Vallarta: Yelapa Waterfall & Majahuitas Snorkel Adventure

The coast is only the beginning. This seven-hour boat trip pairs Yelapa’s waterfall and fishing village with the clear waters of Majahuitas Cove, then adds lunch, snorkeling, music, and an open bar. I like the generous mix of beach time and activities, and I like how the crew keeps the long ride lively with music, dancing, landmarks, and onboard entertainment. The main drawback is the pace: with a large group and fixed stop times, Yelapa can feel rushed.

You should also plan for extra costs. A MXN$40 port fee and a USD$20 access fee are paid in cash, and transportation from your hotel is not included. Still, at $99 per person, the package offers a lot for the money if you want an active day rather than a quiet boat ride.

The day in five useful points

• Two sea-access coves: Majahuitas and Yelapa are reached by boat, far from Puerto Vallarta’s main hotel strip.
• Yelapa’s Cola de Caballo waterfall: The walk passes through a small road-free village and ends at a cool swimming spot, though the trail can be rough.
• Snorkeling equipment included: You can also use kayaks and paddle boards, depending on conditions and available time.
• Food and drinks covered: A deli-style lunch and open bar are included, with breakfast limited to simple coffee and juice.
• A large, lively boat: Expect a social catamaran experience, not a private sailing trip. Some departures have more than 100 people.
• Winter wildlife chances: Dolphins may appear at any time, and humpback whales are sometimes seen in winter.

Setting out from Puerto Vallarta

The tour begins at either Vallarta Adventures Nuevo Vallarta or Puerto Magico. You need to check in at the Vallarta Adventures desk and redeem your reservation before boarding. Hotel pickup is not included, so allow extra time to reach the port and find the correct meeting point.

Arrive early, especially if you are using Puerto Magico. One useful target is before 8 a.m., since the port can be confusing and the check-in area is not always obvious at first glance. Bring your passport or another accepted ID, plus cash for the MXN$40 port fee and USD$20 access fee.

The first and last legs each take about 90 minutes. That sounds long, but the boat ride is part of the experience. The catamaran passes the forested coast south of Puerto Vallarta, where small coves and steep hills replace the city. Keep your camera ready for dolphins, and if you visit in winter, watch for humpback whales.

The exact feel of the ride depends on your expectations. This is not a quiet sailing trip with only the sound of the water. The crew uses music, conversation, drinks, dancing, and stories about the coast to keep things moving. If you like a social party atmosphere, the ride becomes one of the day’s highlights. If you want solitude, the crowd and sound level may wear on you.

Yelapa and the walk to Cola de Caballo

The listed schedule gives Yelapa about 80 minutes, usually after the first boat ride. Yelapa is a small fishing community without roads, reached from the water and connected by footpaths. That alone gives the stop a different feel from a standard Puerto Vallarta beach outing.

From the landing area, you can walk through the village toward the Cola de Caballo waterfall. The route passes local homes, small shops, and stalls selling native handicrafts. It is not a wilderness trek, but it does involve uneven ground, heat, and some uphill walking.

The walk has real rewards. You get a look at daily life in a compact coastal community, then reach a waterfall pool where the water can feel wonderfully cold after the hot walk. Some people go in for a swim, while others sit near the falls and enjoy the trees and rock walls.

Conditions matter here. During a dry spell, the waterfall may have little water, or even no visible cascade. The village and walk still offer a worthwhile visit, but you should not treat the waterfall as guaranteed in full flow.

The trail can also be harder than the short distance suggests. One part of the route has been described as treacherous, and several people found the walk tiring. Wear secure footwear if you have it, though flip-flops worked for at least one person. I would still choose shoes with a firm sole, especially if you plan to enter the water.

The short stop creates a tradeoff. You can reach the waterfall, but you may have little time to browse the village, shop, swim, and relax on the beach. The guide’s timing matters, so follow the meeting instructions closely. It is easy to lose track of the group in Yelapa, especially when several boatloads arrive at once.

Majahuitas Cove and the water activities

After Yelapa, the boat ride to Majahuitas takes about 15 minutes. The cove is accessible only by sea, which helps explain its appeal. It feels more removed from Puerto Vallarta, with a sandy beach and clear water framed by thick coastal greenery.

The planned snorkeling session is about 25 minutes. That is enough for a look at local fish, but it is not a long guided snorkeling expedition. Water visibility can change with weather, wind, and sea conditions. One visit produced excellent fish sightings, while another had poor visibility. Jellyfish have also been reported, so ask the crew about current conditions before getting in.

The crew provides snorkeling gear, and kayaking and paddle boards are included as well. Depending on the day’s conditions and timing, you may need to choose among activities. Some departures offer time for a banana ride or other water fun, but those extras should not be assumed unless the crew confirms them.

Majahuitas works well for people with mixed interests. One person can snorkel while another stays on the sand. Families can split up without giving up the shared setting, though everyone must remain aware of the group’s departure time.

The longer Majahuitas stop gives you about two hours and 40 minutes for lunch and free time, including the snorkeling period. That is where much of the day’s value lies. After the guided activities, you can rest on the beach, use the water equipment, or simply enjoy the cove.

One point to keep in mind is the order of priorities. The tour includes several experiences, but it cannot give you a long session at each one. If snorkeling is your main reason for booking, a tour built around extended time in the water may suit you better. This outing is designed as a broad sampler: waterfall, village, beach, snorkeling, lunch, and a party boat ride.

Lunch, drinks, and what to bring

Lunch is a deli-style spread, with sandwiches, salads, and fruit. It is served as part of the tour, and the food has been praised as tasty and filling. Do not expect a full breakfast at the port or on the boat. Morning offerings are limited to coffee and juice, so eat beforehand if you need more than that.

The open bar operates onboard. It is especially popular during the return ride, when the crew adds music and dancing. Drink responsibly, since the boat ride is long and the sun can be strong.

Bring a towel. This simple item came up as a useful tip because you may swim at the waterfall, snorkel at Majahuitas, or spend time in the sea. You should also carry cash for the required fees, village purchases, tips, and any optional items.

The tour price is $99 per person. That includes the catamaran, guide services in English or Spanish, lunch, open bar, snorkeling equipment, kayaking equipment, and the main stops. Once you add the MXN$40 port charge and USD$20 access fee, the real out-of-pocket cost is higher, but the package still compares well with separate boat transport, meals, and water activities.

Gratuities are not included. The crew works hard throughout the day, handling equipment, guiding activities, serving drinks, and entertaining the boat. If you appreciate the service, bring cash for a tip.

Photos may also be offered for purchase. The crew takes pictures during the day, but the cost can feel high compared with the tour price. You may prefer to bring your own waterproof phone case and take your own pictures where practical.

A big boat with a very social mood

This tour is built around group energy. The catamaran can carry more than 100 people, which affects every part of the day. Boarding may feel busy, and the coves can seem less quiet when several boat groups arrive together.

The upside is the crew. People such as Chai, Chi, Omar, Alejandro, Emberto, and Chewey have been singled out for being attentive, funny, helpful, and good at keeping the group involved. The crew’s warmth is one of the strongest reasons this tour works despite its size.

The return show is a major part of the package. After the beach stops, the boat becomes a moving party, with music, dancing, drinks, and a performance by the crew. It gives the long ride back a clear purpose instead of making it feel like dead time.

The downside is that the entertainment will not suit everyone. You may find yourself in a loud, crowded setting when you would rather read, nap, or watch the coast in silence. Think of the tour as a day cruise with an active social program, not as a peaceful escape.

How the timing shapes your day

The schedule adds up to about seven hours:

• About 90 minutes from port to the first stop
• Roughly 80 minutes in Yelapa
• About 15 minutes to Majahuitas
• Around 25 minutes of organized snorkeling
• About two hours and 40 minutes for lunch and free time at Majahuitas
• About 90 minutes back to port

This leaves little room for delays. If the sea is rough, boarding takes longer, or the group moves slowly in Yelapa, your free time may shrink. That is why I would decide in advance what matters most to you.

If the waterfall is your priority, head directly with the guide and save browsing for later only if time allows. If snorkeling matters most, listen for the crew’s instructions and get ready as soon as the boat arrives at Majahuitas. If you mainly want beach time, skip optional activities and claim a comfortable place early.

The pace can feel fast, but the benefit is variety. In one day, you see a road-free village, a waterfall, a protected cove, tropical coast, and open water. You also get a meal and entertainment without arranging several separate bookings.

Who will enjoy this tour most

I would recommend this trip to first-time visitors who want to see several sides of the Puerto Vallarta coast in one day. It suits families and groups with mixed interests because some people can swim while others stay on the beach.

It also works well for anyone who enjoys a friendly crew and a party atmosphere. The staff’s care and humor have been praised repeatedly, and the onboard show gives the trip a strong finish.

You should think twice if you have mobility limitations. The tour is specifically not suitable for people with mobility impairments, and the walk to the waterfall may be uneven and tiring. You should also reconsider it if your main goal is a long, quiet snorkeling session or an uncrowded beach.

The trip is best for active participants who can handle a warm walk, a busy boat, and a full schedule. You do not need to take part in every activity, but you do need to keep up with the group and meeting times.

Practical booking advice

The tour offers free cancellation up to 24 hours before departure, and you can reserve now while paying later. That flexibility helps if your plans around Puerto Vallarta are still shifting.

Choose a departure time that gives you plenty of time to reach the port. Since hotel transportation is not included, check the route from your accommodation and allow for port traffic. At check-in, keep your ID and cash easy to reach.

The access and port charges are easy to miss when comparing prices. Add them before deciding if the $99 price fits your budget. You should also set aside money for tips, souvenirs in Yelapa, and optional photo purchases.

Should you book the Yelapa and Majahuitas adventure?

Book it if you want a full coastal day with plenty of variety, a friendly crew, and good value from one reservation. The strongest parts are the two sea-access coves, the chance to walk through Yelapa to a waterfall, the included equipment and lunch, and the lively return trip.

Skip it if you want privacy, a slow pace, or serious snorkeling time. The boat may be large, Yelapa can feel crowded, water visibility is not guaranteed, and the waterfall walk may be strenuous.

For most first visits to Puerto Vallarta, I think the balance is favorable. Bring cash, a towel, secure shoes, and realistic expectations about crowds. Treat the day as a social coastal sampler, and the $99 price gives you a lot to enjoy.

FAQ

How long does the Yelapa and Majahuitas tour last?

The tour lasts about seven hours, including the boat rides, time in Yelapa, snorkeling, lunch, and free time at Majahuitas.

What is included in the $99 price?

The price includes the catamaran trip, a deli-style lunch, an open bar onboard, snorkeling equipment, and kayaking equipment.

Are the port and access fees included?

No. You must pay a MXN$40 port fee in cash before boarding and a USD$20 access fee in cash at check-in.

Is hotel transportation included?

No. Hotel transportation is not included. You must reach either the Vallarta Adventures Nuevo Vallarta or Puerto Magico departure point.

What languages are available during the tour?

Live guides are available in English and Spanish.

Can I cancel the booking?

Yes. You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund. The activity also allows you to reserve now and pay later.