Punta Mita Boat Tours from Houston

Houston sits closer to Puerto Vallarta than most US cities, which makes a Punta Mita boat tour an easy long weekend. Nonstop flights from IAH and HOU land in under three hours, and the marina at La Cruz de Huanacaxtle, which serves Punta Mita and the Riviera Nayarit, is a short drive from the airport. There you board Rayando el Sol, our Tanna 47ft luxury catamaran, reserved entirely for your group of up to 16 guests. Houston families and friend groups like the space: five-plus cabins, shaded lounges, air conditioning and a floating island for the kids or the cooler crowd. Cruise toward the Marietas Islands, snorkel, paddleboard, ride the underwater sea scooters or drop a line with the fishing gear on board. Your private chef serves a four-course gourmet menu while the open bar handles cocktails, wine and mocktails. The 3-hour sunset cruise for up to 12 guests is a favorite for anniversaries and birthdays. From December to March, humpback whales are often spotted in the bay. Close to home, worlds away from the Gulf.