Yelapa Waterfall, BBQ at Exclusive Majahuitas Beach & Open bar

Yelapa gives this boat day its character: a remote fishing village where you can walk uneven paths toward Cola de Caballo waterfall, then return to the shore for a swim or a look around. After that, the boat heads to Majahuitas for snorkeling, kayaking, paddle boarding, lunch, and beach time.

I like two things here. First, the crew, especially guides such as Danny and Poncho, gets high marks for keeping the boat lively and serving snacks and drinks along the way. Second, the tour packs a lot into one day: village life, a waterfall walk, sea time, a secluded beach, and a BBQ.

The trade-off is time. Majahuitas may be the reason you book, yet the beach stop can feel rushed once lunch and water activities are included. Rough seas can also change the plan, reduce snorkeling visibility, or prevent the boat from docking at Yelapa.

Key points to know before booking

• Yelapa is more than a beach stop: You can walk through the fishing village toward the waterfall, though the route has uneven, wet cobblestones and uphill sections.
• Majahuitas is the main relaxation stop: You get turquoise water, palms, lunch, snorkeling gear, kayaks, paddle boards, and unlimited non-alcoholic drinks.
• The crew is a major part of the day: Danny, Poncho, and the boat team are often praised for friendly service, music, comedy, and a surprise closing performance.
• Snorkeling depends on conditions: You might see colorful fish, pufferfish, dolphins, or whales, but murky water, jellyfish, and rolling waves can affect the experience.
• Bring more than a swimsuit: Pack a towel, sunscreen, photo ID, and sturdy shoes for Yelapa’s rough paths.
• Budget for port charges: Bring cash for the MX$40 port fee and MX$20 access fee, plus optional tips, horse rentals, and drinks at Yelapa.

What this Puerto Vallarta boat day is really like

This is not a quiet little sailboat outing. It is a full-day excursion built around a large boat, a busy schedule, music, organized activities, and an energetic crew. That will suit you if you like variety and want someone else to handle the moving parts.

You leave Puerto Vallarta at about 8:00 a.m. from Vallarta Adventures at Puerto Mágico. The whole outing lasts roughly seven hours and returns to the same departure point. The maximum group size is listed as 200 people, so you should expect a shared boat rather than an intimate coastal cruise.

That size has a clear benefit: there is plenty happening. Drinks are served aboard, and the trip includes a light breakfast or morning snack such as fruit and sweet bread. You can settle into the ride while the crew explains the day and points out coastal views.

The drawback is that a large group needs strict timing. You may be moved from one activity to the next so the boat can stay on schedule. If you prefer lingering at one cove or exploring at your own pace, this format may feel managed rather than relaxed.

The ride across Banderas Bay

The boat journey is part of the attraction, not just transportation. You travel along Banderas Bay toward the southern coast, with opportunities to see dramatic shorelines and, in the right season and conditions, dolphins or humpback whales.

The route may include views of Los Arcos near Mismaloya. That gives you a chance to see one of the area’s best-known rock formations from the water, although the exact stops can change with sea conditions and the day’s schedule.

The crew keeps drinks available aboard. The supplied information describes beverages as part of the tour, while the Majahuitas beach club includes unlimited non-alcoholic drinks. Some experiences also include beer aboard or at lunch, but I would not book this expecting a fully stocked alcoholic open bar at every stage.

Sea conditions matter. On calm days, the ride can be smooth and comfortable. When the water is rough, the boat may roll, docking can become difficult, and snorkeling can be less pleasant. If you are prone to motion sickness, bring whatever remedy you normally use and choose a seat with your comfort in mind.

Yelapa village and the walk to Cola de Caballo

Yelapa is a remote fishing village about an hour from Puerto Vallarta by boat. Its appeal is not a grand monument or polished resort. You come here to see a small coastal community, walk its paths, and get a taste of a place that feels separate from the main hotel zone.

The walk toward Cola de Caballo waterfall is short for many people, but it is not a smooth promenade. Expect sandy stretches, uphill sections, irregular paths, and wet cobblestones. Hiking shoes or secure walking sandals are a much better choice than flip-flops.

The route can be a highlight because it takes you through the village and into a more wooded setting. You get a quick look at how people live in Yelapa, rather than seeing only the beach from the pier. The waterfall itself may be impressive after rain, but during dry periods it can be little more than a trickle or even dry.

That seasonal point matters. You should treat the waterfall as a possibility, not a guarantee. If the flow is low, the guide may suggest a village walk or beach time instead. The village is worth seeing, but some people find Yelapa confusing without clear directions, especially when it is time to return to the boat.

Pay close attention to the meeting instructions once you arrive. One person described being left behind temporarily after losing track of the group, while another had trouble with the rough route back to the pier. Those incidents do not define every departure, but they show why you should stay aware of the guide, remember the boat meeting time, and avoid wandering off alone.

Yelapa also has local vendors and optional horse rentals. Horse rides cost extra, and drinks purchased on the beach are not included. You may prefer to keep your visit simple: follow the walking route, enjoy the scenery, and return with enough time to board comfortably.

Snorkeling, swimming, and sea life

The water activities are among the strongest reasons to book this trip. Snorkeling equipment is included, and the tour also provides kayaks and paddle boards at Majahuitas. Depending on the schedule, the boat may stop at a snorkeling location before reaching the beach.

Conditions make a big difference. On a good day, you might see colorful fish and a wide mix of small marine life. Pufferfish have been spotted, and dolphins and humpback whales may appear from the boat. That is wonderful luck, but no wildlife sighting is promised.

Visibility can also shift quickly. Jellyfish populations may require the crew to move between snorkeling sites, and rough water can make it hard to see much below the surface. One day may bring clear water and plenty of fish, while another produces murky conditions and an uncomfortable swim.

I would think of the snorkeling as a pleasant part of a broader coastal day, not as a specialist marine-life excursion. If snorkeling is your top priority, ask about current sea conditions before departure and keep your expectations flexible.

The water sports at Majahuitas add variety. You can use a kayak or paddle board, swim, or simply sit on the beach. Some departures have also included banana boat rides and beach volleyball, though the core inclusions specifically list snorkeling and kayaking equipment, so confirm any extra activity when you arrive.

Majahuitas Beach and the BBQ lunch

Majahuitas is the visual reward at the end of the active morning. Palm trees frame a secluded beach, and the water is described as turquoise and inviting. The beach club provides chairs, food, restrooms, and access to water activities, which makes this stop easier than a completely undeveloped beach visit.

Lunch is a BBQ served at the beach club. The food receives some of the warmest praise attached to the experience. Expect a meal designed for a mixed group, with options for different tastes, refreshing drinks, and a casual setting close to the water.

The timing is the main issue. The listed stop is about an hour, though some departures provide around an hour and a half. That sounds reasonable until you factor in getting seated, eating, changing activities, using the water equipment, and finding a quiet patch of sand.

If you want to snorkel, kayak, paddle board, swim, and eat slowly, you may feel hurried. Several comments point to the same practical choice: decide what matters most before you arrive. If the beach is your priority, skip one activity and claim some time in the water or under the palms.

The beach is also where the tour feels most like a resort outing. That is useful because you have facilities and lunch, but it is less solitary than the word exclusive might suggest. You are sharing the area with the tour group, and the stop is organized around a fixed departure time.

The crew, music, and ride home

The crew is one of the clearest strengths of this excursion. Danny is singled out for explaining each stage of the day while keeping the mood light. Poncho and other team members are also praised for attentive service, good humor, and helping people take part in activities.

The entertainment continues on the return ride. Music is part of the atmosphere, and the closing performance is kept as a surprise. It may include comic musical numbers, with AC/DC and Guns N’ Roses themes mentioned by name in connection with one departure.

That show will not appeal to everyone. If you want a peaceful ride back, the music and performance may be too loud. One experience also found the band loud enough to make conversation difficult. This is a party-leaning boat trip, not a silent sunset cruise.

Still, the entertainment gives the long return journey a purpose. You are not simply sitting on a boat after lunch. The crew works to keep the energy up, serves drinks, and turns the final leg into part of the program.

Is the $99 price good value?

At $99 per person, the price is fair if you plan to use the included activities and food. You are paying for boat transportation, a seven-hour day, a light morning snack, drinks aboard, a BBQ lunch, snorkeling and kayaking equipment, and access to Majahuitas facilities.

The value improves if you would otherwise book separate transport to Yelapa, a beach club day, equipment rental, and lunch. The tour also removes the work of arranging a route between two coastal stops.

The price is less attractive if you mainly want several quiet hours at Majahuitas. The schedule divides your day between the boat, Yelapa, snorkeling, lunch, and the beach. You may spend much of the time moving according to the group timetable.

Remember the additional charges. Port fees total MX$40 per person in cash, and there is a MX$20 access fee at check-in. Tips are optional. Horse rentals and drinks at Yelapa cost extra.

Who should book this excursion?

I would recommend it for families, couples, and first-time visitors who want a broad taste of the coast in one day. It works especially well if you enjoy switching between sightseeing, swimming, light hiking, and organized entertainment.

You should have a moderate fitness level. The Yelapa route includes sand, uphill ground, uneven surfaces, and wet cobblestones, so this is not suitable for people with limited mobility. Toilets are located on the lower deck of the boat.

Bring a towel, sunscreen, photo ID, and sturdy footwear. The operator specifically warns that cruise ship passengers cannot book this tour. Mexico’s federal maritime ports also enforce a strict no-drug rule that includes electronic cigarettes, vapers, and all types of drugs. Security can deny access without a refund or date change, so take that warning seriously.

The tour is offered in English. Free cancellation is available up to 24 hours before the start time. Poor weather can lead to a different date or a full refund, but rough conditions during an otherwise operating trip may still change the route or activities.

Should you book Yelapa and Majahuitas?

Book this tour if you want a lively, well-filled day with Yelapa’s village and waterfall walk, a scenic boat ride, beach activities, lunch, and a crew that treats entertainment as part of the job. The combination is good value for someone who wants to see several sides of Puerto Vallarta’s coast without arranging each piece independently.

Skip it if you want a quiet, uncrowded beach day, a guaranteed waterfall, or serious snorkeling. The biggest practical risk is not the price. It is the fixed schedule and the weather. Go with sturdy shoes, accept that Yelapa’s waterfall may be dry, choose your Majahuitas priorities early, and stay close to the guide when it is time to return to the boat.

FAQ

How long does the Yelapa and Majahuitas tour last?

The experience lasts approximately seven hours and returns to the original meeting point in Puerto Vallarta.

What time does the tour start?

The scheduled start time is 8:00 a.m. from Vallarta Adventures at Puerto Mágico.

Where does the tour depart from?

It departs from Vallarta Adventures, Terminal Marítima at Puerto Mágico, on Blvd. Francisco Medina Ascencio 30-G1 in Puerto Vallarta.

Is lunch included?

Yes. A BBQ lunch at Majahuitas is included, along with refreshing drinks and unlimited non-alcoholic beverages at the beach club.

Is snorkeling equipment provided?

Yes. Snorkeling and kayaking equipment are included. Paddle boarding is also listed among the activities available at Majahuitas.

Do I need to be physically fit?

You should have a moderate fitness level. Yelapa has sandy, uphill, uneven, and irregular paths, including wet cobblestones. The tour is not recommended for people with limited mobility.

Are port fees included?

No. Bring cash for the MX$40 port fee per person and the MX$20 access fee paid at check-in.

Can cruise ship passengers book this tour?

No. Passengers arriving on a cruise ship cannot book this experience.