Yelapa Waterfall, BBQ at Exclusive Majahuitas Beach & Open bar

The sea does the talking. This Yelapa and Majahuitas day trip pairs a remote fishing village with a palm-fringed beach, and I like the easy mix of boat time, swimming, snorkeling, kayaking, and a BBQ lunch. The crew also earns strong marks for keeping the mood lively. The catch is simple: you may have too little time at Majahuitas, and rough seas or dry weather can change the plan.

You’ll leave Puerto Vallarta around 8 a.m. and return after roughly seven hours. I especially like the short walk through Yelapa to its waterfall, plus the chance to spot dolphins or humpback whales from the boat when nature cooperates. Still, this is a large-group excursion, with up to 200 people, so it feels more like a polished party boat than a quiet coastal escape.

Bring a photo ID, swimsuit, towel, sunscreen, and shoes with a firm grip. Yelapa’s paths can be sandy, steep, wet, and uneven. Guides such as Danny and Poncho have received praise for their energy and care, but timing and instructions can feel rushed when many people are moving between activities.

Key points to know before you book

• Yelapa takes you beyond Puerto Vallarta: Reach a remote fishing village by boat, then choose a short waterfall walk, village stroll, or beach time.
• Majahuitas is the relaxed-looking finale: Swim, snorkel, kayak, paddle board, play beach volleyball, or simply eat lunch beside turquoise water.
• The crew is part of the entertainment: Danny, Poncho, and other crew members are often praised for friendly service, music, humor, and a surprise show on the ride home.
• Water conditions matter: Rough seas can prevent docking at Yelapa and make snorkeling murky or uncomfortable.
• The waterfall is seasonal: In dry periods, Cola de Caballo may be only a trickle or completely dry.
• Extra fees are small but easy to miss: Bring cash for the MX$40 port fee and MX$20 check-in access fee, in addition to the $99 tour price.

What this Puerto Vallarta boat trip is really like

This is a full-day outing from Puerto Vallarta into Banderas Bay. The route gives you several different versions of the coast in one package: open water, a small village, a waterfall path, a sheltered beach, and water activities.

That variety is the main reason to book it. You do not need to arrange separate transport, equipment rental, lunch, or a boat transfer to Yelapa. Snorkeling and kayaking equipment are supplied, and drinks are served aboard the boat. At Majahuitas, lunch and unlimited non-alcoholic drinks are included.

The $99 price is fair if you plan to use the activities and eat lunch at the beach. You are paying for transportation, crew, gear, food, and a long day on the water. It is less attractive if your main goal is quiet beach time, because the schedule keeps moving and the Majahuitas stop can feel short.

The boat can carry as many as 200 people. That matters. A large group gives you a social, festive setting and a crew with a clear routine, but it also means queues, group instructions, music, and less personal attention. This is not the trip for sitting silently with a book while the coast slips by.

Starting at Puerto Mágico at 8 a.m.

The listed departure point is Vallarta Adventures at the Puerto Mágico maritime terminal, along Boulevard Francisco Medina Ascencio in Puerto Vallarta’s Hotel Zone North. The tour ends at the same meeting point.

Give yourself time to find the correct terminal entrance. One person missed the first departure after having trouble locating the meeting point, so clear directions matter. At check-in, bring a photo ID. You should also have cash for the MX$40 port fee and MX$20 access fee.

The day begins with a boat ride into Banderas Bay. Fruit, sweet bread, a light breakfast snack, and drinks may be served along the way. The ride itself is a major part of the outing, with wide coastal views and the possibility of seeing dolphins or humpback whales.

Those sightings are never guaranteed, of course. The same applies to calm water and clear snorkeling conditions. Still, the boat ride gives you a pleasant start before the more active stops.

Yelapa, a fishing village with a changeable waterfall

Yelapa is about an hour from Puerto Vallarta by boat. Its appeal is its setting and village character. You arrive at a place that feels removed from the city, then walk through the settlement toward the waterfall area.

The waterfall walk is short, but it is not effortless. The route may include wet cobblestones, sand, uphill sections, and irregular paths. Wear secure walking shoes rather than flip-flops. A guest who wore hiking shoes was glad to have them, and that is sensible advice.

When water levels are good, Cola de Caballo makes a lovely goal for the walk. The route also lets you see how people live in Yelapa, rather than simply stepping off the boat onto a beach and leaving again. The village walk is part of the value.

Do not book this trip solely for a powerful waterfall. During dry conditions, the cascade may be very small or dry. When that happens, the guide may suggest a village walk or beach time instead. That is not a failure of the crew, but it is a seasonal reality you should understand before paying.

Your time in Yelapa is about two hours. That sounds generous, but the transfer from boat to shore and the walk itself use part of it. Some people want more time exploring the village. Others find the route confusing without close guidance. Keep track of your group and listen carefully to the return instructions.

The shore can also be awkward. Sandy paths and rough footing are not suitable for people with limited mobility. The tour specifically calls for moderate physical fitness, and that is an accurate description.

Local sellers may approach you at the beach in Yelapa. You may also pay extra for horse rentals or drinks there. Those costs are not included, so you can keep your wallet closed if you prefer.

Snorkeling in Banderas Bay

The snorkeling stop adds a welcome change of pace after Yelapa. Equipment is provided, and the crew directs you to places where you can swim among marine life.

Conditions vary sharply. In clear, calm water, you might see colorful fish, pufferfish, and other species. Some outings have produced excellent snorkeling. In other conditions, jellyfish have required the boat to move between spots, and murky water or rolling waves have made the activity disappointing.

That variability is important. You are booking access to a coastal snorkeling experience, not a guaranteed aquarium. If the water is rough, you may spend more time bouncing in the sea than calmly looking below it.

Some people also find the snorkeling portion longer than they want, especially when they would rather reach Majahuitas. The balance of time is fixed by the group schedule, so you cannot usually trade snorkeling minutes for extra beach time.

Majahuitas Beach, BBQ, and water activities

Majahuitas is the visual reward of the day. Palm trees, turquoise water, and a more secluded setting create the classic tropical beach stop. You can swim, snorkel, kayak, paddle board, and take part in beach activities such as volleyball. Some outings have also included a banana boat ride.

Lunch is a BBQ buffet at the Majahuitas beach club. The food receives some of the strongest praise, with fresh, flavorful dishes and options that suit different tastes. Refreshing drinks are included, and unlimited non-alcoholic beverages are listed for the beach portion.

Read the drink details carefully. The tour includes beverages aboard the boat, while the Majahuitas description specifically promises unlimited non-alcoholic drinks. Drinks at Yelapa cost extra. Do not assume the phrase open bar means unlimited cocktails at every stop.

The main complaint about Majahuitas is time. The stop is listed at about one hour, though some outings have had around an hour and a half. Once you eat, find your place, change activities, and get instructions, the actual free swimming time can feel brief.

I would plan to choose your priority before you arrive. If you want to kayak, paddle board, and swim, do not spend too long lingering over lunch. If you care most about the BBQ and scenery, skip trying to do every activity. The beach is attractive, but the schedule does not allow a lazy resort afternoon.

The beach club offers useful comforts, including seating and restrooms. That makes the stop easier than a completely undeveloped beach visit, but it also means the experience is organized and commercial rather than untouched.

The crew, music, and surprise finale

The crew is one of the clearest strengths of this outing. Danny is singled out for explaining each stage, keeping people entertained, and helping the day feel organized. Poncho and his team also receive praise for friendly service and attention.

Crew members serve drinks, help with activities, and keep the group moving. That work matters on a tour with many people and several stops. The atmosphere is cheerful, with music aboard the boat and a closing performance on the return ride.

The final show is kept as a surprise, and that is probably wise. Expect a playful, humorous production rather than a quiet ride back to Puerto Vallarta. It can be a highlight for families, couples, and anyone who enjoys a bit of silliness after a long day outside.

Service is not perfectly consistent. When the boat is crowded, instructions can be unclear, and some people have felt left on their own in Yelapa. Other accounts describe the crew as attentive and highly organized. I would stay alert to meeting times, ask where to regroup, and avoid wandering far from the agreed return point.

Loud music can also make conversation difficult. If you prefer a calm, low-key boat ride, the entertainment style may be more than you want.

Who will enjoy this tour most

I would recommend this day trip to families, couples, and active visitors who want several experiences in one booking. You get village scenery, a short walk, a waterfall possibility, snorkeling, a BBQ, beach time, and a lively ride home.

It suits you especially well if you like guided activity and do not mind a set schedule. The crew handles the practical details, and you can try several water sports without arranging separate rentals.

It is a weaker match for people with limited mobility. Yelapa includes sandy, uphill, wet, and irregular paths, and the beach transfer may be uncomfortable. It is also not ideal if you want long, uninterrupted time at Majahuitas or a private boat atmosphere.

Cruise ship passengers cannot book this experience. The tour requires good weather, and poor conditions can lead to a new date or full refund. You can cancel for a full refund up to 24 hours before the start time, but changes or cancellations inside that window are not refunded.

Practical packing advice for the seven-hour outing

Pack lightly, but bring the items that make the day easier:

• Swimsuit and towel
• Sunscreen
• Firm walking shoes for Yelapa
• Photo ID
• Cash for the MX$40 port fee and MX$20 access fee
• A small bag for personal items

A towel and sunscreen are not supplied in the stated inclusions, so bring your own. The boat has toilets on the lower deck.

Leave electronic cigarettes, vapes, and drugs at home. Federal maritime ports enforce a strict no-drug policy, including vaping devices, and security can deny access without a refund or date change.

The moderate fitness requirement is worth taking seriously. You will board and leave a boat, walk on uneven ground, and possibly swim or use water equipment. If you have mobility concerns, this is the wrong excursion.

Is the Yelapa and Majahuitas tour worth $99?

For $99 per person, I think the value is good when you want a packed day and plan to eat, swim, and use the equipment. Transport to two coastal stops, breakfast snacks, drinks aboard, snorkeling and kayaking gear, a BBQ lunch, and organized entertainment add up quickly when booked separately.

The value drops if the sea is rough, the waterfall is dry, or your main aim is a peaceful beach. Weather can affect docking, visibility, and the amount of time you spend doing the activities you expected.

The strongest part of the trip is the combination of places and the crew’s energy. The weakest part is the tight schedule, especially at Majahuitas. Go in expecting a fun, active group outing rather than a slow day in paradise.

Should you book it?

Book this tour if you want to see Yelapa and Majahuitas in one day, enjoy water activities, and like a friendly crew with music and comedy. It is a practical choice for a first visit to Puerto Vallarta when you want scenery, food, and action without planning each piece yourself.

Think twice if you need accessible paths, dislike crowds, or want hours of quiet beach time. Check the forecast, pack good shoes, bring cash and a towel, and keep your expectations flexible about the waterfall and snorkeling. With that approach, this is a lively and worthwhile coastal day out.

FAQ

How long does the Yelapa and Majahuitas tour last?

The experience lasts approximately seven hours.

What time does the tour start?

The listed start time is 8:00 a.m.

Where does the tour depart from?

It departs from Vallarta Adventures at the Puerto Mágico maritime terminal on Boulevard Francisco Medina Ascencio in Puerto Vallarta.

Where does the tour end?

The activity ends back at the original meeting point.

Is lunch included?

Yes. A BBQ lunch at Majahuitas is included.

Are drinks included?

Beverages are served aboard the boat, and unlimited non-alcoholic beverages are included at Majahuitas. Drinks at Yelapa cost extra.

Is snorkeling equipment provided?

Yes. Snorkeling and kayaking equipment are included.

Can I visit the Yelapa waterfall?

The tour includes a visit to the Yelapa waterfall area, but water levels vary. In dry conditions, the waterfall may be very small or dry.

Is this tour suitable for people with limited mobility?

No. The tour is not recommended for people with limited mobility because Yelapa has sandy, uphill, wet, and irregular paths.

Can cruise ship passengers book this tour?

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

What extra fees should I expect?

You must pay a MX$40 port fee in cash and a MX$20 access fee at check-in. Gratuity, horse rentals, and drinks at Yelapa are also not included.

What happens if bad weather cancels the tour?

If poor weather causes cancellation, you will be offered a different date or a full refund.