Vallarta: Yelapa Waterfall & Majahuitas Snorkel Adventure

Yelapa is the real draw here: a tiny village with no roads, a river meeting the sea, and a waterfall reached by a hot walk through the hills. Add Majahuitas Cove, reachable only by boat, and you get two very different coastal stops in one day. I like the mix of village life, swimming, snorkeling, and scenery. I also like the crew’s energy, especially on the ride home, when the catamaran becomes a floating party.

The tradeoff is pace. This is a large, busy excursion, and the waterfall walk can feel rushed or rough. Snorkeling time is short, sea conditions can cloud the water, and the total bill is more than the advertised $99 once you add the access fee, port fee, tips, and any hotel transport.

Key points to know before booking

• Yelapa brings the local character: Walk through a road-free fishing village to the Cola de Caballo waterfall and beach.
• Majahuitas is the quieter water stop: Snorkeling, kayaking, and paddleboarding take place in a cove reached only by sea.
• The boat ride is part of the show: Music, dancing, drinks, and onboard entertainment fill the return trip.
• Plan for a large group: One account describes a boat carrying more than 100 people, so expect a social excursion rather than a private outing.
• Bring cash and your ID: The MXN$40 port fee and USD$20 access fee are paid in cash, and you should carry a passport or ID card.
• Allow for uneven access: The walk to the waterfall may be difficult, and the outing is not suitable for people with mobility impairments.

Two coves, two very different moods

This seven-hour trip works because Yelapa and Majahuitas offer different kinds of coastal escapes. Yelapa has a small community, shops, a waterfall, and a broad beach. Majahuitas is more about clear water, marine life, and time on or beside the sea.

You leave Puerto Vallarta by catamaran and spend about 90 minutes on the outward cruise. That stretch gives you wide views of the Jalisco coast. Keep watch for dolphins, and from winter into the whale season, humpback whales may appear. Sightings are never promised, but the open-water ride gives you a fair chance to spot marine life.

I would set your expectations correctly before you board. This is not a quiet sailing trip. The boat can be large, with more than 100 people aboard, and the atmosphere is social. That suits families, groups of friends, and anyone who likes music and easy conversation. It is less suited to someone seeking a small boat, a slow pace, or a private cove with few people around.

The listed schedule takes you to Yelapa first, followed by a short catamaran ride to Majahuitas. The exact order and timing can be affected by sea conditions and the day’s operations, but you should expect roughly 80 minutes at Yelapa, a short transfer, about 25 minutes of organized snorkeling, and then around two hours and 40 minutes for lunch and free time at Majahuitas.

Yelapa: a waterfall walk with a village in the middle

Yelapa’s appeal begins before you reach the waterfall. The settlement has no roads, so you enter on foot from the beach and pass through a compact fishing village. That gives the stop a more personal feel than a standard resort beach, though a large tour group can make the narrow route feel crowded.

The guided visit lasts about 80 minutes. You will be directed toward the Cola de Caballo waterfall, which lies only a short distance from the coast by local standards. The walk is hot, uneven, and described by some people as difficult. It may be manageable in flip-flops for some visitors, but sturdy shoes will give you better footing. One useful bit of advice from the day’s experience is that you do not need heavy hiking boots, but you should not treat the route like a flat stroll along the beach.

The reward is a cool freshwater pool beneath the falls. After a warm walk, the water can feel wonderfully refreshing. In dry conditions, the waterfall may be much weaker than expected, so do not book this trip solely for a dramatic cascade. The setting still has appeal, with green hills, palms, village paths, and the river running toward the sea.

You may also pass small stands selling local handicrafts. Bring pesos if you want to shop, since souvenir purchases are not included. Keep your group’s meeting instructions in mind. One person who took the trip advised following the directions carefully at Yelapa, where it is easy to become separated from the group or unsure about where to return.

The beach offers a second option. If the walk sounds too demanding, you can use your time to relax by the water and enjoy the village area. The schedule is not generous, though. People who hoped to wander at length through Yelapa found the stop tightly managed, with the group moving from the boat to the waterfall and then back toward the beach.

That is the main tension at this stop. Yelapa is special because it feels small and removed from road traffic, but a big organized excursion can make the visit feel more like a guided procession than an open-ended village visit. I still think it is worth seeing, especially if this is your first Puerto Vallarta trip, but you should not expect a full day of independent exploration.

Majahuitas: clear water and limited snorkeling time

After Yelapa, the boat makes a short transfer to Playa Majahuitas. This cove is accessible only by boat, which helps explain its appeal. The sandy beach and surrounding water feel removed from Puerto Vallarta’s city activity, and the setting is a good fit for swimming, paddling, and a little time in the sun.

The excursion includes snorkeling equipment, kayaking equipment, and access to paddleboarding activities. The guided snorkeling portion is listed at about 25 minutes. That is enough for a taste of the underwater life, but not enough for a long reef session or a serious snorkeling day. If underwater time is your main goal, I would choose a dedicated snorkeling trip instead.

Water clarity depends on the day. Some outings have produced good fish sightings, while other conditions have made it hard to see much. Jellyfish have also been reported, so the crew may need to adjust the activity if conditions are uncomfortable. It is wise to bring realistic expectations: you may see a range of fish in pleasant warm water, but visibility is not guaranteed.

The cove also works well if you would rather stay dry. You can paddle, kayak, sit on the sand, or simply enjoy the water from shore. This flexibility makes the trip useful for mixed groups. The keen snorkeler can try the included gear while someone else spends the stop relaxing.

The schedule gives you more total time at Majahuitas than at Yelapa, but the organized snorkeling itself is brief. The rest of the stop combines lunch and free time. That balance is helpful, yet some people have found the overall day rushed, particularly when they wanted more time for paddleboarding or quiet beach time.

Lunch, drinks, and the return-boat party

A deli-style lunch is included, usually arranged as a sandwich, salad, and fruit spread. It is practical food for a day near the water rather than a formal meal. Several people have found it tasty and filling, but you may want to eat breakfast before boarding. The morning food service is limited, with coffee and juice rather than a full continental breakfast.

The open bar is available on board. That matters most on the return trip, when the boat shifts from transport to entertainment. Music, dancing, and a live show help keep the long ride back to Puerto Vallarta lively. The crew has received especially strong praise for its friendliness, humor, attentiveness, and energy.

Names mentioned from the crew include Chai or Chi, Omar, Alejandro, Emberto, and Chewey. The spelling of some names varies, but the useful point is clear: the staff takes an active role in making the day fun, not just in handing out equipment and pointing toward the beach. They also help guests feel looked after during the water activities.

The entertainment may not appeal to everyone. If you want a calm sunset cruise, the dancing and onboard show could feel loud or overdone. If you enjoy a casual party with a large group, it is one of the stronger parts of the package. You can still spend the outward ride looking at the coast, and the return performance gives the day a clear finish.

What $99 really buys you

The advertised price is $99 per person. For that amount, you receive the catamaran cruise, guided visits, snorkeling and kayaking equipment, lunch, the open bar on board, and the entertainment program. That is a solid bundle for a full seven-hour day, especially if you would otherwise pay separately for a boat trip, beach access, lunch, and water equipment.

The true cost is higher. You must pay a MXN$40 port fee in cash before boarding and a USD$20 access fee per person at check-in, also in cash. Tips are not included, and transportation from your hotel is not included. The total can also rise if you buy handicrafts in Yelapa or purchase photographs taken during the outing.

Check-in is handled at a Vallarta Adventures desk at either Puerto Magico or Vallarta Adventures Nuevo Vallarta. Hotel pickup is not included, so leave time to reach the correct departure point. One practical tip is to arrive before 8 a.m., particularly if you are unfamiliar with the port. Puerto Magico can be confusing when you are trying to find the right desk and boarding area.

The ability to reserve now and pay later gives you some flexibility, and cancellation is allowed up to 24 hours before departure for a full refund. Starting times vary, so confirm the schedule when you book. Bring your passport or ID card, swimwear, sun protection, a towel, and cash in both pesos and dollars.

Who will enjoy this day most

I would recommend this trip to you if you want several Puerto Vallarta highlights in one booking. It combines a coastal cruise, a road-free village, a waterfall walk, a beach, snorkeling, lunch, drinks, and a show. Families can split up during the stops, with some people snorkeling and others staying on shore. A group of friends will probably enjoy the social boat ride and open bar.

It also works for first-time visitors who want a broad introduction to the coast. You get to see more than one beach and experience a place that feels separate from the city. The mix of natural scenery and local village life gives the day more variety than a simple catamaran beach stop.

I would hesitate if you dislike crowds or need a lot of personal time. You may spend the day moving with a large group, and the narrow village route can feel congested. I would also choose another outing if serious snorkeling is your priority, since 25 minutes is a short session and water visibility changes.

The waterfall walk deserves special attention. It involves uneven ground, heat, and a climb that some people found treacherous. The activity is listed as unsuitable for people with mobility impairments, and that warning should be taken seriously. If you are unsure about the walk, plan to remain at the beach during that portion and confirm with the crew how to rejoin the group.

Should you book the Yelapa and Majahuitas trip?

Book it if you want a busy, good-value coastal day with plenty of variety and a cheerful crew. The strongest features are the contrast between Yelapa’s village and waterfall and Majahuitas’ beach and water activities. The return boat entertainment is a real part of the experience, not a small extra.

Skip it if you want a quiet, intimate cruise, a long snorkeling session, or hours to explore Yelapa alone. For the best experience, arrive early, bring cash, eat breakfast, pack a towel, wear secure footwear, and treat the waterfall as an optional physical challenge rather than the whole reason to go. At $99 plus required fees, it is a fair package for an active day, as long as you are comfortable with a large group and a quick pace.

FAQ

How long does the Yelapa and Majahuitas tour last?

The activity lasts about seven hours, including the boat rides, visits to Yelapa and Majahuitas, snorkeling, lunch, free time, and the return entertainment.

Where does the boat leave from?

There are two pickup options: the Vallarta Adventures location in Nuevo Vallarta and Puerto Magico.

Is transportation from my hotel included?

No. Transportation from your hotel is not included. You must reach the Vallarta Adventures check-in desk at the selected departure point.

What activities are included at Majahuitas?

The tour includes snorkeling and kayaking equipment. Paddleboarding is also offered as an activity at the cove, subject to the day’s schedule and conditions.

Is lunch included?

Yes. A deli-style lunch is included, with sandwich, salad, and fruit options described for the meal.

Are drinks included?

Yes. An open bar is available on board, including during the return journey.

Do I need to pay any extra fees?

Yes. A MXN$40 port fee must be paid in cash before boarding, and a USD$20 access fee per person must be paid in cash at check-in. Tips and hotel transportation are also extra.

What should I bring?

Bring a passport or ID card, a towel, and cash. Comfortable footwear is useful for the walk to the waterfall, and swimwear is practical for snorkeling and swimming.

Is the tour suitable for people with mobility impairments?

No. The tour is listed as unsuitable for people with mobility impairments, and the walk to the waterfall can be uneven and difficult.