A private boat day in Yelapa beats the crowd. You get snorkel time with sanitized gear, plus a guided walk to a waterfall in a working fishing village. I love the way this trip stays calm and local, and I especially like that Majahuitas is usually the quieter snorkeling stop. The main thing to consider is cost: $550 is per group (up to 7), so it’s best when you can split with friends or family.

You’ll run a tight-but-not-rushed loop: swim, eat if you want, then trade sandals for walking shoes for the waterfall portion. If you’re hoping for a totally beach-only day with zero walking, this may feel like more effort than you planned.

Key things that make this boat tour work

• Private group on a 23-foot shaded boat (up to 7), so the day feels personal
• Majahuitas snorkel time (40 minutes) with a crowd-avoiding feel
• Sanitized snorkel gear + life jackets for everyone, no hunting around for equipment
• Local, bilingual guidance that helps you move efficiently through Yelapa
• Yelapa waterfall hike included, with a guided walk through town and the fishing village
• Flexible snorkel choice near Mismaloya or Majahuitas depending on conditions and preference

Private Boat to Yelapa: A quieter kind of coast day

Puerto Vallarta has plenty of big-boat chaos. This is not that. You’re on a smaller craft designed for a small party, with shade up top and a cooler with ice on board. That combination matters more than it sounds. Shade helps the whole day feel survivable, especially in the warmer months. And ice in the cooler means you can keep water and drinks at a better temperature without scrambling.

What makes the experience feel especially “local” is the people running it. The captain and bilingual guide are from the area, and that comes through in how the day flows. Names you might hear include Victor and Namar, or Luis and Adrian, depending on the crew you get. Either way, you’re not just chauffeured. You’re guided.

The pacing is also a good match for most people who like both water and a little exploring. You get a chunk of time on the beach in Yelapa, then a guided walk to the waterfall. It’s a day with variety, without being exhausting.

The boat setup: shade, sanitized gear, and you feel cared for

Your boat is about 23 feet long and built for comfort for small groups. Shade is included, and you’ll also have a cooler with ice. That’s a simple inclusion, but it saves time and reduces hassle later.

For the snorkeling portion, this tour provides sanitized snorkel gear and life jackets for all passengers. I like this approach because it removes the most common “tour day” friction: bringing equipment, figuring out sizing, and hoping gear is clean. You show up, get fitted, and you’re ready.

One more smart touch is the bilingual guide. Even if you’re comfortable speaking Spanish, having someone who can explain what you’re seeing and where you’re going makes the day smoother—especially once you’re walking through Yelapa.

Snorkeling choice: Los Arcos de Mismaloya vs Majahuitas

This is where you can win or lose the day, depending on what you care about. The tour gives you an option early on: snorkel at Los Arcos de Mismaloya or save it for Majahuitas. The time blocks are short enough that your guide can steer you toward the best fit for the moment.

Los Arcos de Mismaloya stop

You’ll stop here for about 20 minutes. Admission is included for this segment. This is a good pick if you want to get into the water earlier, or if your guide thinks it’ll be the better call that day.

The trade-off is time. Twenty minutes disappears fast once you’re used to looking underwater, so I’d treat it like a quick hit: see what you can, enjoy the water, then move on.

Majahuitas snorkel stop

Majahuitas is the star for many people, and the feedback lines up with that. You get about 40 minutes here, and the snorkel admission ticket is listed as free for this part. In practice, that longer window gives you more time to actually settle in—breathe, explore, and enjoy the water without feeling rushed.

Majahuitas is often less crowded, which can make a noticeable difference. With fewer swimmers in the same zone, the water can feel easier to enjoy. If you’re the type who wants photos and relaxed floating, this stop tends to fit the mood.

What about wildlife sightings?

On the route to the Yelapa area, you might have a chance to spot marine life. One of the strongest signals from past outings is that people have reported getting close to whales and dolphins along the way. It’s not guaranteed, but it’s the kind of perk that makes a private boat day feel extra special.

Arriving in Yelapa: beach time plus real village energy

Once you reach Yelapa, the tone changes. This is not an engineered resort zone. You get about 3 hours in the Yelapa area, with time to enjoy the white sand and clear water.

You’ll also have an option to grab lunch at beach restaurants. Food isn’t included, but the tour is built around giving you enough time to eat if you want. If you’re picky about meals, I like having that flexibility rather than being locked into a set menu.

Then there’s the town aspect. The day includes a walk through Yelapa to reach the waterfall area. That means you’re not just jumping from boat to beach to boat. You get a real sense of how people live around the shoreline and fishing village vibe.

The benefit of doing Yelapa in the middle of the day

Three hours sounds simple, but it hits a sweet spot. You get enough time to swim and cool down, and you still have energy left for the walking portion after. It also helps you avoid the “one hour and gone” feel some coast excursions have.

The Yelapa waterfall walk: guided, included, and worth the effort

The waterfall portion is handled with a guide and listed as a 1-hour segment, with admission included for this part. Your group will walk through the town to reach the waterfall within the Yelapa fishing village area.

This is the part you should plan for. Bring footwear you’re comfortable getting a bit wet in, and keep in mind this is still a hike through a real village environment—not a boardwalk. The tour includes the hike, but you’ll still be doing the walking yourself.

Why this stop works:

• It gives you a payoff that isn’t just photos over water.
• It changes the scenery again after snorkeling and beach time.
• The guide helps you move efficiently so you spend less time guessing and more time enjoying.

Also, if you like when a day has a story arc, this one does. Boat → water → Yelapa beach → walk → waterfall. It feels complete.

Admission, included gear, and what you’re actually paying for

Let’s talk value, not just price. The tour is $550 per group for up to 7 people, lasting about 5 hours. That sounds high if you’re thinking solo. It gets much more reasonable when you split it.

You’re paying for a bundle of real costs:

• Private boat time on a 23-foot vessel (with shade)
• Sanitized snorkeling gear
• Life jackets for everyone
• A captain and bilingual guide
• The hike to the waterfall
• Admission coverage for the Los Arcos segment and the Yelapa waterfall segment

Food, drinks, and snacks are not included, and tips aren’t included. Transportation to the meeting point isn’t included either. So yes, you still need to budget for personal spending. But the big-ticket items are already handled, which makes planning easier.

When I look at day tours, I like the ones that reduce decision fatigue. This one does. You know what’s included, you know where you’re going, and you’re not stuck arranging equipment or second-guessing logistics.

Duration and pacing: a solid 9:00 am start with a real finish

The start time is 9:00 am, and the activity ends back at the meeting point. The overall time is listed at about 5 hours.

This timing works well for people who want daylight fun without burning an entire day. It also means you’re not stuck doing a late-afternoon sprint. You’ll have time to snorkel, enjoy Yelapa, and still make the waterfall portion before you’re ready to call it quits.

As for who can do it, the tour notes that most people can participate. The main “fitness test” is the waterfall hike and walking through town.

Who should book this: snorkelers, small groups, and Yelapa lovers

This tour is a strong match if you:

• Want a private experience with a small group instead of a crowded boat scene
• Plan to snorkel and want sanitized gear without bringing your own
• Like a day with both water time and a guided walk
• Want Yelapa with a calmer, local feel and real village energy
• Have a group up to 7 so the $550 price spreads out nicely

It may not be ideal if you:

• Want a strictly beach-only plan with minimal walking
• Are traveling as a very small group and can’t split the cost

Practical tips to make the day smoother

A few things will help you enjoy every part without last-minute stress.

• Bring water and a small snack plan of your own. Food and drinks aren’t included, even though you’ll have time near the beach.
• Pack for both water and walking: swim-friendly gear plus shoes you don’t mind for the waterfall walk.
• Use the shade. It’s included for a reason. Give your body a break between snorkeling and the next stop.
• If you care about crowds, consider aiming for Majahuitas as your main snorkel stop since it’s often the calmer option.
• Accept that this is a walking-and-water day. The waterfall hike is part of the appeal.

Should you book the Private Boat Tour to Yelapa and Majahuitas?

I’d book this if you want a private boat day that balances snorkeling, Yelapa beach time, and a guided waterfall hike, all in about 5 hours. The big reasons to say yes are the included snorkeling setup (sanitized gear plus life jackets), the local bilingual guidance, and the fact that Majahuitas tends to feel less crowded with a longer snorkel window.

I’d skip it if you’re traveling solo or as a couple with no interest in splitting, since the price is per group. Also skip it if the idea of a waterfall hike through town sounds like a deal-breaker.

If you fit the sweet spot—small group, water + walking, and a preference for the more local pace—this is one of the better ways to spend a half day along the Puerto Vallarta coast.

FAQ

How many people are in the private tour?

The tour is private for your group, with capacity up to 7 guests.

How long is the Private Boat Tour to Yelapa and Majahuitas?

It runs for about 5 hours (approx.).

What time does the tour start?

The start time is 9:00 am.

Where does the tour end?

The activity ends back at the meeting point.

What’s included with snorkeling gear?

You get sanitized snorkel gear and life jackets for all passengers.

Where do we snorkel during the tour?

You can snorkel at Los Arcos de Mismaloya (about 20 minutes) or at Majahuitas (about 40 minutes). Your guide will handle the choice.

Is the waterfall hike included?

Yes. The hike to the Yelapa waterfall is included, and admission for the waterfall portion is listed as included.

Is lunch included?

No. Food, drinks, and snacks are not included, though you can choose to eat at beach restaurants in Yelapa.

Is the tour offered in English?

Yes, the tour is offered in English.

Is free cancellation available?

Yes. You can cancel for a full refund up to 24 hours before the experience’s start time.