Yelapa: Catamaran Cruise with Lunch and Open Bar

Yelapa gives this catamaran trip a fine sense of purpose. You are not just spending a day on a boat. You cruise across the bay, stop for snorkeling, then reach a small coastal town where the road ends and a waterfall hike crosses shallow river water. The mix of sea time and village time is the best part.

I like the easy all-day format, with breakfast, lunch, drinks, snorkeling gear, and life jackets handled for you. I also like the chance to see Yelapa on foot instead of treating it as a quick beach stop. The main concern is communication: the tour is offered in English and Spanish, but one recent departure had most announcements in Spanish, and the boat left an hour late.

Key points to know

• Yelapa adds a real land excursion: Walk through town, visit the beach, and hike toward a waterfall.
• Snorkeling is built into the day: Stops may include Mahahuitas, Colimilla, or Los Arcos.
• The 7-hour schedule is full: You get a bay cruise, water activities, lunch, Yelapa, and entertainment on the return.
• The food and drinks are included: Breakfast and lunch are served, with an open bar, though bring cash in case water costs extra.
• The tour has mixed communication quality: English and Spanish are offered, but ask early about activity sign-ups and instructions.
• Pack for sun and motion: Wear beach clothes, bring sunblock, cash, and a waterproof phone case. If you get seasick, bring a motion-sickness tablet.

Sailing south from Puerto Vallarta

The day begins at Vallarta by Boat, on the ground floor to the left after entering. Your guide waits there to confirm your name. The listed duration is seven hours, so plan on most of the day being devoted to this outing rather than trying to fit in another major activity afterward.

The first stretch is a bay cruise. From the catamaran, you get a broad view of the coast and the water around Puerto Vallarta. This is a good time to settle in, eat the morning food, and learn how the day will work. The crew serves drinks through the trip, and the boat has an open bar.

That open bar is part of the appeal, but it can also shape the mood. This is not a quiet nature cruise with a guide speaking softly from the bow. It is designed as a social day on the water, with contests and fun shows planned for the return trip. If you want music, company, and a loose holiday feel, the format should suit you. If you want a calm, small-group outing, you may find it too lively.

The schedule deserves attention. One departure reportedly left at 10:30 a.m. instead of 9:30 a.m. A late start cuts into a day that already has several moving parts, so I would arrive ready to check in early and ask the staff to confirm the departure time.

Snorkeling at Mahahuitas, Colimilla, or Los Arcos

The boat stops at a snorkeling location such as Mahahuitas, Colimilla, or Los Arcos. The exact stop can vary, but the plan is clear: get into the water, use the supplied equipment, and spend time looking for fish and enjoying the bay.

This is the strongest part of the trip for anyone who wants active time rather than a pure sightseeing cruise. One recent outing had excellent snorkeling with many colorful fish. That kind of result depends on the conditions and the stop chosen, but it shows why the water portion is more than a token swim.

The operator supplies snorkeling equipment, a vest, and a life jacket. You should still bring a waterproof phone case if you want photos. Sunblock is essential, and comfortable beach clothes make the transfer from catamaran to water much easier.

Pay close attention when the crew explains the activities. The water stops may require you to sign up on the boat, and one passenger missed the chance after not understanding the Spanish explanation. Since the tour is advertised in English and Spanish, you should ask directly for English instructions if you need them. Do not assume every announcement will be repeated clearly in both languages.

The tour is listed as wheelchair accessible, but the information does not explain how boarding, swimming, or the waterfall hike are adapted. If you use a wheelchair, contact the operator before booking and ask about the exact parts of the day you can join.

Exploring Yelapa on foot

Yelapa changes the pace. After the catamaran and snorkeling, you get a guided look at the town, its beach, and the path toward a waterfall. This is the part that gives the trip more character than a standard boat-and-buffet outing.

Yelapa is reached by water, and the tour presents it as a place to explore rather than just a backdrop for photographs. Walk through the streets, see the beach, and follow the guide toward the waterfall. The walk gives you a short taste of local life and a chance to stretch your legs after time aboard.

The waterfall route is not simply a flat stroll. One recent outing crossed a river with water reaching about three feet in some spots. The water was warm, but the crossing still calls for care. Wear secure footwear or beach shoes that can get wet, and do not choose this excursion if you need a completely easy, dry walk.

The supplied information does not give the walking distance or the exact time spent at the waterfall. That makes the guide’s instructions important on the day. Ask how much walking remains before setting out, especially if you are traveling with young children or anyone who tires easily.

Yelapa is a good match for you if you enjoy small doses of activity: a swim, a town walk, a river crossing, and a waterfall visit. It is less suitable if your ideal beach day means staying on the boat or sitting beside the water from morning to afternoon.

Lunch, breakfast, and the open bar

Food is included, and the day begins with breakfast. Lunch is served on board after the water activities, according to the planned flow. One recent passenger found the breakfast friendly and satisfying, while describing lunch as only okay. Another found there was plenty of food and drinks throughout the outing.

That is a fair way to view the meal: useful and included, but not the reason to book. You are paying for the full day on the water, the snorkeling, the Yelapa visit, and the crew service. The food supports the schedule rather than turning the trip into a special dining event.

There is one important money detail. The tour lists drinks and an open bar as included, but a recent passenger reported that water cost extra. Bring cash and ask before boarding what bottled water includes and what it does not. The 34-peso port tax is also not included, so keep that amount available.

The open bar can be a benefit, especially if you want a carefree day without buying each drink separately. Still, pace yourself. You have a boat ride, swimming, and a river crossing ahead, and staying clear-headed makes the active parts safer and more enjoyable.

The return ride to Puerto Vallarta

The ride back includes fun shows and contests. This gives the final part of the excursion a party-boat feel rather than a quiet end to the day. The crew is described as friendly and accommodating, and the atmosphere appears to depend heavily on the staff and the energy of the group.

I would think of the return entertainment as a bonus, not a guarantee of a particular performance. The key value is that the day does not end immediately after Yelapa. You have time to relax, enjoy a drink, and watch the coast recede as the catamaran heads back.

Whale sightings are possible in the bay season, and one January outing included two whales seen from the boat. This is not listed as a scheduled part of the trip, so treat it as luck rather than a promised stop. Keep your phone ready, but do not spend the whole ride staring at the screen.

What the $84 price really covers

At $84 per person, the price is reasonable if you plan to use most of what is included. You receive a seven-hour boat excursion, breakfast, lunch, drinks, an open bar, snorkeling equipment, a vest, and a life jacket. You also get the guided visit to Yelapa and the waterfall walk.

The value improves if you want variety. Paying separately for a boat outing, a snorkeling stop, and a visit to Yelapa could take more planning and may cost more once food and drinks are added. Here, the main elements are bundled into one day.

The value drops if you will skip the active parts. Someone who dislikes snorkeling, river crossings, group entertainment, or a social boat may not feel the $84 is well spent. You are paying for a packed day, not a simple transfer to Yelapa.

The rating is 4.5 from four ratings, but the small number of ratings means you should read the practical details carefully. The strongest praise centers on the snorkeling, friendly crew, good organization, whale sightings, and the chance to hike to the waterfall. The main criticism concerns the late departure, Spanish-heavy communication, lunch service, and extra charges for water.

Who should book this catamaran day

I would choose this trip for couples, friends, and families who want several activities in one outing. It works especially well for people who like to alternate between relaxing on a boat and getting into the water. The Yelapa walk makes it more memorable than a cruise that never reaches shore.

Families should consider the pace and communication. The tour may not feel kid-friendly if children are tired by the snorkeling, boat ride, and river crossing. You should also confirm how activity sign-ups work so nobody misses the water portion.

This is a good fit for you if you:

• Want snorkeling and a coastal town visit in the same day
• Like a social boat with drinks and return-trip entertainment
• Are comfortable with a possible river crossing
• Prefer an all-inclusive day with few extra arrangements
• Can handle sun, boat motion, and a fairly busy schedule

You may want another option if you:

• Need a quiet cruise with little group activity
• Want a polished gourmet lunch
• Depend on detailed English instructions for every activity
• Prefer not to get wet or walk through uneven areas
• Are highly sensitive to delays or unclear timing

For seasickness, take the warning seriously. The instructions suggest buying a motion-sickness tablet if you get dizzy on boats. Eat lightly before departure, bring sun protection, and keep your phone protected from spray and water.

Booking details worth checking first

You can cancel up to 24 hours ahead for a full refund, and you can reserve now while paying later. Starting times depend on availability. English and Spanish guides are offered, but I would ask at check-in for the English briefing and confirm when you must sign up for snorkeling or other included activities.

The meeting point is Vallarta by Boat, on the ground floor on the left after entering. Bring your booking name, cash for the 34-peso port tax, and cash for possible extra water. The operator provides safety equipment, but your own waterproof phone case and water-ready footwear will make the day easier.

Should you book the Yelapa catamaran?

Book it if you want a full, active day that combines a bay cruise, snorkeling, lunch, an open bar, Yelapa, and a waterfall walk for $84. The snorkeling and friendly crew are the clearest reasons to go, while the Yelapa stop adds a welcome taste of life beyond the marina.

I would book with two conditions: confirm the departure time and request clear English instructions before activities begin. If the operator handles those details well, this is a good-value choice for a social Puerto Vallarta day. If you want perfect timing, quiet surroundings, or a strong food experience, spend your money elsewhere.

FAQ

How long is the Yelapa catamaran cruise?

The activity lasts seven hours. Starting times vary, so check availability when booking.

What is included in the price?

Food, drinks, an open bar, a vest, a life jacket, and snorkeling equipment are included. The tour also includes the catamaran cruise, snorkeling activities, the guided Yelapa visit, and the waterfall excursion.

Is the port tax included?

No. A port tax of 34 pesos is not included. Bring cash to pay it.

Where is the meeting point?

Meet at Vallarta by Boat. After entering, go to the ground floor on the left, where a guide will wait to confirm your name.

Are English-speaking guides available?

Yes. The tour is offered in English and Spanish. Ask for English explanations early, especially before signing up for included activities.

Which snorkeling locations might the boat visit?

Possible snorkeling stops include Mahahuitas, Colimilla, and Los Arcos. The exact location is not specified in advance.

Is lunch included?

Yes, food is included and lunch is served on board. Breakfast is also provided. Bring cash and confirm the water policy, since one recent passenger reported paying extra for water.

Can I cancel the booking?

Yes. You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund. A reserve-now, pay-later option is also available.