fuel tanks, just the raw power of the wind filling the sails and driving the boat forward. It’s part art, part science, and part pure instinct. The sails catch and shape the breeze, the rudder guides the boat, and the person at the helm makes constant decisions to work with nature instead of against it. There’s nothing quite like it: the hum of the engine is gone, replaced by the sound of wind, waves, and the clean rush of the water.
Sailboat, Yacht, or Yacht with Sails: What’s the Difference?
It’s easy to assume that any boat with sails is out there actually sailing, but that’s not the case. A true sailboat is built to move on wind power — that’s its whole purpose. A yacht with sails might look like it’s made for the same, but often it relies mostly on its engines for cruising. And of course, there are plenty of motor yachts out there that don’t even pretend — they’re made for speed, comfort, and bringing along all the extra toys.
Just because you see sails doesn’t mean they’re in use. If the sails are up, tight with wind, and the boat is gliding quietly without a roaring engine wake, you’re sailing. If the sails are limp or furled up, and the boat is chugging along, you’re under power — simple as that.
Why Choose Sailing Over Power?
There’s something about sailing that speaks to those who want more from the sea than just a ride. Sailing is freedom. It’s precision. It’s reading the wind, adjusting your course, and feeling the boat respond — all without burning a drop of fuel. You’re not just along for the ride. You’re part of the process.
People who choose to sail aren’t looking for shortcuts. They’re looking for that connection — to the boat, to the elements, to the adventure. And let’s be honest: it feels good to do things the right way.
How Fast Does Sailing Go?
Sailing in Puerto Vallarta isn’t about breaking speed records. A sailboat typically cruises at around 5 to 8 knots (that’s 6 to 9 miles per hour). It’s fast enough to feel the power, but slow enough that you can enjoy the view, breathe in the salt air, and appreciate every moment on the water.
What’s It Like to Sail in Puerto Vallarta?
Bahía de Banderas offers ideal conditions for sailing — wide-open spaces, steady winds, and plenty to see. The best time to set sail? From mid-morning into the afternoon, especially between November and May, when the breezes are consistent and the seas are at their best.
Some of the favorite routes include heading toward Los Arcos for a blend of sailing and snorkeling, or out toward Punta Mita, where the wind has room to play and the open water stretches ahead.
The Real Deal: Our Sailboats and Captain Alan
At Boat and Bay, we don’t just offer yachts with sails for show. We work with true sailboats and passionate captains who live for the feel of the wind. One of our stars is Captain Alan, who helms the sailboat 3E. Alan ranks among the top national sailing experts in Mexico — a man who doesn’t just know sailing, he embodies it. When you sail with Alan, you’re not just chartering a boat — you’re getting a masterclass in the art of harnessing the wind.
A Bit of Sailing History (And Why It Still Matters)
Sailing goes back thousands of years. It’s how the world was explored, how trade routes were built, how people dared to go beyond the horizon. And the basics haven’t changed. Learning to sail starts with a few days of instruction — but mastering it? That takes time, experience, and a cool head.
Sailing demands more than muscle. It takes awareness, patience, timing, and the ability to stay sharp when the wind shifts or the seas get lively. That’s part of its appeal — it’s not just about getting where you’re going, it’s about how you get there.
Pros and Cons of Choosing Sailing
Sailing offers unmatched peace, no fuel costs while under sail, and a connection to the sea you can’t get any other way. The trade-off? You go where the wind takes you, and you move at the wind’s pace. And yes, it takes skill — but that’s what makes it worth doing.
The Bottom Line: Ready to Sail?
There are plenty of ways to enjoy the water in Puerto Vallarta. But if you want the real experience — where it’s you, the boat, and the wind — then sailing is it. At Boat and Bay, we’re proud to offer true sailing experiences with crews who know what they’re doing and love what they do. Our favorite sailing boats are 3E, 1R, 2VO and the sailing catamaran 1A1. The next time you’re looking for a yacht rental or sailboat charter, ask yourself: do you want to ride across the water, or do you want to feel what it’s like to really sail?
👉 Interested in chartering a sailboat or yacht in Puerto Vallarta? Ready for that next-level adventure? Contact Boat and Bay today — let’s make it happen.
