Vallarta: Yelapa Waterfall & Majahuitas Snorkel Adventure

Yelapa is the star of this outing: a road-free fishing village reached by boat, with a beach, small shops, and the Cola de Caballo waterfall up the valley. Majahuitas adds a second cove, clear water, snorkeling, kayaking, and time to simply stretch out on the sand. The return cruise turns into a party, with music, dancing, drinks, and a crew that knows how to keep a large boat lively.

I like the strong mix of scenery and activities. You get a taste of village life at Yelapa, then a pretty coastal cove for water sports. I also like the price, since $99 includes lunch, an open bar, snorkeling equipment, and kayaking gear. The catch is the pace: this is a big, busy boat day, and the Yelapa walk can feel rushed or hard on steep, uneven ground.

Key points to know before you book

• Yelapa is the cultural stop: Walk through a tiny community with no roads, browse local handicrafts, and reach the Cola de Caballo waterfall.
• Majahuitas is reached only by boat: Its sandy beach and marine life make it the better stop for swimming, snorkeling, and relaxing.
• The return trip is part of the show: Expect music, dancing, an open bar, and organized entertainment on the catamaran.
• The boat can be large: One account describes more than 100 people, so this is social group touring, not a quiet private cruise.
• Budget for extra fees: Bring cash for the MXN$40 port fee, the USD$20 access fee, gratuities, and any purchases in Yelapa.
• Water conditions can change the day: Snorkeling visibility may be poor, and jellyfish have been reported, while winter can bring humpback whale sightings.

Two coves, one busy but rewarding day

This seven-hour trip leaves from Puerto Vallarta and heads south along the coast toward Yelapa and Majahuitas. You can board at Vallarta Adventures Nuevo Vallarta or Puerto Magico, but you must first redeem your reservation at the Vallarta Adventures check-in desk.

The first 90 minutes are spent on the catamaran. That sounds long, but the ride is part of the experience. You get open coastal views, possible dolphin sightings, and, from winter into the whale season, a chance of seeing humpback whales. Wildlife is never guaranteed, so I would treat it as a bonus rather than a promise.

The boat also sets the tone for the day. The crew serves drinks, points out coastal sights, plays music, and keeps the group involved. On the return ride, the entertainment becomes more organized, with dancing and a show. If you enjoy a friendly party atmosphere, this is a strong point. If you prefer quiet nature trips, the boat may feel too loud and crowded.

The exact order can vary in practice, but the planned stops cover about 80 minutes at Yelapa, a short 15-minute boat transfer, and roughly three hours at Majahuitas, including snorkeling, lunch, and free time. That sounds generous, though the activity schedule is full and some of your time may be spent moving between the beach, water activities, and the meeting point.

Yelapa: a village reached by sea

Yelapa feels different from Puerto Vallarta because there are no roads through this small community. You arrive by boat, walk from the shore, and pass homes, local businesses, and small stands selling native handicrafts.

The main outing here is the walk to Cola de Caballo waterfall. The route takes you through the village and into the surrounding hills. It is scenic, but do not picture a flat stroll. The route has been described as steep and difficult in places, and one person called the walk treacherous. Another found the hike tiring but felt the cold waterfall pool made the effort worthwhile.

Conditions matter. During a dry period, the waterfall may have little or no water. During wetter conditions, it can be a refreshing reward after the hot walk. You may also find a small bar near the waterfall, according to one detailed account, but bring pesos if you want to buy anything outside what the tour supplies.

The schedule here is not designed for a long independent visit. The group usually follows the guide to the falls and then returns toward the beach. You may have limited time to browse, eat at local businesses, or explore side paths. I like this stop because it gives the day a human touch, but it is not a slow village stay. A large group moving through a small settlement can also feel awkward, especially if you hoped for a peaceful look at local life.

Yelapa beach is the gentler option. If the walk sounds too hard, you can spend more time by the river mouth and the ocean, with green hills around you. The tour is not suitable for people with mobility impairments, and the waterfall route makes that warning important. Wear secure footwear, although one person found flip-flops workable. Bring a towel and protect your phone from water.

Majahuitas: the better stop for water time

Majahuitas Cove is accessible only by sea, which helps explain its appeal. There are no roads bringing regular traffic into the cove, and the setting feels more removed from Puerto Vallarta. The beach is sandy, the water can be clear, and the cove is known for marine life.

Snorkeling equipment is included, and kayaking gear is also available. Depending on the sea and the schedule, you may have a chance to paddle, snorkel, or relax on shore. The planned snorkeling session is about 25 minutes, followed by lunch and free time at the beach. That is enough for a look below the surface, but not enough for a serious snorkeling day.

Water visibility is the biggest variable. One outing had good fish sightings and warm water, while another found the water too cloudy. Jellyfish were also reported on one trip, with several people getting stung. Conditions in a tropical cove can change, so listen to the guides and ask about current conditions before entering.

If snorkeling is your main reason for booking, I would set your expectations carefully. This tour gives you snorkeling as one piece of a wider day. It does not give you hours in the water or a specialist marine-life focus. If you want more time with a mask and fins, a dedicated snorkeling trip may suit you better.

For many people, Majahuitas works best as a beach stop. You can skip the water activities, sit in the sand, and enjoy the cove. Families can split up here, with younger members snorkeling while others relax. That flexibility is useful, especially on a group outing where not everyone wants the same pace.

Lunch, drinks, and the party boat

The included food is a deli-style lunch, with sandwiches, salads, and fruit. It is served buffet-style and has been described as tasty, but do not expect a restaurant meal or a hot local feast. You should eat breakfast before boarding if you need a substantial morning meal. The boat has been described as offering coffee and juice early on, rather than a full continental breakfast.

The open bar is included during the boat portions and adds value for people who plan to enjoy drinks. It also changes the mood of the return journey. Music, dancing, and a crew show turn the catamaran into a moving party, and crew members such as Chi, Omar, Alejandro, Emberto, and Chewey have been singled out for their energy and care.

I see the entertainment as one of the tour’s strongest features. The crew does more than point out scenery. They keep a large group organized, help with equipment, take photos, serve drinks, and create a social mood. That work matters when more than 100 people may be sharing the boat.

The same setup will not suit everyone. The open bar and dancing are central to the experience, not a minor extra. If you want a quiet ride back after a day in the sun, choose a smaller boat or a nature-focused trip.

What $99 really gets you

At $99 per person, the tour offers solid value if you want a full day with several moving parts. The price includes the boat ride, a guided Yelapa visit, beach time, lunch, an open bar, snorkeling equipment, and kayaking equipment. You also get entertainment on the way home, which would cost extra on many separate outings.

The price is not the final cost. You must pay a MXN$40 port fee in cash before boarding, plus a USD$20 access fee per person at check-in. Gratuities are not included, and transportation from your hotel is also excluded. Bring cash in both pesos and dollars as required, along with money for handicrafts, drinks or food ashore, and any optional photo purchases.

The tour offers two pickup and drop-off points, Vallarta Adventures Nuevo Vallarta and Puerto Magico. Hotel pickup is not included, so allow time to reach the correct location. One person found the port confusing and advised arriving before 8 a.m. Follow the check-in instructions closely, since a crowded port can add stress before the boat even leaves.

Free cancellation is available up to 24 hours ahead, and you can reserve now and pay later. Those policies are useful if your Puerto Vallarta plans are still shifting, but they do not change the need to budget for the extra fees on the day.

Who will enjoy this tour most

This is a good fit for you if you want variety. You can combine a boat ride, coastal views, a small village, a waterfall walk, beach time, snorkeling, lunch, and a party atmosphere in seven hours. Families and mixed-age groups may appreciate having several ways to spend the stops.

It also suits first-time visitors who want to see more than a resort beach. Yelapa offers a glimpse of a community without roads, while Majahuitas provides a classic tropical cove reached only by water.

I would hesitate if you dislike crowds, loud music, or set schedules. The tour packs a lot into one day, and time at each stop is limited. You may feel hurried at Yelapa, especially if you want to shop or sit quietly in the village.

I would also choose another trip if your priority is long snorkeling sessions. Majahuitas is lovely, but snorkeling is only one part of the program. Sea conditions can reduce visibility, and jellyfish are possible.

Bring your passport or ID, cash, a towel, sunscreen, secure footwear, and a dry bag for valuables. A swimsuit is obvious, but a light cover-up is useful when walking through Yelapa. Do not count on having time to return to the boat for forgotten items.

Should you book it?

Book this tour if you want a lively, all-in-one day and like the idea of ending a nature outing with music, drinks, and dancing. The combination of Yelapa’s waterfall and village, Majahuitas’ beach, included lunch, and boat entertainment gives you plenty for the price.

Skip it if you want a small-group escape, a long quiet visit in Yelapa, or serious snorkeling. For everyone else, the best approach is to treat the day as a broad introduction to the coast, not a slow exploration of either cove. Arrive early, bring cash, expect a large group, and you will be better prepared to enjoy what this trip does particularly well.

FAQ

How long is the Yelapa and Majahuitas tour?

The experience lasts about seven hours, including the catamaran rides, both coastal stops, activities, lunch, and the return trip.

Where does the tour depart?

Pickup and drop-off are available at Vallarta Adventures Nuevo Vallarta and Puerto Magico. Hotel transportation is not included.

Is lunch included?

Yes. The tour includes a deli-style lunch with sandwiches, salads, and fruit served buffet-style.

Are drinks included?

Yes. An open bar is available on board. Drinks purchased or ordered away from the boat are not included.

Is snorkeling equipment provided?

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

Can I see whales or dolphins?

Dolphin sightings are possible during the cruise. Humpback whales may be seen in winter, but wildlife sightings are not guaranteed.

Do I need to pay any extra fees?

Yes. Bring cash for the MXN$40 port fee and the USD$20 access fee per person. Gratuities, hotel transportation, and personal purchases are also extra.

Is the tour suitable for people with mobility impairments?

No. The tour is not considered suitable for people with mobility impairments, and the walk to the Yelapa waterfall can be steep and difficult.

What should I bring?

Bring a passport or ID card, cash, a towel, and suitable footwear. Cash is useful for fees, gratuities, handicrafts, and purchases in Yelapa.