Yelapa Waterfall, BBQ at Exclusive Majahuitas Beach & Open bar

Yelapa is the star of this Puerto Vallarta day trip. You arrive by boat at a remote fishing village, then walk through rough, hilly paths toward Cola de Caballo waterfall before ending at Majahuitas Beach, where lunch and water sports await. The ride also brings mountain views, possible dolphin or whale sightings, and a lively crew-led return trip.

I especially like two things here: the mix of village life and beach time, and the fact that lunch, snorkeling gear, kayaking, paddle boards, and drinks are bundled into one price. Hosts such as Danny, Dani, and Poncho have been praised for keeping the boat lively and well organized.

The trade-off is time. This is a large boat excursion, with up to 200 people, and some stops can feel hurried. Rough seas may prevent docking at Yelapa, while dry weather can reduce the waterfall to a trickle. Bring a towel, sunscreen, photo ID, and shoes that can handle wet, uneven paths.

Key points to know before booking

• Yelapa combines a fishing village with a short waterfall walk: Expect sandy stretches, uneven cobblestones, uphill sections, and local vendors.
• Majahuitas is the main beach stop: You can snorkel, kayak, paddle board, swim, play beach volleyball, and eat a BBQ lunch there.
• The boat ride is part of the entertainment: Snacks, drinks, music, scenic views, and a surprise closing show are included.
• Snorkeling conditions change: You may see colorful fish, pufferfish, dolphins, or whales, but murky water, jellyfish, or rough waves can affect the experience.
• The price covers quite a lot: At $99 per person, lunch, equipment, onboard beverages, and the boat trip are included, but port charges and a check-in fee are extra.
• This is not a low-effort beach day: Moderate fitness is needed, and the tour is not suitable for people with limited mobility.

A full day from Puerto Vallarta to the southern coast

This Vallarta Adventures outing begins at 8:00 a.m. at Puerto Mágico’s maritime terminal and lasts about seven hours. I would allow extra time before departure because the meeting area can be confusing, and missing the boat means missing the entire day.

At check-in, you pay a MX$40 port fee in cash and a separate MX$20 access fee. Bring photo ID. The operator also follows a strict port policy that bans drugs, electronic cigarettes, and vapes. Cruise ship passengers cannot book this particular departure.

Once aboard, the day settles into a pleasant rhythm. The crew serves a light breakfast snack, fruit, sweet bread, and drinks as the boat heads south through Banderas Bay. The ride is fast and comfortable when the water is calm, and the views open toward the coast and nearby rock formations such as Los Arcos.

This is not a quiet sightseeing cruise. Music, conversation, drink service, and crew-led entertainment are part of the package. That suits you if you like an outgoing, social boat atmosphere. If you want a calm ride with long stretches of silence, this may feel busy.

Yelapa: a village walk with a changing waterfall

Yelapa sits about an hour from Puerto Vallarta and can only be reached by boat or by a long route overland. That sense of separation is the point. You step off near a working fishing village rather than a polished resort, then make your way through the village toward the waterfall.

The walk is short enough for many reasonably fit people, but it is not flat or smooth. Expect sandy areas, wet cobblestones, rough patches, uphill sections, and irregular paths. Hiking shoes or sturdy sandals are a much better choice than thin flip-flops. I would also keep your hands free, since the footing may require attention.

A guide may lead you through the village and explain how local residents live. You can then continue toward Cola de Caballo waterfall, spend time at the cascade, or choose to relax on the beach. The scheduled stop lasts about two hours, though the exact balance between walking and free time can vary.

The waterfall depends heavily on recent rain. In the dry season, it may be a small flow or nearly dry. That does not erase the value of the village walk, but it changes the emphasis. If the waterfall is your only reason for booking, check current conditions and keep your expectations flexible.

Yelapa’s shoreline also has a more commercial side. Local sellers may approach you with drinks, crafts, or other items, and one report even mentioned offers of marijuana. You are free to decline and continue walking, but this is not a private beach experience.

There is another practical issue: the boat cannot always dock safely. Rough water, large waves, or poor conditions can prevent landing at Yelapa altogether. In that case, the waterfall portion may be canceled for safety reasons. This is one reason the tour works best for someone who values the whole day, not just one stop.

Snorkeling in Banderas Bay

The snorkeling stop usually comes between the village visit and Majahuitas. The crew supplies masks and other equipment, so you do not need to rent gear separately. Conditions can be good, with colorful fish and even pufferfish reported in clear coves.

Marine life is never guaranteed. Some outings have produced only a few fish, while others have included dolphins and humpback whales from the boat. Seasonal jellyfish can also affect the plan, forcing the crew to move to another snorkeling area.

Water clarity and wave conditions matter more than the equipment. Murky water makes it hard to see fish, and strong rolling waves can make even a short swim tiring. The crew may adjust the location or timing, but you should not treat this as a dedicated snorkeling expedition.

I like that the stop gives the day a proper water-adventure element rather than just a scenic boat ride. Still, if you care most about snorkeling, bring realistic expectations. This is a broad coastal excursion with several activities, not a specialist reef trip.

Majahuitas Beach brings the BBQ and water sports

Majahuitas is the most polished part of the day. Palm trees frame a secluded beach, and the turquoise water invites you to swim or simply sit near the shore. The beach club provides chairs, food, restrooms, and access to water activities.

Lunch is a BBQ buffet with refreshing drinks. The food has been described as fresh, flavorful, and broad enough to suit different tastes. Drinks included at Majahuitas are non-alcoholic, while beer and other beverages are served aboard the boat. The phrase open bar should not lead you to expect unlimited alcoholic drinks at the beach itself.

Once lunch is served, you can use the snorkeling and kayaking equipment. Paddle boarding, swimming, beach volleyball, and banana boat rides may also be available during the beach portion. These extras make Majahuitas appealing for families and mixed-age groups, since you can choose an active option or stay on the sand.

The weak point is the clock. The stop is listed at about one hour, though actual timing can vary. By the time you arrive, get oriented, eat, and collect equipment, there may be little time left for a relaxed swim. Some schedules provide closer to an hour and a half, but even that can feel short if Majahuitas is the main reason you booked.

I would decide in advance what matters most. If lunch and a quick paddle are enough, the schedule works. If you want a long, unhurried beach afternoon, you may leave wishing the tour had reduced the snorkeling time or village stop.

The crew makes a big difference

The crew is central to this experience. Names connected with the outing include Danny, Dani, and Poncho, and the strongest part of the service is the energy on the boat. The team serves drinks, explains activities, helps people move between stops, and keeps the return trip lively.

The closing entertainment is a surprise, so I will not spoil it. Expect music and a comic performance rather than a quiet cruise home. It can be a memorable finish, especially for families and couples who enjoy a bit of playful silliness.

The same high-energy style will not suit everyone. Loud music can make conversation difficult, and the boat may feel crowded when many people are moving between activities. Clear instructions are important on a busy excursion, and communication about stop lengths has not always been perfect.

You should also know that the crew is managing a large group. The maximum capacity is 200 people, and that affects personal attention. Most of the time, the operation appears structured and active, but you should stay alert to meeting instructions and return times rather than assuming someone will find you.

What $99 includes, and what it does not

At $99 per person, the tour offers solid value if you plan to use the included activities. Your fare covers the boat trip, a light breakfast snack, BBQ lunch at Majahuitas, onboard beverages, non-alcoholic drinks at the beach club, snorkeling equipment, and kayaking equipment.

You are also paying for access to two very different coastal settings. A separate boat transfer to Yelapa, a village visit, a waterfall walk, a beach club meal, and water sports could easily require several bookings. Here, they are combined into one long day.

The value is weaker if you skip most activities or dislike group entertainment. You may spend much of the day in transit, waiting for instructions, or following a fixed schedule. Horse rentals in Yelapa cost extra, drinks on the Yelapa beach cost extra, and gratuity is optional.

Remember the extra cash charges at the start: MX$40 per person for port fees and MX$20 per person for access at check-in. The listed price also does not cover towels, sunscreen, or personal purchases, so pack those before leaving your hotel.

Who will enjoy this trip most

I would recommend this tour to you if you want one easy package that combines nature, food, swimming, and entertainment. Families often benefit from the range of choices, while couples can enjoy the scenery, village walk, and time on the water without arranging separate transport.

It also suits active adults with moderate fitness. You do not need to be a serious hiker, but you should be comfortable with uneven ground, a sandy beach, wet stones, and some uphill walking. The route through Yelapa is not suitable for limited mobility, and a fall is possible if you hurry over rough surfaces.

This is less suitable for you if you want solitude, a slow meal, or a long beach stay. A 200-person boat can feel crowded, and the entertainment is intentionally outgoing. It is also a poor choice if a flowing waterfall is essential to your plans or if rough seas would make you uncomfortable.

Weather matters. Poor conditions can cancel the tour, with a different date or full refund offered. Even when the trip runs, waves may change the docking plan or reduce snorkeling visibility.

Practical packing advice for this exact itinerary

Bring a towel. It is easy to assume one will be provided, but it is not included in the details supplied for the tour.

Wear shoes with grip. Wet cobblestones, uneven village paths, sand, and uphill sections are part of the Yelapa visit. You can bring swimwear under your clothes, but keep your valuables limited and protected from spray.

Pack sunscreen, sunglasses, a hat, and photo ID. A small amount of cash is useful for the MX$40 port fee, the MX$20 access fee, drinks or purchases in Yelapa, and any tip you choose to leave.

I would also bring a light cover-up for the boat ride and a dry bag if you have one. The boat includes a lower-deck toilet, but space and privacy will be simpler if you handle personal needs before departure.

Should you book the Yelapa and Majahuitas tour?

I would book it if you want a lively, all-in-one day outside Puerto Vallarta and understand that the schedule will keep moving. The strongest reasons are the unusual combination of Yelapa’s village setting, Majahuitas Beach, included food, water sports, and a crew that works hard to keep the boat fun.

I would skip it if you want a quiet private outing, a guaranteed waterfall, or several relaxed hours at the beach. The waterfall may be dry, Yelapa may be inaccessible in rough seas, snorkeling may be murky, and Majahuitas may feel rushed.

For the best chance of enjoying it, wear practical shoes, carry a towel and sunscreen, bring cash and ID, listen closely for meeting instructions, and treat the waterfall and wildlife as bonuses rather than guarantees. At $99, it is a fair deal for an active day with meals and equipment, provided you are comfortable with crowds and a fixed itinerary.

FAQ

How long does the Yelapa and Majahuitas tour last?

The experience lasts approximately seven hours and begins at 8:00 a.m. It returns to the original meeting point.

Where does the tour depart from?

The departure point is Vallarta Adventures at Terminal Marítima in Puerto Mágico, located at Heroica Escuela Naval, Blvd. Francisco Medina Ascencio 30-G1, Zona Hotelera Norte, Puerto Vallarta.

Is lunch included?

Yes. A BBQ lunch at Majahuitas is included, along with refreshing drinks and unlimited non-alcoholic beverages at the beach club.

Is snorkeling equipment provided?

Yes. Snorkeling and kayaking equipment are included. Other activities available during the day may include paddle boarding, swimming, beach volleyball, and banana boat rides.

Do I need to pay any extra fees?

Yes. A MX$40 port fee per person must be paid in cash at the port, and a MX$20 access fee per person is due at check-in. Horse rentals, drinks at Yelapa, and gratuity are not included.

Is the tour suitable for people with limited mobility?

No. The Yelapa visit includes sandy, uphill, uneven, and irregular paths. A moderate level of physical fitness is recommended.

Can cruise ship passengers book this experience?

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

What happens if bad weather cancels the tour?

If poor weather causes cancellation, you will be offered a different date or a full refund. You can also cancel for a full refund if you do so at least 24 hours before the scheduled start time.