Yelapa Waterfall, BBQ at Exclusive Majahuitas Beach & Open bar

Yelapa and Majahuitas give you two very different coastal experiences in one long day. Yelapa is a remote fishing village reached by boat, with a short but uneven walk toward a waterfall. Majahuitas offers turquoise water, palms, lunch, and water sports at a private beach club.

I like the excellent crew energy, especially when Danny, Dani, or Poncho are leading the boat. I also like the mix of activities: whale and dolphin sightings are possible, snorkeling can be surprisingly good, and the BBQ gives the day a proper meal rather than a packet of snacks.

The main catch is time. Majahuitas may get only about an hour to an hour and a half, and the big boat can carry up to 200 people. If you want long, quiet hours on an empty beach, this is not the right fit.

Key points to know before booking

• Two coastal stops: Visit Yelapa village and waterfall, then Majahuitas Beach for lunch and water activities.
• A lively boat day: Expect music, drinks, crew entertainment, and an active schedule rather than a peaceful cruise.
• Good food value: The $99 price includes a BBQ lunch, breakfast snack, beverages aboard the boat, and non-alcoholic drinks at Majahuitas.
• Water activities included: Snorkeling and kayaking equipment are provided, with paddleboarding and other activities available at the beach club.
• Uneven walking at Yelapa: Paths can be sandy, steep, wet, cobbled, and irregular. Wear secure shoes.
• Bring extra cash and essentials: Port fees cost MX$40 per person, check-in access costs MX$20, and you should bring photo ID, sunscreen, and a towel.

Why this Puerto Vallarta boat trip works

At $99 per person, this is a full-day outing with transport by boat, food, equipment, and entertainment bundled together. You are not simply paying for a ride to a beach. You are getting a planned route through Banderas Bay, two coastal stops, a waterfall walk, snorkeling, kayaking, lunch, and drinks.

I see the value most clearly if you want variety. In one day, you can walk through a fishing village, look for dolphins or humpback whales from the boat, swim in a cove, and eat grilled food beside the sea. You do not need to arrange separate taxis, water-sport rentals, or restaurant bookings.

The tradeoff is the group format. This is a popular boat excursion, with a maximum of 200 people, so the mood can feel more like a floating party than a small nature trip. The crew works hard to keep activities moving, but you should expect a set schedule and some crowding.

Leaving Puerto Magico at 8:00 in the morning

The meeting point is Vallarta Adventures at Puerto Mágico, in the maritime terminal area north of central Puerto Vallarta. The listed start time is 8:00 a.m., and clear directions matter because the terminal has more than one departure area.

Bring your photo ID. You will also need cash for the MX$40 port fee per person and the MX$20 access fee at check-in. Those charges are separate from the advertised price, so include them when working out your real cost.

Once aboard, the day begins with the long ride south along Banderas Bay. A light breakfast snack, fruit, sweet bread, and drinks may be served on the way. The boat ride is part of the experience, not just a transfer. On a clear day, you get wide sea views and a chance to spot marine life.

Dolphins and humpback whales have been seen from the boat, especially during the season when whales pass through the bay. Sightings are never promised, but keep your camera ready during the crossings.

The crew is a major part of the outing. Danny and Dani are names that come up often, and Poncho has also led trips. The best guides keep the day light and explain what is happening, while also helping people find the right activity. Do not expect a quiet ride. Music, drinks, jokes, and a comic performance on the return journey are part of the character of this tour.

Yelapa village and the walk to Cola de Caballo

Yelapa is about an hour from Puerto Vallarta by boat. It feels separate from the resort city because it is a fishing village reached from the water, with sandy paths and rough cobblestones rather than smooth streets.

The usual stop lasts about two hours. You can follow the route toward Cola de Caballo waterfall, explore the village, or stay near the beach. The walk itself is short, but do not confuse short with effortless. Expect uneven ground, wet cobblestones, sand, uphill sections, and irregular paths.

I would wear hiking shoes or sturdy sandals with a good grip. Flip-flops are a poor choice here. A towel, sunscreen, water-friendly footwear, and protection from the sun will make the stop easier.

The route gives you a look at how people live in a small coastal community, not just a quick photo stop. The village is more interesting as you walk farther in, though some people find the arrival and departure route rough. You may need to cross a beach to reach the pickup point, and that can be uncomfortable if you have limited mobility.

The waterfall is at its best after rain. During dry periods, it may be a small trickle or nearly dry. If the guide advises against the walk because there is little water, you can spend time on the beach or take a village walk instead. That is an important seasonal limitation, especially if the waterfall is your main reason for booking.

Yelapa also has local vendors, including people offering drinks, horse rentals, and other items. Drinks on the beach cost extra, and horse rentals are not included. The village stop is less controlled than the beach-club portion, so keep track of the meeting time and listen carefully to the crew’s instructions.

Snorkeling in Banderas Bay

The boat usually stops for snorkeling during the route, though the exact location can change. Los Arcos near Mismaloya may be part of the view or route, and the crew can adjust the stop if sea conditions or jellyfish make one site unsuitable.

Water conditions decide how good this part will be. In calm, clear water, you might see colorful fish, pufferfish, and other marine life. Some outings have produced very enjoyable snorkeling, while rough waves or murky water can make it uncomfortable and limit visibility.

This is not a guaranteed wildlife show. If the sea is rolling, you may spend more time being pushed around than looking at fish. The crew may move to another location, which is sensible, but it can also reduce the time available for the beach stop.

Snorkeling equipment is included. You should still bring your own towel and sunscreen, since those are not listed as provided. If you are not a confident swimmer, pay close attention to the crew’s instructions and consider how comfortable you are in open water.

Majahuitas Beach, lunch, and water sports

Majahuitas is the relaxing part of the route, at least in theory. The beach club sits beside turquoise water and palms, with chairs, toilets, food, and activities in one place. It is a pleasant contrast to Yelapa’s village paths.

Lunch is a BBQ buffet with food intended to suit different tastes. Grilled dishes, fresh sides, and drinks are included, and the meal is one of the stronger reasons the tour works as a day trip. At the beach, unlimited non-alcoholic drinks are included. Beverages are also served aboard the boat.

You can use snorkeling and kayaking equipment, and paddleboarding is available. Some outings also include activities such as a banana boat ride or beach volleyball. The exact mix can depend on conditions and scheduling, so do not treat every activity as guaranteed.

The big limitation is the clock. The Majahuitas stop is listed at about one hour, but actual time can feel closer to an hour and a half depending on the day. Lunch, changing, water sports, and beach time all compete for the same short window.

If Majahuitas is the main reason you are booking, this may feel rushed. I would rather see a little less time spent at the snorkeling stop and more time on the sand, but the schedule is designed to fit several experiences into one day. You need to accept the pace before you book.

The return boat and the famous closing show

After the beach, the boat returns to Puerto Mágico. Drinks, music, and crew entertainment continue on the way back. The final performance is kept as a surprise, but it is clearly intended to be funny and high-energy rather than a serious cultural presentation.

This ending suits people who enjoy being part of a group. The crew may sing, dance, or perform a themed number, and the show can be one of the most memorable parts of the ride. It also explains why the experience feels more like a full entertainment package than a simple nature excursion.

If you prefer quiet conversation, bring that expectation down a notch. Loud music has been an issue at times, making it hard to hear the service staff or talk with companions. The atmosphere is festive, but not subtle.

What the $99 price really covers

The price is fair if you plan to use the included parts. You receive:

• Boat transportation from Puerto Vallarta and back
• A light breakfast snack
• BBQ lunch at Majahuitas
• Drinks aboard the boat
• Unlimited non-alcoholic beverages at the beach club
• Snorkeling and kayaking equipment
• Access to Yelapa and Majahuitas

You will still pay the MX$40 port fee and MX$20 access fee per person. Gratuity is optional. Drinks at Yelapa and horse rentals cost extra.

Compared with building this day yourself, the package is convenient. You would otherwise need to arrange boat transport, food, equipment, and access to the beach. The price is less attractive if you mainly want quiet beach time, since the schedule gives equal weight to transport, snorkeling, village walking, lunch, and entertainment.

Who should book this day out

I would recommend it to couples, families, and first-time visitors who want to see several coastal sights without planning every detail. It suits people who like a social boat, a steady stream of activities, and a crew that keeps the mood moving.

Families should note the uneven walking at Yelapa and the need to stay with the group. The boat has toilets on the lower deck, and the beach clubs provide chairs, food, and restrooms, which makes the day easier with children.

This is not a good match for anyone with limited mobility. Yelapa has sandy, uphill, and irregular paths, and reaching the pickup point may involve rough beach walking. It is also a poor choice if you dislike crowds, loud music, or fixed schedules.

Passengers arriving on a cruise ship cannot book this activity. The experience requires good weather, and poor conditions can lead to a new date or a full refund.

Practical advice for a smoother day

Bring photo ID, a towel, sunscreen, secure walking shoes, and cash for the required fees. Wear a swimsuit under your clothes so you can move from the boat to the water without wasting beach time.

Listen carefully when the crew explains where and when to meet. Yelapa is easy to enjoy but less easy to navigate if you wander off without knowing the pickup point. One of the clearest lessons from the day is simple: do not assume you can find the boat again on your own.

Cancel at least 24 hours before the 8:00 a.m. start time if your plans change. Later cancellations and changes are not refunded, except when the operator cancels because of poor weather.

Should you book the Yelapa and Majahuitas tour?

Book it if you want a busy, social coastal day with food, drinks, snorkeling, a waterfall walk, and a funny boat show folded into one price. The crew is the heart of the experience, and the combination of Yelapa’s village setting and Majahuitas’ beach club gives you plenty of variety.

Skip it if your dream is a slow afternoon on one beach. You may find Yelapa’s walking rough, the waterfall disappointing in a dry season, and Majahuitas too brief. For everyone else, $99 is a reasonable price for a packed Puerto Vallarta outing, provided you understand that this is a large-group adventure, not a private escape.

FAQ

How long does the Yelapa and Majahuitas tour last?

The experience lasts about seven hours, beginning at 8:00 a.m. and ending back at the Puerto Mágico meeting point.

What is included in the price?

The price includes boat transportation, a light breakfast snack, BBQ lunch at Majahuitas, drinks aboard the boat, unlimited non-alcoholic drinks at the beach club, and snorkeling and kayaking equipment.

Are port and access fees included?

No. You must pay a MX$40 port fee per person in cash and a MX$20 access fee per person at check-in.

Is the waterfall walk difficult?

The walk is short but includes sandy, uphill, wet, cobbled, and irregular paths. A moderate fitness level and secure walking shoes are recommended.

Can cruise ship passengers book this activity?

No. Passengers arriving on a cruise ship cannot book this tour.

What happens if bad weather cancels the tour?

The experience requires good weather. If it is canceled because of poor conditions, you will be offered another date or a full refund.