Vallarta: Yelapa Waterfall & Majahuitas Snorkel Adventure

Two coves, one lively boat day. This seven-hour trip pairs the roadless village of Yelapa with the sea-only beach at Majahuitas, giving you waterfalls, snorkeling, lunch, music, and an open bar in one outing. I like the mix of quiet coastal scenery and active stops, and I like how the crew keeps the long boat rides entertaining with music, dancing, drinks, and a show. The main caution is pace: the boat can carry more than 100 people, and time at each stop may feel short.

Yelapa gives you a taste of a small Mexican fishing community, while Majahuitas offers clear water and a more secluded beach setting. The waterfall walk can be hot, steep, and slippery, and conditions may affect snorkeling visibility or even the waterfall itself. Bring cash, a towel, and realistic expectations about a busy group tour.

The best parts of this seven-hour coastal outing

• Yelapa has no roads: Walk from the beach through a small village to the Cola de Caballo waterfall.
• Majahuitas is reachable only by boat: Its cove feels more removed from Puerto Vallarta and offers snorkeling, kayaking, paddle boarding, and beach time.
• The crew makes the return trip part of the tour: Music, dancing, drinks, and an onboard performance turn the ride home into a fiesta.
• The price covers more than transport: You get a deli-style lunch, open bar on the boat, snorkeling gear, and kayaking equipment.
• Wildlife sightings are possible: Dolphins may appear along the coast, and humpback whales are sometimes seen in winter.
• Plan for extra cash: The MXN$40 port fee and USD$20 access fee are separate, and tips are not included.

What this Vallarta boat trip is really like

This is not a quiet sailing excursion. It is a full-day group outing built around scenery, water activities, a village visit, and plenty of onboard entertainment.

You leave from either Vallarta Adventures Nuevo Vallarta or Puerto Magico. Hotel transportation is not included, so you need to reach the selected check-in point yourself and redeem your reservation at the Vallarta Adventures desk. The port can be confusing, particularly for large groups, so arriving before 8 a.m. is sensible when your departure time calls for it.

The first and last boat rides each take about an hour and a half. That is a lot of time on the water, but the journey is part of the appeal. You pass the rocky coast south of Puerto Vallarta, watch for dolphins, and, in winter, keep an eye out for humpback whales. Sightings are never promised, and rough water or poor visibility can change the feel of the ride.

The boat is large rather than intimate. One account described more than 100 people onboard. That may sound daunting if you picture a small sailing vessel, but it also explains the strong entertainment program and the range of equipment available. If you prefer a private cove with only a few people, this is not that kind of trip. If you enjoy meeting people, music, and an easygoing party atmosphere, the group setting works in its favor.

Yelapa’s village walk and Cola de Caballo waterfall

The Yelapa portion usually gives you about 80 minutes, and it packs several different experiences into that short window. You walk from the landing area through the small fishing village, pass local artisan stalls, and continue toward the Cola de Caballo waterfall.

Yelapa is unusual because it has no roads. The village is reached by sea and wrapped in forested hills, with the river running down toward the beach. That setting gives the stop a feeling very different from the resort zone around Puerto Vallarta. You get a quick look at homes, paths, small shops, and the working character of a coastal community.

The waterfall is the main prize, but do not treat the walk as effortless. It can be hot and tiring, with uneven sections that may feel treacherous if you are not steady on your feet. One person described sore legs the next day, while another found the walk difficult enough to be the weakest part of the outing. The tour is specifically listed as unsuitable for people with mobility impairments.

Wear footwear with a secure sole. Flip-flops have been used successfully, but they are not ideal for everyone, especially if the path is wet. You may also want to carry water, though the tour includes drinks onboard. The walk is not the place for large beach bags or delicate sandals.

The waterfall depends on recent rain. In a wet season, you may find a refreshing cascade and a pool where you can cool off. In dry conditions, the flow can be weak or absent. That does not erase the value of Yelapa, since the village and route remain appealing, but you should not book this trip solely for a guaranteed waterfall swim.

The beach area gives you another option if you do not want the walk. You can relax where the river meets the sea, browse handicrafts, or spend more time by the water. The schedule, however, may not allow a leisurely village wander. Guides organize the group, and you may feel moved along rather than free to explore at your own speed.

Majahuitas, clear water, and a short snorkeling session

The boat ride from Yelapa to Majahuitas takes about 15 minutes. This cove is accessible only by boat, which helps preserve a more secluded feel than the beaches close to Puerto Vallarta.

The planned snorkeling session lasts about 25 minutes. That is enough for a taste of the marine life, not a long reef expedition. Equipment is included, and an expert guide helps organize the activity. Kayaking and paddle boarding are also available, though the exact amount of time for each activity can depend on the day’s schedule and sea conditions.

Majahuitas is where I would focus my expectations carefully. The cove can be beautiful, and several people found the snorkeling fun, with fish visible in warm water. At other times, visibility was poor. Jellyfish were also reported during one outing, so the water may not always provide the easy, clear snorkeling pictured in promotional material.

After the water activity, you have about two hours and 40 minutes for lunch and free time at Playa Majahuitas. The beach is the right place to slow down after the more active Yelapa walk. You can sit on the sand, swim, kayak, paddle board, or simply enjoy the cove.

The schedule may feel compressed if you want to do everything. A 25-minute snorkeling period leaves little room for lingering underwater, and the free time must cover lunch, changing, beach time, and any extra activities. If snorkeling is your top priority, choose your time in the water first. If you prefer a relaxed beach day, skip some of the equipment and claim a comfortable spot.

Lunch, drinks, and the boat ride home

The included lunch is deli-style, with sandwiches, salads, fruit, and similar cold items. It is practical rather than gourmet, but it fits the day well. You can eat without losing much beach time, and the food avoids the need to purchase a full meal at the coves.

Breakfast is not really provided. Coffee and juice may be available, but one account specifically advised eating before departure. That is useful advice, especially if you are doing the waterfall walk and snorkeling. Start the morning with food rather than expecting the boat to provide a substantial first meal.

The open bar is included onboard, not a promise that every stop has unlimited drinks. It becomes especially noticeable on the return journey, when the crew turns the boat into a party space with music, dancing, and a performance. The crew has received some of the strongest praise for being attentive, friendly, funny, and organized. Names mentioned by happy participants include Chi, Omar, Alejandro, Emberto, and Chewey.

Tips are separate. The crew works hard throughout the day, from fitting snorkeling equipment to serving drinks and managing a large group. If you appreciate the service, carry pesos or cash for gratuities. Photos may also be offered for purchase, and one person felt the photo package was expensive compared with the tour itself.

If you want a peaceful ride back, this is a warning. The music and show are a major part of the appeal, but they may not suit someone hoping for a calm sunset cruise. The entertainment is cheerful and polished, with dancing and crowd participation rather than a formal cultural performance.

What the $99 price includes, and what it does not

At $99 per person, the tour offers solid value if you plan to use the included features. You receive the boat trip, a deli-style lunch, an open bar onboard, snorkeling equipment, kayaking equipment, a live guide in English or Spanish, and the entertainment program.

The value is strongest for people who want variety. Booking separate transport, a boat to Yelapa, snorkeling equipment, lunch, and drinks could cost more and require more planning. Here, the day is organized for you, and the crew handles the transitions between the two coves.

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, payable in cash at check-in. Gratuities are not included, hotel transportation is not included, and personal purchases such as souvenirs or photos cost extra.

That makes the real budget higher than the advertised fare. Bring both pesos and U.S. dollars if possible, since the fees are listed in different currencies. Also keep money handy for artisan goods in Yelapa and any extra beach purchases.

Who should book this adventure?

I would recommend it to families, couples, and groups who want a busy but varied day rather than a specialist snorkeling trip. The activities suit different energy levels. Some people can snorkel or kayak while others sit on the beach, and the Yelapa stop offers a cultural touch that a pure water excursion would miss.

It also works well for first-time visitors who want to see more than Puerto Vallarta’s hotel zone. In one day, you get a boat view of the coast, a roadless village, a waterfall route, a sea-only cove, and a lively return trip.

I would hesitate to recommend it to anyone with mobility limits, anyone who dislikes large groups, or anyone who wants long, unhurried time at one beach. The tour can feel like a procession through Yelapa, especially when many people leave the boat together. The village is special, but a large organized group changes its quiet character.

Strong swimmers and snorkeling fans may want a tour that spends more time in the water. The 25-minute snorkeling period is a taste, and conditions may reduce visibility. You should also be comfortable with changing plans caused by weather, sea conditions, or the waterfall’s seasonal flow.

Practical tips for a smoother day

• Eat breakfast before you leave. Coffee and juice are not a full meal.
• Arrive early at the port, especially if you are unfamiliar with Puerto Magico or traveling in a group.
• Bring a towel, swimsuit, secure footwear, sunscreen, and a change of clothes.
• Carry cash for the MXN$40 port fee, USD$20 access fee, tips, souvenirs, and possible photo purchases.
• Keep your passport or other accepted identification with you.
• Decide in advance if snorkeling, kayaking, the waterfall, or beach time matters most. You may not have enough time to do everything slowly.
• If you are prone to motion sickness, prepare for three hours of total boat travel.
• Listen closely to the guide at Yelapa. The group needs to follow timing instructions to return to the boat.
• Expect the return trip to be lively, with music, dancing, drinks, and an onboard show.

Free cancellation is available up to 24 hours before departure for a full refund, and you can reserve now and pay later. Check the available start times because the exact departure schedule is not fixed.

Should you book the Yelapa and Majahuitas tour?

Book it if you want two different coastal stops, included activities, and a fun crew without arranging several separate excursions. The strongest parts are the unusual setting of roadless Yelapa, the sea-only access to Majahuitas, and the lively boat ride home.

Skip it if you want a small boat, a quiet day, or serious snorkeling time. The group can be large, the schedule can move quickly, and extra cash fees raise the true cost above $99. For the right person, though, this is a good-value introduction to the coast south of Puerto Vallarta, with enough variety to keep the day moving from morning until the final song onboard.

FAQ

How long does the Yelapa and Majahuitas tour last?

The experience lasts about seven hours, including boat travel, the Yelapa visit, snorkeling, lunch, free time, and the return to Puerto Vallarta.

Where does the tour depart?

Pickup or check-in is available at Vallarta Adventures Nuevo Vallarta or Puerto Magico. Hotel transportation is not included.

What languages are available?

The live tour guide service is offered in English and Spanish.

Is lunch included?

Yes. The tour includes a deli-style lunch with items such as sandwiches, salads, and fruit.

Are drinks included?

An open bar is included onboard. Gratuities are not included.

Is snorkeling equipment provided?

Yes. Snorkeling equipment is included, along with kayaking equipment.

How long is the snorkeling stop?

The scheduled snorkeling portion at Playa Majahuitas lasts about 25 minutes.

Do I have to hike to the Yelapa waterfall?

The waterfall walk is part of the Yelapa visit, but you can choose to spend time at the beach or village instead. The tour is not suitable for people with mobility impairments.

What extra fees must I pay?

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

What should I bring?

Bring your passport or ID card, a towel, cash, swimwear, and footwear suitable for walking. Breakfast before departure is also a sensible idea.

Can I cancel the reservation?

You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund. The reserve-now, pay-later option lets you hold a spot without paying immediately.