Unexpectedly good snorkeling and a real slice of coastal life. The combo of Majahuitas Beach snorkeling and Yelapa’s sea-only access makes this outing feel like more than just a standard catamaran ride. I like that the day is structured with real food onboard (breakfast plus lunch) and guided downtime so you’re not stuck wondering what to do next. One thing to consider: the start can run slowly if ticket checks get backed up, so I suggest arriving early to avoid losing time to lines.

You get a full 7-hour coastal mix: swim with colorful fish at Majahuitas, then spend about 2.5 hours in Yelapa with options like a short hike to a nearby waterfall, paddleboarding, kayaking, or just beach time. On the way back, the vibe turns social with music and an open bar on the return trip.

Key Points I’d Bookmark

• Snorkeling gear and life jackets are included, so you can focus on the water, not shopping for gear.
• Majahuitas snorkeling is timeboxed to about 45 minutes, which is a good length for a first pass at the reef.
• Yelapa gives you about 2.5 hours of free time, with choices beyond just lying on the beach.
• You eat onboard twice: breakfast in the morning and a full lunch before heading back.
• Return trip party energy includes music, drinks, and a deck get-together feel.
• Plan for extra costs like a port fee (and optional activities in Yelapa), since not everything is included.

Majahuitas Beach Snorkeling: What You’re Really Paying For

This is the main event, and it makes sense that the itinerary centers on it. You sail over to Majahuitas Beach and then gear up with the provided snorkeling equipment and life jackets. The snorkeling slot is about 45 minutes, which is long enough to get comfortable, take a few passes around the best area, and still have energy left for the rest of the day.

What I like about this setup is that you don’t feel rushed. You’re not doing a “quick dip and off we go” routine. You also aren’t stranded waiting forever either. It’s a clean rhythm: boat ride, gear-on, snorkel time, then back to the catamaran.

Also, Majahuitas is known for marine life, and the snorkeling experience tends to be the part guests remember most. If you’re newer to snorkeling, this is a friendly way to try it because the basics are handled for you: gear provided and guides on hand.

If you’re an experienced snorkeler, keep expectations realistic: this isn’t described as a long free-swim marathon. You’re getting a well-paced introduction and a good look at the underwater scene, not an all-day charter.

The Boat Ride Parts: Short Cruising Legs, Clear Timing

Between snorkeling, Yelapa time, and heading back, the schedule keeps moving. After boarding, you’ve got about 1 hour of catamaran time before the Majahuitas stop. Then you have roughly 25 minutes of sailing between Majahuitas and Yelapa.

Why this matters for your comfort: you spend less time sitting around and more time doing. That cruising time also helps you see the coast from the water, which feels different than looking at it from the shore.

The tour lasts 7 hours total, so it’s long enough to feel like a proper day trip. Still, the pacing avoids the all-day “one stop, then more waiting” feel.

On the return, the mood gets lively again. The open bar is specifically noted for the trip back to Puerto Vallarta, and the day turns into a more social cruise. If you like group energy, this is where you’ll feel it.

Yelapa by Sea: Beach Time Plus Real Choices

Yelapa is one of those places that feels like it can’t be reached easily, because it’s accessible only by sea. You’ll arrive and get around 2.5 hours there, including photo time and then free time for beach activities.

Here’s what makes Yelapa time valuable: it’s not just a scenic photo stop. You actually get enough hours to pick what kind of afternoon you want.

Options listed include:

• A short hike to a nearby waterfall (about a 20-minute walk)
• Paddleboarding
• Kayaking
• Or just relaxing on the beach

That mix is great if your group can’t agree on one thing. Some people will want water toys. Others will want quiet. Some will go for the waterfall.

About that waterfall stop

The tour includes the option of a hike to a nearby waterfall, but one of the key “set your expectations” notes is this: if you’re imagining a huge, jaw-dropping cascade, you may feel disappointed. The hike is described as about a 20-minute walk, which points to something more local and closer-in than a long expedition.

If you’re the kind of person who likes short walks with payoff views, you’ll likely enjoy it. But if waterfall size is your top priority, I’d choose a different Yelapa activity or go in with the mindset of a pleasant walk, not a major destination.

If you want higher-energy options

One review described alternatives like horseback rides through jungle to a waterfall, and another option like riding quads further up. Those details aren’t part of the core itinerary description, but they show up as possible add-ons depending on what’s available on the ground. If you’re interested in those, keep your wallet and timing flexible, because added activities can change the flow of your Yelapa afternoon.

Breakfast and Lunch Onboard: Better Than You’d Expect

A lot of boat tours treat food like a formality. This one doesn’t. You get a breakfast onboard and then a lunch onboard, which is a big part of the value.

Breakfast includes:

• scrambled eggs with ham
• fresh fruit
• hotcakes
• coffee, juice, and water

That’s a solid mix. It’s not just pastries and coffee, and it gives you enough fuel for snorkeling and a hike afterward.

Lunch includes:

• grilled beef burgers
• green salad with shrimp
• cold pasta with fine herbs

This matters because you’re not hopping off to find meals during the day. With food already handled, you can spend your energy on the water and the beach.

A small but practical bonus: the bar stays open throughout the return journey. So even after lunch, you’re not stuck in “eat then rush” mode.

The Return Trip Party: Music, Drinks, and a Deck-Ready Vibe

The final stretch is where the tour becomes memorable in a different way. You’re sailing back with music and drinks, and the day feels like a shared experience rather than a checklist.

An open bar is included on the return trip, and one guest specifically mentioned a deck dance-off moment with a funny competitive vibe. Since that kind of thing depends on the group and the staff that day, don’t count on a specific event, but do expect that the atmosphere can get playful.

If you’re the type who likes chatting with strangers on vacation, this is a good match. If you prefer quiet time, you can usually step away from the center and find a calmer corner of the boat.

Either way, this is the part where the tour feels like a full day, not just a transport-and-snorkel service.

Price and Value: How $81 Stacks Up

At $81 per person for a 7-hour day with boat transport, snorkeling equipment, meals, and a guided experience, the price can feel reasonable—especially because food and gear are included.

Here’s what’s built in:

• breakfast and lunch onboard
• snorkeling equipment and life jackets
• professional guides
• open bar on the return trip

Then there are items not included:

• a port tax (listed as $32 pesos, while the meeting instructions also mention $30 pesos)
• pictures

That port fee detail is worth noting because it’s exactly the kind of small cost that can catch people off guard. Bring some cash or be ready to pay on-site at the counter.

Optional costs to watch for

In Yelapa, some activities can mean extra payment depending on what you choose (like paddleboarding/kayaking options or the waterfall alternatives described by a guest). The core tour still includes the waterfall hike option, but if you layer on extra experiences, your final day cost will climb.

Meeting Point and Getting There Early

Your meeting point is at Puerto Mágico – Centro Comercial en Puerto Vallarta.

The meeting instructions are clear: there’s a port fee you pay at the main entrance (the note says $30 pesos), and then you find the Grupo Naviero team wearing gray polo shirts with a white logo. Ticket checks are handled by the company staff.

Now for the practical advice: one review flagged slow ticket verification and long lines at the start. You can’t control the line, but you can control one thing—your arrival time. If you want the smoothest day, arrive early enough to give yourself buffer time before you’re waiting for checks.

Who This Tour Fits Best (And Who Might Want to Reconsider)

This tour fits you if you want:

• a guided day that mixes snorkeling + beach + a short hike
• onboard meals so you’re not hunting food while you’re out on the water
• a social return trip with music and an open bar
• a structured schedule that keeps the day moving

You might reconsider if:

• you’re very sensitive to delays right at boarding
• you’re chasing a major waterfall destination and only want something dramatic
• you hate group energy and loud music (the vibe can be lively on the way back)

If you’re traveling solo, the group nature can also help. One guest described meeting friendly locals after getting onboard. That part isn’t guaranteed, but it’s a sign the overall social atmosphere can be welcoming.

Should You Book Marina Vallarta’s Yelapa and Majahuitas Snorkeling Tour?

I’d book it if you want a well-rounded boat day with real included value: snorkeling gear, guided time at Majahuitas, 2.5 hours in Yelapa, and full meals onboard. It’s the kind of itinerary that makes sense for a first visit to this coast because you get variety without needing to plan transportation.

Just go in with two smart expectations: arrive early to reduce the odds of a boarding wait, and treat the nearby waterfall as a quick, local hike rather than a massive “once in a lifetime” cascade. If that sounds like your style, this is a fun, efficient day trip with enough energy to keep it from feeling like a chore.

FAQ

How long is the Marina Vallarta Yelapa and Majahuitas snorkeling tour?

The tour lasts about 7 hours.

What snorkeling time do you get at Majahuitas Beach?

Snorkeling at Majahuitas Beach is scheduled for about 45 minutes.

What’s included with the tour?

Included are breakfast and lunch onboard, all necessary equipment for activities (including snorkeling gear and life jackets), professional guides, and an open bar on the return trip.

Are port fees included in the price?

No. A port tax/port fee is not included, and you pay it at the meeting area (the amount is listed as $32 pesos, and the meeting instructions also mention $30 pesos).

What can you do in Yelapa during your free time?

You have about 2.5 hours in Yelapa. You can relax on the beach, hike to a nearby waterfall (about a 20-minute walk), and you may have options like paddleboarding or kayaking.

What languages is the guide available in?

The live tour guide is available in Spanish and English.