Yelapa Waterfall, BBQ at Exclusive Majahuitas Beach & Open bar

The best part of this day trip is the mix: a remote village, a short jungle walk to Yelapa Waterfall, and a swim stop at secluded Majahuitas Beach. Add a quick boat ride, snorkeling, kayaking, BBQ, and drinks, and you get a full day outside Puerto Vallarta without arranging separate transport.

I especially like the chance to see Yelapa on foot, where the route passes through a fishing village rather than stopping at a polished resort. I also like the crew-led boat entertainment, with guides such as Danny, Dani, and Poncho frequently praised for keeping the mood lively. The main drawback is time. Majahuitas may receive only about an hour to an hour and a half, which can feel rushed after lunch and water activities.

Key points to know before booking

• Yelapa combines village life and a short waterfall walk: Expect sandy paths, uneven cobblestones, uphill sections, and sometimes only a trickle of water in dry weather.
• Majahuitas is the main beach stop: Swim, snorkel, kayak, paddleboard, and eat BBQ in a palm-lined setting.
• The crew is a major part of the experience: Danny, Dani, Poncho, and other crew members are often singled out for friendly service, music, jokes, and a closing performance.
• Snorkeling depends on conditions: Some days bring colorful fish, pufferfish, dolphins, or whales. Rough seas, jellyfish, or murky water can change the plan.
• The $99 price covers a lot: Boat transport, breakfast snacks, lunch, equipment, and beverages are included, but port and access fees cost extra.
• Bring practical gear: Pack a towel, sunscreen, photo ID, sturdy shoes, and cash for the MX$40 port fee and MX$20 access fee.

Why this Puerto Vallarta day trip works

This is not a quiet sightseeing cruise. It is an active group excursion with a set rhythm. You move from boat to village, village to beach, beach to lunch and water sports, then back aboard for drinks and entertainment.

That format suits you if you want to see several coastal spots in one day and prefer having meals and equipment arranged. It is less suitable if you want long, unhurried time at one beach or a private guide focused only on your group.

The boat leaves at 8:00 a.m. from Vallarta Adventures at Puerto Mágico, in the Hotel Zone north of central Puerto Vallarta. The activity lasts about seven hours and returns to the same meeting point. The boat can carry a large group, with a maximum of 200 people, so expect a social excursion rather than a small-boat outing.

The price is $99 per person. That is a fair value if you use several parts of the package: the boat ride, breakfast snack, lunch, beverages, snorkeling gear, and kayaking equipment. You also avoid arranging a water taxi, restaurant, and rental gear on your own.

Remember the extra charges. The port fee is MX$40 per person in cash, and an access fee of MX$20 per person is paid at check-in. Gratuity is optional. Drinks at Yelapa and horse rentals cost extra.

The morning boat ride to Yelapa

The first stop listed is Puerto Mágico, the departure point, with about 30 minutes connected to the check-in and departure process. Arrive ready for a busy start. Directions can be confusing, so confirm that you are heading to the Vallarta Adventures terminal at Terminal Marítima, Puerto Mágico.

Once aboard, you can expect beverages, a light breakfast snack, fruit, and sweet bread during the ride. The boat trip is part transportation and part entertainment. The views across Banderas Bay are a strong reason to sit outside when conditions allow.

The route can include sights near Los Arcos and Mismaloya, along with chances to spot dolphins or humpback whales. These sightings are never guaranteed, and the boat may adjust its snorkeling location because of jellyfish, waves, or water visibility.

The crew has a big role here. Danny and Dani are names that come up often in connection with warm service and clear explanations, while Poncho is associated with an energetic performance. Staff keep drinks moving, explain the schedule, and help coordinate people moving between activities.

That also means the boat atmosphere can be loud. Music and the crew’s jokes are part of the appeal, but you should not expect a peaceful cruise. If you dislike organized entertainment or large groups, this may not be your ideal way to see the coast.

Walking through Yelapa to the waterfall

Yelapa is about an hour from Puerto Vallarta by boat. It is a remote fishing village with a slower feel than the resort areas around the city. The stop gives you about two hours, which may include a guided walk through the village and up to the waterfall.

The walk is short, but short does not mean easy for everyone. The route includes uneven paths, wet cobblestones, sandy sections, and uphill stretches. Wear walking shoes with a firm sole. Flip-flops are a poor choice if you plan to reach the waterfall.

The village walk is one of the more worthwhile parts of the day because it gives you a look at daily life beyond the beach clubs. You pass homes, small businesses, and local paths before reaching the waterfall area. The route is not polished or level, and that is part of what makes it feel different from a resort excursion.

Water flow changes with the season. During dry periods, the waterfall may be small or nearly dry. In that case, the guide may suggest a village walk or beach time instead. If seeing a strong cascade is your main reason for booking, set your expectations carefully.

You may also encounter local vendors around Yelapa. Drinks on the beach are not included, and horse rentals cost extra. Keep some cash if you want those options, but do not feel obliged to buy anything.

The village stop has a practical weakness: it is possible to lose track of the meeting point or return route if you wander off. Pay close attention to the guide’s instructions and departure time. There are sandy and irregular paths between the village and the pier, so allow extra time and do not assume every route is obvious.

Majahuitas Beach: the best setting for lunch

After Yelapa, the boat heads to Majahuitas Beach. This is the most resort-like portion of the day, though the setting remains the star. Palm trees, turquoise water, and a secluded beach create a clear change from the village stop.

The package includes a BBQ lunch at Majahuitas, along with refreshing drinks and unlimited non-alcoholic beverages at the beach club. Food is frequently described as fresh and satisfying, with enough choice for different tastes. The lunch is a real advantage over a bare-bones boat trip where you must bring or buy your own meal.

You can use snorkeling and kayaking equipment here, and paddleboarding is also available. Some departures include other beach activities such as volleyball or a banana boat ride, though the included details specifically guarantee snorkeling and kayaking equipment, not every optional activity.

This is where the schedule can feel tight. About one hour is listed for Majahuitas, while some people experience closer to an hour and a half. Once you factor in getting off the boat, finding lunch, eating, changing activities, and returning to the boat, there may be little time simply to sit in the sand.

I would treat the stop as an active beach break rather than a long lounge session. Decide what matters most before you arrive. If snorkeling is your priority, head for the water. If lunch and quiet beach time matter more, do not try to fit every activity into the same short window.

Snorkeling quality can vary sharply. On a calm day, you might see colorful fish, pufferfish, and other marine life. On another day, waves, jellyfish, or murky water may require the crew to change locations or shorten the activity. The coast is beautiful, but the sea does not follow a tour schedule.

Food, drinks, and the boat atmosphere

Food is one of the strongest parts of the package. A light breakfast snack helps during the morning ride, and the BBQ lunch gives you a proper meal at Majahuitas. Drinks are served aboard the boat, and the beach stop includes lunch and non-alcoholic beverages.

The exact drink selection can vary by setting. Beer and soft drinks are part of the boat experience, while one account of the beach stop noted water and pineapple juice. Do not assume that every beverage is available at every point of the day.

The crew’s personality shapes the excursion as much as the scenery. Service is often attentive, with staff offering drinks, helping with activities, and keeping the group on schedule. The return trip usually includes music and a comic closing performance. It is intentionally theatrical, and the surprise works best if nobody spoils it for you.

There is a tradeoff. A lively crew makes a long day pass quickly, but loud music can make conversation difficult. You are buying an organized party atmosphere along with the scenery, so consider that part of the product before booking.

How weather and sea conditions change the day

This experience requires good weather. Rough seas can affect the ride, snorkeling visibility, and the boat’s ability to dock at Yelapa. In poor conditions, you may miss the waterfall entirely or spend less time in the water.

That is not just a minor inconvenience. If the ocean is rough, snorkeling can become uncomfortable and visibility may be poor. One bad-weather account described large rolling waves, a failed docking at Yelapa, and disappointing snorkeling. If conditions force changes, the scenery and lunch may still be enjoyable, but the day will not match the ideal itinerary.

On better days, the trip can include dolphins, humpback whales, clear water, and colorful fish. These are welcome bonuses, not guaranteed features. I would book this for the combination of coastal scenery, Yelapa, Majahuitas, and included activities, not solely for whale watching or snorkeling.

The operator may cancel for poor weather and offer a different date or a full refund. You can cancel for a full refund up to 24 hours before the start time. Changes or cancellations inside that window are not accepted for a refund.

Who should book this excursion?

I would recommend it to active couples, families, and first-time visitors who want a full coastal day without handling every detail themselves. You get transport, meals, equipment, village time, beach time, and entertainment in one booking.

It is also a good fit if your group has different interests. One person can walk to the waterfall, another can swim, and someone else can stay near the beach club. The schedule keeps everyone moving, but it offers more variety than a simple sightseeing cruise.

I would hesitate if you have limited mobility. Yelapa includes sand, uphill sections, uneven ground, and irregular paths. Toilets are on the lower deck of the boat, and the tour is not recommended for people who have difficulty walking on rough surfaces.

Cruise ship passengers cannot book this experience, according to the provided conditions. The port also follows a strict no-drug policy that includes electronic cigarettes, vapers, and all kinds of drugs. Bring photo ID for check-in, and leave prohibited items behind because security may deny access without a refund or date change.

What to pack for the seven-hour outing

Pack light, but pack well. A towel is not listed among the inclusions, and several details make clear that you should bring your own. Sunscreen is also essential, along with a hat and sunglasses.

Wear shoes suitable for wet cobblestones and uneven paths. You can change into swimwear before the water activities, but keep a dry layer for the boat ride back.

Bring cash for the MX$40 port fee, the MX$20 access fee, optional Yelapa drinks, horse rentals, and gratuity. Keep your photo ID accessible at check-in.

Most important, listen carefully when the crew explains meeting times. The day has several moving parts, and missing the return point at Yelapa can create a serious problem.

Should you book the Yelapa and Majahuitas tour?

Book it if you want a packed, social day with two very different coastal stops. The combination of Yelapa’s village walk, Majahuitas Beach, BBQ lunch, water equipment, and crew entertainment gives you good value for $99, especially if you would otherwise pay separately for transport, food, and rentals.

Skip it if your main goal is a long, quiet beach day or a private, flexible tour. Majahuitas time can feel rushed, the boat may be crowded, and sea conditions can affect both snorkeling and the waterfall stop.

For the best chance of enjoying it, bring sturdy shoes, a towel, sunscreen, photo ID, and cash. Choose your priorities before boarding. If you accept the large-group format and stay alert to the schedule, this is a lively and practical way to see Yelapa and Majahuitas from Puerto Vallarta.

FAQ

How long does the Yelapa and Majahuitas tour last?

The activity lasts approximately seven hours and returns to the original meeting point in Puerto Vallarta.

What time does the tour start?

The scheduled start time is 8:00 a.m. at Vallarta Adventures in Puerto Mágico.

Where does the tour meet?

The meeting point is Vallarta Adventures at Terminal Marítima, Puerto Mágico, Heroica Escuela Naval, Boulevard 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 non-alcoholic beverages.

Is snorkeling equipment included?

Yes. Snorkeling and kayaking equipment are included. Paddleboarding and other activities may be available, but the provided details specifically include snorkeling and kayaking equipment.

Do I need to bring a towel?

Yes. A towel is not listed among the included items, so bring your own.

Is the tour suitable for people with limited mobility?

No. The experience is not recommended for people with limited mobility because Yelapa includes sandy, uphill, uneven, and irregular paths.

What happens if bad weather cancels the tour?

If poor weather causes cancellation, you will be offered another date or a full refund. You can also cancel for a full refund up to 24 hours before the scheduled start time.