Yelapa Waterfall, BBQ at Exclusive Majahuitas Beach & Open bar

A full day on the water awaits. This Puerto Vallarta excursion combines a boat ride across Banderas Bay with a village walk in Yelapa, a waterfall hike, snorkeling, and a BBQ lunch at Majahuitas Beach. I like the mix of activity and scenery, and the crew, especially guides such as Danny and Poncho, receives frequent praise for keeping the mood lively and helping people along.

I also like that the $99 price covers transport by boat, breakfast snacks, lunch, drinks aboard, and snorkeling and kayaking gear. The main drawback is time: Majahuitas can feel rushed, and a large boat carrying up to 200 people may not suit anyone hoping for a quiet, private beach day.

Five things to know before you book

• Yelapa is more than a waterfall: You walk through a remote fishing village on uneven paths before reaching the falls.
• Majahuitas is the relaxing stop: The beach has palm trees, turquoise water, lunch, and water activities, but your time there may feel short.
• The crew is a major strength: Danny, Poncho, and other crew members are often praised for their humor, service, and energy.
• Water conditions shape the day: Rough seas can prevent docking at Yelapa and make snorkeling murky or uncomfortable.
• Bring practical gear: Pack a towel, sunscreen, photo ID, and shoes with a good grip. Carry cash for the port and access fees.

Leaving Puerto Vallarta by boat at 8 a.m.

The tour begins at 8 a.m. at Vallarta Adventures in Puerto Mágico, near the city’s Hotel Zone. Allow time to find the correct terminal. One person arrived late because the departure point was hard to locate, so I would not leave this detail to chance.

There are two small cash charges to plan for: MX$40 per person in port fees and MX$20 per person for the access fee at check-in. These costs are not included in the advertised price. Gratuity is optional, and horse rentals or drinks at Yelapa cost extra.

Once aboard, the trip becomes part sightseeing cruise and part floating social event. A light breakfast, fruit, sweet bread, and drinks are served during the ride. The boat passes along Banderas Bay, and you may see dolphins or humpback whales in season. Los Arcos near Mismaloya has also been included in the route for some departures.

The crew uses music, jokes, and entertainment to keep the ride moving. That is a real plus if you like a lively group outing. It can be less appealing if you want quiet conversation, since the music may be loud enough to make talking difficult.

Toilets are on the lower deck. The boat is comfortable enough for the long day, but this is not a small private charter. The maximum capacity is listed as 200 people, so expect a busy excursion rather than a personal sailing trip.

Yelapa: village paths, beach time, and Cola de Caballo

Yelapa lies about an hour from Puerto Vallarta and is reached by boat. Its setting is the reason to come: a remote fishing village backed by tropical hills, with no road connection from the main city. The arrival itself feels different from a standard resort beach stop.

The walk toward Cola de Caballo waterfall takes you through the village and along uneven paths. Expect sandy stretches, uphill sections, rough cobblestones, and wet surfaces. Hiking shoes or sturdy sandals are a smart choice. Flip-flops are a poor match for this part of the day.

The walk is not described as strenuous, but it does require a moderate fitness level. One useful detail is that the route may be more demanding than the short distance suggests. A fall on the rough path can turn a pleasant stop into a painful one, so take your time and watch your footing.

The waterfall itself depends on recent rain. In dry periods, it may be only a trickle or even too dry to justify the walk. Guides have sometimes advised people to skip the falls and choose a village stroll or beach time instead. I would book this tour for Yelapa’s village and setting first, with the waterfall treated as a bonus.

Yelapa also has independent vendors and paid drinks on the beach. You may be approached by sellers, and the atmosphere is less controlled than at Majahuitas. That can be part of the character of the village, but it may bother you if you want a quiet, interruption-free beach break.

The scheduled Yelapa stop lasts about two hours. That sounds generous, but it covers arrival, walking, the waterfall or village, and time near the shore. Follow the meeting instructions closely. One person was left confused about where to return, which shows why you should confirm the boat’s location and departure time before wandering off.

Snorkeling and sea conditions around Banderas Bay

Snorkeling is one of the tour’s main activities, and equipment is included. Results vary sharply with weather, water clarity, and the location selected that day. Some outings have produced colorful fish, pufferfish, and a good range of sea life. Other days have brought murky water, rough waves, or very few fish.

Jellyfish can also affect the plan. The boat may stop at more than one site if the first area is uncomfortable or unsuitable. That flexibility is useful, but it can also mean more time in the water and less time at Majahuitas.

You should think of snorkeling here as a pleasant addition, not a guaranteed reef spectacle. If calm water and clear visibility matter most to you, weather will play a major role. Big rolling waves can make even a good snorkeling site feel unpleasant, especially for weaker swimmers.

The crew provides equipment and guidance, but this is a large group activity. You may need to stay organized and move along with the schedule. The boat’s team works hard to help people join the activities, yet the size of the group limits individual attention.

Majahuitas Beach and the BBQ lunch

Majahuitas is the visual reward at the end of the route. The beach is secluded compared with Puerto Vallarta’s city beaches, with palms, clear-looking turquoise water, and a quieter setting than Yelapa. Chairs, food service, and restrooms are available, which makes this stop easy for a broad range of activity levels.

The included BBQ lunch is one of the strongest parts of the experience. It is described as fresh, flavorful, and generous enough to offer something for most people. Refreshing drinks are served, and unlimited non-alcoholic beverages are included at the beach club.

Be careful with the term open bar. Drinks are available aboard the boat, and beer has been served on some trips, but the beach inclusion specifically lists unlimited non-alcoholic beverages. If you are expecting a full alcohol package at Majahuitas, confirm the current drink arrangement before booking.

After eating, you can use the included snorkeling and kayaking equipment. Paddle boarding, beach volleyball, and banana boat rides have also been available during some outings. The exact activity mix may change, so do not assume every water sport will operate every day.

The most common complaint is not the food. It is the clock. A stop of roughly one to one and a half hours leaves little room to eat, change, try a water activity, and simply sit under a palm tree. Some people would prefer less snorkeling and more time at Majahuitas. If beach relaxation is your main goal, this schedule may feel too tight.

The ride home and the crew’s big finish

The return journey is not simply a transfer back to Puerto Vallarta. The crew uses music and a closing performance to end the trip. The show has included comedy and musical numbers, with references to AC/DC and Guns N’ Roses in some departures.

This final performance is a matter of taste. Many people enjoy the playful, slightly cheesy energy. If you prefer a peaceful ride after a long day, the music and show may feel like one activity too many.

Still, the crew is the clearest strength of this excursion. Danny is praised for explaining the route, entertaining the group, and making people feel looked after. Poncho and other crew members are also noted for being attentive, funny, and quick to help.

Service can vary on a large operation, and there have been complaints about unclear directions, rushed transitions, and unfriendly interactions. The positive experiences are more common in the supplied feedback, but I would keep expectations realistic: the team is managing a packed schedule and a big group, not providing private guiding.

Is $99 a good value?

At $99 per person, this is a fair price for a seven-hour day if you plan to use several parts of the package. Boat transport, breakfast snacks, lunch, drinks aboard, snorkeling gear, kayaking equipment, and access to Majahuitas are all bundled together.

The value improves if you want variety. You can see a fishing village, walk toward a waterfall, snorkel, eat at a beach club, and try water activities without arranging separate transport. For a first visit to Puerto Vallarta, that range makes the tour an efficient way to see the coast beyond the city.

The value drops if you only want one thing. A serious snorkeler may find the conditions inconsistent. Someone focused on waterfall photography may be disappointed during the dry season. Someone seeking a long, quiet beach stay may resent the short Majahuitas stop and the busy boat.

I would also budget for the two required cash fees, a possible tip, drinks at Yelapa, and horse rental fees if you choose them. Bring your own towel and sunscreen, since those are not listed among the included items.

Who will enjoy this Puerto Vallarta excursion?

I would recommend it to families, couples, and active adults who enjoy a full schedule. The mix of swimming, village walking, snorkeling, kayaking, lunch, and music gives everyone something to try. Families especially may appreciate the food, restrooms, chairs, and range of activities at Majahuitas.

It suits people who value good crew service and group entertainment. The day has a social feel, and you will spend much of it around other people. Guides such as Danny can add a lot to the experience when the sea, weather, or waterfall conditions are less than perfect.

I would be cautious if you have limited mobility. Yelapa includes sandy, uphill, and irregular paths, plus rough cobblestones and uneven beach access. The tour is also not available to passengers arriving on a cruise ship.

Avoid bringing electronic cigarettes, vapes, or any kind of drugs. Mexico’s federal maritime ports enforce a strict no-drug policy, and security may deny access without a refund or date change.

Should you book the Yelapa and Majahuitas tour?

Book it if you want a busy, social coastal day with plenty included and you are happy to trade privacy for convenience. The best parts are the scenic boat ride, Yelapa’s unusual village setting, the tasty BBQ, and a crew that often brings real warmth and humor to the day.

Skip it if your priority is a long stretch of quiet beach time, a small boat, or guaranteed waterfall and snorkeling conditions. For the best chance of enjoying it, bring sturdy footwear, a towel, sunscreen, photo ID, and cash. Keep your expectations flexible, and treat the waterfall and clear water as weather-dependent bonuses rather than promises.

FAQ

How long does the tour last?

The experience lasts approximately seven hours and begins at 8 a.m.

Where does the tour depart from?

It departs from Vallarta Adventures at Terminal Marítima in Puerto Mágico, Heroica Escuela Naval, Blvd. Francisco Medina Ascencio 30-G1, Zona Hotelera Norte, Puerto Vallarta.

Does the tour return to the same location?

Yes. The activity ends back at the meeting point.

Is lunch included?

Yes. A BBQ lunch at Majahuitas is included, along with refreshing drinks.

Are snorkeling and kayaking equipment included?

Yes. Snorkeling and kayaking equipment are included.

Are alcoholic drinks included?

Beverages are served aboard the boat, and the beach club includes unlimited non-alcoholic beverages. Drinks at Yelapa cost extra.

What extra fees must I pay?

You must pay MX$40 per person in port fees at the port and MX$20 per person for the access fee at check-in. Gratuity, horse rentals, and drinks at Yelapa are not included.

Is the tour suitable for people with limited mobility?

No. The experience includes sandy, uphill, and irregular paths in Yelapa, so it is not recommended for people with limited mobility.