Mega Yacht ALL INCLUSIVE Yelapa Waterfall & Snorkeling Adventure

The best part of this Puerto Vallarta outing is the mix of water fun and easygoing service. You can snorkel, kayak, paddleboard, ride the boat’s slides, visit Yelapa’s waterfall, or simply sit in the shade with a cold drink while the crew keeps food moving.

I especially like the all-inclusive setup and the choice between lively music and quieter seating. Breakfast, fajitas, guacamole, snacks, and a premium open bar are covered in the price. The main drawback is time: with several activities packed into roughly six hours, your snorkeling or beach time may feel short.

Key points

• A full day in about six hours: You leave early enough to return with time left for other Puerto Vallarta plans.
• A catamaran rather than a traditional yacht: The roomy vessel has comfortable seating, shaded areas, slides, and space to move around.
• Water time at Playa Chica Locca: Snorkeling, kayaks, paddleboards, floating mats, and swimming are part of the stop.
• Yelapa adds a land-based change of pace: Walk through the village, relax at the beach, or take the short trail to a waterfall.
• Food and drinks are included all day: Expect fruit, pastries, fajitas, guacamole, chips, and an open bar.
• The mood depends on your host and group: Ricky Ricardo and DJ David are known for keeping the boat social and energetic.

What This Yelapa Cruise Actually Feels Like

This is not a quiet sightseeing boat with a few snacks on the side. It is a social day on the Bay of Banderas, built around food, drinks, music, swimming, and meeting other people.

The boat is a large catamaran marketed as a mega yacht. That distinction matters if you picture a private luxury yacht with a small crew and only a handful of passengers. This is a shared excursion, and the maximum group size can reach 115 people. The catamaran offers roomy seating, shaded areas, upper-level views, water slides, and enough equipment for a broad mix of activities, but it is still a group party boat.

That format suits you if you want an easy day with plenty included. You do not need to arrange separate snorkeling gear, lunch, drinks, or a kayak rental. You also do not need to decide how to reach Yelapa on your own.

The crew plays a major part in the atmosphere. Hosts such as Ricky Ricardo keep the energy high, while DJ David handles the music on some departures. If you want to socialize, dance, and meet new people, the boat gives you plenty of chances. If you prefer to sit back, the upper level and shaded seating can offer a calmer place to watch the coastline.

Boarding at Puerto Mágico or Paradise Village

You choose your meeting point when booking. The two options are Chica Locca Puerto Mágico at the cruise terminal or Paradise Village. This choice is important, so select the location before completing your reservation.

At Puerto Mágico, check-in takes place at the Chica Locca office inside the federal maritime port. Allow time for port security. The terminal can inspect passengers and bags, and the rules are strict. Do not bring drugs, weapons, liquids, electronic cigarettes, or vapes. Hotel pickup and drop-off are not included, so you must arrange your own way to the selected meeting point.

Once onboard, the crew gets breakfast and drinks underway. The morning spread includes fresh seasonal fruit, pastries, coffee, and juices. It is a useful start because the first water stop comes after about an hour of sailing.

As the catamaran moves south along the coast, you get broad views across Banderas Bay and the Puerto Vallarta shoreline. The bay is a major breeding area for humpback whales, so whale sightings are possible during the season, although nobody can promise wildlife. Dolphins have also appeared during some trips.

Playa Chica Locca Brings the Water Activities

After roughly an hour, the boat reaches Playa Chica Locca near Quimixto. This is the main water-play stop, and it is where the tour feels most active.

You can use the provided snorkeling equipment, kayaks, paddleboards, and floating water mattress. The catamaran also has slides and a second-level jumping area. The setup makes it easy to choose your own pace. You can paddle out, swim around the boat, look for fish with a mask, or stay on deck and watch the action.

Snorkeling conditions are not guaranteed to be clear. Water visibility can change with weather, currents, and local conditions. One important practical point is that equipment supply has occasionally been an issue, so if snorkeling is the chief reason you are booking, ask the crew early about gear rather than waiting until the stop is underway.

The time at this stop is another consideration. Some departures provide around 40 minutes for snorkeling, while the overall schedule also has to cover lunch, the cruise to Yelapa, and the waterfall visit. If you want a long, serious snorkeling session, this is not a dedicated reef excursion. It is better understood as one part of a varied day.

The open bar remains available during the water stop. The drink list includes water, coffee, juices, soft drinks, mineral water, beer, wine, tequila, champagne, margaritas, and piña coladas. Drink service can continue even while you are in the water, though you should keep safety first and pace yourself in the sun.

After the water activities, the crew serves guacamole with blue corn chips and potato chips. An onboard massage is also available. Because the massage may require signing up, ask about it soon after boarding. Some people have missed it simply because they did not know it was offered.

Lunch Arrives Fresh by Boat

Lunch is one of the stronger practical features of this trip. The crew serves hot Mexican fajitas with chicken and beef, rice, beans, tortillas, and salsa. The food is prepared in the Playa Chica Locca kitchen and delivered by boat.

That arrangement keeps lunch more substantial than the usual packaged excursion meal. Vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free options are available, but you need to request them when booking. Do not wait until lunchtime to mention a dietary need.

The meal also gives you a chance to dry off and settle in before the trip’s second major stop. The crew keeps drinks and snacks available, so you are not left trying to stretch one small meal through the afternoon.

Yelapa Offers a Short Walk and a Waterfall

Yelapa is a small coastal village in a sheltered bay where two rivers meet the sea. The catamaran docks at a pier, and you can choose how much of the stop you want to use for exploring.

You can walk into the village, relax on the beach, swim near the boat, or join the short walk toward the waterfall. The trail takes about 15 minutes, though the terrain includes an uphill section and may feel harder in heat. A waterfall swim is possible when conditions allow.

The walk is accessible for many people, but it is not ideal for everyone. If you have limited mobility, balance concerns, or difficulty with inclines, staying near the beach or boat may be the better choice. One person described the hill as a challenge for older visitors, so consider your comfort before promising yourself a waterfall swim.

Yelapa gives the day a useful change of rhythm. The first stop is about water toys and boat activity. Here, you can slow down, see a small village, and trade the catamaran’s music for a short walk through the coastal setting.

Still, do not expect hours of free time. The tour has to return to Puerto Vallarta, and some people find they do not have enough time to swim, explore the beach, and reach the waterfall. Pick your priority before you arrive. If the waterfall matters most, head there early. If you want a relaxed beach afternoon, skip the walk and stay near the bay.

The Return Cruise Keeps the Party Going

The ride back across Banderas Bay is part of the experience, not just transportation. Music, dancing, drinks, and views continue as the boat heads toward the departure point.

The upper deck can be a good place to watch the coastline and search for whales during the right season. The lower areas offer more shade and comfortable seating. Bring sunscreen, a hat, a swimsuit, and a towel. The sun can feel strong, and one useful tip from the boat is simple: pack a hat.

A photographer works onboard and takes action shots throughout the day. You can view and purchase the photos, but they are not included. If you buy them, keep your receipt and confirm the delivery email before leaving. Photo processing or delivery problems have occurred, so it is wise to check that your contact information is correct.

The usual timing makes this excursion convenient for a busy Puerto Vallarta itinerary. Many departures return around 3 p.m., leaving part of the afternoon for dinner, a walk, or another activity. Exact timing can shift with weather, sea conditions, and the day’s schedule.

Is the 117.60 Dollar Price a Good Deal?

At $117.60 per person, the price is reasonable if you plan to use the inclusions. Breakfast, lunch, snacks, an open bar, snorkeling gear, kayaks, paddleboards, floating equipment, entertainment, and the boat ride would cost more if arranged separately.

The value is strongest for people who enjoy a full-service excursion. You can arrive with little more than swimwear, sunscreen, a towel, and a hat. Meals and drinks are covered, and the crew handles the equipment and service.

The calculation changes if you do not drink, dislike group entertainment, or mainly want quiet snorkeling. You are still paying for the open-bar operation, music, water toys, and broad menu of activities. A smaller snorkeling charter could be a better match if underwater time is your only goal, though it would not offer the same all-day food and drink setup.

Gratuities are not included. Tipping is optional, but you may want cash if the crew looks after you throughout the day. Souvenir photos cost extra as well.

Who Will Enjoy This Most?

I would recommend this trip to couples, families with older children, groups of friends, and first-time visitors who want an easy introduction to the coast south of Puerto Vallarta.

It works especially well for you if:

• You like a social boat with music and a host who keeps the mood moving.
• You want meals, drinks, and equipment included in one price.
• You prefer several short activities rather than one long snorkeling session.
• You enjoy a mix of swimming, village time, a waterfall walk, and open-water views.
• You want to return by midafternoon instead of spending the entire day away.

Think twice if you want a small, quiet charter, long beach time, or guaranteed clear snorkeling. The boat can be busy, and the maximum capacity is large. The crew generally works hard to keep service flowing, but a large group naturally means more movement, noise, and competition for equipment.

Practical Tips for a Better Day

Choose your meeting point carefully and arrive prepared for port security if you are departing from Puerto Mágico. Do not bring prohibited liquids, drugs, vapes, or electronic cigarettes.

Tell the operator about vegetarian, vegan, or gluten-free needs when booking. Sign up early for the onboard massage if that interests you, and ask about snorkeling equipment as soon as you board.

Wear sandals or water shoes suitable for wet surfaces, though the provided details only require a swimsuit, sunscreen, towel, and hat. Keep valuables to a minimum. The boat has shaded seating, but you will still spend much of the day in the sun.

Keep your expectations realistic. The waterfall walk is short, but the route has an uphill section. The snorkeling stop is fun but not the main purpose of the entire tour. And the catamaran is a shared vessel, not a private yacht.

Free cancellation is available up to 24 hours before departure for a full refund. Changes or cancellations within 24 hours are not refunded. Poor weather or failure to meet the minimum number of participants may lead to a different date or a full refund.

Should You Book the Yelapa Catamaran Adventure?

Book it if you want a lively, well-fed day on the water with a generous list of included activities. The strongest reasons are the attentive crew, the broad food and drink service, the comfortable catamaran, and the chance to combine Playa Chica Locca with Yelapa in one outing.

Do not book it expecting a quiet luxury charter or an extended snorkeling expedition. The group can be large, water visibility may be poor, and your time for swimming, beach exploring, and the waterfall is limited.

For most visitors seeking a convenient Puerto Vallarta day trip, the $117.60 price offers solid value. Go early to claim the experience you want, ask about the massage and snorkel gear, and decide in advance if your priority is the water, the waterfall, or the party atmosphere.

FAQ

How long is the Yelapa Waterfall and Snorkeling Adventure?

The excursion lasts approximately six hours.

Where can I meet the tour?

You can choose between Chica Locca Puerto Mágico at the cruise terminal and Paradise Village. You must select your meeting point before completing the reservation.

Is hotel pickup included?

No. Hotel pickup and drop-off are not included.

What food is included?

Breakfast includes fresh seasonal fruit, pastries, coffee, and juices. Lunch includes Mexican fajitas with chicken, beef, rice, beans, tortillas, and salsa. Snacks include guacamole, blue corn chips, and potato chips.

Are drinks included?

Yes. The premium open bar includes water, coffee, juices, soft drinks, mineral water, beer, wine, tequila, champagne, margaritas, piña coladas, and other drinks.

Is snorkeling equipment provided?

Yes. Snorkeling equipment is included, along with kayaks, paddleboards, and a floating water mattress.

Can I request a special meal?

Yes. Vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free options are available. You should request them when booking.

Is the waterfall walk difficult?

The walk to the waterfall takes about 15 minutes, but it includes an uphill section. It may not suit people with limited mobility or difficulty walking on inclines.

Are photos included?

No. A photographer is onboard, but souvenir photos cost extra and can be purchased during the tour or arranged at check-in.

What is the cancellation policy?

You can cancel at least 24 hours before the start time for a full refund. Cancellations or changes made less than 24 hours before departure are not refunded. If poor weather or insufficient participation cancels the tour, you can receive a full refund or choose another option.