FAQ

Yes, you can book your tour since the price is the same for 1 to 10 people and not per person.

At the time of reservation, we will send you a payment request for a 50% deposit of your sailing trip. The balance can be paid in cash (pesos or US dollars) on the day of your trip. We also welcome total payments via PayPal, in which case, we'll send you an invoice via PayPal.

Tipping, while optional in the United States and Canada, is an important custom in Mexico. It is optional, but lets us know if we're providing an exceptional level of service (which we strive to do).

The typical amount is 15–20% of the total trip cost. If you're purchasing an individual ticket for the Sailing with Tickets tour, the tip is per person. Below is a helpful guide:

Group Tour Price 15–20% USD 15–20% MXN

$1,100 USD $165-220 3292-4389 MXN

$900 USD $135-180 2693-3591 MXN

$750 USD $112-150 2234-2992 MXN

Individual Tour Price 15–20% USD 15–20% MXN

$120 USD $18-24 359-478 MXN

Cancellations must be received at least two (2) weeks in advance of your booked trip to be considered for a full refund. No exceptions. Cancellation requests must be made via andrea@adasailing.com or by calling one of these numbers:

(800) 701-7519
In Mexico: 044 (322) 121-2321
Outside Mexico: +52 (322) 121-2321.

Check-in is 20 minutes prior to any scheduled tour. It is important to be on time to allow the vessel to depart on schedule. Please instruct everyone in your party that each passenger is responsible for checking in and paying the individual port fee of 25 pesos (about $2). Exact change is recommended. This fee is not included in the price of your Ada Sailing tour..

Please meet us 15 minutes before your trip at the designated time at the Los Peines Pier, located next to the Naval Hospital in Puerto Vallarta. This is where you will also pay the port fee. Each person is required by the city to pay a port fee of 25 pesos (about $2). Exact change is recommended. This fee is not included in the price of your Ada Sailing tour.

Getting to Los Peines Pier is easy. Follow the directions below:

From the South (Conchas Chinas, Amapas, Old Town or Downtown Vallarta): Take the main avenue, Francisco Medina Ascencio, north toward Marina Vallarta. Once you pass the Terminal Maritime location where cruise ships dock, veer to the side road. After passing the bullring on the right side of the road, proceed to the next light. (The shop, Estero el Salado, will be on the right corner). Turn left and enter the Los Peines entrance. It is next to the Navy Hospital.

From the North (Punta Mita, La Cruz, Bucerias or Nuevo Vallarta): Take the main avenue, Francisco Medina Ascencio, south toward Marina Vallarta. Once you have passed Marina Vallarta (with the giant whale sculpture), turn right at the first light. Drive into the Los Peines entrance, which is next to the Navy Hospital.

The parking lot at the Los Peines entrance is available for a daily rate of 25 pesos (about $2) per vehicle.

Vallarta has rainy days, but thanks to an ever-changing tropical weather pattern, the rain doesn’t last for long. For example, if it’s raining at 7 a.m., it’s highly likely that the sun will appear within an hour or two, and will stay out for the rest of the day. If there’s a tropical storm and the harbormaster declares that all vessels dock, we will either reschedule for another day or offer a full refund.

The main difference between the two tours is the food/beverage menu and the increased behind-the-scenes preparation needed the VIP Tour. [we can link this to the subpage when ready] Hence, changes to these package prices are not possible.

Yes, guests who may not eat as much or drink alcohol beverages on any tour will be charged the same amount as those who do. This is due to the labor involved in preparing for the tour and the amount of service still offered.

Yes, you can swim, snorkel and visit some great beaches that are only accessible by boat.

Northbound Trips – Peaceful and scenic, our northern trips in the Banderas Bay are more about the journey. We cruise along the Vallarta shores and are often able to turn off the motor and enjoying the experience of sailing. We’re also more likely to see whales during whale watching season. Please note that while snorkeling is hit-or-miss on these tours, you’ll love the relaxation of sailing on the water and lounging at the beach.

Southbound Trips – Our southern trips are more about fun activities, such as snorkeling and kayaking. The opportunity to sail is not as great as with the northbound trips — largely due to “booze cruises” that frequent the areas we visit — but the snorkeling and scenery of Puerto Vallarta more than make up for this.

Please note that swimming, sunbathing and beach time can be included in both our northbound and southbound trips.

The additional cost depends on the number and type of appetizers. For details, contact andrea@adasailing.com, (800) 701-7519, 044 (322) 121-2321 in Mexico or +52 (322) 121-2321 in Mexico.

Yes, we have menu items for those with food allergies/sensitivities to dairy, gluten and nuts. Please let us know if you'd like to order these items, and we will send you a special menu at least 3 days before the day of your trip.

Extra time can be purchased for $120 USD per hour.

We welcome passengers of all ages, and have life jackets to accommodate various shapes and sizes. Children ages 2 and under are admitted for free.

The weather is always changing in this tropical location. Below is what can be expected throughout the year:

January–March: 70s °F (21–26 °C) with a little rain during the day; 60s °F (15–20 °C) in the evening
April–June: 70s °F (21–26 °C) and 80s °F (26–32 °C)
July–September: 80s °F (26–32 °C) with brief bursts of rain
October–December: Mid-70s °F (21–26 °C) and high 80s °F (26–32 °C)

Please note that postponements or full refunds are only offered if we have a tropical storm, the harbormaster declares that all vessels dock or we have mechanical issues, which are very rare.

Below are some recommended items for your trip:

Swimwear
A light pullover, especially for our Sunset Sailing tours
Anti-skid, non-marking shoes, such as deck shoes
Flip-flops/sandals for the beach
Hat
Sunglasses
Non-aerosol/spray sunscreen
Lip balm
Towel
Binoculars for viewing wildlife (optional)
Charger for your mobile devices and cameras
Motion sickness medication, such as Bonine, Antivert or Dramamine (Please follow the dosage instructions and take it in advance for optimum results.)

The even-keeled steadiness of our vessels make for a pleasant journey, but if you have a sensitive system, bring along some over-the-counter medication, such as Bonine, Antivert or Dramamine. This can be picked up at local farmacias (pharmacies). Please follow the dosage instructions and take it in advance for optimum results.

While we have a limited number of outlets, we recommend that you fully charge all mobile devices and cameras before your tour. We do have a charger that works for most devices.

We do not have Wi-Fi, but depending on your carrier, you may have cell phone reception during your excursion.

You are welcome to play your own music during your tour. We offer a cable that will play music from iPhones and Androids.

As Ada Sailing guests, you have access to the deck and the inside spaces of our vessels. We only ask that you leave the kitchen to our crew.

Yes, we have a bathroom with a shower inside of the boat for your convenience. However, the toilet is delicate. Toilet paper and feminine hygiene products MUST be disposed of in the wastebasket, otherwise, we risk plugging up the piping, and not having access to the toilet for the rest of the trip. We supply soap and paper products, including feminine products. Toiletries and medications are not provided.

Only passengers who are 21 years of age or over may consume alcohol on Ada Sailing tours. If a passenger has consumed enough alcohol that crewmembers no longer deem him/her to be able to conduct himself/herself safely, the crew will stop serving that passenger alcohol.

We serve Absolute vodka and two types of reposado tequila, which is more smooth and subtle than 100% agave tequila. Casa Cuervo’s Tequila Azul is for shots and Don Ramon is for mixed drinks.

Marijuana, in any form, is not permitted onboard. Tobacco is permitted if it doesn’t cause a problem for the other guests. This typically isn’t an issue for private charters, but could be an issue for the other passengers on our Sailing with Tickets trip. Please ask a crewmember to help you determine whether smoking is okay with the other guests, and be sure to properly store, extinguish and dispose of all paraphernalia.

We appreciate the convenience of spray sunscreen, but it tends to “fly” over/around the boat, staining the wood on our vessels.