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Photos by Oscar Almedia
What do you get when you combine drag, yachts, tequila, kaftans, and a whole lotta queer joy? You get two of the most unforgettable ways to sail the glittering waters of Puerto Vallarta. Whether you’re craving a pampered beach bash with your chosen fam or a customized sunset cruise that oozes refined taste, Tamale’s Tours and Vallarta Yacht Rentals have something fabulous in store. And trust us—these aren’t your grandma’s boat tours (unless grandma is a lesbian with a paddleboard and a flair for kaftans).
Let’s dive in, shall we?
Tamale’s Tours: Drag, No Drama, and Damn Good Tamales
When Tamale Ringwald—yes, that’s a real drag name—launched Tamale’s Tours in 2021, they didn’t just add another option to the long list of booze cruises in Puerto Vallarta. They added heart. And sequins. And a heaping spoonful of spicy Mexican flair.
“Life is too short for boring vacations,” Tamale says, and baby, this cruise is anything but. With husband Sugarbaker (yes, that Sugarbaker, you know, the one famous for his chili hot dogs at Tunnel Bar), Tamale created a floating playground for the LGBTQ+ community and their allies—one where an open, premium bar flows, beach bars pop up on secret shores, and the kaftan closet is open for business.
The Experience
Hop aboard a sleek 75-foot yacht where your day kicks off with mimosas and a continental breakfast—served with a side of sass. From there, you’ll cruise past Las Animas to a secluded beach where Tamale and her crew create a mini queer paradise: think music, swimming, snorkeling, paddle boarding, and lounging with a cocktail in hand.
Lunch? Oh honey, it’s no picnic served from a cooler—there’s a private chef onboard. Think tamales (of course), fresh seafood, and mouthwatering Mexican eats. The vibes are luxe and laid-back all at once, like a pool party at your rich gay uncle’s mansion—if that mansion floated on Banderas Bay.
And yes, you get to meet Tamale, welcoming guests in a glorious kaftan like the glittery mermaid of your dreams. “You’re not just a guest,” Sugarbaker says. “You’re part of the family.”
Who’s Aboard?
It’s an 18+ crowd with a max of 40 guests, so things stay intimate and comfortable. You’ll find a dazzling mix of twinks, bears, femmes, dykes on deck, trans joy, leather daddies, allies, and every flavor in between. It’s a floating microcosm of queer joy where every “body” and everybody belongs.
The Extras
- Open premium bar (yes, all day)
- Chef-prepared meals and snacks
- Beach and water toys galore
- Whale watching (seasonal)
- Towels, sunscreen, and kaftans (seriously, it’s a kaftan-positive zone)
If you’re looking for one part relaxing day at sea and one part chosen-family reunion—with a shot of “be yourself” realness—Tamale’s Tours is your ticket to paradise. Sailing every Friday from Los Muertos Pier, November through May. Be sure to book in advance, the demand for this 40 person only cruise is real.
Vallarta Yacht Rentals: Luxury Meets Local Charm
Now if you’re more in the mood for curated luxury, customizable itineraries, and a yacht that looks like it came off the set of Below Deck: Queer Edition, then Vallarta Yacht Rentals is your go-to.
Founded by commercial airline pilot and yacht lover Philip Manly (a.k.a. “Felipe Man”), this company started with one yacht—Escándalo—and grew into a fleet of 11 vessels, including catamarans that can host up to 185 people. Yup, they’ve got range.
Why Vallarta?
For Felipe, Puerto Vallarta is more than a destination—it’s home. After decades of visiting (his first trip was in 1998, and the night ended up with Tequila at Paco’s Ranch), then in 2020 he made the leap to full-time resident during the pandemic. And while flying planes is still part of his life, it’s clear that being on the water is where his heart is.
“I genuinely love boating,” he says. “It’s not a tagline—it’s the truth.”
The Experience
You want to snorkel Los Arcos, then sip champagne while watching the sun melt behind jungle-covered cliffs? Done. Feel like docking at a secret beach, hopping on an ATV, and chasing waterfalls in Quimixto? Can do. Craving a more intimate affair with a few friends and a lot of rosé? Escándalo fits up to 12 guests for daytime trips, or 16 comfortably, for the weekly LGBT+ Luxury Sunset Cruise—a Thursday night tradition starting every November (champagne and ocean breezes included).
Each tour is run by licensed captains and seasoned crew who know Banderas Bay like the backs of their hands. On Escándalo, you’ll be guided by Neto, a local legend and snorkeling expert, who’s as friendly as he is informative.
The Vibe
It’s polished but never pretentious. The staff is warm, welcoming, and—though not all queer themselves—100% LGBTQ+ affirming. From the pre-cruise check-in at their Bruma Café & Cocktails to the floating islands and paddleboards waiting onboard, every detail is designed for comfort, fun, and safety.
Oh, and tipping the crew? Still sexy. Always appreciated.
Included Goodies
- Open bar (because duh)
- Snacks or full meals, depending on tour
- Snorkeling gear, paddleboards, floating islands
- Highly customizable routes and stops
- Options for all ages on private charters
If you’re planning a birthday, engagement, or just want to turn your vacation into a cinematic fantasy, Vallarta Yacht Rentals can make it happen. From private yachts to full-on floating dance floors, they’ve got your fantasy covered.
So, Which Cruise Should You Take?
Honestly? Why not both?
Tamale’s Tours is for when you want to let your hair down (or your wig off), sip margaritas with a fabulous crowd, and experience Puerto Vallarta (well pampered with luxury amenities) through the lens of queer joy and community.
Vallarta Yacht Rentals is perfect for custom celebrations, intimate moments, and luxury on your terms—with a captain who might just know your favorite sunset angle better than your Instagram filter does.
Both are anchored (pun intended) in love—for the sea, for the community, and for the queer experience in Puerto Vallarta.
So whether you’re donning a kaftan and joining the family aboard Tamale’s yacht or popping champagne on Escándalo as the sun kisses the horizon, one thing’s for sure:
The only thing better than being out on the water… is being out on the water with your people.
For more info or to book your next sea-sational queer adventure, check out:
Tamale’s Tours – www.tamalestours.com
Vallarta Yacht Rentals – www.vallartayachtrentals.com
This article is from our Fall 2025 print issue. You can view it here.
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