Puerto Vallarta: Yelapa, Majahuitas, Lunch, Open Bar Onboard

Yelapa is the star here: a car-free fishing village where donkeys still haul supplies, roosters set the morning alarm, and a waterfall trail leads inland from the beach. I like that this trip pairs Yelapa’s village-and-waterfall character with Majahuitas Cove’s water activities, rather than keeping you on the boat all day. I also like the practical inclusions: breakfast, a six-choice lunch, kayaks, paddleboards, snorkel gear, and an onboard open bar after snorkeling.

The weak spot is the snorkeling. Visibility can be limited, and one booking review rated Majahuitas as far less impressive than Yelapa. The eight-hour schedule also asks you to balance boat time, beach time, a walk, and water sports, so this suits active beach lovers more than anyone seeking a quiet day with no timetable.

Key points at a glance

• Yelapa’s Cola de Caballo waterfall: Walk through the small village toward a cascading waterfall, then swim or sit beside the falling water.
• Majahuitas Cove snorkeling: Look for fish in a sheltered marine setting, while keeping your expectations realistic about visibility.
• Lunch with six choices: Choose fish filet, chicken fajitas, hamburger, beef fajitas, shrimp quesadillas, or fish ceviche.
• Water gear included: Snorkel equipment, kayaks, and paddleboards are part of the package, so you do not need to arrange them separately.
• Open bar after snorkeling: National drinks are served onboard once the snorkeling portion is finished.
• Eight hours at $118: The price makes the most sense if you plan to use several inclusions, not just ride to the beach and return.

Why Yelapa gives this boat trip its character

Many Puerto Vallarta beach excursions are built around sun, drinks, and a boat ride. This one has a more interesting center of gravity. Yelapa is a tiny, car-free village where the pace remains slow and practical. Donkeys carry cargo, local homes line the village, and the beach sits beneath green mountain slopes.

That setting matters. You are not simply stepping onto a strip of sand beside a resort. You can walk through a working fishing village, browse native artisan handicrafts, and follow a trail toward Cola de Caballo waterfall. The combination gives your day some variety and makes Yelapa feel like a place, not just a photo stop.

I especially like the choice built into this part of the day. You can hike toward the waterfall, swim in the cool water, sit near the cascade, or skip the walk and settle on the beach. You can also spend your free time swimming, sunbathing, or having lunch near the point where the river reaches the ocean.

The trail is not described with a distance or difficulty rating, so you should not assume a formal, easy walkway. If you want the waterfall, wear secure footwear and bring water protection for your phone or camera. If you prefer a slower outing, the beach still gives you a worthwhile reason to visit.

Majahuitas Cove and the limits of snorkeling

Majahuitas Cove is the first major water stop, with snorkeling among fish and other marine life. Snorkel equipment is supplied, and the excursion also includes kayaks and paddleboards. That is useful because you can choose how much time you want to spend in the water instead of relying on one activity.

The cove is described as having sandy-bottomed waters, which makes the kayaking appealing even if snorkeling conditions are only fair. In a single or double kayak, you can paddle around while the guide points out marine life. Paddleboarding offers another way to stay active without committing to a long swim.

Still, I would keep your expectations measured. A verified booking review rated the staff and boat highly but said there was not much to see while snorkeling at Majahuitas. Conditions in the bay can change, and a place known for fish is not guaranteed to deliver clear water on every departure.

That makes this stop best for people who enjoy being on the water, not only for those chasing excellent underwater viewing. Bring your camera, but do not make the entire value of the trip depend on a perfect snorkeling session.

A morning start with breakfast onboard

The food service begins with a continental breakfast of bread, coffee, seasonal fruit, yogurt, and granola. This is a modest breakfast, not a full cooked meal, but it is useful before a morning of boat travel and water activities.

Coffee and bread will suit you if you prefer a light start. The fruit, yogurt, and granola add a little more substance without making you feel overly full before snorkeling or kayaking. Since the exact departure time varies, check the available start time when booking and plan around that.

The boat setting shapes the morning. You get open views of the coast and a social atmosphere rather than a quiet restaurant meal. If you are prone to motion sickness, consider your usual precautions, since the day includes a long boat outing and no return to town until the scheduled finish.

Lunch choices that work for different appetites

Lunch gives you six main options:

• Fish filet
• Chicken fajitas
• Hamburger
• Beef fajitas
• Shrimp quesadillas
• Fish ceviche

This is one of the stronger practical features of the trip. A mixed group does not have to settle on one dish, and the menu covers seafood, meat, and a simpler hamburger option. Ceviche is a good pick if you want something closely tied to the coastal setting, while fajitas and the hamburger offer familiar choices.

The supplied information does not specify portion sizes, side dishes, or how lunch is served. You can expect a deli-style meal, but do not book this as a food-focused tour. The value is in having lunch covered while you spend the day away from Puerto Vallarta.

You also get free time at Yelapa for lunch on or near the beach. That creates a more relaxed pause than eating quickly between organized activities. Keep in mind that beach dining and boat dining can be casual, so this is not the moment to expect formal service.

Open bar after the water activities

The national open bar begins onboard after snorkeling. This timing is sensible. You can finish the active water portion first, then settle in with a drink during the later part of the day.

I like that the open bar is paired with the boat ride rather than presented as the sole attraction. The drinks add to the relaxed mood, but the day still has enough substance through the village walk, waterfall, beach time, and water equipment.

Use a little restraint if you plan to hike to Cola de Caballo or swim at Yelapa. The open bar can make the return trip pleasant, but the sun, salt water, and alcohol can catch up with you quickly. Water, sunscreen, and a hat matter more than they might on a short beach visit.

What the $118 price really covers

At $118 per person, this is not the cheapest way to reach a beach. The price is easier to justify when you count the full package: an eight-hour excursion, breakfast, lunch, snorkeling equipment, kayaks, paddleboards, insurance onboard, and a national open bar after snorkeling.

You are also paying for access to two distinct coastal settings. Majahuitas supplies the water activities, while Yelapa supplies the village, waterfall, beach, and mountain scenery. That mix is more useful than paying for a simple boat transfer and then arranging every meal and activity yourself.

The value drops if you plan to skip snorkeling, kayaking, paddleboarding, and the waterfall walk. Someone who only wants a few hours on the sand may find a shorter beach outing more suitable. You should book this if you expect to make use of at least three parts of the package.

The $30-peso marina entrance fee, about $1.50 per person, is extra. Bring some cash for that charge, tips, photos, and other personal spending. The price does not include every possible expense, even though the main food and activity costs are covered.

The pace of an eight-hour coastal day

Eight hours gives the tour enough room to include both stops, but it also creates a full schedule. You will spend time aboard the boat, take part in water activities at Majahuitas, visit Yelapa, and choose how to use your beach time.

That length is good for you if you want a full day away from Puerto Vallarta. You can settle into the boat, try more than one activity, and still have time to sit in the sand. It is less appealing if you prefer a short outing with plenty of unplanned time.

The exact start time depends on availability. Check it carefully before booking, especially if you have other plans that evening. Free cancellation is available up to 24 hours ahead for a full refund, and you can reserve now and pay later, which helps if your Puerto Vallarta schedule is still changing.

The guide service is offered in English and Spanish. No individual guide names are provided, but you can expect bilingual assistance during the organized portions of the day.

What to bring for comfort and safety

Bring a swimsuit, towel, sunglasses, hat, sunscreen, and a camera or video camera. Extra cash is useful for the marina fee, tips, photos, and personal purchases from local artisans.

A waterproof pouch is a smart addition even though it is not listed as required. You will be moving between a boat, beaches, water equipment, and a waterfall area. Keeping your phone and cash dry will make the day easier.

This activity is not suitable for people who are expecting a baby or who have heart, back, or neck problems. Those restrictions apply to the physical nature of the boat and water activities, so take them seriously rather than treating them as a minor footnote.

Who will enjoy this day most

I would recommend this excursion to you if you want more than a resort beach. It suits people who like to switch between activities: snorkel for a while, paddle a kayak, walk through a village, visit a waterfall, then relax with lunch and a drink.

Families and mixed groups may appreciate the range of choices, especially the different lunch dishes and the ability to choose between active and easygoing beach time. The hamburger and fajita options also make the menu less risky for picky eaters.

Couples and friends who want a social boat day should find the format appealing. The onboard open bar and shared equipment create a casual atmosphere, while Yelapa gives the excursion a sense of place.

I would be more cautious about recommending it to you if snorkeling is your only goal. One verified booking experience specifically preferred Yelapa and found Majahuitas snorkeling disappointing. For the strongest value, think of snorkeling as one part of a broader coastal day, not the main event.

Should you book the Yelapa and Majahuitas tour?

Book it if you want Yelapa’s waterfall and village atmosphere, plus a full boat day with meals and equipment already arranged. The best parts are the contrast between the two stops, the freedom to choose your level of activity, and the fact that lunch, breakfast, and the onboard drinks are included.

Skip it if you want guaranteed clear snorkeling, a quiet private outing, or a short visit with no fixed rhythm. At $118, the package is fair when you use the kayaks, paddleboards, snorkel gear, beach time, and waterfall stop. Yelapa is the reason to go. Majahuitas adds useful water time, but it should not carry the whole decision.

FAQ

How long does the Puerto Vallarta excursion last?

The experience lasts eight hours. Starting times vary, so check availability when you make your reservation.

What languages are offered on the tour?

Guides provide the tour in English and Spanish.

Is lunch included?

Yes. You can choose from fish filet, chicken fajitas, hamburger, beef fajitas, shrimp quesadillas, or fish ceviche.

What breakfast is provided?

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

Are snorkeling and paddling equipment included?

Yes. Snorkel equipment, kayaks, and paddleboards are included.

When is the open bar available?

The national open bar is available onboard after snorkeling.

Is there an extra marina fee?

Yes. There is a marina entrance fee of 30 pesos per person, about $1.50 USD. Extra cash is also useful for tips, photos, and other personal expenses.