Yelapa and Majahuitas Snorkeling Cruise in Puerto Vallarta All Inclusive

The best days here happen offshore. This eight-hour catamaran trip combines a scenic ride along the coast with swimming, snorkeling, kayaking, paddle boarding, a stop at Yelapa, and a beach lunch. I especially like the friendly, entertaining crew and the chance to see Yelapa’s waterfall and small-town streets. The included breakfast, lunch, drinks, and water activities also make the $87.04 price appealing.

The main caution is snorkeling. Conditions can change quickly, and several outings have had murky water, limited fish, or worn equipment. The day can also stretch well beyond eight hours, music may be loud, and extra charges can appear for pier and reef fees or optional transport in Yelapa.

Key Points Before You Book

• Yelapa is the strongest part of the day: The waterfall walk and relaxed beach setting give you a taste of coastal Mexico beyond Puerto Vallarta’s hotel zone.

• Snorkeling depends heavily on conditions: Some outings offer clear water and plenty of fish, while others have visibility of less than a meter.

• The crew drives the mood: Guides and staff such as Alex, Diego, Jorge, and Jonathan, known as Johnny Cash, have been praised for friendly service, games, dancing, and attentive drink service.

• Your $87.04 covers plenty: Continental breakfast, deli-style food, lunch, an open national bar, soft drinks, snorkeling equipment, kayaks, paddle boards, life jackets, and onboard insurance are included.

• Expect a full day on the water: The listed duration is about eight hours, but some departures have lasted 11 hours, especially when timing is affected by cruise ship schedules.

• Bring patience and a backup plan: The group can include up to 40 people, check-in may take time, and the boat-to-beach transfer at Yelapa can be awkward for anyone with mobility concerns.

Leaving Puerto Vallarta on a Catamaran

The meeting point is Puerto Mágico on Boulevard Francisco Medina Ascencio in Puerto Vallarta’s northern hotel zone. The scheduled start is 9:15 a.m., and the trip returns to the same place.

The first part of the morning is usually practical rather than glamorous. You may need to check in, handle pier or equipment procedures, and collect snorkeling gear. One useful tip is to keep a picture ID handy, since it may be requested when equipment is issued. The early process has been described as slow, with several lines, so arriving with time to spare is wise.

Once the catamaran gets moving, the trip becomes much more relaxed. A continental breakfast is served with bread, coffee, seasonal fruit, yogurt, and granola. This is a modest breakfast, but it is welcome before swimming and helps you avoid spending the first activity hour hungry.

The boat carries up to 40 people. That is large enough to create a lively social atmosphere, but not so large that the boat feels like a floating stadium. Still, service can feel crowded during equipment distribution, meal times, and transfers.

The ride includes music, and the crew uses the return trip for dancing and games. If you want a quiet conversation, choose your seat carefully. Music has been too loud for some people, especially on the upper deck. The party mood is a major part of the appeal for many people, but it is not the right fit if you want a peaceful sailing day.

Swimming, Kayaking, and Snorkeling Near Majahuitas

The water activity stop comes before Yelapa. You can use the snorkeling equipment, kayaks, and paddle boards, or simply swim and remain on the boat.

This is the part of the trip that requires the most realistic expectations. Majahuitas can offer fish, rays, and enjoyable time in the water, but visibility is not guaranteed. After storms or during busy periods, the bay can become cloudy. Several outings have had very poor visibility, while others produced plenty of fish and even sightings of a manta ray.

I would treat snorkeling as a pleasant possibility, not the main reason to pay for the cruise. The experience is better when you are happy to kayak or paddle board if the water looks cloudy. Some people have found the masks and snorkels perfectly usable, while others have had leaking goggles or older equipment that did not work well.

The crew provides life jackets and snorkeling gear, but service at the equipment station may not always be clearly explained in English. If you want to snorkel, ask early, listen for instructions, and check your mask before entering the water. Jellyfish have also been present on at least one outing, so pay attention to the crew’s safety guidance.

Water temperature can vary by season. A February outing was comfortable for swimming, while another spring outing found the water cold. You may want a light cover-up for the boat ride, even in warm weather.

The stop is valuable even when snorkeling fails. You can swim, use a paddle board, kayak, watch the coastline, or relax with a drink. The water activities give the cruise some freedom, since you are not forced into one organized exercise.

Arriving at Yelapa’s Beach and Village

Yelapa is reached by water, and the final transfer may involve moving from the larger catamaran to a smaller boat. This is an important practical detail. You need to step carefully, and the arrangement can be difficult if you have mobility limitations, balance problems, or trouble climbing into boats.

Yelapa feels different from Puerto Vallarta’s developed hotel areas. It is a small coastal community with a beach, local paths, restaurants, and access to a waterfall. The setting is attractive, but you should not expect polished resort facilities. Basic public conveniences can be rough, and one account described poor restroom conditions and missing table supplies.

The beach is the kind of place where a slow afternoon works better than a checklist. You can sit near the water, look through the town, or join the walk toward the waterfall. Some people have loved the relaxed feel of Yelapa, while others found the beach less clean or less inviting than expected. Your enjoyment will depend partly on your expectations.

The included meal is served at the Vela Roja à la carte restaurant. Food choices include fish steak, beef fajitas, chicken, shrimp or plain quesadillas, beef or shrimp burgers, fish ceviche, and shrimp cocktail. The selection is generous for a day trip, though the quality may vary. Beef has been described as difficult to chew on one outing, while other meals were considered very good.

The onboard bar includes rum, beer, tequila, brandy, vodka, and soft drinks, along with juice and water. This is a true advantage for the price, especially if you plan to spend the return ride socializing. One important timing detail: the bar may not open immediately. On one long outing, service began about three hours into the cruise. If you are counting on an early drink, ask the crew about the schedule.

Walking to the Waterfall

The waterfall walk is the most distinctive part of the land stop. It takes you away from the beach and into Yelapa’s inland paths, giving the trip more substance than a simple sand-and-sea excursion.

The route has been described as a jungle walk through town and up toward the falls. The waterfall is not enormous, but it is scenic and makes a worthwhile destination after the boat ride. Wear shoes that can handle an uneven path, and bring water even though drinks are available on the boat.

You may be offered additional transportation or an ATV option to reach the waterfall. This is not part of the stated included package, so ask about the price before agreeing. Some people have preferred the ATV because it covers more of Yelapa and provides striking views along narrow streets. Others have walked and enjoyed the route.

The ATV ride can be exciting, but it is not a quiet sightseeing loop. Narrow streets and rougher access make it better for confident riders who want an active outing. If you choose the walk, plan for a slower pace and accept that the waterfall visit may take a good portion of your time in Yelapa.

Guides have made a difference here. Francisco has been praised for ATV stops and photo opportunities, while Alex, Diego, Jorge, and Jonathan have each been singled out for their energy and care during different outings. Service is not always equally strong in English, so listen carefully for meeting instructions and confirm where and when you need to return to the boat.

Food, Drinks, and the Return Ride

The food plan is one of the better reasons to consider this excursion. You receive breakfast in the morning, food on the boat, and a restaurant lunch in Yelapa. That means you do not need to organize separate meals during a long day away from Puerto Vallarta.

The lunch choices cover familiar Mexican and international options. Fish ceviche and shrimp cocktail suit the seaside setting, while fajitas, burgers, quesadillas, and fish steak give cautious eaters simpler choices. The meal is satisfactory overall, but it is not a fine-dining experience. Think of it as convenient, filling tour food served in a beautiful location.

The open bar is also part of the social rhythm. Staff may bring drinks to you, and the return ride often becomes the liveliest section, with music, games, dancing, and drinks flowing. Some outings have included whale, dolphin, or manta ray sightings, but wildlife is never guaranteed.

Motion sickness deserves attention. The boat can feel rough, and several people have become seasick. If you are prone to nausea, bring whatever medication you normally use and take it according to its directions before the ride. The catamaran itself is part of the attraction, but eight hours on open water is a serious commitment.

What the $87.04 Price Really Buys

At $87.04 per person, this is a strong value if you want an all-day package. Breakfast, lunch, drinks, equipment, kayaking, paddle boarding, snorkeling, entertainment, life jackets, and onboard insurance would cost more if arranged separately.

The price is less attractive if your only goal is clear snorkeling. Water conditions can reduce that part of the trip to a brief swim, and the boat may spend less time at the reef than you hoped. In that case, the real value comes from Yelapa, the waterfall, the meals, and the crew-led boat ride.

Budget for the MX$32 pier and reef fee for Yelapa and Majahuitas. Also ask about any transport or ATV cost connected with the waterfall before you commit. A few people felt the extra charges were not made clear at the start, so a direct question at check-in can prevent frustration.

The group size of up to 40 people keeps the base price reasonable. It also means this is a shared excursion, not a private coastal trip. You get more entertainment and social energy, but less control over the schedule.

Who Will Enjoy This Puerto Vallarta Day Trip?

I would recommend this cruise to couples, families, and solo visitors who want a busy day with several activities built into one price. It works particularly well if you enjoy meeting people, listening to music, and letting the crew handle meals and drinks.

Families should like the range of choices. One person can snorkel, another can kayak, and someone else can remain on deck. Yelapa also adds a cultural and outdoor element, so the trip is not only about sitting on a beach.

This is less suitable for you if you need quiet, precise timing, polished facilities, or guaranteed snorkeling. It is also a poor choice if you have mobility issues, since the small-boat transfer and beach access can be demanding.

English support is available, but communication may be uneven. Guides speak Spanish and English, though some instructions may be delivered quickly or with limited English. Stay near the crew when directions are being given, especially before snorkeling and during the return transfer.

The official rating is 3.9 from 89 reviews, which fits the experience well. The best days sound excellent, with attentive staff, good food, strong drinks, beautiful Yelapa, and a fun ride home. The weaker days are dragged down by cloudy water, loud music, slow boarding, unclear fees, or an overlong schedule.

Practical Details to Know Before Departure

The activity returns to Puerto Mágico, so you do not need to arrange a separate ride back from Yelapa. Ground transportation to the meeting point is not included.

Confirmation is provided when you book, and the experience is open to most people who can manage a full day on the water. The tour requires suitable weather. If poor weather cancels it, you can choose another date or receive a full refund.

Free cancellation is available up to 24 hours before the 9:15 a.m. start time. Inside that window, changes and refunds are not accepted.

Pack swimwear, sun protection, a towel, shoes for the waterfall path, and a small amount of cash for possible extras. Keep your valuables organized, and have your picture ID ready for snorkeling equipment procedures.

Should You Book It?

Book this tour if you want Yelapa plus a lively boat day, not a specialist snorkeling expedition. The waterfall, beach, included meals, open bar, and hard-working crew give the trip real value, especially for first-time visitors who want several Puerto Vallarta experiences in one outing.

Skip it if clear reef viewing is your top priority or if loud music, shared boats, long hours, and changing schedules will spoil your day. For the best chance of enjoying it, remain flexible: snorkel if the water is clear, switch to kayaking or paddle boarding if it is not, and ask about every extra charge before leaving the dock.

FAQ

How long is the Yelapa and Majahuitas cruise?

The advertised duration is approximately eight hours. Some outings have lasted up to 11 hours, and timing may change because of cruise ship schedules or other delays.

Where does the tour begin and end?

It begins and ends at Puerto Mágico, Boulevard Francisco Medina Ascencio, Zona Hotelera Norte, Puerto Vallarta.

What time does the tour start?

The scheduled start time is 9:15 a.m.

Is breakfast included?

Yes. The continental breakfast includes bread, coffee, seasonal fruit, yogurt, and granola.

What food is included for lunch?

Lunch choices include fish steak, beef fajitas, chicken, shrimp or plain quesadilla, beef or shrimp burger, fish ceviche, and shrimp cocktail.

Are drinks included?

Yes. The package includes rum, beer, tequila, brandy, vodka, soft drinks, juice, and water. The bar may open later in the cruise rather than immediately after departure.

Are snorkeling equipment and water activities included?

Yes. Snorkeling equipment, life jackets, kayaks, and paddle boards are included. Water visibility and the number of fish can vary.

Is the pier and reef fee included?

No. A MX$32 fee per person applies for the piers and reefs at Yelapa and Majahuitas. Any optional transport or ATV ride connected with the waterfall should also be confirmed separately.