Yelapa and Majahuitas Snorkeling Cruise in Puerto Vallarta All Inclusive

The best part of this Puerto Vallarta boat trip is the mix of Yelapa’s beach and waterfall with a full day on the water. You can snorkel, kayak, paddle board, eat a beach lunch, and enjoy music and drinks without arranging several separate activities.

I like the easy all-inclusive setup, especially the breakfast, lunch, open bar, and water gear. I also like the chance to see a quieter coastal town rather than spending the whole day at a resort. The main caution is unreliable snorkeling visibility. Murky water, old equipment, loud music, and a long day can change this from a great outing into a merely fair one.

Key points to know before booking

• Yelapa is the strongest part of the day: The waterfall walk and small coastal town offer more character than the snorkeling stop.
• Snorkeling depends heavily on conditions: Some outings bring clear water and plenty of fish, while others offer less than a meter of visibility.
• The catamaran carries up to 40 people: Expect a social, music-filled boat rather than a quiet sailing trip.
• Food and drinks are included: Breakfast, a deli-style lunch, restaurant lunch choices, soft drinks, water, beer, spirits, and mixed drinks are part of the package.
• The full day can run long: The scheduled duration is about eight hours, but some departures have lasted closer to 11 hours.
• Bring extra money for port charges and optional activities: The listed pier and reef fee is MX$32 per person, and any extra transport or ATV ride should be confirmed before you go.

Setting out from Puerto Vallarta at 9:15 am

The tour begins at Puerto Magico on Boulevard Francisco Medina Ascencio, in Puerto Vallarta’s north hotel zone. You make your own way to the meeting point because ground transportation is not included. Confirmation arrives at booking, and the activity returns to the same place at the end of the day.

The early part of the morning can feel less polished than the rest of the outing. There may be several lines for check-in, equipment, and boarding. If you are given snorkeling gear, keep track of where you need to collect it, and bring the required picture ID if the crew asks for one.

Once aboard, you get a continental breakfast of bread, coffee, seasonal fruit, yogurt, and granola. It is a useful start, but it is not a full hot breakfast. I would still eat something beforehand if you usually get hungry during a long day on the water.

The catamaran carries a maximum of 40 people. That is not a tiny group, but it keeps the trip from feeling like a giant party boat. Still, you should expect a social atmosphere, music for dancing, crew announcements, and passengers moving around to use the water equipment.

The catamaran ride to Majahuitas

The ride south along Banderas Bay is part of the experience. The boat gives you a wide view of the coast, and the crew keeps the return trip lively with music, games, and dancing. Some outings have also brought sightings of dolphins, whales, manta rays, or other marine life, though none of that can be promised.

The national open bar includes tequila, rum, vodka, brandy, beer, soft drinks, juice, and water. The word all-inclusive needs a small qualification: bar service may not begin as soon as you board. On some departures, drinks began after the first water activity, several hours into the trip.

Music is another matter of personal taste. Many people enjoy the dancing and entertainment, but the speakers can be very loud, particularly on the upper deck. If you want to talk with your companion or have a calmer ride, choose your seat with care and expect the boat to favor a festive mood.

Motion sickness is a real possibility. The boat ride, waves, and long hours on the water have caused some passengers to feel ill. If you normally need motion-sickness medicine, bring it and take it according to your usual routine. The crew carries throw-out bags, but prevention will make the day much more pleasant.

Water time at Majahuitas

The first major activity stop is described as Yelapa and Majahuitas Playa, with time for snorkeling, kayaking, paddle boarding, and swimming. In practice, the water stop is the part of the trip with the most variable results.

On a clear day, you might see plenty of fish and enjoy a good snorkel from the catamaran. One outing included a manta ray, and another produced strong fish sightings. On other days, especially after a storm or when many boats gather in the same bay, the water can turn cloudy and visibility can fall to less than a meter.

That is why I would book this trip for the whole combination, not for snorkeling alone. If clear underwater views are your main goal, this is a gamble. Some equipment has also been described as old, with goggles that leaked or masks that did not work well. Life vests and snorkeling equipment are supplied, but inspect your mask before entering the water and ask for a replacement immediately if it leaks.

Jellyfish have also been present in the snorkeling area. The crew helped when someone was stung, but you should still pay attention to the water briefing and follow the crew’s instructions. The water may feel cold to some people, particularly in February or after unsettled weather.

Kayaks and paddle boards give you alternatives if snorkeling is poor or you would rather stay above the water. These options add value because you are not stuck waiting on the boat if visibility is disappointing. Water time can feel short, though, especially if you want to try several activities.

One important point needs clarification before booking: the name of the trip includes Majahuitas, but one departure did not stop at the expected beach. If visiting that exact location matters to you, ask the operator what the current route includes and where the water stop will be.

Yelapa’s beach, town, and waterfall

Yelapa is the emotional center of the excursion. The beach has a different feel from Puerto Vallarta’s hotel zone, and the small town gives you a glimpse of coastal Mexico that is less built up and more informal.

The included waterfall walk takes you through town and toward the falls. The route can be appealing if you enjoy a short walk through a local community and a jungle setting. The waterfall itself has been one of the most consistently praised parts of the day, even when the snorkeling was poor.

You should not expect a polished resort environment. Facilities may be basic, and the beach can feel rough around the edges. One account specifically noted poor restroom upkeep and a lack of napkins at the meal table. That is part of the trade-off: Yelapa offers a more rustic stop, but it does not provide the tidy finish of a resort excursion.

The walking route may not suit everyone. Some people choose an ATV ride to reach the waterfall and see more of the town. The ATV option is not listed among the included features, so confirm its price and availability before you go. It may be worthwhile for the views and the narrow streets, but it adds cost and a more active ride.

If you have mobility limitations, think carefully before booking. Getting from the larger boat to the beach requires a transfer to a smaller boat, and getting back aboard can be awkward. The waterfall walk and beach access may also involve uneven ground. The tour is best for people who can manage boat transfers and a walk without much assistance.

Lunch on the beach

Lunch is served at the Vela Roja a la Carte Restaurant, with several choices rather than one fixed dish. Options include fish steak, beef fajitas, chicken, shrimp or plain quesadillas, a beef or shrimp burger, fish ceviche, and shrimp cocktail.

That range works well for a mixed group. You can choose something familiar if seafood is not your preference, while ceviche and shrimp cocktail fit the coastal setting. Food quality has been uneven, with some people calling it very good and others finding the beef tough or a restaurant meal disappointing.

The meal is part of the value, but I would not choose this trip as a food tour. Think of lunch as convenient beach fare that keeps the day moving. Your meal, breakfast, drinks, water gear, entertainment, and boat ride are bundled together, which saves you from making separate arrangements at Yelapa.

The ride back: music, drinks, and sunset views

The return trip is designed as entertainment time. The bar is open, drinks are served, and the crew may organize games and dancing. Guides such as Jorge, Alex, and Johnny Cash have been singled out for keeping the mood friendly and helping people feel included. Spanish and English guiding is offered, but the amount of English can vary.

That language point matters. You may not always get a clear explanation of what happens next, particularly during equipment collection, boarding, or optional activities. Listen closely to announcements, ask questions early, and stay near your group when the crew gives instructions.

The boat may be slow, and the return can stretch longer than expected. Some departures have taken about 11 hours instead of eight. If you are traveling on a cruise ship, have an evening flight, or have a strict dinner reservation, leave a large time cushion and confirm the current return estimate.

A late return is not always a bad thing. The light over Banderas Bay can be lovely, and some trips have timed the crossing for sunset. But a long party boat ride can wear you down, especially after snorkeling, walking, and a few drinks.

What the $87.04 price really covers

At $87.04 per person, this is a reasonable value if you intend to use most of the package. The fare includes catamaran transportation, breakfast, lunch, an open bar, soft drinks, water, snorkeling equipment, life vests, kayaks, paddle boards, the waterfall walk, music, guides, and onboard insurance.

A separate pier and reef charge of MX$32 per person is not included. You should also ask about optional transportation to the waterfall, ATV rides, photographs, and any other add-ons before you commit to them. Extra charges have surprised some people, and clear questions at check-in can prevent frustration.

The value drops if you mainly want a quiet boat ride or excellent snorkeling. You are paying for a full package, but conditions may limit the underwater portion. The value improves if you want a simple day with meals, drinks, equipment, a beach stop, and entertainment all handled in one booking.

The group size also affects the calculation. With up to 40 people, you get more activity and social energy, but less personal attention than on a small private boat. This is a good fit if you enjoy meeting people and joining the fun. It is less suited to couples seeking silence or a private coastal experience.

Who should book this day trip

I would recommend it to families, couples, and solo visitors who want a full day away from Puerto Vallarta without planning each detail themselves. It works especially well if Yelapa, the waterfall, beach time, and a lively boat ride appeal to you more than perfect snorkeling.

Families can use the mix of activities to keep different ages occupied. One person can paddle board, another can snorkel, and someone else can stay aboard with a soft drink. The included lunch and equipment also make the day easier to manage.

Younger, active visitors may enjoy the music, drinks, water activities, and optional ATV ride most. Solo visitors can also fit in well because the boat has a social atmosphere and the crew takes an active role in entertaining the group.

I would hesitate if you dislike loud music, get seasick easily, have mobility issues, or need a tightly timed schedule. I would also choose another excursion if snorkeling is the main reason you are going. Water clarity here is simply too changeable.

Practical tips for a smoother day

• Bring sunscreen, a hat, sunglasses, swimwear, and a dry change of clothes.
• Carry motion-sickness medicine if you need it.
• Keep some pesos for the MX$32 pier and reef charge, optional activities, and personal purchases.
• Bring a picture ID for snorkeling equipment if requested.
• Inspect the mask and ask for another one if it leaks.
• Ask when the bar opens and what activities are included before leaving the dock.
• Confirm the exact Majahuitas stop and any waterfall transportation charge.
• Leave your evening open because the return may be later than the advertised eight hours.
• Choose a quieter seat if you do not want to be close to the speakers.
• Do not assume the snorkeling will be clear. Treat it as one part of a larger day.

Should you book the Yelapa and Majahuitas cruise?

Book it if you want a social, all-in-one day with Yelapa beach, a waterfall walk, water sports, meals, drinks, and a cheerful crew. The strongest reasons to go are Yelapa itself, the waterfall, the variety of activities, and the convenience of having most costs bundled into one fare.

Skip it if you want a quiet sailing trip, reliable snorkeling, polished facilities, or a strict timetable. Before booking, ask about the exact water stop, bar schedule, equipment, optional waterfall transport, and expected return time. Go with realistic expectations, and this can be a good-value day on Banderas Bay.

FAQ

How long is the Yelapa and Majahuitas cruise?

The scheduled duration is approximately eight hours. Some departures have lasted closer to 11 hours, so leave extra time after the tour.

Where does the tour start?

The tour starts at Puerto Magico, Boulevard Francisco Medina Ascencio, Zona Hotelera Norte, Puerto Vallarta.

What time does the tour begin?

The stated start time is 9:15 am.

Does the tour return to Puerto Vallarta?

Yes. The activity ends back at the original meeting point.

Is ground transportation included?

No. You must arrange your own transportation to and from Puerto Magico.

What food is included?

Breakfast includes bread, coffee, seasonal fruit, yogurt, and granola. Lunch options include fish steak, beef fajitas, chicken, shrimp or plain quesadillas, beef or shrimp burgers, fish ceviche, and shrimp cocktail.

Are drinks included?

Yes. The package includes beer, tequila, rum, vodka, brandy, soft drinks, juice, and water. Bar service may begin after the first water activity.

Are snorkeling equipment and life vests included?

Yes. Snorkeling equipment and life vests are included. Kayaks and paddle boards are also available.

Is the waterfall walk included?

A waterfall walk is included. Any optional transportation or ATV ride to the waterfall should be confirmed and may cost extra.

How much is the pier and reef charge?

The listed tax for the piers and reefs, Yelapa, and Majahuitas is MX$32 per person.

How many people can join the tour?

The maximum group size is 40 people.

Is the tour offered in English?

Guides are offered in Spanish and English, although the amount of English instruction may vary during the day.

What is the cancellation policy?

You can cancel at least 24 hours before the start time for a full refund. Cancellations or changes made within 24 hours are not refunded or accepted. If poor weather causes the operator to cancel, you can receive a different date or a full refund.