Private Snorkeling Tour to Yelapa from Boca de Tomatlán

The best part of this outing is the private boat. You are not packed into a large group, so Captain Jordy can shape the day around your pace, from a longer swim at Majahuitas to extra time in Yelapa. The ride also gives you coastal views that you cannot get from the road.

I like the included snorkeling gear and towels, plus the cooler packed with ice and bottled water. I also like the practical setup: parking at Boca de Tomatlán is covered, and the boat has a Bimini top and Bluetooth sound system. The main catch is the minimum charge for three people, even if only one or two of you book.

Key points

• Majahuitas by boat: Snorkel from the boat in a calm, clear bay, with no beach landing at this stop.
• Captain Jordy at the helm: Expect direct communication before arrival and attentive help on the water.
• Yelapa as the main stop: Plan about three hours for lunch, swimming, town wandering, a waterfall walk, or optional local activities.
• A genuinely private outing: Your group has the boat to itself, with flexible hours and room to adjust the pace.
• Boca de Tomatlán convenience: Parking is provided at the meeting point, and the tour returns there.
• Bring pesos or dollars: Lunch, tips, drinks at the restaurant, souvenirs, and optional activities cost extra.

Why this southern bay trip works

Puerto Vallarta is often sold through its central beaches and hotel zone. This tour takes you south instead, beginning in Boca de Tomatlán, a small fishing village at the edge of the bay. From there, the boat follows the coast toward places reached only, or most easily, by water.

That change of setting matters. You get open water, jungle-covered hills, small beaches, and villages with a slower pace. The boat ride is not just transportation between stops. It is a central part of the day, giving you views of the southern shore that are hard to appreciate from land.

The tour lasts about four to six hours, depending on the timing you choose and how long you spend at each stop. The stated start time is 10:30 a.m. Since it is private, you have some control over the rhythm, though the total time does not include traffic delays getting to Boca.

At $95.31 per person, the price deserves a closer look. This is not the cheapest way to reach Yelapa, especially because the operator applies a minimum charge equal to three people. But the price includes private transportation on the water, fuel, snorkeling equipment, towels, bottled water, ice, and parking. For a small group that values privacy and flexibility, the cost can make sense. For a solo visitor or couple, it is less of a bargain unless having your own boat is the main reason for booking.

Meeting Captain Jordy in Boca de Tomatlán

Your meeting point is at C. de las Garzas 515 in Boca de Tomatlán. Look for the Golondrinas Tour 2 Welcome Sign, where Captain Jordy and his staff will meet you after confirming your booking.

The operator contacts you by text or email to coordinate your arrival. That is useful because Boca can feel less familiar than Puerto Vallarta’s hotel areas. A designated parking lot is available, and the parking fee is included in the tour price. You should still carry cash for tips to the captain, helpers, and parking staff.

Boca is a practical starting point for this route because it sits close to the southern shore. You avoid a longer boat ride from central Puerto Vallarta and begin near the coast you came to see. The return is also simple: the boat brings you back to the same meeting point.

This is a private activity, so only your own group participates. That gives you more freedom than a standard shared boat trip. If someone wants to linger in the water, take a break under the shade, or spend longer in Yelapa, you have a better chance of making that happen.

The boat ride along Banderas Bay

Once you leave Boca, the boat travels along the southern part of Banderas Bay. The route brings views of small beaches, thick jungle, rocky shoreline, and coves that are easiest to understand from the sea.

The boat includes a Bimini top, which provides welcome shade during the ride. It also has a Bluetooth sound system with four KICKER speakers, so you can play music if that suits your group. That feature will matter more to some people than others. If you prefer the sound of the water, you can simply leave the music off.

The operator provides bottled water, a cooler with ice, and one towel per person. Those small items make the trip more comfortable, especially after swimming. You should still bring sunscreen, a hat, a swimsuit, light clothing, comfortable footwear, a change of clothes, and a waterproof phone case.

One useful detail from the boat setup is the ladder for getting back aboard after swimming. That can make a real difference if you are not confident pulling yourself up over the side of a small boat.

Majahuitas, your main snorkeling stop

Majahuitas is the first major stop, with about 30 minutes set aside for snorkeling. The bay is known for calm water and good visibility, with tropical fish and underwater rock or coral formations described as part of the experience.

There is an important detail here: the stop is intended for snorkeling from the boat, and beach access is not guaranteed. The description refers to soft sand and a secluded bay, but the practical plan is to remain with the boat and enter the water from there. If stepping onto a beach is essential to you, ask Captain Jordy to clarify the conditions on the day.

The water is clear enough that you may see fish even before getting in. That makes Majahuitas a comfortable choice for people who want to look around without committing to a long swim. Snorkeling equipment is included, and the captain can help with the basic boat routine.

Thirty minutes is enough for a focused swim, but it is not a full snorkeling expedition. If you want more time in the water, ask about the flexible schedule before departure. Weather, water conditions, and the day’s timing can affect how long each stop lasts.

The bay’s quiet setting is a big part of its appeal. You are not spending the morning moving from one crowded attraction to another. You get a short, direct look at the coast, with the option to swim, float, or stay aboard and enjoy the view.

Colimilla for a quieter beach break

The next stop is Colimilla, a secluded beach where you have about 15 to 30 minutes to relax, swim, or sit on the sand. The listed timing says 30 minutes, while the practical description allows 15 to 30 minutes, so think of this as a flexible short stop rather than a long beach afternoon.

Colimilla is useful because it breaks up the boat ride. After snorkeling, you can dry off, stretch your legs, and enjoy a calmer stretch of shore. The beach is described as having soft sand and gentle waves, which suits a quick swim or a quiet pause.

There is also a trade-off. A short stop means you may need to choose between swimming, sitting in the shade, taking photos, and simply enjoying the setting. If your group wants a long beach stay, Yelapa is the better place to use your time.

Three hours in Yelapa

Yelapa is the heart of the outing. The boat arrives at this fishing village, and your base is Juanito’s Restaurant. About three hours are allotted here, giving you enough time for lunch and a little independent exploring.

Lunch is not included in the tour price. You pay separately for food, restaurant drinks, alcohol, and any meal bought from beach sellers. Dietary choices may be limited depending on what the restaurant has available, so tell the operator about restrictions ahead of time and carry cash in Mexican pesos or US dollars.

Juanito’s gives you a fixed place to regroup, but you are not required to spend every minute at the table. You can walk through the village, swim in the bay, or simply sit by the water. Yelapa is accessible by boat, which helps preserve its small-town feel and gives the stop a sense of distance from Puerto Vallarta.

You may also walk to a nearby waterfall. The information provided does not give a precise trail length or condition, so ask locally before setting out, especially if you have limited time or need an easy route.

Optional activities mentioned for Yelapa include a horseback ride and a shared ATV ride. These are extra, and availability can change with weather, capacity, or seasonal conditions. Treat them as possibilities, not guaranteed parts of the booking.

One especially practical feature is the ability to adjust the day around your group. If your priority is lunch and village time, you can keep the beach stops shorter. If you prefer swimming and coast views, ask to use more of the available time on the water.

What the strongest parts of the experience tell you

The highest praise centers on Captain Jordy’s care, the private boat, and the clear water at the snorkeling stop. Those are the parts I would weigh most heavily when deciding if this trip suits you.

Communication is handled by text or email before arrival, and the captain is described as attentive about safety and comfort. The boat is clean and maintained, with shade, drinks, and a ladder back into the boat after swimming. That combination makes the outing easier for people who want the sea experience without roughing it.

The private format also creates unusual flexibility. A previous outing with Jordy included a private pickup from Los Muertos Pier, time at a boat-only beach, whale watching, and Los Arcos. Those details are not promised on this exact route, so do not book expecting whales or Los Arcos. They do show that the operator may be responsive to a group’s interests when conditions and timing allow.

A restaurant may also prepare a fish you catch along the way, but that is not guaranteed and should not be treated as part of the standard plan. Ask the captain if this interests you.

Who should book, and who should think twice

I would recommend this tour to a family or friend group that wants a private boat, a short snorkeling session, and several hours in Yelapa. It also suits people who dislike fixed group schedules and want more say in how long they spend swimming or exploring.

It is a good fit if you value quiet beaches, coastal views, and a village stop more than a long, technical snorkeling session. Most people can participate, and service animals are allowed. The meeting point is near public transportation, though you need to arrange your own way to Boca unless you have separately coordinated another pickup.

I would think twice if you are traveling alone or as a couple on a tight budget. The minimum charge equivalent to three guests raises the effective cost. I would also reconsider if you need a guaranteed beach landing at Majahuitas, an included lunch, or a full-day water excursion.

Weather matters. The tour requires good conditions, and poor weather can lead to a different date or a full refund. For the best experience, keep your schedule somewhat open and avoid placing an important flight or fixed booking immediately afterward.

Free cancellation is available if you cancel at least 24 hours before the 10:30 a.m. start time. Changes or cancellations inside that window are not accepted for a refund.

Practical packing and spending advice

Pack light, but bring enough to handle a wet morning and a warm afternoon. Your basic kit should include:

• Swimsuit and a dry change of clothes
• Sunscreen and a hat
• Comfortable footwear
• Medication you may need
• Waterproof protection for your phone or camera
• Cash in pesos or US dollars

The tour supplies water, ice, snorkeling gear, and one towel per person. Lunch, restaurant drinks, alcohol, tips, souvenirs, and optional horseback or ATV activities are extra.

Cash is especially useful in Yelapa and Boca de Tomatlán, where some small businesses may not accept cards. Budget beyond the tour price so you can enjoy lunch or an unplanned local activity without worrying about payment.

Should you book this private Yelapa boat tour?

Book it if your ideal Puerto Vallarta day includes a private boat, a clear-water swim at Majahuitas, a quiet beach pause at Colimilla, and several unhurried hours in Yelapa. Captain Jordy’s attentive service, shaded boat, cooler, and flexible schedule add real value.

Skip it if you want the lowest possible price, a guaranteed included meal, or a long snorkeling program. The three-person minimum is the key financial issue. For the right group, though, paying more buys privacy, simpler pacing, and a far more personal way to reach the southern coast.

FAQ

Where does the tour start?

The tour starts at C. de las Garzas 515 in Boca de Tomatlán, Jalisco, Mexico. Meet Captain Jordy and his staff at the Golondrinas Tour 2 Welcome Sign.

What time does the tour start?

The scheduled start time is 10:30 a.m.

Where does the tour finish?

The boat returns to Boca de Tomatlán, and the activity ends at the original meeting point.

How long does the tour last?

The experience lasts approximately four to six hours. The exact length can vary because the tour is private and has flexible hours. Transportation time and possible traffic delays are not included in the stated duration.

Is parking included?

Yes. A designated parking lot is available at Boca de Tomatlán, and the parking fee is included in the tour price.

Is this a private tour?

Yes. Only your group participates, and the boat is dedicated to your party.

Is snorkeling equipment provided?

Yes. Snorkeling equipment is included in the tour.

Can I snorkel from the beach at Majahuitas?

The planned snorkeling stop is directly from the boat, and beach access is not provided at this stop.

Is lunch included?

No. Lunch at Juanito’s Restaurant or from other food sellers in Yelapa is paid separately. Restaurant drinks and alcohol are also extra.

What happens if the weather is poor?

The tour requires good weather. If it is canceled because of poor conditions, you will be offered another date or a full refund.