Yelapa Waterfall, BBQ at Exclusive Majahuitas Beach & Open bar

The Pacific coast is the real attraction. This seven-hour trip from Puerto Vallarta links the fishing village of Yelapa with the secluded beach at Majahuitas, giving you waterfalls, swimming, snorkeling, kayaking, food, and plenty of time on the water. I like the mix of village life and beach relaxation, and the friendly crew, often praised by name, including Danny and Poncho, adds a lot of energy to the day.

I also like that the $99 price includes breakfast snacks, BBQ lunch, snorkeling and kayaking equipment, and drinks aboard the boat. The main caution is time: Majahuitas can feel rushed, especially if you want to eat, snorkel, paddle, and simply sit on the sand. The boat can also carry up to 200 people, so this is a lively group outing, not a quiet private cruise.

Key Points to Know Before You Book

• Yelapa is a real village, not just a photo stop: You can walk through its rough, uneven paths to a waterfall, browse the beach area, or simply enjoy the setting.
• The waterfall depends on the season: In dry periods, Cola de Caballo may be a trickle or not flowing at all.
• Majahuitas offers the best beach time: Palm trees, turquoise water, lunch, snorkeling, kayaking, paddle boarding, and other water activities are packed into a short stop.
• The crew is a major strength: Danny, Poncho, and other staff are often praised for service, humor, music, and a lively show on the return trip.
• Sea conditions can change the day: Rough water may affect docking at Yelapa and reduce snorkeling visibility.
• Bring more than a swimsuit: Pack a towel, sunscreen, photo ID, and cash for the MX$40 port fee and MX$20 check-in access fee.

Leaving Puerto Vallarta on Banderas Bay

The morning begins at 8:00 a.m. at Vallarta Adventures in Puerto Mágico, the maritime terminal on Boulevard Francisco Medina Ascencio. Give yourself enough time to find the correct departure point. One person missed the first meeting location because the directions were unclear, so this is not the morning to arrive at the last minute.

Once aboard, the trip opens with a boat ride across Banderas Bay. The bay gives you wide views of Puerto Vallarta’s coast, Mismaloya, and, on some routes, Los Arcos. The ride itself is part of the appeal. Some people report smooth water and a fast, comfortable boat, while others have encountered rolling waves that made the journey and water activities uncomfortable.

The crew serves a light breakfast snack, fruit, sweet bread, and drinks during the ride. Beverages are available aboard the boat, and the staff keeps the mood lively with music and conversation. The tone is social and active, with the crew moving around to keep the schedule on track.

That energy is a plus if you enjoy a party-like boat trip. It can feel busy if you prefer quiet sightseeing. With a maximum group size of 200, you should expect a large operation, not a small sailing excursion.

Marine sightings are possible but not promised. Dolphins and humpback whales have appeared during some outings, making the ride special. Sea conditions, however, can also force changes. Jellyfish season has led the crew to move snorkeling to different spots, and rough seas can reduce visibility or make the water unpleasant.

Yelapa: Village Paths and Cola de Caballo

Yelapa sits about an hour from Puerto Vallarta and is reached by boat rather than by road. That gives the stop a different feel from a standard resort beach. It is a working fishing village with sandy stretches, rough cobblestone paths, small shops, and uphill routes leading toward the waterfall.

You generally have around two hours in the Yelapa area. The main outing is a walk through the village toward Cola de Caballo waterfall. The hike is short and has been described as manageable, but do not mistake short for effortless. The path includes uneven ground, wet cobblestones, sandy sections, and uphill stretches.

Wear sturdy shoes with grip. Hiking shoes are a smart choice, especially after rain or if the stones are slick. Flip-flops may work for the beach, but they are a poor choice for the waterfall walk.

The walk gives you a look at local life as well as the falls. You may pass through the village before reaching a more wooded route, and the journey is part of the experience. If the waterfall is flowing, it makes a lovely reward. In dry weather, the cascade may be very small or dry, and the guide may suggest skipping the walk.

That seasonal uncertainty matters. If the waterfall is the main reason you are booking, ask about recent conditions before committing. The scenery and village remain worthwhile, but you should not expect a powerful waterfall year-round.

You can also choose to spend time on the beach instead of walking. This sounds relaxing, but the Yelapa shore can be less peaceful than expected. Local vendors may approach you, and drinks on the beach cost extra. The route back to the pickup pier can also be awkward, with a long, uneven cobblestone walk followed by rough sand.

This part of the tour requires a moderate level of fitness. It is not suitable for people with limited mobility, and anyone with balance problems should think carefully about the uneven paths. Take your time, listen to the guide, and keep track of where and when you must return to the boat.

Majahuitas Beach and the BBQ Lunch

Majahuitas is the day’s postcard setting: palm trees, turquoise water, and a more secluded beach atmosphere. The beach club provides chairs, food, restrooms, and access to water equipment, which makes this stop easier than the rougher village setting at Yelapa.

Lunch is a BBQ buffet with refreshing drinks. Food is one of the most praised parts of the outing, with fresh, flavorful dishes and choices that suit different tastes. The meal is included, along with unlimited non-alcoholic drinks at the beach club. Beer is also mentioned during some outings, but do not assume the same full drink selection everywhere. At Yelapa, beach drinks cost extra.

The catch is time. The official stop is about an hour, though some outings allow closer to an hour and a half. That still goes quickly once you find your place, eat lunch, collect equipment, and decide what to do first.

You can snorkel, kayak, and use a paddle board. Some outings also include beach volleyball, a banana boat ride, or other water activities. The available options can vary, so do not build your whole day around one particular activity unless it is clearly confirmed at booking.

If you want to snorkel and kayak, you may need to keep moving. The crew organizes the activities around a schedule, and several people have found the pace active. I would choose your top two priorities before arriving. For many people, that means eating first and then spending the remaining time in the water.

Snorkeling conditions are not fixed. On a good day, you might see colorful fish, pufferfish, and a wide range of marine life. On another day, murky water, waves, or jellyfish can make it less rewarding. The crew may change the snorkeling location when conditions require it, but no boat tour can guarantee clear water or abundant fish.

The Crew, Music, and the Ride Home

The crew is the strongest and most consistent part of this experience. Danny is frequently praised for his humor, explanations, and ability to keep the day moving. Poncho and other crew members are also described as friendly, attentive, and eager to help.

Their role matters because the itinerary has many moving parts. People are walking in Yelapa, swimming at Majahuitas, eating lunch, collecting equipment, and returning to the boat on schedule. A good crew makes that feel organized rather than chaotic.

The return trip includes music and a closing performance. The details are kept as a surprise, but several people describe it as funny and memorable. Some performances have included rock music such as AC/DC and Guns N’ Roses, which gives you a sense of the playful style.

If you enjoy singing, jokes, and a party atmosphere, the ride home may be one of your favorite parts. If you want a quiet sunset cruise, this is not that kind of outing. The music can be loud enough to make conversation difficult, especially when the boat is full.

Service can also depend on the day. Most feedback praises the crew’s attention, but one disappointing outing involved poor communication and a person feeling left alone in Yelapa. That appears to be an exception, but it points to a useful rule: listen carefully to meeting instructions, confirm the return time, and stay aware of the group.

What $99 Really Buys You

At $99 per person, this is not the cheapest way to reach Yelapa or Majahuitas. The value comes from bundling several costs and activities into one day: boat transportation, a light breakfast, lunch, onboard drinks, beach-club access, snorkeling equipment, kayaking equipment, and staff-led scheduling.

You also avoid having to arrange separate transport between two coastal stops. For a first visit to Puerto Vallarta, that convenience is meaningful. You get a full day outside the city without planning boat connections, meals, equipment rentals, or a return trip.

The price is less appealing if you want long, quiet stretches at one beach. You are paying for a packed schedule with entertainment and organized activities. If you would rather spend four hours reading on the sand, a simpler beach excursion may suit you better.

Budget for the required cash charges. The port fee is MX$40 per person, and an access fee of MX$20 per person is due at check-in. Gratuity is optional. Horse rentals and drinks on Yelapa are extra.

Who Will Like This Day Trip

I would recommend this tour to families, couples, and active groups who want variety. You can see a village, walk to a waterfall, swim, snorkel, kayak, eat a substantial lunch, and enjoy a boat show without arranging each part yourself.

It also suits people who like a social atmosphere. The crew provides much of the fun, and the day has a clear party-boat character. Children and adults who enjoy water activities should have plenty to do, though the physical demands of Yelapa deserve attention.

This is a weaker fit for anyone seeking silence, privacy, or a slow beach day. It may also disappoint you if the waterfall is your only goal, since water levels change with the season. The same is true if snorkeling is your main priority. Sea conditions can make it excellent, average, or poor.

People with limited mobility should skip this excursion. Yelapa includes sandy, uphill, and irregular paths, and the route between the beach and boat can be difficult. Toilets are located on the lower deck of the boat.

Passengers arriving on a cruise ship cannot book this tour. Mexico’s federal maritime ports also enforce a strict no-drug policy that includes electronic cigarettes and vapes. Security may deny access, with no refund or date change in that situation.

Practical Packing Advice

Bring a swimsuit, sunscreen, a towel, and sturdy footwear. A photo ID is also useful at check-in, and cash is needed for the port and access fees.

I would wear shoes suitable for wet stone rather than relying on sandals. Keep valuables to a minimum, and carry a small bag that can handle sand and water.

Pay attention during the morning briefing. Confirm where to return in Yelapa, how long you have, and which activities at Majahuitas require sign-up or timing. Clear information is especially important on a large boat with a busy schedule.

The tour is offered in English. Free cancellation is available up to 24 hours before the start time. If poor weather forces cancellation, you can receive a different date or a full refund.

Should You Book the Yelapa and Majahuitas Tour?

Book it if you want a full, social day on the coast and like the convenience of having transport, meals, drinks, gear, and entertainment handled for you. The crew, BBQ lunch, scenery, and mix of activities make the $99 price reasonable for many people.

Skip it if you need a quiet beach escape, dislike large groups, or have trouble walking on uneven ground. Before booking, check the recent waterfall conditions and accept that snorkeling depends on the sea. My best advice is to pack real walking shoes, bring your towel and cash, and choose your Majahuitas priorities early. That small bit of planning will help you enjoy the day instead of racing through it.

FAQ

How long does the Yelapa and Majahuitas tour last?

The experience lasts approximately seven hours and begins at 8:00 a.m. It ends back at the Puerto Mágico meeting point.

Where does the tour depart from?

The departure point is Vallarta Adventures at Terminal Marítima in Puerto Mágico, located at Heroica Escuela Naval, Boulevard Francisco Medina Ascencio 30-G1, Zona Hotelera Norte, 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 and other water activities may also be available during the Majahuitas stop.

Are drinks included throughout the day?

Beverages are served aboard the boat. At Majahuitas, lunch and unlimited non-alcoholic beverages are included. Drinks purchased on the beach at Yelapa cost extra.

Is the tour suitable for people with limited mobility?

No. The Yelapa portion includes sandy, uphill, and irregular paths, and the activity is not recommended for people with limited mobility.

What fees are not included in the tour price?

A port fee of MX$40 per person must be paid in cash at the port. An additional access fee of MX$20 per person is due at check-in. Gratuity, horse rentals, and drinks at Yelapa are also not included.