Yelapa and Majahuitas Snorkeling Cruise in Puerto Vallarta All Inclusive

Yelapa is the real prize on this day at sea. You cruise south from Puerto Vallarta, stop for water activities near Majahuitas, then reach a small beach community where you can walk to a waterfall or pay extra for an ATV ride. The return trip turns into a music-and-drinks party.

I like the all-inclusive setup, with breakfast, lunch, an open national bar, equipment, and onboard insurance folded into the price. I also like the mix of activity and downtime: you can snorkel, kayak, paddleboard, swim, stroll through Yelapa, or simply sit on the beach.

The main caution is the snorkeling. It can be enjoyable, with fish, dolphins, rays, and even whales possible, but murky water and tired equipment have spoiled this part for some people. The boat ride can also run longer than the advertised eight hours, and the music may be too loud for anyone seeking a quiet cruise.

Key points to know before booking

• Yelapa is the strongest part of the day: The waterfall walk and small-town setting provide the most memorable experience.
• Majahuitas snorkeling depends heavily on conditions: Clear water can produce a good swim, but poor visibility is a recurring risk.
• The catamaran ride is part excursion, part party: Expect music, dancing, games, and a national open bar on the return.
• Lunch is served at Vela Roja: You choose from fish, fajitas, quesadillas, burgers, ceviche, or shrimp cocktail.
• Plan for a full day: The listed duration is about eight hours, but some departures have taken closer to 11.
• Bring patience for transfers: Reaching the beach may involve moving from the catamaran to a smaller boat, which can be awkward for anyone with mobility concerns.

A full day from Puerto Magico to Yelapa

The tour begins at 9:15 a.m. at Puerto Magico on Boulevard Francisco Medina Ascencio in Puerto Vallarta’s Hotel Zone North. You arrange your own way to the pier, so the advertised price does not include hotel pickup or ground transportation.

The group size can reach 40 people. That is large enough for a lively boat and a busy boarding process, but not so large that the crew cannot serve drinks and food. Expect some initial organization at the pier, including lines and equipment procedures. If you want to snorkel, pay close attention to the instructions about collecting your mask and snorkel, since equipment may require a picture ID.

The boat is a catamaran, and the ride south is a major part of the experience. You get breakfast aboard, usually bread, coffee, seasonal fruit, yogurt, and granola. It is a useful start, especially since lunch comes later at Yelapa.

The national open bar includes tequila, rum, vodka, beer, brandy, soft drinks, juice, and water. The timing matters. Although the tour is sold with an open bar, the bar may not open immediately after departure. On some trips, service began about three hours into the cruise, usually after the morning water stop.

Majahuitas: bring realistic snorkeling expectations

The first water stop is near Majahuitas. Here you can choose among snorkeling, kayaking, paddleboarding, or swimming. Life jackets and snorkeling equipment are supplied, so you do not need to pack your own gear unless you prefer a familiar mask.

This is the part of the tour with the widest range of outcomes. In clear conditions, you might see plenty of fish, a manta ray, dolphins, or other sea life. Some departures have also spotted whales from the boat. In other conditions, the water can be so cloudy that you see very little through the goggles.

Recent storms can make visibility worse, and heavy boat traffic may stir up the bay. Jellyfish are another possibility, so listen to the crew’s safety guidance before entering the water. Several people have found the snorkeling disappointing, while others have had a genuinely good swim. That is not a contradiction. Water clarity changes from day to day.

The equipment also appears to be uneven. Some masks have worked well, while others have leaked or failed to seal. If you own a comfortable mask, bringing it could improve your morning. If snorkeling is the main reason you are booking, this uncertainty should factor into your decision.

There is also some confusion around the exact beach access. The tour is marketed around Yelapa and Majahuitas, but one departure did not visit the expected Majahuitas beach. Conditions, anchoring points, and the boat’s schedule can affect where the water stop takes place, so do not treat the snorkeling location as a guaranteed, carefully guided reef visit.

Yelapa offers the day’s most rewarding change of pace

After the water stop, the boat continues to Yelapa. This is a small coastal community with a different feel from Puerto Vallarta’s hotel strip. You get a beach setting, narrow streets, local activity, and a waterfall walk through the town and surrounding greenery.

The waterfall excursion is included as a walk. It is one of the best uses of your time on shore, but it is not a polished resort attraction. You are walking through a real community, and facilities can be basic. Wear shoes that can handle a walk and bring water from the boat if you need it.

Several guides have made a strong impression by keeping the group moving and helping people enjoy the visit. Names associated with especially warm service include Alex, Diego, Jorge, and Jonathan, who uses the nickname Johnny Cash. Francisco has also been praised for leading the ATV trip to the waterfall.

You can walk to the falls, but an ATV upgrade is available at an additional cost. The ATV option has been especially useful for people who want to see more of Yelapa in a shorter time. The ride can take you along narrow streets and up to viewpoints, with stops for photographs. It is not included in the base price, so ask clearly about the cost before agreeing.

Yelapa itself divides opinion. Some people love its relaxed beach atmosphere and sense of place. Others find the beach less clean than expected and the facilities run down. Restrooms and restaurant service may be basic, so set your expectations for a rustic stop rather than a luxury beach club.

Lunch at Vela Roja, with plenty of choice

Lunch is served at the Vela Roja a la carte restaurant. You can choose from fish steak, beef or chicken fajitas, shrimp or plain quesadillas, beef or shrimp burgers, fish ceviche, and shrimp cocktail.

That variety is useful for families and mixed groups. You are not locked into one buffet plate, and seafood fans have several choices. Food quality is generally described as satisfactory to good, though beef has occasionally been tough and one meal served at another shore restaurant was poorly received.

The lunch setting is part of the tradeoff. Eating by the beach is pleasant, but service and table supplies may be less polished than at a resort. Bring a little patience, especially if the group arrives at the restaurant together.

Breakfast and lunch are included, along with soft drinks and the national bar. At roughly $87 per person, that package can be reasonable if you plan to eat, drink, and use the water equipment. The value is weaker if you do not drink, skip the snorkeling, and want only a short visit to Yelapa.

There is also a required pier and reef tax of MX$32 per person for Yelapa and Majahuitas. It is not included in the listed tour price. Keep this small extra charge in mind when comparing this cruise with other Puerto Vallarta excursions.

The return becomes a floating party

The boat ride back is usually livelier than the ride out. Once the bar is open, the crew serves drinks, plays music, leads games, and encourages dancing. This works well if you want a social excursion rather than a quiet sunset sail.

The crew is often the heart of the trip. Staff members are described as attentive, funny, and willing to help with drinks, boarding, water activities, and safety. Their energy can rescue a day when the snorkeling is poor or the weather is less than ideal.

Still, the party mood is not for everyone. Music has been loud enough on some trips to make conversation difficult, especially on the upper deck. If you want to talk with your partner, read, or enjoy the sound of the water, choose your seat carefully and be ready for a high-volume ride home.

Seasickness is another practical concern. The boat may feel rough, and some people have become ill during the trip. If you know you are prone to motion sickness, take your usual preventive medicine before departure. The day is long, and feeling sick for several hours can overshadow the beach and waterfall.

The schedule also deserves attention. The stated duration is approximately eight hours, with a 9:15 a.m. start and a return to the same meeting point. Some departures have taken 10 or 11 hours, and cruise ship schedules can create special timing problems. If you have an evening flight, a dinner reservation, or a ship departure, leave plenty of room.

Is the $87 price a good deal?

At $87.04 per person, this is a fair package for a full day on the water. You receive catamaran transportation, breakfast, lunch, drinks, snorkeling gear, kayaks, a paddleboard, a waterfall walk, entertainment, and onboard insurance.

The strongest value comes from combining several costs into one day. A separate boat trip, restaurant lunch, drinks, water equipment, and a visit to Yelapa could easily approach the same amount. Families also benefit from having several lunch choices and nonalcoholic drinks included.

The price looks less attractive if you expect expert reef guiding or pristine snorkeling. This is a general-purpose boat excursion, not a specialist marine biology trip. You are paying for the complete day, the boat atmosphere, and access to Yelapa as much as for underwater wildlife.

Remember the MX$32 pier and reef tax, your transport to Puerto Magico, and any ATV upgrade. Those extras are not huge, but they make the final cost higher than the headline price.

Who will enjoy this cruise most?

I would choose this trip if you want a busy, social day that combines a boat ride, a beach stop, food, drinks, and several optional activities. It suits families, couples, and solo visitors who enjoy meeting other people and do not mind music or a loose schedule.

It is also a good choice for anyone who wants to see Yelapa without arranging several separate pieces. You can spend the morning on the water, eat lunch by the beach, walk to the falls, and return to Puerto Vallarta without changing tour companies.

I would be cautious if snorkeling is your top priority. Water clarity is unpredictable, and equipment may not fit everyone well. A dedicated snorkeling trip may offer better site selection and more time in the water.

This is also a poor match for anyone with significant mobility problems. Getting to shore may require a transfer into a smaller boat, and the waterfall walk, narrow streets, and beach access can be difficult. The ATV option may reduce walking, but it is an added activity and does not remove every boarding challenge.

English and Spanish guides are available, but the amount of English instruction can vary. If you need detailed step-by-step explanations, stay close to the guide and ask questions early, before the group moves to the next activity.

What to pack for a smoother day

Bring swimwear, sunscreen, a hat, a towel, and a change of clothes. A waterproof phone pouch is useful for the boat and beach, while cash may help with the pier tax, optional ATV transportation, and small purchases.

Wear secure footwear for the waterfall walk. Sandals may be fine for the beach, but shoes with a firm sole will be more comfortable on uneven paths.

If snorkeling matters to you, bring your own mask if you have one. The supplied equipment is part of the package, but fit and condition can vary.

Keep your plans flexible. The weather can change the water conditions and may affect the schedule. The tour requires good weather, and if poor weather cancels the departure, you can choose another date or receive a full refund.

Should you book the Yelapa and Majahuitas cruise?

Book it if you want Yelapa, a lively catamaran, and an all-day package more than perfect snorkeling. The waterfall, beach setting, friendly crew, lunch, drinks, and return-trip entertainment create a satisfying day when the weather cooperates.

Skip it if you want a quiet boat, precise timing, polished facilities, or guaranteed clear water. The tour can run long, the music can be loud, and the Majahuitas stop may be murky or less carefully guided than expected.

My practical choice would be to book this for a first visit to Puerto Vallarta if Yelapa appeals to you, then treat the snorkeling as a bonus rather than the main event. Ask about the ATV price before leaving the boat, take motion sickness precautions if needed, and expect a rustic village visit rather than a luxury beach stop.

FAQ

Where does the tour start?

The tour starts at Puerto Magico, Boulevard Francisco Medina Ascencio, Zona Hotelera Norte, Puerto Vallarta, Jalisco, Mexico.

What time does the tour begin?

The scheduled start time is 9:15 a.m.

Where does the tour end?

The activity ends back at the original meeting point at Puerto Magico.

How long is the cruise?

The listed duration is approximately eight hours. The actual day can be longer, with some departures lasting around 10 or 11 hours.

Is transportation from my hotel included?

No. Ground transportation to and from Puerto Magico is not included.

Is snorkeling equipment provided?

Yes. Snorkeling equipment and life jackets are included. Kayaks and a paddleboard are also available.

What food is included?

Breakfast includes bread, coffee, seasonal fruit, yogurt, and granola. Lunch at the Vela Roja restaurant includes choices such as fish steak, beef or chicken fajitas, shrimp or plain quesadillas, burgers, fish ceviche, and shrimp cocktail.

Are alcoholic drinks included?

Yes. The national open bar includes rum, beer, tequila, brandy, vodka, soft drinks, juice, and water. Bar service may begin after the morning water stop.

Is there an extra tax?

Yes. A pier and reef tax of MX$32 per person applies to Yelapa and Majahuitas and is not included in the tour price.

Can I cancel for a refund?

You can cancel at least 24 hours before the start time for a full refund. Cancellations or changes made less than 24 hours before departure are not refunded. If poor weather cancels the experience, you can receive a full refund or choose another date.