Puerto Vallarta: Private Yelapa Beach & Snorkel Tour on a Yacht

Los Arcos, humpback whales, and a beach lunch in Yelapa make this a full day on the water rather than a quick boat transfer. You cruise south from Marina Vallarta, stop to snorkel near the famous rock arches, then spend about two hours ashore in Yelapa.

I like the private format, since your group controls the mood and can enjoy a yacht with attentive service rather than a crowded excursion boat. I also like the backup snorkeling plan: if water conditions are poor at Los Arcos, the crew can try Majahuitas instead.

The main drawback is price. At $1,225 per person, this is a serious splurge, and lunch, horseback rides, and ATVs cost extra. The value improves for a larger group using the available group discount, but you should compare the final private-boat total before booking.

Key points to know before booking

• Los Arcos is the first major stop: Expect about 1 hour and 15 minutes of cruising before photos and possible snorkeling through the rock caves.
• Majahuitas is the backup snorkel site: If conditions are not suitable at Los Arcos, snorkeling moves to this quieter beach area.
• Yelapa gives you real time ashore: You have about two hours for lunch, beach time, and an optional walk to a waterfall.
• The open bar is included: Water, soft drinks, juices, beer, cocktails, chips, and guacamole come with the yacht charter.
• Wildlife sightings are possible but not promised: Whales, dolphins, and rays have appeared on past outings, especially during the whale season.
• The tour is best for a private group: Families, couples celebrating something special, and groups that want their own boat will get the most from it.

A private yacht down Puerto Vallarta’s southern coast

The day begins at Bruma Café & Cocktails in Marina Vallarta. From there, the yacht points south along the coast, giving you a long, easy start rather than rushing straight to the first stop.

The cruise to Los Arcos takes about 1 hour and 15 minutes. That time matters. This is not a short harbor trip, so you should expect a substantial portion of the day to be spent moving between stops. The tradeoff is a wide view of the coast, open water, and time to settle into the yacht.

The route gives you photo opportunities near the Puerto Vallarta Malecón and the city’s well-known church crown. You can sit forward for views or stay near the shaded areas and open bar. The yacht includes WiFi, a restroom, snorkeling equipment, and air-conditioned transportation as listed with the experience.

Service is a major part of the appeal. The crew has included people such as Captain Carlos, Victor, and Captain Oscar on past outings, with Philip handling arrangements for some groups. The exact crew can vary, so confirm who will be aboard when you book.

The yacht names Escándalo and Ruby, including a 55-foot Ruby, have been used on previous outings. That does not guarantee your vessel, so ask which boat is assigned to your date and how many people it can comfortably carry. A private yacht feels much more worthwhile when your group has room to spread out instead of simply filling every seat.

Los Arcos: photos, caves, and your first chance to snorkel

Los Arcos de Mismaloya is the visual centerpiece of the outward journey. The tall rock formations rise from the water near the southern end of Puerto Vallarta, with openings and cave-like passages that make a strong backdrop for photos.

The yacht pauses near the arches so you can take pictures without hurrying through the stop. If sea conditions are acceptable, the crew leads a snorkeling session around the formations and, when possible, through the caves.

This is the most memorable snorkeling setting on the route, but it is also the part most affected by weather and water conditions. Waves, wind, visibility, and boat traffic can change the feel of the stop. The crew decides if entering the caves is safe, so you should treat cave snorkeling as a possibility, not a guarantee.

The tour includes masks, fins, and other snorkeling equipment. That saves you from packing your own gear, although you may still prefer to bring a personal mask if fit is important to you. One useful detail from previous outings is that the crew has paid attention to fin and mask fit rather than simply handing out one-size equipment.

Allow roughly 30 minutes here. That is enough for photos and a focused swim, but not enough for a long reef session. You are combining several activities in one day, so the schedule favors variety over extended time in the water.

Majahuitas provides a sensible weather backup

After Los Arcos, the yacht cruises about 45 minutes toward Majahuitas. The route passes this beach even when the first snorkeling stop goes ahead, and Majahuitas becomes the main snorkeling location if conditions at Los Arcos prevent a safe swim.

That backup makes the route more reliable. You are not paying for a day that depends entirely on one narrow swim site. Still, the change can alter the experience. You may lose the chance to swim through the Los Arcos caves, but you can still get time in the water near a beach with a more relaxed setting.

The tour does not promise a particular number of fish, water clarity, or marine animals. Past outings have included colorful fish, rays, dolphins, and humpback whales, but wildlife remains a matter of timing and luck. The crew may slow the boat for whales if they appear, but sightings should be treated as a bonus rather than part of the paid guarantee.

If you are prone to seasickness, plan ahead. The outward route includes several hours of boat travel, and the return to Marina Vallarta takes about two hours. Sitting where you can see the horizon, drinking water, and avoiding too many cocktails early in the day are practical choices.

Yelapa gives the day a real shore stop

From Majahuitas, the cruise to Yelapa takes about 30 minutes. Here the rhythm changes from open water to a casual beach visit.

You have about two hours at Yelapa. Lunch is not included, so you choose and pay for food and drinks at one of the beachside restaurants. That gives you freedom, but it also means the final cost is higher than the yacht price alone.

Yelapa works well because it offers more than a quick photo stop. You can sit by the beach, eat a relaxed meal, or walk through town toward a waterfall. The hike gives you a different side of the village, though you should allow enough time to return to the pickup point before the yacht leaves.

Optional ATVs and horseback rides are also available at extra cost, listed at approximately $20 to $30. These activities are not part of the private charter, and the exact price may vary. If you want to add one, ask the crew how much time it will take. A short shore visit can disappear quickly if transportation, waiting, and the activity itself take longer than expected.

A small boat may ferry you from the yacht to shore if the yacht remains anchored offshore. That transfer is normal for this type of stop, but it adds another step for anyone carrying bags or managing young children. Children must be older than four for this experience, and the private setup can be helpful for families. One past group included five-year-old twins who used the crew’s care and enjoyed virgin piña coladas.

Lunch in Yelapa is your responsibility. I would bring some cash as a practical backup, even though payment details for the beach restaurants are not specified. Chips and guacamole are provided aboard, so you will have a snack before reaching shore, but that is not a substitute for lunch during a seven-hour outing.

The two-hour return is part of the experience

After Yelapa, the yacht takes about two hours to return to Marina Vallarta. That is a long ride, but it can be one of the most pleasant parts of the day if you want a quiet finish.

The boat has an open bar with beer, cocktails, water, soda, and juices. Snacks include chips and guacamole, and past outings have also included pastries, bread, and fruit. The exact food service may vary, so ask what will be served on your date rather than assuming a full meal is included.

Past trips have seen whales, dolphins, and rays on the return route. Some groups have also watched a sunset and moonrise, depending on the timing and season. A standard seven-hour departure around 10 a.m. will not necessarily produce a sunset return, so do not book this particular outing expecting evening light. The sunset reports relate to other schedules or longer outings.

For cruise passengers, timing deserves extra care. The meeting point is Marina Vallarta, not the cruise pier. A previous group arranged a private van and returned comfortably to its ship, but transportation from the pier is not clearly included as a standard feature. Confirm the transfer plan and allow a generous buffer before your ship departs.

What the $1,225 price really buys

The listed price of $1,225 per person puts this in the luxury excursion category. You are paying for a private yacht, crew attention, drinks, equipment, a restroom, and a route that combines coastal cruising, snorkeling, and a village visit.

You are not paying for lunch in Yelapa, shore excursions, or a guaranteed wildlife encounter. Those costs can add up, especially if several people choose ATVs, horses, cocktails, or a more elaborate lunch.

The price makes the most sense when your group values privacy and flexibility. A family reunion, anniversary, birthday, or group of friends may prefer dividing the charter cost among several people rather than joining strangers on a large boat. Group discounts are available, but the amount is not specified, so ask for the full quote before deciding.

For a couple, the price is harder to justify unless the private yacht and high-touch service are central to your holiday. If your main goal is simply snorkeling or seeing Yelapa, less expensive shared excursions may offer similar stops. If you want a comfortable boat, personal crew service, and control over the day, this charter has a stronger case.

The seven-hour length also helps explain the cost. With about 4.5 hours of cruising between the marina, Los Arcos, Majahuitas, Yelapa, and back, you receive a full coastal outing rather than a short half-day sail. Just remember that travel time is part of the product, not dead time to be ignored.

Who will enjoy this yacht day most

I would recommend this outing to groups that want their own space and are happy to pay for it. The private arrangement suits families with children, couples marking a special occasion, and friends who want an open bar without sharing a large boat with strangers.

It also works for mixed groups. Strong swimmers can snorkel, others can stay aboard for photos and drinks, and the people who want land time can walk toward the waterfall or arrange an ATV or horse ride.

You should think twice if you dislike long boat rides, want a low-cost day, or need a guaranteed schedule of snorkeling in calm water. The plan depends on sea conditions, and the crew may change the snorkeling location for safety.

Children over four can participate, but parents should still consider the length of the cruise and the time spent in the sun. Bring sunscreen, a hat, comfortable walking shoes for Yelapa, swimwear, and a dry bag for phones. Lunch money and funds for optional shore activities should be separate from the tour price.

Free cancellation is available if you cancel at least 24 hours before the start time. Changes made inside that window are not accepted, and poor weather can lead to a new date or a full refund. Since the trip requires good conditions, I would avoid placing it on the final possible day of a short visit.

Should you book the Puerto Vallarta to Yelapa yacht tour?

Book it if you want a private, service-focused day that mixes Los Arcos, snorkeling, Yelapa, and a comfortable coastal cruise. The open bar, snacks, included gear, and attentive crew make the day easy once you are aboard.

Before paying, confirm the exact yacht, crew, group discount, pier transportation, food service, and cancellation details. Also ask how the captain handles snorkeling if Los Arcos is rough.

At $1,225 per person, this is not a bargain excursion. It is a special-occasion charter. For a group that values privacy and can share the cost, it may be a memorable way to see Puerto Vallarta’s southern coast. For a couple on a tight budget, a shared boat will likely deliver better value.

FAQ

Where does the tour begin?

The tour begins at Bruma Café & Cocktails, Mástil 11, Marina Vallarta, Puerto Vallarta, Jalisco, Mexico. It ends back at the same meeting point.

How long does the yacht tour last?

The tour lasts approximately seven hours. Cruising takes about 1 hour and 15 minutes to Los Arcos, 45 minutes toward Majahuitas, 30 minutes to Yelapa, and about two hours to return to Marina Vallarta.

Is lunch included?

No. Lunch and drinks at the beach restaurants in Yelapa are not included in the tour price.

What happens if snorkeling at Los Arcos is not possible?

If conditions prevent snorkeling at Los Arcos, snorkeling can take place near Majahuitas instead.

Are drinks included aboard the yacht?

Yes. The open bar includes water, soda, juices, beer, and cocktails. Chips and guacamole are also provided.

Can children join the tour?

Yes, but children must be older than four years of age.

Can I cancel for a refund?

You can cancel at least 24 hours before the start time for a full refund. Cancellations or changes made less than 24 hours before the start time are not accepted for a refund. If poor weather causes the operator to cancel, you will be offered another date or a full refund.