Yelapa Waterfall, BBQ at Exclusive Majahuitas Beach & Open bar

Yelapa and Majahuitas give you two very different slices of the Puerto Vallarta coast in one long day. First comes a boat ride across Banderas Bay to a remote fishing village, where you can walk to Cola de Caballo waterfall. Then you head to Majahuitas Beach for snorkeling, kayaking, paddleboarding, lunch, and beach time.

I like the mix of activities, especially the short jungle walk in Yelapa and the easy access to water sports at Majahuitas. I also like the crew’s energy. Danny, Dani, and Poncho are often singled out for keeping the boat lively, serving drinks, and helping people find their way through a busy day.

The main drawback is time. This is a tightly scheduled group outing, and Majahuitas can feel rushed once you fit in lunch and water activities. Rough sea conditions may also affect docking, snorkeling visibility, or even access to the waterfall.

Key points to know before you book

• Yelapa combines village life and a short waterfall walk: Expect uneven cobblestones, sand, uphill sections, and a waterfall that may be small or dry outside the rainy season.
• Majahuitas is the best stop for water activities: Snorkeling gear, kayaks, and paddleboards are included, with lunch served at the beach club.
• The boat ride is part of the show: Drinks, light breakfast items, music, coastal views, and possible dolphin or whale sightings fill the time between stops.
• The crew receives the most praise: Danny, Dani, Poncho, and the wider team are known for being entertaining, attentive, and good at keeping the day moving.
• Bring practical gear: Pack a towel, sunscreen, photo ID, and shoes that can handle wet cobblestones and rough sand.
• Expect a large group: The boat can carry up to 200 people, so this suits an active social outing more than a quiet private escape.

Two coastal stops, two different kinds of Mexico

At $99 per person, this is not simply a boat transfer to a beach. You are paying for a full day of transportation, food, drinks, equipment, entertainment, and access to two coastal stops that are not easy to combine on your own.

I see the value most clearly if you want variety. In a single outing, you can walk through a fishing village, see a waterfall, swim, snorkel, kayak, paddleboard, eat a BBQ lunch, and return by boat with music and a comedy-style crew performance. If you want long, quiet stretches at one beach, the schedule may test your patience.

The advertised duration is about seven hours, with an 8:00 am start and a return to the same departure point. It is offered in English. The group size can reach 200 people, so the mood is social and animated rather than intimate.

Starting at Puerto Mágico in Puerto Vallarta

The listed meeting point is the Vallarta Adventures terminal at Puerto Mágico, along Boulevard Francisco Medina Ascencio in the Hotel Zone. There may be more than one departure location for this experience, so check your confirmation carefully and allow time to find the correct terminal.

Two small charges are not included in the $99 price: a MX$40 port fee paid in cash at the port and a MX$20 access fee at check-in. These are easy to overlook when comparing prices, but they do not change the overall value much.

Bring photo ID. A towel and sunscreen are also smart additions, even though they are not listed among the included items. You will be around water for much of the day, and the Yelapa walk can be wet underfoot.

Federal maritime ports enforce a strict no-drug policy that includes electronic cigarettes and vapes. Someone refused entry for breaking that rule cannot receive a refund or change the date.

The boat ride across Banderas Bay

The ride is not dead time. The crew serves beverages aboard the boat, along with light breakfast items such as fruit and sweet bread. Reviews also describe music, coastal views, and possible sightings of dolphins and humpback whales, although wildlife is never guaranteed.

Depending on sea conditions, the route can include views near Los Arcos and a snorkeling stop before Yelapa. The crew may adjust the snorkeling location if jellyfish are present or if conditions make one area unpleasant. That flexibility is useful, but it also means the exact order and location of activities can change.

The boat has toilets on the lower deck. Drinks served aboard are part of the package, while beach drinks at Yelapa cost extra. The exact drink selection can vary, so do not assume that every drink available on the boat will be served at the beach club.

I would sit where you can enjoy the view but still hear the crew’s instructions. With a large group, missed announcements can create confusion later, especially when everyone needs to move between lunch, swimming, and equipment activities.

Yelapa: village paths, sand, and Cola de Caballo

Yelapa is a remote fishing village about an hour from Puerto Vallarta by boat. Its appeal is not polished resort comfort. You come here for the village setting, the walking route, and a look at a coastal community reached mainly by water.

The standard visit lasts about two hours. You may join a walk through town and continue toward Cola de Caballo waterfall, or spend more time at the beach. The route is short but not effortless. Expect uneven paths, wet cobblestones, sand, uphill sections, and irregular footing.

Good walking shoes matter. One useful choice is a pair of lightweight hiking shoes or secure sandals with grip. Flip-flops are a poor match for wet stones and rough sand. The route is not recommended for anyone with limited mobility, and you should be comfortable with a moderate level of physical activity.

The waterfall depends heavily on the season. During dry periods, it may be only a trickle or dry enough that the guide advises skipping the walk. If the water is flowing, the setting can be a memorable part of the morning. If it is not, the village walk and beach become the better use of your time.

Yelapa also has local vendors, including people selling drinks and other goods near the beach. You may find the atmosphere more authentic than a private beach club, but also less controlled and less peaceful. Drinks at Yelapa are not included.

Pay attention when the crew explains where and when to return to the boat. The village paths are not always obvious, and a confused arrival or return can spoil an otherwise good stop. This is one part of the day where clear instructions matter.

Snorkeling near Majahuitas and the Banderas Bay coves

Snorkeling conditions can change from excellent to disappointing. Some outings find colorful fish, pufferfish, and a good range of marine life. Other days bring murky water, strong waves, jellyfish, or poor visibility.

The crew may move the boat to more than one location to find safer or clearer water. That is sensible, but it can also reduce time at the beach. If snorkeling is your main reason for booking, weather and water conditions will have a large effect on the day.

The equipment is included, so you do not need to rent a mask or snorkel separately. Still, bring realistic expectations. This is a group boat excursion, not a specialist marine-life trip, and the sea decides what you see.

Some people enjoy the snorkeling more than any other activity. Others prefer kayaking, paddleboarding, or simply swimming. That range is one of the tour’s strengths because you can shift plans if visibility is poor.

Majahuitas Beach and the BBQ lunch

Majahuitas is the more polished stop. Palm trees, turquoise water, seating, restrooms, and food service make it easy to settle in after the village walk and boat transfers. The beach club provides lunch and unlimited non-alcoholic drinks, while the wider package includes beverages aboard the boat.

The BBQ lunch is one of the strongest parts of the day. Food is described as fresh and flavorful, with enough choice for different tastes. It is a practical benefit after a morning of walking and water activities, not just a decorative meal served beside the sea.

The catch is time. The stop is listed as about one hour, although the full beach-club portion may feel closer to an hour and a half depending on the day. You need to fit in lunch, swimming, snorkeling equipment returns, kayaking, paddleboarding, and possibly other activities.

I would decide early what matters most. If you want to eat slowly and relax, do that first. If you want a kayak or paddleboard, get organized quickly. Several people have wished for more time at Majahuitas, especially after spending a longer stretch in the water earlier in the day.

The beach can also have a tennis-court-like or developed feel rather than the untouched atmosphere you may picture from the word exclusive. It remains beautiful, but the setting is managed for group visits, with chairs, food service, equipment, and other people sharing the space.

Crew entertainment, music, and the pace of the return trip

The crew is central to the character of this outing. Danny, Dani, and Poncho are names that come up in connection with good service and strong entertainment. The team serves drinks, explains activities, helps with equipment, and keeps people moving from one part of the schedule to the next.

The return trip usually includes music and a surprise closing performance. The show has been compared to a rock concert-style act, including AC/DC and Guns N’ Roses material. You should expect playful, loud entertainment rather than a quiet sunset cruise.

That energy works well for families, couples, and groups of friends who enjoy a party atmosphere. It may not suit you if you want soft music and a calm ride home. On a large boat, the band or onboard music can also make conversation difficult.

The crew’s attentiveness is a major plus, but the large group creates limits. A few people may need to ask for directions more than once, and the schedule can feel like constant movement. This is the price of fitting two destinations and several activities into seven hours.

Who will get the most from this $99 day trip

I would recommend this for first-time visitors to Puerto Vallarta who want a broad sample of the coast without arranging separate transport, food, and equipment. It also works well for families with active older children, couples who like mixing sightseeing with swimming, and anyone who enjoys a lively boat atmosphere.

You will probably be happy if you value:

• Several activities in one day
• Organized transportation by boat
• A supplied BBQ lunch and drinks
• A short cultural stop in a fishing village
• Snorkeling, kayaking, and paddleboarding
• Crew-led music and entertainment

I would hesitate if you have limited mobility, dislike uneven ground, or need a slow schedule. The Yelapa route includes sandy and irregular paths, and the boat may not dock as planned in rough conditions.

I would also think twice if the waterfall is your main goal. It may be dry, and bad weather can prevent docking at Yelapa altogether. Majahuitas is the more dependable part of the outing, but even there, beach time can feel short.

Free cancellation is available up to 24 hours before the start time. If poor weather cancels the trip, you can receive a different date or a full refund. Once you are inside that 24-hour window, cancellations and changes are not accepted.

Should you book the Yelapa and Majahuitas tour?

Book it if you want a full, active day with a friendly crew, strong food, two coastal stops, and plenty to do. The best parts are the Yelapa walk when the waterfall is flowing, the clear-water snorkeling days, the Majahuitas BBQ, and the crew’s closing show.

Skip it if you want a quiet private beach day or a guaranteed waterfall visit. You should also choose another plan if rough footing, crowded boats, loud music, or tightly managed schedules would get in the way of your enjoyment.

For most active visitors, $99 is a fair price for the amount included. Just carry cash for the port fee, bring your own towel and sunscreen, wear shoes with grip, and listen closely to the return instructions at Yelapa. Those small preparations can make this busy day much easier.

FAQ

How long does the Yelapa and Majahuitas tour last?

The experience lasts about seven hours. It starts at 8:00 am and ends back at the meeting point in Puerto Vallarta.

Where does the tour depart from?

The listed departure point is Vallarta Adventures at Puerto Mágico, Terminal Marítima, on Boulevard Francisco Medina Ascencio in Puerto Vallarta. Check your confirmation for the correct departure location.

Is the waterfall visit guaranteed?

No. The waterfall may be very small or dry during the dry season. Rough sea conditions can also prevent the boat from docking at Yelapa.

Are lunch, drinks, snorkeling, and kayaking included?

Yes. BBQ lunch and refreshing drinks at Majahuitas are included, along with snorkeling and kayaking equipment. Beverages are also served aboard the boat. Drinks purchased at Yelapa are extra.

Is this tour suitable for someone with limited mobility?

No. The Yelapa portion includes sandy, uphill, uneven, and irregular paths. A moderate level of physical fitness is recommended.

Can cruise ship passengers book this experience?

No. Passengers arriving on a cruise ship cannot book this tour.