There are stories the sea just keeps on telling, even when the ship changes. That's exactly what's happening in Puerto Vallarta with the Marigalante II, the new pirate galleon now sailing Banderas Bay, already becoming one of those family traditions we love recommending to you here at Buenaventura Grand.
If you already knew the original Marigalante, you know it was so much more than a tour: it was part of the Puerto Vallarta skyline, that silhouette of sails everyone recognized at sunset. And if you're just now planning your first trip with us, let us tell you why this ship — and its story — has become one of the favorite plans for families staying just minutes from the Maritime Terminal.
The voyage that moved the whole bay
In October 2025, after nearly three decades as a tourist symbol of Puerto Vallarta, the original galleon suffered a technical failure and sank in Banderas Bay. It was a moment of real nostalgia for the entire Vallarta community: thousands of families, both local and from around the world, had spent some of their best vacation nights right there.
But pirate spirit doesn't sink that easily. The operating company announced that a new ship would carry the flag forward, and so began a voyage worthy of legend: the Jolly Roger, a sister galleon that operated in Cancún, set sail and embarked on a journey of more than a month, crossing the Caribbean, the Panama Canal, and the Pacific Ocean, until arriving in Puerto Vallarta on December 21, 2025.
"The sea makes sure good stories never really end, they just change ships."
Mar de Momentos
Before beginning its new life, the crew made a stop that will stay in everyone's memory: they sailed to the exact spot where the original Marigalante had sunk and paid tribute at sea, casting flowers into the water in silence. It was a respectful close that gave way, right after, to a joyful welcome: hundreds of Vallarta locals gathered along the Malecón to greet the new galleon with the lights of their phones, while the ship answered with its fog horn under a sky lit up with fireworks.
Since December 29, 2025, the Marigalante II has officially resumed its tours, and today it's once again that point on the horizon we had all missed.
Meet the new galleon
The Marigalante II is, like its predecessor, an impressive replica of the Santa María caravel. Weighing approximately 800 tons, with three wooden masts and triangular sails across four decks, it holds up to 240 passengers and features a main dining room for 100 guests with air conditioning, a fully equipped kitchen, and an onboard bar ready for the party.
The best part is that, even though it's a different ship, it arrives with the same mission as always: making sure every family who steps aboard lives a day — or a night — that stays with them forever as one of their Puerto Vallarta memories.
Two adventures, one pirate spirit
Pirate Land — Day Tour
During the day, the Marigalante II becomes the perfect stage for families to live out their own pirate adventure. The tour includes breakfast onboard, an open bar, a pirate show with swordsmen and acrobatics, and a dream destination: the paradise-like Majahuitas Beach, where kids and adults alike enjoy snorkeling, kayaking, banana boat rides, beach volleyball, and the classic treasure hunt.
Bay of Pirates — Night Tour
As evening falls, the ship transforms. It departs at 6:00 pm from the Puerto Vallarta Maritime Terminal and returns around 9:30 pm, with a full dinner, national open bar, sword fights, rope acrobatics, music, and a closing fireworks show over the water that lights up the entire bay. It's a nighttime tradition that blends family fun with that romantic magic only a Vallarta sunset can give.
Just minutes from Buenaventura Grand
The Maritime Terminal, departure point for the Marigalante II, is just minutes from our hotel and from the Puerto Vallarta Malecón. That means after a day of beach, pool, and Great Moments with your family, you can hop on this adventure without any complicated transportation, and come back to rest that same night in your room facing the sea.
Here at Buenaventura Grand, we believe vacations are built from experiences like this: ones that blend the comfort of your all-inclusive stay with the adventure of exploring what makes this destination one of a kind.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Marigalante II?
It's the new pirate ship in Puerto Vallarta. It arrived in Banderas Bay in December 2025 to carry on the tradition of the original galleon.
What happened to the original Marigalante pirate ship?
It sank in October 2025 after nearly 30 years of service in Puerto Vallarta. A sister ship sailed in from Cancún to take its place.
Where does the Marigalante II tour depart from?
It departs from the Puerto Vallarta Maritime Terminal, just minutes from the Malecón and from Buenaventura Grand.
Is it a good plan for families with kids?
Yes, both tours are designed for families. They feature pirate shows for all ages and water activities for the little ones.
What's the difference between the day tour and the night tour?
The day tour includes beach time, snorkeling, and kayaking at Majahuitas Beach. The night tour offers dinner, an open bar, and a fireworks show over the bay.
Do I need to book in advance?
Yes, especially during high season. It's one of the most popular tours in Puerto Vallarta, and spots fill up quickly.
Where can I stay near the pirate ship tour in Puerto Vallarta?
Buenaventura Grand is just minutes from the Maritime Terminal and the Malecón. It's an all-inclusive, family-friendly beachfront hotel, perfect as your home base for this kind of excursion.
Ready to live your own pirate adventure? At Buenaventura Grand, we're waiting for you with the beach, the pool, and all the Great Moments that make Puerto Vallarta the perfect family destination, just minutes from where the Marigalante II sets sail. Book your stay here and make your next family story one that's written facing the sea, too.