A day on the water beats a bus tour. This private Yelapa trip mixes Los Arcos snorkeling with a shoreline beach stop and an easy walk to a waterfall. I like that the pace gives you time to actually swim, not just pose on a dock.
What I like most is how the guide team (often Chema and Manuel) works with you to find the best swimming and snorkeling spots. I also like the practical touch that you don’t have to pack snorkeling gear since the captain provides it.
One thing to consider: the itinerary needs good weather. If the day turns rough, the operator may switch dates or refund you.
In This Review
- Key things to know before you go
- Setting sail from Los Muertos Pier at 9:30 am
- Playa de los Muertos viewpoint stop: a quick warm-up
- Los Arcos National Marine Park: snorkeling in arches, tunnels, and reef
- Yelapa beach time: Las Animas area and easy lunch breaks
- The Yelapa waterfall walk: short, easy, and worth the steps
- Snorkeling gear and the captain’s ice chest: small things that matter
- Price, private value, and what your $220 really buys
- What the guides (and your day) feel like in practice
- Who should book this Yelapa private boat day
- Simple packing list that keeps the day smooth
- Should you book this private tour?
- FAQ
- How long is the private boat tour to Yelapa?
- What time does the tour start?
- Where do I meet for the tour?
- Is this tour private or shared?
- What does the tour include?
- Do I need to bring snorkeling gear?
- Are admission tickets included?
- Is lunch included in the price?
- What should I bring with me?
- What happens if weather is poor?
- Is the tour offered in English?
Key things to know before you go
- Private boat day: only your group, so you can move at a comfortable pace
- Snorkeling at Los Arcos: caves, tunnels, arches, and reef viewing out at sea
- Two beach moments: a classic viewpoint stop plus real time in Yelapa’s beach areas
- Waterfall hike near Yelapa: short, easy walk to the lower falls and a cool-off swim
- Gear handled for you: captain’s snorkeling equipment and an ice chest included
- Bring snacks and cash: lunch is not included, so you’ll want pesos for food and incidentals
Setting sail from Los Muertos Pier at 9:30 am
You start from the Los Muertos Beach Pier, at Francisca Rodríguez 121 in the Zona Romántica area (Puerto Vallarta). The start time is 9:30 am, and plan on about 5 hours 30 minutes on the water with stops. It’s a convenient pick-up point if you’re already exploring the Romantic Zone, and the meeting area is listed as near public transportation.
Because it’s private, you’re not stuck waiting while a big group figures out who has sunscreen and who forgot their towel. That matters on a day that mixes boat time with a short walk and a bit of snorkel-wiggle time.
There’s also a simple rhythm to the day: boat south, snorkel in a national marine park area, then slow down on land in Yelapa, and finish with the waterfall walk before heading back. If you like trips with clear segments—water, then beach, then hike—that structure helps you enjoy every part instead of feeling rushed.
You can also read our reviews of more boat tours in Puerto Vallarta
Playa de los Muertos viewpoint stop: a quick warm-up
Your first stop is Playa de los Muertos, after you leave the Los Muertos Pier and head south. You get a view of the famous beach area, but you’re not paying for admission here. This is more like a scenic setup than a full beach break.
Why it’s worth doing: it gives you that quick Puerto Vallarta coastal context early on. You’re heading toward a more laid-back coastline (Yelapa) and a protected marine park (Los Arcos), so getting oriented first helps the day feel like a journey instead of just hopping between stops.
What to do during this early phase: treat it like a moment to get your bearings, check your swimwear under your cover-up, and decide if you want to grab any snacks or water before you’re out at sea. If you’re bringing beverages and snacks, this is the kind of segment where having them ready is handy.
Los Arcos National Marine Park: snorkeling in arches, tunnels, and reef
This is the star stop. You spend about 40 minutes in Parque Nacional Marino Los Arcos de Mismaloya, and the admission ticket is included. The park sits out at sea between beaches like Mismaloya and Las Gemelas, so you’re not just snorkeling from a shoreline you’ve seen a hundred times.
What you’re likely to notice in the water:
- caves and deep tunnels
- arches
- reef areas
Even if you’re not the world’s best swimmer, the time window is short enough that you can focus on having fun rather than doing a workout. And because the guide’s job is to find good swimming and snorkeling spots, you’re not left to guess where the fish are. This is one of those places where a little local help changes the whole experience.
Gear-wise, you don’t need to pack snorkeling equipment. You can borrow it through the captain, which makes this day easier if you’re traveling light. I also like that you get to snorkel without the usual scramble of buying gear in town or hunting down the right size mask.
A practical note: you’ll want to be ready to get wet without standing around while everyone checks equipment. Bring sunscreen, and keep your towel somewhere you can grab quickly when it’s time.
Yelapa beach time: Las Animas area and easy lunch breaks
Next comes Yelapa, with about 1 hour 30 minutes on the ground. This is where the vibe shifts. You’re still on a coastal trip, but now you’re in the slower, beach-side rhythm that Yelapa is known for.
The beach area here is described as Las Animas, and it can be reached on foot or by boat. That detail matters. It means you’re not trapped doing the same one shoreline loop. You get options depending on how you want to spend your time—swim, relax, or look for a place to eat.
Lunch is not included, so you’ll be choosing from the restaurants in the area. That’s why bringing Mexican pesos is smart. This is one of those destinations where cash helps, and it also means you’re not stuck with whatever snack situation exists on the boat.
What I like about this segment is the flexibility. In about 90 minutes, you can do a real break: cool off, get something to eat, and enjoy the beach without feeling like you have to cram in everything at once. If you’d rather keep it simple, you can just swim and then grab a meal after you’ve worked up an appetite.
The Yelapa waterfall walk: short, easy, and worth the steps
After the beach time, you head toward the Yelapa Waterfalls area. The hike is about 30 minutes, and it’s described as a short, easy walk from the town of Yelapa to the lower falls.
This is the part of the day that turns the trip from boat-and-beach into a true change of scenery. The lower falls are where you can cool off in clear, chilly water. If you’ve been out in the sun, this feels like a reset button.
In practical terms, expect modest walking time rather than a strenuous trail. Still, bring your towel and plan on getting damp. I like that it’s close enough that you’re not trading your whole day for one waterfall moment.
What can be tricky? Waterfall areas can be slippery. The smart move is to wear sandals or shoes you’re comfortable walking in near wet surfaces. And keep a casual grip on your daypack—you’ll want your essentials, but you won’t want extra stuff you don’t use.
You can also read our reviews of more private tours in Puerto Vallarta
Snorkeling gear and the captain’s ice chest: small things that matter
This tour includes an ice chest and use of snorkeling equipment. These two details sound basic, but they make the day smoother.
The ice chest helps you keep drinks cold on a warm coastal day. It’s also useful if you’re bringing your own snacks. Since lunch isn’t included, having the option to keep a drink and snack on standby is a real advantage.
And the snorkeling equipment being provided means you can pack smarter. You’re traveling to Puerto Vallarta, not running a dive shop. Borrowing the gear keeps you from dealing with lost gear bags, cleaning hassles, and the classic mask-size stress.
One more practical note: the day is designed to work for most travelers. That doesn’t mean you have to be an athlete, but it does mean the activities are built around manageable time blocks—snorkel time, beach time, and an easy walk to the lower falls.
Price, private value, and what your $220 really buys
At $220 per person, this is not a budget outing, so it’s worth thinking about the value in plain terms.
You’re paying for:
- a private boat (only your group)
- access to the Los Arcos Marine Park snorkeling time (admission included here)
- snorkeling gear through the captain
- an ice chest
- a guide who helps you find good swimming and snorkeling spots
If you compare that to hiring a generic public-boat tour and then renting gear separately, the math often gets better than it first appears. Also, private means you’re not dealing with delays caused by a larger group’s rhythm. For a trip that mixes water conditions, snorkeling moments, and a waterfall hike schedule, that flexibility is part of the value.
Also, there’s mention of group discounts, which could make a private day more realistic if you’re traveling with friends or family. If you’re going as a small group, this can feel like a smart splurge rather than a luxury trap.
What the guides (and your day) feel like in practice
The tone of the day seems to come from the guide team—people specifically highlight Chema and Manuel as fun and engaging. That matters because snorkeling isn’t just about wearing gear. It’s about knowing where to go, how long to stay, and how to keep the mood relaxed so you actually enjoy the water.
A good guide also helps you avoid common mistakes: rushing to the wrong spot, staying too long in one place, or forgetting that the best snorkeling often depends on conditions that can change.
Because this is private, you get a better chance of asking quick questions—where the water is calmer, where you can see more, and what to expect when it’s time to transition to Yelapa and the waterfall walk.
And since the experience is offered in English, you’ll get clear instructions without that silent-awkward feeling some tours bring.
Who should book this Yelapa private boat day
I’d point you here if you want a day that balances adventure with downtime.
This tour fits well if you:
- want snorkeling without bringing gear
- like the idea of Los Arcos Marine Park with caves, arches, and reef
- prefer a private experience instead of a crowded boat
- enjoy beach time but also want something active on land (the easy waterfall walk)
It’s also a solid option if you’re celebrating something low-key—because a private boat day feels special even if you keep the plans simple.
If you hate any amount of walking, you might consider another format. The waterfall hike is short, but it is still a walk, and you’ll be moving from town toward the lower falls.
Simple packing list that keeps the day smooth
Based on what you’re told to bring, I’d pack like this:
- swimsuit
- towel
- sunscreen
- Mexican pesos for lunch, souvenirs, and incidentals
- anything you want as snacks or beverages for the boat ride
You don’t have to pack snorkeling gear. The captain provides it. That’s a big win if you’re coming straight from a hotel day with a carry-on.
One more tip: bring your essentials in a bag you can keep dry-ish. You’ll have boat spray, and then you’ll switch from water to land—things get damp fast if you’re not prepared.
Should you book this private tour?
Yes, if you want a private Puerto Vallarta day with real snorkeling, a genuine beach break in Yelapa, and a short waterfall walk that doesn’t eat your whole afternoon.
I’d book it especially if:
- you care about snorkeling but don’t want gear hassle
- you like the idea of Los Arcos with caves, tunnels, arches, and reef
- you want time to eat in Yelapa (and you’re happy to pay for lunch separately)
If you’re extremely weather-sensitive or you need a perfectly predictable, no-conditions itinerary, keep in mind the experience requires good weather. Still, that’s common for boat tours, and the provider offers a sensible fallback if conditions don’t cooperate.
Overall: this is the kind of day that feels like you got your money’s worth in time on the water, time on land, and attention from the guide team.
FAQ
How long is the private boat tour to Yelapa?
It runs for about 5 hours 30 minutes.
What time does the tour start?
The start time is 9:30 am.
Where do I meet for the tour?
You meet at Los Muertos Beach Pier, Francisca Rodríguez 121, Zona Romántica, Emiliano Zapata, 48380 Puerto Vallarta, Jal., Mexico.
Is this tour private or shared?
It’s private. Only your group participates.
What does the tour include?
It includes an ice chest and use of snorkeling equipment.
Do I need to bring snorkeling gear?
No. You can borrow the captain’s snorkeling equipment.
Are admission tickets included?
The Los Arcos Marine Park admission is included, and the other listed stops have admission noted as free.
Is lunch included in the price?
No. Lunch and food/drinks are not included, and you’ll want Mexican pesos for restaurants and incidentals.
What should I bring with me?
Bring swimsuits, towels, sunscreen, and Mexican pesos. You can also bring beverages and snacks for the boat ride.
What happens if weather is poor?
The experience requires good weather. If it’s canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund.
Is the tour offered in English?
Yes, it’s offered in English.
