Yelapa Waterfall, BBQ at Exclusive Majahuitas Beach & Open bar

Yelapa and Majahuitas make a fine pair: one is a remote fishing village reached by boat, the other a palm-lined beach with turquoise water. The day mixes a short waterfall walk, sea time, a BBQ lunch, and a crew that keeps the boat lively with music and comedy.

I like the beautiful boat route through Banderas Bay and the chance to choose between snorkeling, kayaking, paddleboarding, swimming, or simply sitting under a palm tree. I also like the practical value: for $99, you get breakfast snacks, lunch, equipment, and drinks. The main catch is limited time at Majahuitas, plus rough seas or a dry waterfall can change the plan.

Key points to know before booking

• Yelapa combines a village walk with a short waterfall hike, but the path includes sand, uphill sections, uneven ground, and wet cobblestones.
• Majahuitas is the relaxed part of the day, with BBQ lunch, snorkeling, kayaking, paddleboarding, swimming, and beach seating.
• Danny and Poncho are among the named hosts, and the crew is a major part of the outing, with music, drinks, jokes, and a surprise performance on the return trip.
• Snorkeling conditions vary, from colorful fish and pufferfish to murky water, waves, or jellyfish that may require a change of location.
• The $99 price is fairly strong value, though you should budget for MX$40 in port fees and a MX$20 check-in access fee, both paid separately.
• This is an active group tour, not a quiet private cruise. The boat can carry up to 200 people, and the schedule moves briskly.

A full day beyond Puerto Vallarta

This is best understood as a boat day with two very different shore stops. Yelapa gives you a taste of village life and a short walk inland. Majahuitas gives you organized beach time, water sports, lunch, and a comfortable place to settle in.

The boat leaves at 8:00 a.m. from Vallarta Adventures at Terminal Marítima in Puerto Mágico. The trip lasts about seven hours and returns to the same meeting point. The early start matters because the schedule has several moving parts: boat travel, a possible snorkeling stop, Yelapa, lunch, beach activities, and the ride back.

I would arrive with your photo ID, swimsuit, towel, sunscreen, and shoes that can handle rough ground. A pair of hiking sandals or sturdy water shoes is a better choice than thin flip-flops for Yelapa’s uneven paths.

The boat ride itself is part of the attraction. You travel along Banderas Bay, with views toward the coast and possible sightings of dolphins or humpback whales. These animals are not guaranteed, but they have been seen from the boat. The crew serves beverages, fruit, and sweet bread or a light breakfast snack during the outward journey, which helps take the edge off the early departure.

The mood is social rather than hushed. Music, drink service, and crew banter keep the boat moving, though some people have found the music loud enough to make conversation difficult. If you prefer a calm, small-group outing, this may feel too busy.

Yelapa’s village paths and Cola de Caballo waterfall

Yelapa is about an hour from Puerto Vallarta by boat and has the feel of a place apart from the city. The stop usually includes time to walk through the fishing village toward Cola de Caballo waterfall. The route is not a demanding mountain hike, but it is not a smooth stroll either.

Expect sandy sections, uphill paths, irregular surfaces, and wet cobblestones. At one point, the route can involve crossing rough beach to reach the pickup area. The terrain has caused problems for people with limited mobility, and one person reported a serious fall. Take your time, use the railings or available support, and do not treat the short distance as proof that it is easy.

The walk is worthwhile because it gives you more than a quick photo stop. You pass through the village and see how homes, paths, and local businesses fit together in a place reached mainly by boat. The route also gives you a look at the tropical setting around Yelapa without requiring a full-day trek.

The waterfall is seasonal. During wetter periods, you may see a stronger cascade. In dry weather, it can shrink to a trickle or even be dry enough that the guide advises against the walk. If that happens, you can spend time on the beach or take a village walk instead. This is an important point: do not book the tour solely for a guaranteed waterfall.

Yelapa’s beach also has local vendors, and you may be approached about drinks, horse rentals, or other purchases. Drinks on the beach and horse rentals cost extra. The setting is attractive, but this is not a private, untouched beach stop.

Time at Yelapa can feel short, especially if you want to browse slowly, swim, hike, and sit down with a drink. The schedule is built to move you onward to Majahuitas, so keep an eye on the meeting instructions and return to the pickup point early.

Snorkeling in Banderas Bay

A snorkeling stop usually comes between the boat ride and the beach portions of the day. Equipment is included, and the crew directs you to a swimming area. You may also have a chance to see Los Arcos near Mismaloya during the coastal cruise, depending on the route and conditions.

Snorkeling is one of the most unpredictable parts of this outing. On a clear day, you might see colorful fish, pufferfish, and other marine life in a sheltered cove. Some people have found the water surprisingly good.

At other times, visibility can be murky, waves can make it hard to stay comfortable, or seasonal jellyfish can force the crew to change locations. One trip stopped at more than one place because of jellyfish. The crew may also shorten or adjust the activity when sea conditions are poor.

This is a good activity for a confident swimmer who enjoys a brief guided water stop. It is less suitable if snorkeling is the one feature that must be perfect. Bring realistic expectations and be ready to enjoy kayaking, swimming, or the beach if conditions are not ideal.

Majahuitas Beach and the BBQ lunch

Majahuitas is the payoff for many people. The beach is secluded compared with Puerto Vallarta, with palm trees, clear-looking turquoise water, and a beach club setup. Chairs, food service, and restrooms make this stop more comfortable than a completely undeveloped shore.

Lunch is a BBQ with refreshing drinks. The food has received especially strong praise, with fresh, flavorful options that suit different tastes. It is not a fine-dining meal, but it is a welcome spread after a morning on the water, and the setting adds plenty to the meal.

Included activities can include snorkeling, kayaking, paddleboarding, swimming, and beach volleyball. Some trips have also offered a banana boat ride. Equipment is provided for the included water activities, so you do not need to bring your own kayak or paddleboard.

The drawback is time. The Majahuitas stop is listed at about one hour, though actual timing can vary, and some outings allow roughly an hour and a half. That goes quickly once you eat, find your equipment, change activities, and walk around the beach club.

I would choose your priorities before arriving. If snorkeling matters most, head for the water early. If lunch and relaxation matter more, eat first and claim a little quiet time. Trying every activity can leave you feeling rushed, since the crew must keep a large group on schedule.

The beach is attractive, but the word exclusive should not lead you to expect solitude. The boat can hold as many as 200 people, and the shore stop is organized around shared facilities and group timing.

The crew, music, and return trip

The crew is one of the strongest parts of the outing. Danny is singled out by name in the feedback, and Poncho and his team have also earned praise for their care and energy. Their job is not only to serve drinks and explain the schedule. They keep people moving, help with equipment, organize activities, and maintain the party mood.

That enthusiasm can be a real advantage if you like a social day. The crew often makes the boat feel festive, and a surprise performance on the return trip is part of the package. Several people have described the closing show as funny and worth seeing without knowing the details in advance.

The same style will not suit everyone. Music can be loud, and the crew has a large group to manage. At busy moments, instructions may feel brief, especially when everyone is being moved from lunch to the water or back to the boat. Listen carefully when the return time is announced.

A past complaint involved someone becoming separated at Yelapa and feeling poorly supported. That is not the expected outcome, but it shows why you should stay aware of the meeting point and timing. Yelapa has irregular paths and several directions to the beach and pier, so do not wander off without knowing where and when to return.

What the $99 price really covers

At $99 per person, this is a reasonable value for a full-day boat outing. You are paying for the cruise, a light breakfast snack, lunch, beverages aboard the boat, Majahuitas beach access, snorkeling and kayaking equipment, and the organized support of the crew.

The price is less attractive if you only want a quiet beach day. You are also paying for transportation between several places, a staffed boat, food, and a range of activities. That makes it more useful for families and couples who want several experiences in one day.

Add the extra charges to your budget. There is a port fee of MX$40 per person, paid in cash at the port, plus a MX$20 per-person access fee at check-in. Gratuity is optional. Drinks at Yelapa and horse rentals are extra.

The activity is offered in English. The boat departs from Puerto Mágico, and the admission ticket for the departure location itself is not included in the tour price. Follow the meeting instructions carefully, since one person missed an earlier departure after having trouble finding the correct point.

Who will enjoy this outing most

I would recommend this for couples, families with active children, and anyone who wants a broad sample of the coast outside Puerto Vallarta. You get village scenery, a possible waterfall, snorkeling, beach time, a BBQ, and entertainment without arranging separate transportation.

It suits people with a moderate fitness level who can manage uneven paths and some uphill walking. You should be comfortable getting on and off a boat, walking over sand and cobblestones, and moving between activities on a set schedule.

I would choose another outing if you have limited mobility, want a private atmosphere, or need a guaranteed waterfall and calm snorkeling conditions. The tour depends on weather and sea conditions, and rough water can prevent docking at Yelapa or make snorkeling unpleasant. Poor conditions can also mean the waterfall is dry or the route changes.

Cruise ship passengers cannot book this activity. Toilets are on the lower deck, and the tour ends back at the same Puerto Mágico meeting point.

Should you book the Yelapa and Majahuitas day trip?

Book it if you want a busy, good-value coastal day with a lively crew and several included activities. The best parts are the boat ride, the contrast between Yelapa and Majahuitas, the BBQ, and the chance to see dolphins or whales along the way.

Go in with sensible expectations. Yelapa is not fully smooth or easy to walk, the waterfall depends on the season, snorkeling varies with the sea, and Majahuitas may feel rushed. Bring proper shoes, a towel, sunscreen, cash for the extra fees, and your ID.

For a first visit to Puerto Vallarta, this is a practical way to see two attractive coastal stops in one day. It is less a peaceful escape than a well-packed outing with music, water sports, food, and a bit of organized chaos. If that sounds like your kind of holiday, the $99 cost is justified.

FAQ

How long does the Yelapa and Majahuitas tour last?

The experience lasts about seven hours, including the boat ride, the Yelapa stop, Majahuitas Beach, activities, lunch, and the return to Puerto Vallarta.

What time does the tour start?

The scheduled start time is 8:00 a.m.

Where does the tour depart from?

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

Does the tour return to Puerto Vallarta?

Yes. The activity ends back at the original meeting point.

Is lunch included?

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

Are snorkeling and kayaking equipment included?

Yes. Snorkeling and kayaking equipment are included. Paddleboarding and other water activities may also be available at Majahuitas.

Is the waterfall guaranteed to be flowing?

No. Cola de Caballo can be very small or dry during the dry season. The guide may suggest a village walk or beach time instead.

How difficult is the walk to the waterfall?

The walk is short but includes sandy, uphill, uneven, and sometimes wet cobblestone paths. The tour is not recommended for people with limited mobility.

Are there extra fees?

Yes. You must pay a MX$40 port fee in cash and a MX$20 access fee at check-in. Gratuity, horse rentals, and drinks at Yelapa are not included.

Can cruise ship passengers book this tour?

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