Vallarta: Yelapa Waterfall & Majahuitas Snorkel Adventure

Yelapa’s road-free village and Cola de Caballo waterfall give this boat trip more character than a standard beach cruise. You get a slice of local life, a short tropical hike, and time on two coves reached only by sea. I especially like the mix of a waterfall walk and clear-water snorkeling, plus the crew’s music and dancing on the ride home.

I also like the strong value at $99 for seven hours, since lunch, an open bar, and water-sports equipment are included. The main catch is pace: this is a large, lively boat excursion, sometimes carrying more than 100 people, and the Yelapa walk can feel rushed or difficult.

Key points to know before you book

• Yelapa is a real village, not just a beach stop: You can walk through its narrow paths toward the waterfall and browse local handicrafts.
• Majahuitas is reached only by boat: Its quiet cove is the better stop for snorkeling, kayaking, paddle boarding, and beach time.
• The return cruise is part of the attraction: Expect music, dancing, drinks, and a crew performance rather than a quiet ride back.
• The waterfall depends on recent rain: In dry conditions, Cola de Caballo may have little water, though the walk and setting remain worthwhile.
• Bring cash: You need MXN$40 for the port fee and USD$20 for the access fee, both paid at check-in or before boarding.
• This is not an easy-access excursion: The walk to the falls can be rough, and the experience is not suitable for people with mobility impairments.

Two Pacific coves, one busy and cheerful day

This excursion works because it combines three different kinds of Puerto Vallarta experience. You begin with a long catamaran ride along the Jalisco coast, spend time in the small community of Yelapa, then finish with beach and water activities at Majahuitas.

The boat ride is not simply transportation. The crew serves drinks, points out coastal sights, plays music, and keeps the mood social. Dolphin sightings are possible, and humpback whales are often seen in winter, though wildlife is never guaranteed.

The boat is large, and the group can exceed 100 people. That matters. You will have more staff, more onboard entertainment, and a steady supply of drinks, but you will not get a quiet private-boat experience. I would choose this trip for energy and variety, not solitude.

The total day lasts about seven hours. The two catamaran rides take roughly three hours altogether, leaving several hours for Yelapa and Majahuitas. The schedule is full, so keep your expectations realistic. You can see a lot in one day, but you may not have long stretches to wander alone.

The 90-minute cruise from Puerto Vallarta

You can board at Puerto Magico or the Vallarta Adventures location in Nuevo Vallarta. There is a check-in desk where you redeem your reservation, and arriving early is wise because the port can be confusing, especially for a large group.

The first boat ride takes about an hour and a half. Along the coast, you will see rocky shorelines, green hills, small beaches, and coves that are difficult or impossible to reach by road. The crew fills the trip with music and commentary rather than leaving you to stare at the water in silence.

Breakfast is not really part of the package. Coffee and juice may be available, but one useful tip is to eat beforehand if you need a substantial morning meal. Lunch is included later and comes in a deli-style or sandwich buffet format with salads and fruit.

Keep your passport or identification with you. You also need cash for the MXN$40 port fee and the USD$20 access fee. Gratuities are not included, and hotel transportation is not included either.

Yelapa: a waterfall walk through a road-free village

The day’s Yelapa visit lasts about 80 minutes in the scheduled plan, though the exact order of the two main stops may vary. The supplied trip details describe both Yelapa first and Majahuitas first, so confirm the sequence at check-in.

Yelapa is the more distinctive stop. This small fishing community has no roads, and the route from the shore leads through village paths toward the Cola de Caballo waterfall. You may see local craft stalls along the way, and the walk gives you a quick look at daily life beyond the resort strip of Puerto Vallarta.

The walk is not a gentle stroll for everyone. One account describes it as treacherous, while another calls it tiring but worth the effort. Heat, uneven ground, and the time limit can make the route feel demanding. Wear secure footwear, although one account found flip-flops workable. I would still choose something that stays firmly on your feet.

The waterfall is at its best after rain. In a dry spell, you may arrive to find only a small flow or no visible cascade. That does not erase the appeal of the village and mountain setting, but you should not book this trip solely for a dramatic waterfall swim.

When water is flowing, the pool can feel wonderfully cool after the hot walk. You may also find a small bar near the falls. The beach at Yelapa gives you another option if you would rather skip the walk, sit by the river mouth, or spend more time near the shore.

The trade-off is time. Because the group moves together, you may not get much freedom to explore Yelapa at your own pace. The village is special, but a large group moving along a narrow route can make the visit feel more organized than spontaneous.

Majahuitas: the stronger stop for water activities

Majahuitas Cove is accessible only by boat, which helps explain its appeal. It feels more removed from Puerto Vallarta, with clear water, a sandy beach, and a protected setting suited to a half-day on the coast.

Snorkeling equipment is included, and guides help organize the activity. Kayaks and paddle boards are also available, giving non-snorkelers something to do while others are in the water. The scheduled snorkeling portion is only about 25 minutes, but the wider Majahuitas stop lasts roughly two hours and 40 minutes, including lunch and free time.

That difference is important. You should not expect a dedicated snorkeling expedition. This is a broad beach outing with a short guided snorkeling session, not a long swim over extensive reefs. Water clarity can change, and one account noted that visibility was not always strong. Another reported jellyfish stings during snorkeling, so ask the crew about current conditions before entering the water.

The cove can be the most relaxing part of the day. You can sit on the sand, paddle, kayak, snorkel, or simply enjoy the setting. Families and mixed-age groups may find this flexible format useful because nobody has to choose the same activity.

Lunch is served as a deli-style or sandwich buffet, with salads and fruit. It is practical rather than elaborate, but it keeps the day moving and is included in the price. Since the schedule is active, do not count on a long restaurant-style meal.

The return trip turns into a floating fiesta

After the shore stops, the catamaran heads back toward Puerto Vallarta for about an hour and a half. This is when the crew shifts from guiding activities to full-on entertainment.

The open bar is included, and music, dancing, and a show create a party atmosphere. Crew members such as Chi, Omar, Alejandro, Emberto, and Chewey have been singled out for being attentive, funny, and involved throughout the day. The entertainment is a major part of the excursion’s appeal, especially if you enjoy meeting people and joining group activities.

You can also use this time to sit back and watch the coast slide by. If you prefer quiet, choose a spot away from the main music area when possible, though the boat is designed for a shared social experience.

Tips are not included. Given how much time the crew spends serving, guiding, organizing, and entertaining, plan to carry extra cash if you want to thank them. Photos may also be offered for purchase, and they can cost nearly as much as some people expect for the excursion, so decide in advance how much you want to spend.

How the $99 price measures up

At $99 per person, the trip offers a lot for one day. The price includes the catamaran cruise, lunch, open bar, snorkeling equipment, and kayaking equipment. You also get access to two coastal stops, a guided waterfall visit, and onboard entertainment.

The value is strongest if you plan to use several parts of the package. A couple who snorkels, spends time at the beach, eats lunch onboard, and enjoys the return show is getting a full day of activities without arranging separate transport or boat tickets.

The value is weaker if you want one activity in depth. Serious snorkelers may find 25 minutes too short, while beach lovers may dislike the time spent moving between stops. Independent visitors may also prefer reaching Yelapa separately, if possible, to avoid moving with a large group.

Remember the extra charges. Add MXN$40 for the port fee and USD$20 for the access fee per person, both in cash. Transportation from your hotel is not included, and gratuities are separate. These costs do not ruin the deal, but they mean the advertised price is not the whole day’s budget.

Who will enjoy this trip most

I would recommend this excursion to you if you want a social day with plenty of variety. It suits families, first-time visitors to Puerto Vallarta, couples who enjoy organized activities, and groups that want snorkeling, beach time, drinks, and entertainment in one package.

It is also a good fit for people who do not want to plan their own boat logistics. The crew handles equipment, lunch, the route, and the shore activities, so you can focus on the scenery and the day itself.

You may want another option if you dislike crowds, need a slow pace, or have trouble walking on uneven ground. The Yelapa route can be strenuous, and the overall schedule is tightly arranged. This is not the best choice for someone seeking a quiet cove with hours of uninterrupted swimming.

Bring a swimsuit, towel, sunscreen, secure shoes, a passport or ID card, and cash. A waterproof phone pouch is sensible, since the day includes boats, swimming, and waterfall water. If whale watching is important to you, visit in winter for a better chance of humpback sightings, but remember that sightings remain uncertain.

Should you book the Yelapa and Majahuitas cruise?

Book it if you want the broadest mix of Puerto Vallarta experiences in one day: coastal scenery, a road-free village, a waterfall walk, snorkeling, beach time, lunch, drinks, and a lively boat show.

Skip it if your priority is peace, serious snorkeling, or independent time in Yelapa. The group is large, the schedule can feel rushed, and natural conditions can affect both water visibility and the waterfall.

For most active visitors, the combination makes the $99 fare worthwhile. Arrive early, carry the required cash, eat breakfast before boarding, and treat Yelapa as a quick cultural and walking stop rather than a long village visit. With those expectations, this is a cheerful and efficient way to see two coastal spots that are difficult to reach on your own.

FAQ

How long does the Yelapa and Majahuitas tour last?

The experience lasts about seven hours, including roughly 90 minutes on the way out and 90 minutes on the return journey.

Where does the tour depart from?

You can check in at Puerto Magico or at the Vallarta Adventures location in Nuevo Vallarta. You must redeem your reservation at the Vallarta Adventures check-in desk.

Is lunch included?

Yes. A deli-style lunch is included, with sandwiches or similar buffet items, salads, and fruit.

Are drinks included?

An open bar is available onboard. Gratuities are not included.

Is snorkeling equipment provided?

Yes. Snorkeling equipment is included, along with kayaking equipment. Paddle boarding is also offered at Majahuitas.

How much extra cash do I need for required fees?

You must pay a MXN$40 port fee and a USD$20 access fee per person in cash. Transportation from your hotel and gratuities are not included.

Is the tour suitable for people with mobility impairments?

No. The activity is not suitable for people with mobility impairments, and the walk toward the Yelapa waterfall can be uneven and strenuous.