Catamaran Yelapa Beach Tour with Snorkeling, Food and Open Bar

Yelapa is the real prize here: a small coastal village reached by boat, with a beach, a waterfall trail, and mountain scenery that feels far removed from Puerto Vallarta. I like the mix of snorkeling at Majahuitas and a long stop at Yelapa, and I like that breakfast, lunch, drinks, and several water activities are included.

The catch is the transfer from the catamaran to shore. You must use a smaller boat and step or jump into the surf at the beach, which can be hard for anyone with mobility concerns. Departure delays, loud music, and extra charges for horses, ATVs, and some beach activities also affect the value.

Key points to know before booking

• Yelapa gets about three and a half hours: You have time for the waterfall, lunch, and the beach, but not unlimited time to explore.
• Majahuitas water time is short: Snorkeling, kayaking, paddleboarding, and inflatables are included, but you may be limited to one activity during the stop.
• The beach landing is physical: A small transfer boat carries you ashore, and the surf can make getting in and out awkward.
• The ride back is the party portion: Expect an open bar, music, games, contests, and about two hours on the catamaran.
• The waterfall can vary by season: Dry conditions may mean little or no flowing water, so ask about its current condition before paying for an ATV or horse.
• Arrive early at Puerto Magico: Check-in is at 9:10 a.m. for a 10 a.m. departure, and port lines can slow the morning.

What this Puerto Vallarta catamaran day is really like

This is not a quiet sailing trip. It is a full-day outing built around a moving party boat, two coastal stops, included meals, and a steady stream of activities. The catamaran carries up to 99 people, so you should expect a social atmosphere rather than a small private cruise.

The price is $94.45 per person. For a 7 to 8 hour day, that is reasonable if you use the included food, drinks, snorkeling gear, and water equipment. It becomes less attractive if you mainly want a peaceful beach visit or if you pay extra for a horse or ATV without first checking the waterfall conditions.

The strongest parts are the scenery, the friendly crew, and the variety. You can snorkel, eat breakfast while crossing Banderas Bay, walk through Yelapa, have lunch on the beach, and return with drinks and games. The weaker parts are the rushed water stop, possible late departure, rough shore transfer, and a party atmosphere that can become loud.

Starting at Puerto Magico in Puerto Vallarta

Your day begins at Puerto Magico on Boulevard Francisco Medina Ascencio. Check-in is listed for 9:10 a.m., with departure at 10 a.m. Give yourself extra time, since port security and payment lines can take longer than expected.

The port tax is not included. It is MX$33 per person, a small charge but one worth knowing about before you arrive. You register, pass through the security filter, and board the catamaran.

The first 35 minutes are mainly boarding and getting organized. Do not treat the 10 a.m. departure as a guarantee that the boat will leave exactly then. The boat has departed more than 30 minutes late on some days, especially during busy periods. One delayed day did not return until after 7:30 p.m., even though the late start extended the outing.

If you are arriving by cruise ship, check the local Puerto Vallarta time carefully. The tour operates on GMT-6, and ship time can differ. A missed departure may require a separate boat transfer and can mean missing breakfast, snorkeling, and other early activities.

Breakfast with Banderas Bay views

Once underway, breakfast gives you a practical start to the day. You choose between yogurt, fruit with pancakes, or chilaquiles with egg, along with juice.

The food is part of the value, but keep expectations simple. One account described the scrambled eggs as cold, while other meals were considered good with generous portions. The quality may not match a hotel breakfast, but having food included is useful because the schedule leaves little time to search for a meal before reaching Yelapa.

The crossing also gives you your first broad views across Banderas Bay. This is a good time to settle in, find a comfortable place on deck, and decide how much of the day you want to spend in the water versus on land.

Majahuitas: clear water, short activity window

Majahuitas is the first major stop. The water is often the visual highlight of the morning, with clear conditions and tropical fish close to the boat. Snorkeling equipment is included, but fins are not provided, so do not expect a full fin-and-mask setup.

The scheduled stop lasts about two hours, but the active water portion can be closer to 45 minutes. You may be asked to choose one main activity rather than freely rotate among snorkeling, kayaking, paddleboarding, the inflatable float, and the extreme inflatable. The activity area is near the catamaran, not necessarily close to a sandy beach.

That distinction matters. If you picture a long, independent snorkeling session followed by leisurely kayaking, this may feel brief. If you see it as a quick chance to get into clear water before the main Yelapa visit, it works better.

Life jackets and masks are available, but check your equipment before entering the water. If a strap, clip, or mask is not working properly, ask the crew for a replacement immediately. You should not accept gear that feels unsafe or uncomfortable.

Majahuitas suits confident swimmers and people who enjoy trying one active water sport. It is less suitable if snorkeling is your main reason for booking and you want extended time, fins, or a large reef area to explore.

Reaching Yelapa by small boat

After Majahuitas, the catamaran heads toward Yelapa. The large boat cannot pull directly onto the beach, so you transfer to a smaller boat. This is one of the most important practical details of the whole day.

The small boat ride takes you close to shore, but there is no conventional dock at the beach. You may need to step down into the small boat, then get out while waves move around the hull. Staff assist, but the process can still feel unstable. In some conditions, passengers have been knocked off balance by the surf.

Wear secure footwear and keep your hands free if possible. A waterproof pouch for your phone is sensible. Anyone with limited mobility, balance problems, or difficulty stepping between boats should think carefully before booking. The return transfer has the same challenge in reverse.

Once ashore, you go to the restaurant to leave belongings and organize your visit. The setup is functional rather than polished. Yelapa is a working coastal village, not a private resort, and local vendors may approach you on the beach or near the restaurant. You can decline purchases, but you should expect a more direct sales style than at a resort beach.

Walking to the Horsetail waterfall

The main land excursion is the Horsetail waterfall. You can walk, ride a horse, or take an ATV, with the latter two options costing extra. One quoted price for a horse or ATV was about 550 pesos, but confirm the current rate locally before agreeing.

The walk is described as about 40 minutes, while the horse or ATV route is described as around 15 minutes. The trail includes steep sections, stones, and uneven ground. Wear athletic shoes or sturdy sandals with a good grip. Beach flip-flops are a poor choice.

The waterfall is a pleasant goal when water is flowing. You can take photographs and cool off with a swim if conditions allow. But do not assume it will look the same year-round. Dry weather can leave the falls weak or nearly empty, and the pool may not always be suitable for swimming.

Ask the guide about current conditions before spending money on an ATV or horse. If the waterfall is dry, you may prefer to stay at the beach, eat lunch, or explore the village on foot. A clear explanation at the start would help you make that choice.

The route itself can still be worthwhile because it takes you beyond the sand and into the village area. If you walk, keep your pace realistic and allow enough time to return for lunch. Some people may find the trail easier or harder than the stated time depending on route and conditions.

Three hours for beach, lunch, and local extras

Yelapa time is listed at about three and a half hours, including the transfer, waterfall visit, lunch, and free time. That sounds generous, but the clock moves quickly if you choose the waterfall.

Lunch is served on the beach, with five main options: shrimp cocktail, chicken fajitas, beef fajitas, fish fillet, hamburger, or cheese quesadillas. This is included in the tour price. Extra food and drinks ordered at the restaurant cost more.

The beach is your best fallback if the waterfall is dry or you simply want an easier afternoon. You can swim, walk on the sand, relax in a chair, or take part in local activities for an additional charge. Do not count on a completely private or quiet beach experience. Vendors may approach you with merchandise, and optional photo opportunities can carry unexpected fees, so ask the price before accepting anything.

I would use Yelapa time selectively. If the waterfall is flowing and you are comfortable on steep trails, go early and return for lunch. If you are less sure on your feet, stay near the beach and enjoy the meal. Trying to do everything can make the stop feel hurried.

The two-hour return becomes the main show

Once the group returns to the catamaran, the tone changes. The final two hours are designed for entertainment, with an open bar, music, games, and contests on the way back to Puerto Vallarta.

Included alcoholic drinks include beer, margaritas, rum, vodka, tequila, and whiskey. Water and other drinks are also available as part of the general onboard service. Pace yourself, since you are still on a moving boat and the return can be lively.

Guides help shape the mood. Alberto has been singled out for being a strong host, and Brown Sugar is another guide associated with a warm, entertaining presence. The crew’s friendliness is one of the better reasons to choose this outing.

Music is part of the package, not background decoration. Some people enjoy the party and find the ride home the best section of the day. Others have found the volume uncomfortably high. If you prefer conversation, reading, or a calm sunset ride, this is a real consideration.

The catamaran is also slow enough that the journey itself takes a meaningful part of the day. That is not necessarily a flaw, since the boat ride offers bay views and entertainment, but you should not expect to spend most of the day at Yelapa.

Is the $94.45 price good value?

At $94.45, the price covers more than transportation. You receive breakfast, juice, a beach lunch, an open bar, snorkeling equipment, and access to snorkeling, kayaking, paddleboarding, and inflatables. Restrooms are available onboard, which is useful during a long day at sea.

For a family or couple that plans to eat onboard, try a water activity, visit Yelapa, and enjoy the return party, the package can be good value. The inclusion of two meals and drinks removes several separate costs.

Still, the headline list of activities needs a little interpretation. The Majahuitas water time is limited, and you may only get one activity. Horses, ATVs, and other beach activities are extra. The MX$33 port tax is also separate.

I would not book this solely for a guaranteed waterfall. Conditions vary, and the falls may have little water. Book it for the complete combination: a boat day, clear water at Majahuitas, a taste of Yelapa, lunch, and a lively ride home.

Who should book this Yelapa excursion?

You are a good match if you enjoy a busy schedule and do not mind a crowd. Families with older children, couples who like social outings, and solo visitors who enjoy meeting people can all find plenty to do.

The experience is also a good fit if you want several Puerto Vallarta highlights in one purchase. You do not need to arrange separate transport, meals, beach time, and water activities.

I would be cautious if you have mobility limitations. The small-boat transfer and beach landing are the biggest concerns, not the walk alone. Young children may also find the long day, boat time, music, and late return tiring.

You should also reconsider if you want quiet luxury. The group can reach 99 people, the music can be loud, the port may run late, and Yelapa includes local vendors and a rougher beach arrival. That is part of the character of the outing, but it will not suit every mood.

Practical tips for a smoother day

• Arrive well before the 9:10 a.m. check-in, especially during busy periods.
• Confirm Puerto Vallarta local time if you are coming from a cruise ship.
• Wear shoes with traction for the waterfall route.
• Bring a waterproof phone case or small dry bag for the beach transfer.
• Ask about the waterfall’s current water level before paying for a horse or ATV.
• Check snorkeling gear and request replacements for damaged equipment.
• Keep cash available for the port tax and optional Yelapa activities.
• Ask the price before accepting photos, animal encounters, merchandise, or other offers.
• Expect music and games on the return, not a quiet cruise.
• Leave flexibility in your evening because the tour can return later than planned.

Should you book it?

Book this tour if you want a social, all-day boat outing with meals, drinks, water activities, and a visit to Yelapa in one package. The best day combines clear Majahuitas water, a flowing waterfall, a good beach lunch, and an entertaining crew.

Skip it if you need easy boarding, quiet music, precise departure times, or a guaranteed waterfall. Before paying extra for a horse or ATV, ask about water conditions, and be honest about your ability to manage a surf landing. For the right person, this is a fun and full Puerto Vallarta day. For someone seeking calm or comfort, a smaller Yelapa boat trip may be a wiser choice.

FAQ

How long does the Yelapa catamaran tour last?

The experience lasts approximately 7 to 8 hours. The listed start time is 10 a.m., with check-in at 9:10 a.m., but departure and return times can be delayed.

Where does the tour begin and end?

It begins and ends at Puerto Magico, on Boulevard Francisco Medina Ascencio in Puerto Vallarta’s Zona Hotelera Norte.

What food is included?

Breakfast includes a choice of yogurt, fruit with pancakes, or chilaquiles with egg, plus juice. Beach lunch includes a choice of shrimp cocktail, chicken fajitas, beef fajitas, fish fillet, hamburger, or cheese quesadillas.

Are drinks included?

Yes. Included alcoholic beverages include beer, margaritas, rum, vodka, tequila, and whiskey. Extra drinks and food ordered at the Yelapa restaurant are not included.

Is snorkeling equipment provided?

Yes. Snorkeling equipment is included. Fins are not specified as part of the equipment, so you should not assume they will be provided.

Do I have to pay extra to visit the waterfall?

Walking to the waterfall is described as an option. Horses and ATVs cost extra, with a reported price of about 550 pesos, though you should confirm the current local price.

Can I cancel for a full refund?

You can cancel at least 24 hours before the experience start time for a full refund. Cancellations or changes made within 24 hours are not accepted for a refund. If poor weather cancels the tour, you will be offered another date or a full refund.