Vallarta: Yelapa Waterfall & Majahuitas Snorkel Adventure

The best part of this day is the contrast: Yelapa feels like a tiny fishing village reached by water, while Majahuitas is a quiet cove with no road access at all. In one outing, you get a waterfall walk, beach time, snorkeling, lunch, and a festive boat ride home.

I especially like the easy mix of activities and the crew’s strong entertainment skills. Guides such as Chai, Omar, Alejandro, Emberto, and Chewey have been singled out for their warmth and energy. The catch is that this is a large, busy boat excursion, and time at each stop can feel short.

Key points to know before booking

• Yelapa’s Cola de Caballo waterfall is reached by walking through a small village and along a rough route.
• Majahuitas is accessible only by boat, with snorkeling, kayaking, paddle boarding, and beach time.
• The return cruise is part of the show, with music, dancing, drinks, and onboard entertainment.
• The boat can be very large, with one reported outing carrying more than 100 people.
• Bring cash, since the MXN$40 port fee and USD$20 access fee are paid separately.
• Plan for an active day, especially if you want the waterfall walk and snorkeling.

Two very different coves in one seven-hour day

This excursion is built around variety rather than long, quiet stretches in one place. You leave Puerto Vallarta by catamaran, spend about 90 minutes on the outward cruise, visit Yelapa for roughly 80 minutes, ride another 15 minutes to Majahuitas, and then spend about two hours and 40 minutes there before the 90-minute return.

That schedule packs a lot into one day. You are not simply lying on one beach from morning to afternoon. You are moving between a village, a waterfall, a protected cove, and an onboard party.

I would choose this trip if you want a broad taste of the southern Puerto Vallarta coast and enjoy organized group activities. If your ideal day is long, silent snorkeling with very few people around, this may feel too busy.

The boat ride from Puerto Vallarta

Boarding is available from Puerto Magico or the Vallarta Adventures location in Nuevo Vallarta. You must check in at the Vallarta Adventures desk and redeem your reservation before boarding. Hotel transportation is not included, so you need to arrange your own way to the departure point.

The outward cruise gives you a wide view of the coast. Keep your eyes on the water, since dolphins are possible and humpback whales may be seen in winter. Whale sightings are never guaranteed, but the cruise itself is part of the appeal. You get a changing view of the shoreline instead of sitting in a van on the way to an inland attraction.

This is also when the crew begins setting the tone. Music, commentary about coastal landmarks, and drinks help the time pass. One useful practical detail: eat breakfast before you go if you need a full morning meal. The light offering may be limited to coffee and juice, despite some outings including a small breakfast service.

The boat may feel crowded at first. One account described a vessel carrying more than 100 people, so do not picture a private sailing trip. The upside is a lively social mood and a crew with plenty of energy. The downside is less personal space and more waiting when everyone moves on and off the boat.

Yelapa, the village without roads

Yelapa is the cultural change of pace. This small coastal community has no roads, and the route from the shore leads through a compact fishing village surrounded by thick green hills. You can browse local handicrafts, watch village life, and walk toward the Cola de Caballo waterfall.

The waterfall walk is the most demanding part of the day. It can be hot, uneven, and slippery, and one account called the route treacherous. The exact condition of the falls depends on recent rain. After a wet period, the water can be a wonderful reward at the end of the walk. During a dry spell, the falls may be little more than a trickle, but the walk and village still offer a different side of the coast.

You can usually cool off in the waterfall pool, though the water may feel cold after the hot walk. A small bar near the falls gives you another place to pause. The route then leads back toward the beach, where a river meets the sea and the mountains rise behind the shoreline.

The official timing allows around 80 minutes at Yelapa. That sounds reasonable until you account for the walk, the group pace, photos, and the return to the boat. If you want to linger in the village, shop slowly, and spend time at the waterfall, you may feel hurried.

Wear secure footwear if you have it, though one past participant found flip-flops workable. I would still favor shoes that stay on your feet, especially for the rougher sections. Bring a towel, water protection for your phone, and cash if you want to buy handicrafts or drinks.

Majahuitas, snorkeling, and beach time

After Yelapa, the boat makes a short 15-minute run to Majahuitas. This cove is reached only by sea, which helps explain its appeal. There are no roads leading into it and no ordinary town traffic. The beach and clear water create a more remote feeling than you get around Puerto Vallarta.

The formal snorkeling portion lasts about 25 minutes. Equipment is included, and an expert guide is available. You may see different fish and other marine life, but water clarity varies. One outing had poor visibility, and another encountered jellyfish that caused discomfort for everyone in the water. Ask the crew about current conditions before you get in, and do not assume that every snorkeling stop will offer perfect visibility.

The short snorkeling window is important to understand. This is not a dedicated snorkeling expedition. If you are eager to spend most of the day in the water, you should look for a smaller trip built around snorkeling. Here, the water activity is one piece of a larger program.

After snorkeling, the schedule leaves about two hours and 40 minutes for lunch and free time at Majahuitas. That is where you can relax on the sand, try kayaking or paddle boarding, or simply sit by the water. A deli-style lunch is included, along with drinks from the onboard open bar.

The long stop makes Majahuitas the best place to slow down. You have more room here to choose your own pace than at Yelapa. Families can split up, with some people using the water equipment while others stay on the beach. Older family members who do not want to snorkel can still enjoy the cove, though the overall outing is not recommended for people with mobility impairments.

Lunch, drinks, and the return fiesta

Lunch is a cold deli-style spread, with sandwiches, salads, and fruit. It is practical rather than fancy, but it suits a day spent outside. You can eat before returning to Puerto Vallarta instead of having to find food during the excursion.

The open bar is included on board. It becomes more important on the return cruise, when the crew shifts from guiding the day to entertaining the boat. Expect music, dancing, drinks, and a show. This part has received especially strong praise, and it is one reason the trip feels like more than a transport service between beaches.

The crew’s personality makes a real difference here. Chai and the rest of the staff have been noted for keeping people involved, while Omar, Alejandro, Emberto, and Chewey have also been praised for being attentive and fun. Names and exact performances can vary, but you should expect a lively group atmosphere rather than a quiet sunset cruise.

Keep your expectations realistic. The entertainment is aimed at a full boat, so it can feel broad and high-energy. That is excellent for birthdays, family groups, and people who enjoy meeting others. It may not suit you if you prefer a calm ride with no dancing or organized fun.

What the $99 price really covers

At $99 per person, the price is reasonable for the amount packed into seven hours. It includes the catamaran cruise, guided Yelapa visit, waterfall access by walking route, snorkeling equipment, kayaking equipment, lunch, an open bar, and the return entertainment.

You are also paying for the logistics of reaching two coastal spots that are not simple to visit independently in one day. Majahuitas has no road access, and combining it with Yelapa requires boat transport, timing, equipment, food, and staff.

The extra charges matter. 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. At the headline price, the tour looks cheaper than your final outlay, so add those fees before comparing it with other excursions.

Bring pesos and some US dollars for the required charges, village purchases, and optional extras. Photos may be offered for purchase, and one past participant felt they were expensive. You do not need to buy them, but you may want your own dry phone pouch and a friend ready to take pictures.

Who will enjoy this outing most

I would recommend this excursion to you if you want a full day with several kinds of activity. It works well for couples, families, first-time visitors to Puerto Vallarta, and groups that cannot agree on just one thing to do.

You can walk to a waterfall, shop in a small village, swim, snorkel, kayak, paddle board, eat lunch, and enjoy a party boat. That range is the main value. Younger people can use the water equipment while others remain on the beach, and the crew keeps the return ride entertaining.

The trip is less suited to anyone with limited mobility. Yelapa’s route can be rough, and getting between the boat, shore, village, and waterfall involves walking. It is also not ideal for a person who wants an uncrowded, slow-paced beach day or a serious snorkeling program.

The group size deserves a clear warning. A big catamaran creates a social atmosphere, but it also means queues, shared equipment, and a crowd moving through a small village. Yelapa is a real community, not a purpose-built attraction, and the village can feel overwhelmed when a large group passes through at once.

Practical tips for a smoother day

Arrive early, especially if you are leaving from Puerto Magico. Finding the correct port area can take time, and one useful rule is to be there before 8 a.m. when an early departure applies.

Bring your passport or another accepted photo ID, since it is required. Pack a towel, swimwear, sun protection, cash, and footwear that feels steady on uneven ground. A small waterproof bag will help protect your phone and money during the beach and waterfall portions.

If you want to snorkel, go when the crew calls your group and ask about visibility and jellyfish before entering. Conditions can change, and the short 25-minute session leaves little time for hesitation.

Listen closely when the crew explains the Yelapa meeting point and return time. The village route can be confusing, especially when many people are walking in different directions. Missing the group would turn a pleasant stop into a serious problem.

Cancellation is flexible up to 24 hours before departure for a full refund, and you can reserve now and pay later. Check the available starting time when you book, since the seven-hour duration does not by itself tell you the exact departure hour.

Should you book the Yelapa and Majahuitas cruise?

Book it if you want a lively, well-organized sampler of Puerto Vallarta’s southern coast. The strongest reasons are the boat-only access to Majahuitas, the chance to see Yelapa’s village and waterfall, the included lunch and equipment, and a crew that puts real effort into the return entertainment.

Skip it if your priority is quiet time, a small boat, or long snorkeling sessions. The day can feel rushed, the boat may carry a large crowd, and the waterfall route is not gentle.

For $99, plus the required fees and gratuities, I think the tour offers good value for an active first visit. Go prepared for a full schedule, bring cash and a towel, and treat the waterfall and wildlife as conditions-dependent rewards rather than guarantees. That mindset will let you enjoy what this outing does best: giving you several memorable coastal experiences in one energetic day.

FAQ

How long does the Yelapa and Majahuitas tour last?

The activity lasts seven hours, including the outbound and return catamaran rides.

Where does the tour depart from?

Pickup and drop-off options are available at Puerto Magico and Vallarta Adventures Nuevo Vallarta. You must check in at the Vallarta Adventures desk to redeem your reservation.

Is hotel transportation included?

No. Transportation from your hotel is not included.

What is included in the price?

The price includes a deli-style lunch, an onboard open bar, snorkeling equipment, and kayaking equipment. The catamaran transportation and guided stops are also part of the experience.

Are the port and access fees included?

No. A MXN$40 port fee must be paid in cash before boarding, and a USD$20 access fee per person must be paid in cash at check-in.

Can I snorkel at Majahuitas?

Yes. Snorkeling equipment is provided, and the scheduled snorkeling portion lasts about 25 minutes. Water visibility and marine conditions can vary.

Do I need to bring identification?

Yes. Bring your passport or ID card.

Is the tour suitable for people with mobility impairments?

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