Mega Yacht ALL INCLUSIVE Yelapa Waterfall & Snorkeling Adventure

Want a cruise that feels like a party and a beach day? This ALL INCLUSIVE mega yacht outing takes you to Yelapa’s waterfall area and pairs it with snorkeling and water toys, plus an onboard schedule that stays moving without feeling rushed.

I love the all-day open bar setup and how food and drinks keep flowing from the moment you step aboard. The crew also runs a tight ship, and you can feel it in the boat’s cleanliness and the way staff stay busy the whole trip.

One thing to keep in mind: snorkeling time and gear can vary by conditions and crowding, and the Yelapa waterfall stop involves a short hike with some uphill walking.

What I’d Watch for Before Booking

Most days, you’ll get a good mix of water time and town time. But if snorkeling is your main goal, I’d go in flexible—one departure had reports of snorkel gear running short, and water clarity can change. The waterfall walk also may be tough for people who don’t love hills.

Key Highlights You’ll Care About

• All-day open bar with margaritas, piña coladas, beer, tequila, wine, and more
• Snorkel + kayaks + paddleboards + water toys at the first beach stop
• Yelapa waterfall option with a short hike for a swim-friendly cascade
• Fajita lunch and snacks served onboard, plus breakfast items on departure
• DJ and cruise-host energy from Ricky Ricardo (and DJ David on some departures)
• A maximum group size of 115 passengers, which helps the crew keep things moving

First Stop: Puerto Mágico Check-In and Your Two Meeting Options

This tour starts at the Puerto Mágico Cruise Ship Terminal area, where you’ll check in at the Chica Locca Tours office. When you book, you choose a meeting place—there are two starting points depending on your logistics—so pick the one that’s easiest for you to reach that day.

From there, you’ll be escorted to the boat and get underway with a breakfast service right after boarding. It’s a nice way to start: no waiting around for hours, just a quick handoff into the day.

Also note the port security reality. Puerto Mágico is a federal maritime port, which means you’ll go through security screening and you can be subject to search. They have a strict no-drug policy, including e-cigarettes, vapers, and any kind of drugs or forbidden liquids—so pack only what you’re allowed to bring.

Onboard Vibes: Clean Boat, Real Service, and the Party Controls

The biggest reason this trip earns such high marks is how the staff handle both fun and logistics. I like that the crew stays active all day—serving, cleaning, and checking in—so you don’t have to hunt someone down when you want a drink or a refill.

Entertainment is part of the package too. Ricky Ricardo (the cruise host) is often credited for keeping the energy up, and DJ David shows up on some departures as well. And here’s a smart touch: you can usually find your preferred mood on the boat—some seating areas play louder music while other spots feel calmer.

If you like waterside comfort, you’ll appreciate the seating choices and shaded areas. And if you’re the kind of person who wants a little pampering, there’s also an onboard massage option. One review even notes it wasn’t automatically obvious to everyone, so if you want it, ask early so you don’t miss the sign-up moment.

The Open Bar That Actually Matters (Not Just a Label)

This is one of those cruises where the drinks don’t feel like an afterthought. You’re set up with an all-day open bar that includes water, coffee, juices, soft drinks, and mineral water, plus the full bar menu: margaritas, piña coladas, beer, tequila, wine, champagne, and more.

What you’ll feel during the day is the rhythm. Drinks show up during sailing, during the beach breaks, and while you’re between activities. That matters because the itinerary has a lot packed in, and a steady refreshment setup keeps the pace fun instead of exhausting.

One practical tip: if you’re also doing snorkeling, paddleboarding, or kayaking, keep hydration in mind. Open bar days are great—just don’t turn the “all day” part into an all-night decision.

Breakfast to Board: Set Course and Start Easy

After check-in, you board and cruise along Banderas Bay. Before you hit the first water activities, breakfast is served onboard with fresh fruit, pastries, and coffee plus juices.

This timing is useful. You don’t scramble for food before the water part, and you get energy in your system before snorkeling and paddling. If you’ve got an early stop in the day, this is a strong structure.

Playa Chica Locca (Quimixto): Slides, Snorkel Gear, and the First Water Rush

About an hour into sailing, you reach the Playa Chica Locca stop in Quimixto. This is where the boat really becomes a playground. People jump in from the yacht, and the second deck waterslides are there if you want that quick adrenaline hit.

From here, you have access to the main water activities tied to the tour theme:

• Snorkeling equipment
• Kayaks
• Standup paddleboards
• Water toys, including items like water mattresses and other floating gear

In good conditions, this is the stop where you can get the most out of the “marine life” promise. Several reviews mention seeing lots of fish during snorkeling, which is the point of booking for many people.

One caution: snorkeling isn’t always identical day-to-day

Even on a well-run tour, snorkeling can shift based on water clarity and how many people want gear at once. One review reported snorkel equipment running short on a departure with around 30 people. Another review points out that cloudy water reduced the feeling of a full snorkeling day.

So my advice is simple: treat snorkeling time as a valuable window, not a guaranteed long session. If you want the best odds, get ready quickly when gear is offered and don’t wait until the crowd forms.

Snacks and Guacamole While You Sail

Between stops, you won’t just be waiting. You’ll have freshly prepared guacamole and chips while underway, which keeps energy steady. It also breaks up the day nicely—snacks on a boat feel like a treat, not a filler.

And if you’re in “relax mode,” the boat ride itself is scenic. The coastline south of Puerto Vallarta gives you a steady stream of views, and the atmosphere feels less like a bus trip and more like a moving day on the water.

Yelapa Beach: Town Time, Swimming, and the Waterfall Walk

Next comes Yelapa. The beach here is known for being a sheltered spot where the boat can anchor and you can actually spend time in the water. You’ll dock by a pier, and then you choose your style for the afternoon.

You can:

• Swim in the bay
• Hang on the beach
• Explore Yelapa village
• Or stay on the boat if you want downtime

Then there’s the waterfall option. You get a guided walk to the waterfall area that’s described as accessible for most, and it usually takes about 15 minutes. Reward is the big one: a refreshing cascade that’s perfect for swimming and getting your photo moment.

The waterfall walk has one reality check

Even when it’s “accessible,” you should know it includes some uphill walking. A review specifically flagged that the hill could be an issue for older guests, and that’s the kind of thing you can plan around. If stairs and hills are hard for you, consider staying back on the beach and using the time to swim.

Lunch: Fajitas on a Boat Taste Better Than You Expect

The lunch here is one of the best “value-per-minute” parts of the trip. You’ll get Mexican fajitas—prepared in a beach kitchen and delivered by boat—served with chicken, beef, rice, beans, tortillas, and salsa.

This is exactly the kind of meal that works for a water day. It’s filling without being heavy, and it keeps you from spending your vacation budget on a pricey restaurant during a tight itinerary.

Snacks continue too, including fresh guacamole and blue corn chips (plus potato chips). So even if you’re paddling, swimming, and skipping naps, you won’t run out of fuel.

Whale Watching and the Bay of Banderas Return Trip

On the return, the trip includes whale watching possibilities when conditions and season line up. Banderas Bay is known as a major breeding area for humpback whales, and you may spot whales on the way back.

This is also when the boat atmosphere often shifts into “wrap up and enjoy” mode. Reviews mention dolphins and whales on some sailings, and this is one of those moments that makes the day feel bigger than the checklist.

There’s also a photo team onboard. They capture action throughout the day, then you can see and purchase photo sets later. One practical note: photo delivery can take time, so don’t assume you’ll get everything immediately after the tour.

Timing: Six Hours That Still Leave You Room

This tour is about 6 hours on the schedule. In real life, you may come back around mid-afternoon on many departures, which matters if you’ve got dinner plans or want to stay active after the cruise.

That shortened day is part of the value. You’re getting a boat day, a waterfall option, and multiple water toys without burning an entire day. It’s easier to fit into a Puerto Vallarta vacation itinerary.

Who This Tour Fits Best (And Who Might Prefer Something Else)

This is a great pick if you want:

• A big, social day on the water with an all-inclusive food-and-drink setup
• A mix of activities: snorkel, kayak, paddleboard, and a waterfall walk option
• A cruise-host style experience where the energy stays high (Ricky Ricardo is a common highlight)
• A comfortable boat day with clean facilities and attentive service

It’s less ideal if:

• You need a long, quiet beach day. Yelapa time exists, but it’s balanced with water activities and the waterfall walk.
• Your mobility is limited and hills are a problem. The waterfall hike includes uphill walking, and that’s not what you want to gamble on.
• You’re booking mainly for extended snorkeling. You can get good snorkeling, but conditions and gear availability can change.

Value Check: $117.60 and What You’re Actually Getting

At about $117.60 per person, the value comes from bundling several expensive vacation line items into one payment.

You’re paying once for:

• Boat cruise time
• Snorkeling and water toys gear access
• Kayaks and paddleboards
• All-day open bar
• Breakfast, fajita lunch, and snacks

When you add up what drinks and meals cost on their own—especially in a tourist area—this kind of all-inclusive format starts to look like smart budgeting, not just a splurge.

The tour also has a max size of 115, which helps the crew manage service without the day turning into chaos. Reviews consistently call out staff attentiveness and the nonstop flow of food and drinks, which is a big part of why people feel it’s worth the money.

Practical Packing Tips (So You Don’t Overthink It)

Keep it simple for this one. Bring a hat, sunscreen, and a towel—one review calls out that the sun gets intense. Wear your swimsuit and plan to use the water toys without needing extra outfit changes.

If you think you’ll do the waterfall walk, wear shoes or sandals that handle uneven footing. If you want the onboard massage, ask during the first good opportunity so you don’t miss the sign-up window.

And if you’re the type who buys photos, decide what you want before you get surprised by the end-of-day photo upsell process. Action shots can be fun, but I treat them like souvenirs with a price tag—so I don’t let it catch me off guard.

Should You Book This Yelapa Waterfall and Snorkeling Cruise?

I’d book it if you want an all-inclusive boat day that mixes real activities (snorkel gear, kayaks, paddleboards, waterslides) with a classic payoff (Yelapa and the waterfall). The combination of high service standards, the open bar, and the fajita lunch makes it feel like you’re getting more than your ticket price in comfort and convenience.

I’d think twice if snorkeling duration and water clarity are your top priorities, or if hills are a problem for you during the waterfall walk. In those cases, you might still enjoy Yelapa and the bay, but you should go in with the right expectations.

If your goal is a fun, organized day with great staff energy, clean boat vibes, and a waterfall stop you can actually swim at, this is a strong Puerto Vallarta choice.

FAQ

What’s included on the Mega Yacht ALL INCLUSIVE Yelapa Waterfall & Snorkeling Adventure?

You get breakfast, lunch (Mexican fajitas), snacks (guacamole and chips plus potato chips), and an all-day open bar. You also have use of snorkeling equipment, kayaks, paddle boards, and water toys like water mattresses.

Are there two meeting locations for this tour?

Yes. You can choose between two starting locations when booking, and you must choose your meeting place before submitting your reservation. Check-in is at the Chica Locca Tours office near Puerto Mágico Cruise Ship Terminal.

What drinks are available on the open bar?

The tour lists water, coffee, juices, soft drinks, mineral water, margaritas, piña coladas, beer, tequila, wine, champagne, and more.

How much time do you spend at Yelapa and the waterfall area?

The schedule includes time at Yelapa Beach, with a guided walk option to the waterfall area described as around a 15-minute trail. Exact total time can vary with conditions and the flow of the day.

Is there snorkeling time if the water is cloudy?

Snorkeling availability depends on conditions. The tour still provides snorkeling equipment, but water clarity and the schedule can affect how much you enjoy it.

Is there an onboard massage?

There is an onboard massage option described as available during the tour, and it may require a sign-up onboard. If you want one, ask early so you don’t miss the opportunity.

Do they provide photos?

There is a photo team onboard capturing action shots. Souvenir photos can be reserved at check-in or purchased onboard, and delivery may depend on processing.

What happens if weather is bad?

The experience requires good weather. If it’s canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund.