Yelapa Waterfall, BBQ at Exclusive Majahuitas Beach & Open bar

Yelapa’s short jungle walk and Majahuitas’ clear-water cove make this a lively day away from Puerto Vallarta. You get two very different coastal stops: a fishing village with a waterfall path, then a beach club with lunch and water activities.

I like the friendly crew-led atmosphere, especially when Danny or Poncho is hosting, and I like the useful mix of swimming, snorkeling, kayaking, paddle boarding, and a BBQ meal. The main catch is time. Majahuitas may feel rushed, and a group of up to 200 people can make this feel more like a party boat than a quiet escape.

Key points to know before booking

• Yelapa combines village life and a short waterfall walk: Expect sandy, uneven, uphill, and wet cobblestone paths.
• Majahuitas is the day’s best place for water activities: Snorkeling, kayaking, and paddle boarding are included, with beach time and lunch.
• The crew is a major part of the experience: Music, drinks, jokes, and a surprise performance shape the ride home.
• Snorkeling depends on sea conditions: Fish sightings can be excellent, but jellyfish, murky water, and rough waves may change the plan.
• The $99 price covers a full day on the water: Lunch, equipment, snacks, and drinks are included, but cash port and access fees are extra.
• Bring practical gear: Pack a towel, sunscreen, photo ID, and shoes that can handle rough, wet paths.

The day begins at Puerto Mágico at 8:00 a.m.

The tour starts at Vallarta Adventures in Puerto Mágico, the maritime terminal on Boulevard Francisco Medina Ascencio. The listed meeting point is precise, but one visitor had trouble finding the departure location, so I would allow extra time and confirm the exact entrance before setting out.

A port fee of MX$40 per person must be paid in cash, along with a MX$20 access fee at check-in. These small charges are easy to miss when you are comparing the advertised $99 price, so add them to your budget.

The boat ride is part transportation and part entertainment. A light breakfast snack, fruit, sweet bread, and drinks are served on the way out. The views along Banderas Bay are a big reason to sit where you can watch the coast, and the crew keeps the mood social with music and service.

This is not a small private boat. The maximum group size is 200, and the scale matters. You will have more equipment and organized activities than on an independent water taxi, but you will also be moving with a crowd. If you want a quiet morning with only the sound of the sea, this is not the right format.

The boat has toilets on the lower deck. The ride can be smooth and fast, but sea conditions change. On rough days, waves may affect docking, swimming, and snorkeling. The operator requires good weather and may offer another date or a full refund if poor conditions cancel the trip.

Yelapa: a village walk with a waterfall at the end

Yelapa sits about an hour from Puerto Vallarta by boat. It is a remote fishing village with a slower feel than the resort zone, though the visit is still organized around a popular excursion schedule.

You have roughly two hours here. The usual plan is a walk through the village and up a path toward Cola de Caballo waterfall. The walk is not long, and many people find it manageable, but it is not a smooth stroll. Expect uneven ground, wet cobblestones, sandy sections, uphill stretches, and irregular paths.

I would wear secure walking shoes rather than flip-flops. One visitor was glad to have hiking shoes, while another described a fall and painful contact with the rough route. You should also watch your footing near wet stones and avoid carrying anything you do not need.

The walk gives you a look at village life as well as the falls. The route is part of the appeal, since you are not simply stepping off a boat at a polished resort. At the same time, the village can feel confusing if you wander without clear instructions. Pay close attention to the meeting point and return time.

Water levels at the falls depend on the season. During dry periods, Cola de Caballo may be a trickle or even too dry to justify the walk. If that happens, you may choose a village stroll or beach time instead. I would book this for Yelapa itself, the boat ride, and the coastal setting, not for a guaranteed powerful waterfall.

There are local vendors around the beach and village. Drinks at Yelapa cost extra, and you may be approached by people selling goods or other items. That is part of visiting an active village, but it can interrupt the relaxed beach time some people expect.

The boat may also pass coastal sights such as Los Arcos near Mismaloya, depending on the route and conditions. Dolphins and humpback whales have been spotted on some outings, especially during whale season, but wildlife sightings are never promised.

Majahuitas Beach brings the BBQ and water sports

After Yelapa, the boat heads to Majahuitas, a secluded beach area framed by palms and turquoise water. The scheduled stop is about one hour, although some visitors describe spending closer to an hour and a half there. Either way, plan for a compact visit.

Majahuitas is where the tour feels most like a beach club day. Lunch is a BBQ buffet, and the food receives strong praise for being fresh, flavorful, and suitable for different tastes. You can eat with a view of the water, then use the included snorkeling and kayaking equipment.

Paddle boarding is also available, and some outings include extra beach activities such as banana boat rides or beach volleyball. The exact mix of activities can depend on timing and conditions, so do not assume you will have time for everything.

The biggest practical issue is the clock. Lunch, changing, snorkeling, kayaking, paddle boarding, and simply sitting on the beach all compete for the same short stop. Several people wanted more time at Majahuitas, particularly after lunch, while others felt the snorkeling portion ran longer than they preferred.

If Majahuitas is your main reason for booking, get organized quickly. Decide before arrival which activities matter most. If you want to snorkel and kayak, do those first, then eat and relax. If you mainly want the beach, do not let the group schedule leave you with only a few quiet minutes by the water.

The beach area has chairs, food, and restrooms, which makes the stop comfortable compared with an entirely undeveloped beach landing. Lunch includes refreshing drinks, and unlimited non-alcoholic beverages are available at the beach club. Drinks are also served aboard the boat.

The title describes an open bar, but the supplied details are more specific: beverages aboard the boat and unlimited non-alcoholic drinks at Majahuitas. Alcohol availability may be limited. One account listed beer, water, and pineapple juice, so I would not book this expecting a full selection of cocktails all day.

Snorkeling depends heavily on the sea

The marine life is one of the tour’s most appealing features. In good conditions, you might see colorful fish, pufferfish, dolphins, and whales from the boat. Several outings have produced enjoyable snorkeling, with some coves offering a wide variety of fish.

But snorkeling is not guaranteed to be clear or calm. Seasonal jellyfish can require the crew to move to another location, and rough water can make it hard to see fish or stay comfortable in the water. Murky visibility and rolling waves have made this part disappointing on some days.

That unpredictability is normal for an open-water excursion, but it is important when judging the value. You are paying for access, equipment, and the chance to snorkel, not a guaranteed reef experience. If snorkeling is your top priority, check the forecast and keep your expectations flexible.

The crew may adjust the route for safety. That can mean stopping at more than one location or shortening an activity. A good day may bring calm water and plenty of fish. A rough day may turn the water portion into a brief swim rather than a memorable snorkel.

The crew sets the tone from breakfast to the final show

The crew is repeatedly praised for being attentive, welcoming, funny, and hard-working. Danny is singled out as an excellent host, and Poncho and his team also receive strong praise. Their role goes beyond serving drinks. They explain the schedule, help with equipment, keep activities moving, and entertain you on the boat.

The return trip often includes music and a closing performance. The show is kept as a surprise, but it has become a memorable part of the outing. Expect comedy and a party atmosphere rather than a quiet sunset cruise.

This energy will suit you if you enjoy group fun, music, and staff who actively involve the crowd. It may not suit you if loud music makes conversation difficult. One account found the music too loud, and another described the day as constantly moving from one activity to the next.

Communication can also vary. You should listen carefully for instructions about where to meet, how long you have, and when to return to the boat. Clearer timing information would make the day easier, especially at Yelapa and Majahuitas.

What $99 buys you in practical terms

At $99 per person, this is a fairly full package for a seven-hour day. The price includes the boat ride, a light breakfast snack, lunch, drinks aboard, non-alcoholic drinks at Majahuitas, snorkeling gear, kayaking equipment, and access to the beach club.

You are also paying for convenience. Instead of arranging separate boat transport, a Yelapa visit, a beach landing, lunch, and water equipment, one booking handles the day. That is useful in Puerto Vallarta, where the two coastal stops are not simple independent outings.

The value is strongest if you plan to use several inclusions. Eat the BBQ, snorkel or kayak, enjoy the boat ride, and take part in the entertainment. If you only want to sit on a beach, the limited Majahuitas time may leave you feeling that the price is high.

Budget for the MX$40 port fee and MX$20 access fee in cash. Gratuity is optional. Horse rentals at Yelapa cost extra, as do drinks on the Yelapa beach. Bring money only if you want those additions, and keep your belongings secure while walking through the village.

Who will enjoy this Puerto Vallarta day trip

I would recommend this for couples, families, and active visitors who want several experiences packed into one day. It works especially well if you like a social boat ride, short walks, swimming, and organized water activities.

Families should appreciate the mix of a village visit, beach time, food, and equipment. Still, parents should be ready for uneven paths at Yelapa and a busy schedule. Younger children may need close supervision on the boat, at the water stops, and along the waterfall route.

You should have a moderate fitness level. The experience is not recommended for people with limited mobility because of the sandy, uphill, wet, and irregular paths in Yelapa. The boat has lower-deck toilets, but the beach and village terrain are not designed for easy rolling access.

This is not available to passengers arriving on a cruise ship. The tour is offered in English. Mexico’s federal maritime ports also enforce a strict no-drug policy, including electronic cigarettes and vapes. Do not bring prohibited items, since security can deny access without a refund or date change.

Smart packing for Yelapa and Majahuitas

Bring a swimsuit, towel, sunscreen, and photo ID. Towels are not listed among the inclusions, and one visitor specifically advised bringing your own.

Wear shoes with a firm grip for Yelapa. You can pack sandals for the beach, but they are a poor choice for wet cobblestones and uphill paths. A small bag is easier to manage than a large one when you are boarding, changing, and moving between activities.

Carry some cash for the port and access fees, plus any Yelapa drinks or horse rental you choose. Since the day includes swimming, keep electronics protected from spray and sand.

Cancellation and weather details

You can cancel up to 24 hours before the 8:00 a.m. start time for a full refund. Changes made less than 24 hours before departure are not accepted, and late cancellations are not refunded.

The activity requires good weather. If the operator cancels for poor conditions, you can choose another date or receive a full refund. Even when the tour runs, rough seas may change the docking point, snorkeling location, or waterfall visit.

FAQ

How long does the Yelapa and Majahuitas tour last?

The experience lasts approximately seven hours and begins at 8:00 a.m. It ends back at the Puerto Mágico meeting point.

Where does the tour depart from?

It departs from Vallarta Adventures at Puerto Mágico, Terminal Marítima, on Blvd. Francisco Medina Ascencio 30-G1 in Puerto Vallarta.

Is lunch included?

Yes. A BBQ lunch is served at Majahuitas Beach, along with refreshing drinks.

Are snorkeling and kayaking included?

Yes. Snorkeling and kayaking equipment are included in the tour price.

Are drinks included?

Beverages are served aboard the boat, and unlimited non-alcoholic beverages are available at Majahuitas. Drinks at Yelapa cost extra. The supplied details do not confirm unlimited alcoholic drinks throughout the tour.

Do I need to bring a towel?

Yes. Towels are not listed as an inclusion, so bring your own.

Is the waterfall guaranteed to be flowing?

No. Water levels vary, and the waterfall may be very small or dry during periods of drought. You may instead walk through the village or spend time at the beach.

Is the tour suitable for people with limited mobility?

No. The Yelapa portion includes sandy, uphill, wet, and irregular paths, so the experience is not recommended for people with limited mobility.

Are port fees included?

No. A MX$40 per-person port fee must be paid in cash at the port, and a MX$20 per-person access fee is due at check-in.

Can cruise ship passengers book this tour?

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

Should you book this Yelapa and Majahuitas excursion?

Book it if you want a busy, social day on the water with a village walk, possible waterfall, snorkeling, beach activities, BBQ, drinks, and music. The crew is a real strength, and the package gives you a practical way to reach two coastal places in one outing.

Skip it if you want long, quiet beach time, a small boat, or guaranteed clear snorkeling and a full waterfall. Majahuitas can feel rushed, Yelapa’s paths are rough, and sea conditions may change the plan.

For most active visitors staying in Puerto Vallarta, the $99 price is reasonable because it covers transport, food, equipment, and several activities. Bring proper shoes, a towel, sunscreen, ID, and cash, then treat the waterfall and snorkeling as weather-dependent bonuses rather than promises.