Vallarta: Yelapa Waterfall & Majahuitas Snorkel Adventure

Yelapa’s road-free village and waterfall give this Puerto Vallarta boat trip more character than a simple beach cruise. You get a glimpse of a small coastal community, then time for swimming, snorkeling, kayaking, lunch, and music on the way home.

I like the mix of active and easygoing stops. You can walk to Cola de Caballo waterfall, then spend time on the beach, or skip the hike and settle into the sand. I also like the crew’s strong entertainment: guides such as Chai, Omar, Alejandro, Emberto, and Chewey have been singled out for keeping the long boat ride lively.

The main drawback is the pace. The catamaran can carry more than 100 people, and the Yelapa walk may feel crowded and rushed. Snorkeling time is short, water conditions can reduce visibility, and jellyfish have appeared in the area, so this is best for people who want a full-day group outing rather than a quiet private escape.

Quick takeaways for choosing this boat trip

• Yelapa feels genuinely different from Puerto Vallarta: There are no roads in the tiny village, and the route to the waterfall passes local homes, shops, and artisan stalls.
• Majahuitas is the best water stop: The cove is reachable only by boat, with clear water for snorkeling and room for kayaking, paddle boarding, or beach time.
• The crew is a major part of the experience: Expect music, dancing, drinks, jokes, and a show during the return cruise.
• The seven-hour schedule packs in a lot: You get Yelapa, a waterfall walk, snorkeling, lunch, beach time, and the cruise in one day, but little spare time.
• Budget for extra fees: The MXN$40 port fee and USD$20 access fee are paid in cash, in addition to the $99 tour price.
• Bring more than swimwear: Pack a passport or ID, towel, cash, sunscreen, and shoes with a firm sole if you plan to walk to the falls.

What this Yelapa and Majahuitas day is really like

This is a large, social catamaran outing from Puerto Vallarta, not a small boat expedition. The listed price is $99 per person, and that covers the seven-hour cruise, deli-style lunch, open bar aboard the boat, snorkeling equipment, and kayaking equipment.

That package offers good value if you plan to use several parts of it. A separate boat ride, beach stop, meal, drinks, and guided waterfall visit could easily add up, while this trip combines them into one organized day. The tradeoff is that you share the boat and follow a fixed schedule.

You can board at either Vallarta Adventures Nuevo Vallarta or Puerto Magico. Hotel transportation is not included, so you need to arrange your own way to the check-in desk and redeem your reservation there. Arrive early, especially if you are using Puerto Magico. Finding your way through the port can take longer than expected, and one useful rule is to be there before 8 a.m. when instructed by your booking details.

The boat ride to the coast takes about an hour and a half. That is a long stretch on the water, but the crew works hard to keep it moving with music, drinks, breakfast-style refreshments such as coffee and juice, landmark commentary, and dancing. On winter departures, humpback whales may be spotted. Dolphins are also possible, though neither sighting is guaranteed.

Yelapa’s village and the walk to Cola de Caballo

The listed visit to Yelapa lasts about 80 minutes, so you need to choose how to spend it. The usual plan is a walk through the small village toward Cola de Caballo waterfall, followed by time at the beach or near the water.

Yelapa has a quality that Puerto Vallarta cannot offer. It has no roads, and the village sits between the sea and green mountain slopes. The walk gives you a brief look at local homes, small shops, native handicrafts, and the daily rhythm of a fishing community. It is not an untouched private village, though. Several tour groups may arrive together, and the narrow route can feel like a large crowd moving through a very small place.

The waterfall is the payoff. The route is hot and uneven, and one part of the walk has been described as treacherous. I would not treat this as a gentle stroll. If you have mobility limits, balance problems, or trouble walking on rough ground, stay near the beach instead. The activity is specifically not suitable for people with mobility impairments.

At the falls, you may have time to cool off in the water. The pool can feel wonderfully refreshing after the warm walk, though the water is cold. Conditions matter here. During a dry period, the waterfall may have little or no flowing water, so the walk can still be scenic without delivering a dramatic cascade.

You may also find a small bar near the waterfall and opportunities to buy souvenirs in the village. Carry pesos if you want to shop or purchase extras. The tour price does not cover gratuities, personal purchases, or the professional photos offered during the day.

The schedule is the weak point. Eighty minutes is enough for a quick waterfall outing, but not enough for a slow village visit, a long swim, careful shopping, and relaxed beach time. Follow the guide’s instructions closely at Yelapa so you return to the boat on time.

Majahuitas Cove and the short snorkeling session

After Yelapa, the catamaran makes the short trip to Playa Majahuitas. This 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 coastal scenery.

The organized snorkeling portion lasts about 25 minutes. Equipment is supplied, and an expert guide is present. That is enough time for a taste of the marine life, but not enough for a long, unhurried snorkeling session. If snorkeling is your main goal, this may leave you wanting more.

Water conditions change. Visibility can be excellent, but it may also be reduced by waves or weather. Jellyfish have been encountered in the area, so ask the crew about current conditions before entering the water. The tour is not a specialist snorkeling trip, and you should judge it as one activity within a packed coastal day.

Majahuitas also offers kayaking, paddle boarding, and time on the beach. The available equipment is included, but the schedule may mean choosing one or two activities rather than trying everything. Some departures place the water activity first, while others give you more time to settle on the beach. Listen for the day’s instructions, since the crew controls the order and timing.

The cove works well for mixed groups. Strong swimmers can snorkel, active children and adults can try the water equipment, and anyone who prefers a slower pace can stay on the sand. That flexibility is one of the tour’s best features.

Lunch, drinks, and the return-party atmosphere

Lunch is a deli-style spread, generally built around sandwiches, salads, and fruit. It is practical rather than gourmet, but it saves you from arranging food in either coastal stop. Some people may want a proper breakfast before boarding, since the early offerings are limited to items such as juice and coffee rather than a full continental meal.

The open bar is available on board, which changes the feel of the return trip. After the walking and water activities, many people settle in with a drink while the crew puts on music and entertainment. Dancing is part of the experience, and the final boat ride includes a show.

The crew receives unusually strong praise for its energy and care. Names that have come up include Chai, Chi, Omar, Alejandro, Emberto, and Chewey. You can expect the staff to explain activities, help with equipment, take photos, and keep the group involved. Tips are not included, and generous gratuities are appropriate if the crew gives you attentive service.

The party atmosphere will not suit everyone. If you want a quiet sail with only the sound of the water, this is the wrong boat. If you enjoy meeting people, music, dancing, and a little organized silliness after a day outdoors, it adds real value.

Timing, group size, and the cost of a full day

The tour lasts about seven hours, with roughly three hours total spent cruising to and from the coast. The schedule listed for the stops includes about 80 minutes in Yelapa, 25 minutes for snorkeling at Majahuitas, and about two hours and 40 minutes for lunch and free time there.

That sounds generous, but loading a large boat, walking between meeting points, gathering a group, and following safety instructions all use part of the day. You will see a lot, but you will not have the freedom of an independent beach visit.

The boat size matters. A departure may carry more than 100 people, which can make the first boarding and beach transfers feel crowded. The upside is a lively atmosphere, a larger entertainment crew, and a well-organized system for managing several activities at once.

At $99, I consider the trip a solid package for someone who wants variety. You receive transportation by sea, guided stops, equipment, lunch, an open bar, and onboard entertainment. The value drops if you only want snorkeling, since the water session is short, or if you dislike large-group tours.

Remember the extra charges. You must pay a MXN$40 port fee in cash before boarding and a USD$20 access fee per person at check-in. Transportation from your hotel and gratuities are also separate. Those costs make the real budget higher than the advertised fare, so plan before arriving.

Free cancellation is available up to 24 hours in advance, and you can reserve now and pay later. Starting times vary, so check availability for your date.

What to bring for a smoother day

Pack your passport or another accepted ID, since identification is required. Bring a towel, swimsuit, sunscreen, sunglasses, and cash in pesos for village purchases, small extras, and the port fee. Keep the USD$20 access payment ready as well.

For the waterfall walk, flip-flops may be enough for some people, but firm-soled shoes are the safer choice. The path can be rough, steep, and slippery, especially if conditions are wet. Anyone who is uncomfortable on uneven ground should stay at the beach.

If you are prone to motion sickness, consider preparing for the long catamaran ride. The boat journey is a central part of the day, not just a short transfer. Bring a light layer if you tend to feel cool on the open water, though no specific clothing requirement is given.

The tour photographs may be available for purchase. If you want a souvenir, set aside money, but do not feel pressured to buy them.

Who should book this experience

I would choose this tour for a first visit to Puerto Vallarta when I wanted to see several coastal highlights in one day. It suits families and mixed-age groups because one person can snorkel while another relaxes on the beach, and the crew keeps the boat entertaining.

It also suits people who like a full schedule. You can walk, swim, snorkel, kayak, eat, shop, and dance without planning separate transportation. The Yelapa village adds a cultural stop that a pure beach cruise would miss.

I would choose something else if I wanted serious snorkeling, a quiet cove, a private boat, or plenty of time in one place. I would also avoid it if uneven walking is difficult, if you dislike crowds, or if you want complete control over your schedule.

Should you book the Yelapa and Majahuitas adventure?

Book it if you want a lively, all-in-one day with two sea-access coves, a waterfall walk, included food and drinks, and a crew that treats entertainment as part of the job. The strongest reasons are the character of Yelapa, the beauty of Majahuitas, and the friendly onboard energy.

Skip it if the waterfall hike or large catamaran group sounds tiring. For the best experience, arrive early, bring cash and a towel, wear sensible shoes, eat breakfast, and treat snorkeling as a short extra rather than the main event.

FAQ

How long does the Yelapa and Majahuitas tour last?

The experience lasts about seven hours, including the catamaran rides from Puerto Vallarta to the coastal stops and back.

What is included in the price?

The $99 price includes a deli-style lunch, an open bar on board, snorkeling equipment, and kayaking equipment. Guided activities and the catamaran transportation are also part of the organized experience.

What extra fees do I need to 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. Hotel transportation, gratuities, and personal purchases are not included.

Can I swim at the Yelapa waterfall?

The Yelapa visit includes the chance to walk to Cola de Caballo waterfall and jump into the water. The pool can be cold, and the amount of flowing water depends on current conditions.

Is snorkeling equipment provided?

Yes. Snorkeling equipment is included, and a guide is available during the activity. The listed snorkeling period is about 25 minutes.

Is the tour suitable for someone with limited mobility?

No. The activity is not suitable for people with mobility impairments, and the walk to the waterfall can be rough and difficult.