Paradón is what people are actually picturing when they say they want a private boat day: a small, sheltered pocket of the south shore just past Los Arcos, with calm water, no road in, and usually nobody else at anchor. It is where our captains take groups who liked the idea of the marine park but did not like the idea of sharing it.
Why Captains Pick Paradón
Every charter captain in Banderas Bay has a short list of anchor spots that never make the brochures. Paradón is on ours. It sits on the south shore past Los Arcos, tucked in enough that the afternoon wind does not reach it, with water calm enough that guests who are hesitant about swimming in the open bay will get in without thinking twice.
There is no dock, no restaurant and no road. You anchor, you swim, you float, and the only sound is the water on the rocks. For a lot of our guests that turns out to be the part of the day they talk about afterwards.
What to Do There
Swim, mostly. The sheltered water makes it a good place to actually relax rather than fight chop. Snorkeling along the rocky edges is decent — not the fish density of Los Arcos or Majahuitas, but pleasant and easy. It is also a good lunch anchor: bring your own food and drinks, put the shade canopy to work, and eat on a boat that is not moving.
How It Fits Into a Day
Paradón is the classic second half of a south-shore beach charter. Fish or cruise down from Marina Nuevo Vallarta, snorkel Los Arcos while the water is still glassy, then move fifteen minutes on to Paradón and spend the rest of your anchor time somewhere quiet. Most south-shore stops include an hour free at anchor, so this costs you nothing extra beyond the hours you already booked.
It also works as a standalone stop on a shorter 4-hour charter if your group just wants water, shade and quiet without a long run.
Which Boat
Any of the three. Guanatuna is the most popular choice for this kind of day — full shade over the deck, an open bow for anyone who wants sun, and room for up to 15. For a larger group or a party that wants air conditioning and a salon to duck into, Steel n Time is the one. For a fast, light day with a handful of people, take Peaceful Easy Feeling.
Good to Know
Conditions decide. On a day with unusual swell out of the south, your captain may move you to a better-protected cove instead — that flexibility is the whole point of a private charter. Tell the crew what you are after (calm water, snorkeling, quiet) and they will pick the right anchor for the conditions that day rather than sticking to a script.
