Mega Yacht ALL INCLUSIVE Yelapa Waterfall & Snorkeling Adventure

The best part of this six-hour outing is the mix: you get a full day on the water, a swim and snorkel stop, a short visit to Yelapa, and a waterfall walk without arranging several separate activities. Breakfast, fajitas, snacks, and a premium open bar are included, so you can settle into the day quickly.

I especially like the choice of moods on board. You can join the music and social energy with host Ricky Ricardo, or head to the upper level for a quieter ride. I also like the practical extras: kayaks, paddleboards, floating mats, waterslides, and even an onboard massage.

The main tradeoff is time. With snorkeling, a waterfall walk, lunch, and a long cruise packed into six hours, no single stop gets unlimited attention. Snorkeling equipment has also been in short supply on at least one outing, so this is not the right pick if snorkeling is your only reason for booking.

Key points at a glance

• A six-hour all-inclusive catamaran day: Food, drinks, water equipment, and entertainment are covered in one price.
• Two useful meeting points: Choose Chica Locca at Puerto Mágico or Paradise Village when you book.
• Two very different stops: Playa Chica Locca is for water play, while Yelapa offers a beach, village, and waterfall.
• A lively but flexible atmosphere: Ricky Ricardo and the crew keep the party moving, while the upper deck offers a quieter place to sit.
• Good food for an excursion boat: Expect fruit and pastries in the morning, then chicken and beef fajitas with rice, beans, tortillas, and salsa.
• A real time warning: The waterfall walk and water activities are both worthwhile, but you may wish for more time at each.

What the $117.60 price really covers

At $117.60 per person, this is priced as a full-service boat day rather than a simple transfer to Yelapa. You receive breakfast, lunch, snacks, nonalcoholic drinks, alcoholic drinks, snorkeling equipment, kayaks, paddleboards, water mats, and access to the slides.

That matters in Puerto Vallarta, where adding meals, drinks, and water rentals separately can quickly push up the cost. You also avoid the effort of arranging transport to a beach, finding a rental shop, and choosing a restaurant in Yelapa.

The premium open bar includes coffee, juices, soft drinks, mineral water, margaritas, piña coladas, beer, wine, tequila, champagne, and other drinks. The crew keeps service moving throughout the cruise, which is one reason the trip feels more like a hosted outing than a basic boat ride.

Still, value depends on how you spend the day. If you do not drink, skip the water equipment, or prefer a quiet ferry ride, part of the package will not matter much to you. If you want meals, entertainment, swimming, and several activities in one booking, the price is easier to justify.

Gratuities are not included. Hotel pickup and drop-off are also not included, so plan your way to the selected meeting point.

Boarding at Puerto Mágico or Paradise Village

You must choose your meeting place before submitting the reservation. The two options are Chica Locca at the Puerto Mágico cruise terminal and Paradise Village.

At Puerto Mágico, allow time for federal port security. The terminal can search passengers for drugs, alcohol, weapons, liquids, electronic cigarettes, and vapes. The operator gives a strict no-drug policy, and you should not arrive with prohibited items.

This is an important practical detail for cruise passengers. The boat tour itself may be relaxed, but the port entrance is not the place to arrive with a loose bottle of water or items that could cause a delay.

There is no hotel shuttle included. Check your route before the morning of departure, especially if you are staying away from the marina or cruise terminal. Confirmation is provided at booking, and the tour is offered in English, though a multilingual guide may operate the trip.

The vessel is a spacious catamaran. The word mega yacht in the title can create the wrong picture for some people, so set your expectations correctly. You are booking a comfortable, roomy excursion catamaran with shaded seating and multiple areas, not a private superyacht with a small personal crew.

Breakfast, coastline views, and the open bar

Once on board, you settle into comfortable seating and meet the cruise director and crew. The outbound ride across Banderas Bay begins with fresh seasonal fruit, pastries, coffee, and juices.

The bay is one of the main pleasures of the trip. You get broad views of Puerto Vallarta’s coast as the boat heads south, with plenty of time to sit, talk, watch the water, or order a drink. In whale season, the route can also bring sightings of humpback whales, and dolphins have been seen during the cruise.

The onboard service is a major part of the experience. Crew members circulate with drinks and food, and the boat is kept notably clean. Several details matter here: shaded seating helps in the strong sun, the upper deck can be calmer, and the service continues even when you are in the water.

The social side is strong. Music, dancing, and a host such as Ricky Ricardo create a party atmosphere, so this boat suits people who enjoy meeting others and joining group entertainment. If you prefer peace, you are not trapped in the loudest area. The upper level offers a quieter option, though the entire outing remains social rather than silent.

Playa Chica Locca: the main water stop

After about an hour of sailing, the catamaran reaches Playa Chica Locca in Quimixto. This is where the active part of the day begins.

You can use the snorkeling gear, kayaks, paddleboards, floating mats, and waterslides. There is also the option to jump from the second deck into the sea. The exact water conditions can change, so snorkeling quality is not guaranteed. Clear water may give you a good look at fish, while cloudy conditions can limit what you see.

This stop is best for variety rather than serious marine exploration. You might snorkel for around 40 minutes, paddle for a while, swim, then return to the boat for a drink. The equipment gives you several ways to enjoy the cove, but the available time is shared among all activities.

One practical concern deserves attention. On one outing, the boat ran short of snorkels. That is not a small issue if you book mainly for snorkeling. I would bring reasonable expectations and ask about equipment at check-in if snorkeling is your priority. You cannot assume that every person will have unlimited access to a mask and snorkel at the same moment.

After the water stop, the crew serves guacamole with blue corn chips and potato chips. An onboard massage is also available. The massage is a pleasant bonus, but it may require signing up once you are on board. Ask the crew early if you want a place, since it is easy to miss the announcement while swimming or enjoying the music.

Lunch on the boat, with fajitas and bay views

Lunch is prepared in the operator’s beach kitchen and brought to the boat. The meal includes chicken and beef fajitas, rice, beans, tortillas, and salsa.

This is a useful setup. You do not lose more time looking for a restaurant, and you can eat while the boat continues toward Yelapa or while anchored in the bay. The food receives especially strong praise for an excursion setting, with plentiful portions and efficient service.

Vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free options are available if requested at booking. Do not wait until you are hungry on the boat to raise a dietary need. Provide the information when reserving so the crew can prepare properly.

The fajitas are not a fine-dining meal, and that is not the point. You get hot, familiar Mexican food after swimming, with rice, beans, tortillas, and salsa to make a filling lunch. For a boat excursion, the combination of food, drinks, and service adds real value.

Yelapa and the short walk to the waterfall

Yelapa means where two rivers meet the sea, and the village sits in a sheltered bay at the southern end of the trip. The yacht docks at a pier, giving you a choice: go ashore, follow the guide toward the waterfall, relax on the beach, or remain on the boat.

The waterfall walk takes about 15 minutes according to the planned route. It is manageable for most people, but it is not a flat stroll for everyone. One section can feel like a large hill, and the trail may be uncomfortable for older people or anyone with limited mobility.

Wear secure sandals or water shoes rather than loose flip-flops. Bring sunscreen, a hat, and a towel. You can swim at the cascade, take photographs, or simply cool off before returning toward the village and beach.

Yelapa is small, which is part of its appeal. You are not visiting a large resort town with endless attractions. The pleasure comes from the bay, the short walk, the village atmosphere, and the chance to see a different side of the coast after spending the morning on the boat.

The drawback is limited free time. The schedule has to allow for the boat ride, water activities, lunch, the waterfall, and the return trip. If you want a long beach stay or a slow village visit, choose a land-based Yelapa excursion instead. This tour gives you a taste of Yelapa as one part of a larger day.

The ride home, music, and optional photos

The return cruise is not just transport back to Puerto Vallarta. Music and dancing continue, and the crew may point out whales when they are in the bay during the proper season. It is a lively way to finish, especially after the quieter waterfall stop.

A photographer works aboard the tour and captures action shots. The photos are not included in the price. You can reserve them at check-in or purchase them on board.

If you buy photos, keep your receipt and confirm how delivery will work before leaving. A delay in receiving paid images has happened, so it is sensible to make sure the crew has the correct email address and booking details.

The boat returns to the departure area after roughly six hours. An early start generally leaves you with part of the afternoon available for another activity, dinner, or a relaxed evening in Puerto Vallarta.

Who will enjoy this boat day most

I would recommend this outing to you if you want a social, easygoing day where the details are handled for you. It works well for couples, families, and mixed-age groups because not everyone has to do the same thing. One person can snorkel, another can paddleboard, another can enjoy the bar, and someone else can book a massage.

It is also a good choice for a family member who may not want a demanding adventure. A senior parent can remain on the boat in comfortable seating while others use the water toys or walk to the waterfall. That said, the waterfall trail may not suit every older person, and the boat atmosphere can be lively.

The tour is especially appealing if you value service. The crew serves food and drinks often, keeps the surfaces clean, and encourages fun while maintaining safety. The experience depends heavily on the staff’s energy, and hosts such as Ricky Ricardo give it a clear party character.

I would hesitate if you want a quiet sailing trip, a serious snorkeling session, or a long stay in Yelapa. You may also find the group size substantial. The stated maximum is 115 people, though some departures can be much smaller. A full boat means more social energy, but it can also mean more competition for equipment and less personal space.

Tips for making the most of the six hours

• Choose your meeting point carefully: Puerto Mágico and Paradise Village serve different parts of the city, and hotel transport is not included.
• Bring only what you need: Swimsuit, sunscreen, towel, hat, and secure footwear are the useful basics. Remember the strict port rules about liquids, vapes, drugs, and weapons.
• Ask about snorkeling equipment early: If seeing fish is important to you, check availability as soon as you board.
• Reserve the massage early: The onboard massage is complimentary as an option, but you need to sign up and may otherwise miss it.
• Tell the operator about dietary needs: Vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free meals are available with advance notice.
• Expect sun and movement: Even with shaded seats, bring sun protection and drink water throughout the day.
• Plan for the waterfall walk: The path is short, but it can feel steep. Anyone with mobility concerns may prefer the beach or boat.
• Keep expectations realistic: This is a broad activity package, not a dedicated snorkeling charter or a slow Yelapa village tour.

Should you book the Yelapa catamaran adventure?

The high rating of 4.8 from 2,515 ratings and a 96 percent recommendation rate fit the tour’s strongest qualities: attentive service, plentiful food and drinks, a clean boat, and an entertaining crew. The package gives you a lot for the price, especially if you will use the water equipment and open bar.

I would book it for a fun group day with several choices built in. You get coastline views, breakfast, swimming, paddleboards, kayaks, fajitas, Yelapa, a waterfall, and a lively return cruise. That is a good deal of Puerto Vallarta in six hours.

I would choose another outing if your top goal is uninterrupted snorkeling, extensive time on a beach, or a quiet private boat. The schedule is full, snorkeling conditions can vary, and equipment availability should be confirmed. For most people who want an all-inclusive social cruise with a little adventure and a little relaxation, this is a strong choice.

Cancellation is free up to 24 hours before departure. Within 24 hours, changes and refunds are not accepted. Poor weather or failure to meet the minimum number of participants can lead to a rescheduled trip or full refund.

FAQ

Where does the tour depart from?

You can choose between Chica Locca at the Puerto Mágico cruise terminal and Paradise Village. You must select your meeting point before completing the reservation.

How long is the Yelapa cruise?

The experience lasts about six hours, including the boat ride, water activities, lunch, time in Yelapa, the waterfall walk, and the return cruise.

Are food and drinks included?

Yes. Breakfast includes seasonal fruit, pastries, coffee, and juices. Lunch includes chicken and beef fajitas with rice, beans, tortillas, and salsa. Snacks include guacamole, blue corn chips, and potato chips. The open bar includes alcoholic and nonalcoholic drinks.

Is snorkeling equipment provided?

Yes. Snorkeling equipment, kayaks, paddleboards, and water mats are included. Equipment availability can vary, so ask the crew early if snorkeling is important to you.

Is the waterfall walk difficult?

The walk takes about 15 minutes and is accessible for most people, but parts of the route can feel steep. The walk may not suit people with limited mobility.

Are vegetarian, vegan, or gluten-free meals available?

Yes. Vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free options are available when requested at the time of booking.

Can I cancel for a refund?

You can cancel at least 24 hours before the start time for a full refund. Cancellations or changes made within 24 hours are not refunded. If poor weather or insufficient participation cancels the tour, you will be offered another date or a full refund.