Tour Yelapas and Mahahuitas in Catamaran with Lunch and Open Bar!

Yelapa and Majahuitas give you two very different coastal stops in one long day: a small beach town beside the Sierra Madre foothills, then a quiet beach club built for swimming and sun. The catamaran ride links them with breakfast, lunch, and an open bar, so you can settle into the day without arranging extra transport or meals.

I like the choice built into Yelapa. You can stay on the sand, or walk through town along paths and stairways decorated with colorful artwork. I also like that snorkeling equipment and insurance are included. The main caution is simple: kayaks and other water gear are shared extras, not guaranteed private equipment, so do not book this mainly for a long kayak session.

Key Points

• Two coastal stops in one day: Visit Yelapa first, then spend time at Majahuitas Beach Club.
• Yelapa offers a real choice: Stay at the beach or walk through town beside the river and mountain foothills.
• Meals are included: Breakfast and lunch are part of the package, along with an open bar on the catamaran.
• Water gear is available: Snorkel, fins, and vest are included, while kayaks and paddle boards depend on availability.
• The group can reach 35 people: This is a social catamaran outing, not a small private cruise.
• Budget for the port tax: The MX$30 charge per person is not included in the advertised price.

What the Puerto Vallarta Catamaran Day Is Really Like

At $120 per person, this is a full-day coastal outing rather than a quick boat transfer. The advertised duration is about seven to eight hours, beginning at 9:00 a.m. and ending back at the same Puerto Vallarta meeting point.

You meet at Terminal Maritima API on Boulevard Francisco Medina Ascencio in Las Glorias. The location is near public transportation, which makes the start easier if you are staying in Puerto Vallarta and do not have a car.

The boat carries up to 35 people. That size matters. You get the energy of a shared sailing day, but you should not expect the quiet pace or personal attention of a private charter. A bilingual guide accompanies the group, and the experience is offered in English.

The day has a clear rhythm. You sail south along the coast, spend roughly four hours at Yelapa, return to the catamaran, then continue to Majahuitas for about three hours. The schedule gives each place enough time to feel worthwhile, though it also means you need to keep an eye on the departure time.

Breakfast, Lunch, and an Open Bar at Sea

Food and drinks make a large difference in the value of a day tour. Breakfast and lunch are included, so you do not have to pack a full day of food or search for a restaurant during the short stops.

The open bar applies on the boat. That is useful after a swim or during the return trip, but it does not mean every drink throughout the day is covered. Drinks purchased at the restaurant are specifically excluded, so keep some extra money available if you order anything ashore.

There is also a port tax of MX$30 per person. It is a small charge, but it is best treated as part of the real cost rather than a surprise at the start.

For me, the package works best if you want a social day with the basics handled. The $120 price includes the catamaran, guide, insurance, breakfast, lunch, snorkeling equipment, and drinks aboard. If you would otherwise pay separately for a boat trip, two beach stops, meals, and gear, the price is reasonable.

The value is less clear if you plan to spend most of the day on shore and do not care about the open bar or included equipment. In that case, a simpler beach transfer may suit you better.

Yelapa: Beach, River, and Mountain Views

Yelapa is the more interesting stop for people who want more than a chair on the sand. Its setting brings together the beach, the Yelapa River, and the lower slopes of the Sierra Madre. That combination gives the place a distinct feel from a standard resort beach.

You have about four hours here. You can use the time in the easiest way, staying near the beach, or take a scenic walk through town. The paths and stairways feature colorful artwork, adding small visual surprises as you move away from the water.

I would choose the walk if you want a sense of place. Yelapa’s appeal comes from seeing how the beach, river, foothills, and town fit together. You do not need to force a major hike into the schedule. The point is to explore at a comfortable pace and return to the boat on time.

If you prefer a quiet beach break, Yelapa also gives you that option. Four hours is enough for a swim, a relaxed meal period, and some time on the sand without making the stop feel rushed.

The tradeoff is that you must choose how to use the stop. A long town walk leaves less time at the beach, while a full beach stay means you will see less of Yelapa itself. I suggest deciding before you arrive, then adjusting based on the heat and your energy.

Majahuitas Beach Club and Its Shared Water Gear

After Yelapa, the catamaran heads to Majahuitas. This stop has a different purpose. The beach club is furnished in a laid-back hippie-chic style, with a relaxed setting suited to swimming, sunbathing, and casual water activities.

You have roughly three hours here. Snorkeling equipment is included, with fins, a vest, and a snorkel. Kayaking and paddle boarding are also offered, but the available equipment is limited and shared.

This is the most important practical point about the tour. The boat may carry around 30 people while only five kayaks are available. A kayak is not reserved for you for the entire beach visit, and availability follows the group’s use of the equipment.

One visitor expected to use a two-person kayak and found only single kayaks available. They also had to wait, leaving only a few minutes before the group moved on. The operator clarified that kayaking is an added activity rather than the main purpose of the outing.

That explanation is useful, even if it does not remove the frustration. If kayaking is your main reason for booking, choose a tour focused specifically on kayaking. If you see it as a pleasant extra after snorkeling or swimming, the arrangement is easier to accept.

The same principle applies to paddle boards. The activity is listed as available, but the supplied details do not promise one for every person or a guaranteed amount of time. Treat all shared equipment as first come, first served or subject to group timing.

How to Plan Your Time at Both Beaches

The stop lengths are generous, but the day still has a fixed schedule. At Yelapa, decide whether you want a town walk or mostly beach time. At Majahuitas, choose your priority among snorkeling, swimming, sunbathing, kayaking, and paddle boarding.

You can bring a simple plan:

• At Yelapa, walk first if you want to see the town, then return to the beach.
• At Majahuitas, ask early about the water equipment if snorkeling or paddling matters to you.
• Do not wait until the final minutes to try a kayak.
• Keep track of the catamaran departure time yourself.
• Leave room for a slower lunch and time on the sand.

The tour includes the return to the original meeting point. Since both stops are part of one organized day, you do not need to arrange a separate ride back from either beach.

Catamaran Comfort and Group Size

A maximum group of 35 makes this a mid-sized shared excursion. That is large enough for a friendly, active atmosphere and small enough to avoid the scale of a giant cruise ship.

The open bar can make the ride feel festive, especially on the way back. If you prefer a quiet boat ride, choose a seat away from the most social part of the group if possible, though the exact seating arrangement is not provided.

A catamaran is also a practical choice for this route because the boat itself is part of the experience. You are not simply being dropped at a beach and collected later. The sailing time creates a natural break between Yelapa and Majahuitas, with food and drinks handled aboard.

The experience includes travel insurance, which is another useful part of the package. Still, insurance does not replace ordinary care. Bring what you need for a full day outside, and protect any personal belongings you take near the water.

Who Will Get the Most From This Tour

I would recommend this outing to you if you want several elements in one booking:

• A full day on the water
• Two different beach stops
• A chance to explore a small coastal town
• Included breakfast and lunch
• Snorkeling gear without a separate rental
• An open bar on the catamaran
• A group atmosphere rather than a private boat

It suits couples and friends who enjoy a mix of scenery, swimming, food, and light exploration. Families may also appreciate the choice between a town walk, beach time, and water activities, though the day is long and the boat group is shared.

It is less suitable if you want a private, quiet sailing trip or guaranteed access to a kayak. It may also disappoint you if you expect to spend the entire day at one beach. The strength of this experience is variety, not complete freedom at a single location.

Booking, Cancellation, and Weather Details

You receive confirmation when you book, and the activity has a mobile ticket. It is commonly booked about 26 days ahead, so reserving early makes sense if your Puerto Vallarta dates are fixed.

Free cancellation is available up to 24 hours before the 9:00 a.m. start time for a full refund. Changes or cancellations made within 24 hours are not accepted for a refund.

Weather can affect the outing. If poor weather causes cancellation, you are offered another date or a full refund. The tour also requires a minimum number of participants. If that minimum is not reached, you can choose another date or experience, or receive a full refund.

These terms are fairly flexible, but do not leave cancellation until the last day. The cut-off follows local Puerto Vallarta time.

What to Bring for a Seven to Eight Hour Day

The supplied details do not list a required packing list, but a few practical choices follow directly from the schedule. You will be outside for most of the day, moving between a boat, beaches, and possibly town paths and stairs.

Bring a swimsuit, sun protection, and comfortable footwear for walking through Yelapa. A light change of clothes can be useful after snorkeling or swimming. Keep your phone protected around the water, especially if you plan to use the mobile ticket or take pictures.

You may also want a small amount of Mexican currency for the MX$30 port tax and any drinks at a restaurant. Tips are not included, so plan for those separately if you choose to tip the guide or boat crew.

Is the Yelapa and Majahuitas Catamaran Tour Worth $120?

For the right kind of day, yes. The price covers a long catamaran ride, two stops, a bilingual guide, insurance, breakfast, lunch, snorkeling equipment, and an open bar on the boat. That is a substantial bundle, especially if you would otherwise pay for meals and water gear separately.

The value depends on how you use the inclusions. Snorkeling equipment is more useful than the limited kayaks if you want an active beach stop. The open bar adds value for people who enjoy drinks during the sail, but less for anyone who does not drink.

The two destinations also justify part of the cost. Yelapa gives you town, river, foothill, and beach scenery. Majahuitas gives you a more polished beach club setting with time for water activities. You get contrast rather than two identical shore stops.

I would not pay $120 solely for kayaking. The limited supply and fixed schedule make that a poor match. I would consider the price fair for a full shared day that combines food, boat time, swimming, snorkeling, and a choice between exploring and relaxing.

Should You Book This Puerto Vallarta Boat Trip?

Book it if you want a social, all-day catamaran outing with meals, an open bar, two coastal stops, and plenty of choice once you reach shore. Yelapa is the stronger stop for walking and scenery, while Majahuitas works well for a relaxed beach break and snorkeling.

Skip it if you need private service, guaranteed kayaks, or a slow schedule with no group timetable. Go in expecting shared equipment and a maximum group of 35, and the tour should deliver good variety for the price.

FAQ

Where does the tour begin?

It begins at Terminal Maritima API, Boulevard Francisco Medina Ascencio, Las Glorias, 48333 Puerto Vallarta, Jalisco, Mexico.

What time does the tour start?

The scheduled start time is 9:00 a.m.

How long does the experience last?

The tour lasts approximately seven to eight hours and ends back at the original meeting point.

What destinations does the catamaran visit?

The tour visits Yelapa and Majahuitas Beach Club.

Is food included?

Yes. Breakfast and lunch are included in the tour.

Is the open bar included?

Yes. An open bar is available on the catamaran. Drinks purchased at the restaurant are not included.

Is snorkeling equipment provided?

Yes. Snorkeling equipment includes fins, a vest, and a snorkel.

Is the port tax included in the price?

No. The port tax is MX$30 per person and is paid separately.

What happens if bad weather cancels the tour?

You are offered a different date or a full refund if poor weather causes the activity to be canceled.