Vallarta: Yelapa Waterfall & Majahuitas Snorkel Adventure

Yelapa’s road-free village and waterfall give this boat trip more character than a simple beach outing. You cruise south from Puerto Vallarta, walk through a small fishing community, then cool off beneath Cola de Caballo before settling into a cove with clear water and a deli lunch.

I like the mix of land and sea, and I like how hard the crew works to keep the long boat rides lively. Guides such as Chai, Chi, Omar, Alejandro, Emberto, and Chewey have earned especially warm praise for their humor and care. The catch is scale: this can be a boat carrying more than 100 people, and the Yelapa walk may feel rushed or difficult.

Key points to know

• Yelapa comes with a real village walk: Follow the route toward Cola de Caballo waterfall, pass local handicrafts, and reach the beach through a roadless fishing community.
• Majahuitas is the stronger water stop: Snorkeling gear, kayaks, and paddle boards are included, though the snorkeling window itself is short.
• The crew is the main attraction on the return trip: Music, dancing, drinks, and a staged show turn the ride back into a party.
• Budget for extra cash: Bring MXN$40 for the port fee, USD$20 for the access fee, gratuities, and any purchases in Yelapa.
• Expect a large-group outing: The service is attentive and well organized, but this is not a quiet sail or a private cove excursion.
• The trip is weather-sensitive: Water visibility can drop, jellyfish have been encountered, and the waterfall may have little water during dry periods.

A seven-hour escape from Puerto Vallarta

This is a full-day catamaran outing built around two coastal stops. You board at either Vallarta Adventures Nuevo Vallarta or Puerto Magico, then spend roughly 90 minutes cruising toward the southern coast.

That first ride matters. The boat gives you broad views of the shoreline, and the crew keeps the crossing active with music, commentary, drinks, and entertainment. Dolphins may appear, and humpback whales are often seen in winter, though neither sighting is guaranteed.

The overall price is $99 per person. For that, you receive the boat ride, a deli-style lunch, an open bar on board, snorkeling equipment, kayaking equipment, and guided portions of the visit. That is fair value if you want a social day with several activities included.

It is less compelling if your main goal is long, serious snorkeling. The actual snorkeling segment is listed at about 25 minutes, while the trip gives more time to boat entertainment, walking, beach time, and lunch.

Yelapa, the roadless first stop

The boat reaches Yelapa for a visit of about 80 minutes. This tiny coastal community has no roads, and you move from the shore into the village on foot. That gives the stop a different feel from a standard resort beach.

The route leads toward Cola de Caballo waterfall. You pass houses, tropical plants, and local stalls selling artisan handicrafts. The walk is part of the experience, not simply a way to reach the water, but the time is tight.

At the waterfall, you may be able to jump into the cool pool or sit nearby for a few minutes. The water can feel wonderfully refreshing after a hot walk. During a dry spell, though, the cascade may be weak or nearly absent. One earlier outing found no rain-fed waterfall, so keep your expectations flexible.

The path has also been described as rough and, at points, treacherous. If you have trouble with uneven ground, slopes, or prolonged walking, this is a serious concern. The activity is specifically not suitable for people with mobility impairments.

You do not have to treat the waterfall walk as your only option. You can spend your time on Yelapa beach, explore part of the village, or browse the small handicraft stalls. Still, the schedule does not allow for a leisurely village day. You are part of a guided group moving through a compact community, and the place can feel crowded when several boatloads arrive together.

I would bring comfortable footwear with a good grip, even though one visitor found flip-flops workable. Also bring a towel, swimsuit, sun protection, and cash. Yelapa is one of the better places on the route for a small souvenir, and card payment should not be assumed.

Majahuitas Cove and the short snorkeling window

After Yelapa, the catamaran makes a short 15-minute run to Playa Majahuitas. This cove is accessible only by sea, which helps explain its appeal. The setting is quiet, sandy, and framed by thick tropical vegetation and steep coastal hills.

The water is the main reason to come here. Snorkeling equipment is provided, and kayaking and paddle boarding are also available. You can enter the water with a guide, paddle along the cove, or simply stay on the beach.

The listed snorkeling time is about 25 minutes. That is enough to see fish and get a taste of the cove, but it is not enough for anyone hoping to spend most of the day below the surface. If snorkeling is your top priority, choose a tour designed around extended water time instead.

Water conditions vary. Some outings have had good fish sightings and warm water, while others have faced poor visibility. Jellyfish have also been reported, including one occasion when people in the water were stung. The crew may do its best to manage conditions, but it cannot control the sea.

This is where the value of the stop becomes broader than snorkeling. You can kayak, paddle board, swim, lounge on the sand, or simply enjoy a cove that you cannot reach by road. Families can split up naturally, with active members going into the water while others remain on the beach.

Lunch, beach time, and the rhythm of the afternoon

The Majahuitas portion lasts about two hours and 40 minutes, including snorkeling, lunch, and free time. The deli-style meal is served on board and generally includes cold sandwiches, salads, fruit, and similar light fare.

It is practical food rather than a destination meal. A couple of visitors found it delicious, while one described it as a cold sandwich and salad buffet that worked well for the day. If you need a large breakfast, eat before boarding. Morning provisions may be limited to coffee, juice, or light refreshments rather than a full meal.

The open bar is included during the boat portions. Drinks are part of the social character of the trip, especially on the return ride. Pace yourself, particularly if you plan to snorkel, walk to the waterfall, and spend time in the sun.

The free time can feel generous compared with the waterfall visit, but the day still moves quickly. One of the main tradeoffs is that you cover two special places without getting a long, unstructured stay at either one. You see more than you would on a single-cove trip, but you give up depth for variety.

The crew turns the return cruise into a fiesta

The ride back to Puerto Vallarta takes about 90 minutes. This is when the tour shifts from nature outing to floating party.

Music, dancing, drinks, and a live onboard show fill the crossing. The crew receives the strongest praise for this part of the experience. Names associated with particularly friendly service include Chai or Chi, Omar, Alejandro, Emberto, and Chewey. The spelling of some names varies, but the message is consistent: the staff is attentive, funny, and active from boarding through the final performance.

That energy is a real benefit on a long catamaran ride. You are not left to stare at the coastline for an hour and a half. The crew points out landmarks, keeps people involved, and takes photographs that you can choose to purchase.

The atmosphere may not suit everyone. A large boat, loud music, alcohol, and organized dancing are central to the return trip. If you prefer a quiet sail with only the sound of the water, this is the wrong style of excursion. If you like meeting people and want entertainment built into the price, the party makes the journey home feel shorter.

What $99 buys, and what it does not

At $99, the tour covers a lot: two coastal destinations, a seven-hour outing, guided activity, lunch, an open bar, snorkeling gear, and kayaking gear. You also get the convenience of one organized day rather than arranging separate transport to Yelapa and Majahuitas.

The value is strongest for couples, families, and groups who want variety. You can walk, swim, snorkel, paddle, eat, and enjoy a show without paying separate activity fees for each basic element.

The price is not the final amount. You must pay a MXN$40 port fee in cash before boarding. There is also a USD$20 access fee per person at check-in. Gratuities are not included, and you should carry money for handicrafts or other purchases in Yelapa.

Hotel transportation is not included either. You need to reach one of the two departure points and redeem your reservation at the Vallarta Adventures check-in desk. Plan extra time for the port. One group found the marina confusing and advised arriving before 8 a.m., though your exact start time depends on availability when you book.

The tour offers free cancellation up to 24 hours before departure and a reserve-now, pay-later option. Those policies help if your Puerto Vallarta plans are still shifting, but they do not remove the need to confirm the departure time and meeting point.

Who will enjoy this trip most

I would choose this outing if you want a social, active day and do not mind a fixed schedule. It suits families especially well because younger members can snorkel or paddle while older relatives relax on the beach. The mix of activity levels makes it easier for a group with different interests to stay together.

It also suits first-time visitors to Puerto Vallarta who want a quick look at the coast beyond the city. Yelapa gives you a village and waterfall, while Majahuitas gives you sea time. You get a useful introduction to both places in one day.

You should think twice if you have limited mobility, dislike uneven paths, or want an intimate group. The waterfall walk is not easy for everyone, and the boat may carry more than 100 people. You should also look elsewhere if your priority is excellent underwater visibility or a long, quiet snorkeling session.

For the best chance of seeing humpback whales, winter is the sensible season, but sightings remain a bonus rather than part of the guarantee. Summer can bring warm water and lush scenery, but it may also bring changing visibility, jellyfish, or less water at the falls.

Practical packing advice

Bring your passport or ID card, as requested for the activity. Carry cash in both Mexican pesos and US dollars for the port charge, access fee, tips, and shopping.

Pack a swimsuit, towel, sunscreen, and a shirt or cover-up for the boat. Comfortable walking shoes are a wise choice for Yelapa, where the path to the waterfall can be uneven. You may see people manage in flip-flops, but that does not make them the best option for every foot or every condition.

Eat a proper breakfast if you are hungry in the morning. Lunch is included, but it is a cold deli-style meal, not a large restaurant spread.

Finally, decide in advance how much party atmosphere you want. The music and open bar are big parts of the trip, not minor extras. That knowledge will help you choose this boat over a quieter snorkeling charter.

Should you book the Yelapa and Majahuitas adventure?

Book it if you want a busy, cheerful day with strong crew service, two sea-access destinations, a waterfall walk, basic water sports, lunch, and an entertaining ride home. The boat staff is the most reliable strength, and the trip gives you plenty to do for the price.

Skip it if you want solitude, extensive snorkeling, or a slow visit to Yelapa. The group can be large, the waterfall route can be tiring, and water conditions can spoil the underwater part.

My practical verdict: this is a good-value introduction to Puerto Vallarta’s southern coast, provided you see it as a full-day variety show on the water rather than a dedicated snorkeling expedition.

FAQ

How long is the Yelapa and Majahuitas tour?

The experience lasts about seven hours, including the catamaran rides, time in Yelapa and Majahuitas, lunch, water activities, and the return entertainment.

Where does the boat depart?

Pickup is available at Vallarta Adventures Nuevo Vallarta or Puerto Magico. You must check in at the Vallarta Adventures desk and redeem your reservation.

Is transportation from my hotel included?

No. Transportation from your hotel is not included. You must make your own way to one of the listed departure points.

What is included in the $99 price?

The price includes the catamaran trip, deli-style lunch, open bar on board, snorkeling equipment, kayaking equipment, and guided portions of the visit.

Are there extra fees?

Yes. You must pay a MXN$40 port fee in cash before boarding and a USD$20 access fee per person at check-in. Gratuities and personal purchases are also extra.

Do I need to bring identification?

Yes. Bring a passport or ID card.

Can I snorkel at Majahuitas?

Yes. Snorkeling equipment is provided, and the Majahuitas stop includes a snorkeling period. The listed snorkeling time is about 25 minutes.

Can I visit the waterfall in Yelapa?

Yes. The guided Yelapa visit includes a walk toward Cola de Caballo waterfall. The route can be difficult, and the waterfall may have little or no water during dry conditions.

Is the tour suitable for people with mobility impairments?

No. The activity is not suitable for people with mobility impairments, and the walk to the waterfall may be rough or steep.

Is the tour available in English?

Yes. Live guiding is available in English and Spanish.