Mega Yacht ALL INCLUSIVE Yelapa Waterfall & Snorkeling Adventure

The best part of this six-hour outing is the mix of ocean fun and Yelapa time. You get a proper day on the water, then a chance to walk through a small coastal village to its waterfall, all with breakfast, fajitas, snacks, and an open bar covered in the price.

I like the choice of seating, from lively music and social areas to quieter shaded spots, and I like that the crew keeps food and drinks moving without making you fend for yourself. The main catch is time: snorkeling, swimming, Yelapa, and the waterfall all share one half-day, so no single stop feels especially long.

Key points to know before booking

• The boat is a spacious catamaran: It is marketed as a mega yacht, but the vessel is a catamaran, a useful distinction if boat style matters to you.
• Yelapa includes a waterfall walk: The path takes about 15 minutes, but one section involves a noticeable uphill walk.
• Food and drinks are covered: Breakfast, fajitas, guacamole, chips, soft drinks, and premium alcoholic drinks are included.
• Water toys are part of the day: Snorkel gear, kayaks, paddleboards, slides, and a floating water mattress are available.
• The mood is social: Ricky Ricardo and DJ David help create a lively party atmosphere, while the upper level offers quieter music.
• Pack very little, but bring sun protection: You mainly need a swimsuit, towel, sunscreen, and a hat. Gratuities and photos cost extra.

A six-hour day from Puerto Vallarta to Yelapa

This is not a quiet sightseeing cruise with a few quick photo stops. It is a social catamaran day built around food, drinks, music, swimming, and a short visit to Yelapa.

You choose between two departure points when booking: Chica Locca at Puerto Mágico Cruise Ship Terminal or Paradise Village. That choice matters. Pick the place that fits your hotel and daily plans, because hotel pickup and drop-off are not included.

At Puerto Mágico, check-in takes place at the Chica Locca office inside the cruise terminal area. Give yourself enough time to find the office and pass port security. The terminal is a federal maritime port, and security may search for drugs, alcohol, weapons, liquids, electronic cigarettes, or vaping devices. Do not bring prohibited items and assume your normal beach bag will pass without inspection.

Once aboard, you meet the cruise director and crew, find a seat, and settle into the ride south through Banderas Bay. The bay is large, open, and known for marine life. Humpback whales visit in season, and some outings also spot dolphins, though wildlife sightings are never guaranteed.

Breakfast begins the day with fresh seasonal fruit, pastries, coffee, and juice. That is a useful touch because the first part of the cruise takes about an hour, and the boat moves quickly from check-in into full service.

Choosing your place on the catamaran

The boat offers comfortable seating, with shaded areas available. That makes a real difference in Puerto Vallarta’s strong sun, especially on a six-hour trip where you may not want to sit exposed the entire time.

The atmosphere depends partly on where you sit. Music and the main social energy are strongest in the livelier parts of the boat. The upper level has quieter music, so you can enjoy the views without committing to the party for every minute.

Ricky Ricardo is one of the main personalities associated with the cruise. His job is to keep people involved, laughing, and moving between the activities. DJ David also helps set the tone. The result is more party boat than private sailing trip.

That will suit you if you like meeting people, dancing, and having drinks served throughout the day. It may not suit you if you want long stretches of silence, a small-group sailing feel, or a serious snorkeling expedition.

The listed maximum is 115 people. That is a sizable group, and the boat can feel much more personal when attendance is lower. One recent outing had about 30 participants, which created an especially favorable staff-to-passenger ratio. You should not count on that number, though. Ask yourself how comfortable you are with a large organized excursion.

Playa Chica Locca: slides, snorkeling, and water toys

After roughly an hour of sailing, the catamaran reaches Playa Chica Locca in Quimixto. This is the first active stop and usually the point where the day shifts from cruising to swimming.

You can jump from the second deck, use the water slides, snorkel, paddleboard, kayak, or relax on a floating water mattress. The equipment is supplied, so you do not need to bring your own snorkel or board.

The setting combines open water with views toward the forested coast. Snorkeling conditions can change with weather and water clarity. On a good day, you may see plenty of fish. On another, cloudy water can make the underwater part less impressive. That variation is important because the tour title may suggest that snorkeling is the main event, but it is only one part of a packed schedule.

Time is another consideration. Some people get about 40 minutes in the water, while others wish they had more time to swim, snorkel, or paddleboard. If your first priority is underwater viewing, you may find the stop too short. If you want a fun swim with several choices, it works better.

Bring a swimsuit you can move in and keep your belongings simple. The crew provides the listed equipment, but availability can become tight when the boat is full. One reported problem involved the snorkel supply running out for part of the group. That should not happen on a snorkeling excursion, but it is a practical reason to ask the crew for gear early rather than waiting until the stop is underway.

Safety remains part of the crew’s role. The team encourages fun while keeping an eye on the activity area, and service continues even when you are in the water. You may find drinks being brought close to the swimming area, though you should follow crew instructions about where glassware and certain drinks are allowed.

Open-bar service, breakfast, lunch, and snacks

The all-inclusive label is accurate for the food and drink described. Breakfast includes fruit, pastries, coffee, and juices. Later, the crew serves guacamole with blue corn chips and potato chips before the main meal.

Lunch is Mexican fajitas with chicken and beef, plus rice, beans, tortillas, and salsa. The food is prepared in the Playa Chica Locca kitchen and brought to the boat. That is a more substantial lunch than the usual packaged sandwich found on many boat excursions.

Vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free options are available if you request them at booking. Do not wait until you are sitting down to eat. Dietary planning works best when the operator knows in advance.

The premium open bar runs throughout the cruise. It includes water, coffee, juices, soft drinks, mineral water, beer, wine, tequila, champagne, margaritas, and piña coladas. The crew keeps the service active, which is one reason the experience feels effortless once you are aboard.

You should still pace yourself. The boat is in the sun, and the day includes swimming and walking. Alternating alcoholic drinks with water is wise, particularly if you plan to use the slides, kayak, or paddleboard.

An onboard massage may also be available as a complimentary option. Sign up early because it is easy to miss the announcement once the music and activities begin. It is not the main reason to book the cruise, but it adds a pleasant way to spend time if you prefer staying aboard during the Yelapa stop.

Yelapa Beach and the waterfall walk

The second stop is Yelapa, a small coastal village in a sheltered bay where two rivers meet the sea. The catamaran docks at a pier, and you can choose how active you want to be.

You can go ashore for the village and beach, join a guided walk to the waterfall, or remain on the boat to swim, eat, drink, or book the massage. That flexibility is useful for mixed groups. One person can take the walk while another stays aboard with a book and a cold drink.

The waterfall walk takes about 15 minutes and is accessible for many people, but it is not completely flat. A noticeable hill makes the route less comfortable for anyone with limited mobility, balance problems, or difficulty walking in heat. One account described the climb as substantial enough to be a concern for older participants.

At the falls, you can take a dip and cool off. The waterfall is attractive, but keep your expectations in proportion. This is a short village-and-waterfall visit, not a full hiking day. You are also sharing the stop with the beach and the return schedule, so you may need to choose between lingering at the cascade, exploring Yelapa, and swimming by the boat.

Yelapa itself gives the cruise some local character. You are not spending the whole day on a floating bar. You get a brief look at a small settlement with a beach, a pier, a river-fed setting, and a walk through the area. That taste of shore life is one of the reasons I prefer this itinerary to a simple out-and-back party cruise.

The drawback is the clock. Several people have wished for more time on the beach and in the water. The tour tries to include a lot, and the price of that variety is limited time at each stop.

The return cruise through Banderas Bay

After Yelapa, the boat heads back toward Puerto Vallarta or Paradise Village, depending on your chosen departure point. The return trip is part of the entertainment rather than dead time.

Music, dancing, drink service, and conversation continue as the coast slides by. In whale season, you can keep watch for humpbacks. Dolphins and whales have been seen on outings, but sightings depend on the animals and the day.

A photo team works aboard the boat and takes action pictures throughout the excursion. You can view and purchase the images on the return trip. Souvenir photos are not included, so treat them as an optional extra rather than part of the all-inclusive price.

The total outing lasts about six hours. That shorter schedule is helpful if you want a major water activity but still want part of the afternoon or evening free. A typical early departure can return around 3 p.m., though the exact timing may vary.

Is the $117.60 price a good value?

At $117.60 per person, this is not the cheapest way to reach Yelapa. You are paying for a packaged day that combines transport, meals, unlimited drinks, a crew, equipment, entertainment, and more than one destination.

The value is strongest if you would otherwise pay separately for a boat ride, lunch, drinks, snorkel rental, kayak use, and a visit to the waterfall. You also avoid the small decisions that can make a beach day feel like work. Once you board, the crew handles the food, drinks, gear, and schedule.

The value is weaker if you do not drink, dislike group entertainment, or mainly want quiet time at Yelapa. You may also feel shortchanged if snorkeling is the one activity you care about most, especially on a crowded day or when the water is cloudy.

Food and service receive especially strong praise. The crew keeps plates, snacks, and drinks coming, and the boat is cleaned constantly. That attention matters on a busy excursion. You are not left wondering when lunch will arrive or how to find the next drink.

Tips are not included. Gratuities are optional, but you should budget for one if the crew takes good care of you. Photos are also extra.

Who will enjoy this excursion most?

I would recommend it to couples, families, friends, and solo visitors who enjoy a social setting. It works particularly well for a mixed-age family because you can choose between swimming, the waterfall, the beach, the upper deck, and simply relaxing aboard.

It can suit an older parent or relative who is comfortable with a boat and basic walking. One family took a senior father and found the experience enjoyable. The waterfall path is the part to assess honestly before booking.

You will likely have a good time if you want:

• A social catamaran ride with music and an active host
• Drinks and meals included in one price
• Several water activities instead of one long snorkeling session
• A short visit to Yelapa and its waterfall
• Comfortable seating with shaded and quieter areas
• A half-day outing that leaves time for other plans

You may want another tour if you want a small boat, serious snorkeling, long beach time, a quiet sail, or a full day devoted to Yelapa. The word mega can also create the wrong picture. This is a large, comfortable catamaran, not a private superyacht.

Booking details worth checking

Choose your meeting point before completing the reservation. You can select Chica Locca at Puerto Mágico or Paradise Village, and hotel transfers are not included.

Confirmation is provided at booking, and the activity is offered in English, though a multilingual guide may operate the tour. Most people can participate, but the waterfall walk and water activities require a reasonable level of mobility.

The minimum drinking age is 18. Free cancellation is available up to 24 hours before the start time. Cancellations within 24 hours are not refunded, and late changes are not accepted.

The cruise depends on good weather and a minimum number of participants. If the operator cancels for either reason, you can choose another date or experience, or receive a full refund.

Should you book the Yelapa catamaran adventure?

Book it if you want a lively, well-fed day that combines a comfortable boat, open bar, water toys, and a short Yelapa visit. The crew service, plentiful food, and easy all-inclusive format are the strongest reasons to choose it.

Go in with clear expectations. This is not a dedicated snorkeling trip, and it is not a quiet private yacht charter. Snorkel time may be limited, equipment can be in demand on a full sailing, and the waterfall requires an uphill walk.

For the right audience, $117.60 is a fair price for a six-hour package with breakfast, lunch, snacks, premium drinks, gear, entertainment, and access to both the bay and Yelapa. Pick the quieter upper level when you need a break, bring a hat and sunscreen, request dietary needs in advance, and sign up early for the massage or snorkel equipment. If that sounds like your kind of day, this is an easy Puerto Vallarta excursion to put high on your list.

FAQ

How long does the Yelapa catamaran tour last?

The experience lasts approximately six hours, including the outbound cruise, water activities, time at Yelapa, and the return trip.

Where do I meet the boat?

You can choose Chica Locca at Puerto Mágico Cruise Ship Terminal or Paradise Village when booking. You must select your meeting point before submitting the reservation.

Is hotel pickup included?

No. Hotel pickup and drop-off are not included.

What food is included?

Breakfast includes fresh seasonal fruit, pastries, coffee, and juices. Lunch includes chicken and beef fajitas with rice, beans, tortillas, and salsa. Guacamole, blue corn chips, and potato chips are also included.

What drinks are included?

The open bar includes water, coffee, juices, soft drinks, mineral water, beer, wine, tequila, champagne, margaritas, and piña coladas.

Are snorkeling equipment and kayaks provided?

Yes. Snorkel equipment, kayaks, paddleboards, and a floating water mattress are provided. The boat also has water slides.

Can I visit the Yelapa waterfall?

Yes. From Yelapa, you can take a guided walk of about 15 minutes to the waterfall, where swimming and soaking are possible. The route includes an uphill section.

Are vegetarian, vegan, or gluten-free meals available?

Yes. Vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free options are available if you advise the operator when booking.

Is the onboard massage included?

An onboard massage may be available as a complimentary option. Sign up on the boat because it is possible to miss the offer during the activities.

What is the cancellation policy?

You can cancel at least 24 hours before the start time for a full refund. Cancellations or changes made within 24 hours are not accepted for a refund. If poor weather or insufficient bookings cause the operator to cancel, you can choose another date or experience, or receive a full refund.