Yelapa feels like another century. This 8-hour boat day pairs car-free beach village time with a stop at the Cola de Caballo waterfall for a refreshing swim. I also love the mix of laid-back free time and active water fun. One small thing to plan for: there’s a $30 pesos per person marina entrance fee that isn’t included.

You get the morning start with a simple continental breakfast on board, then the day opens up with beach time, snorkeling gear, and plenty of ways to move—kayaks and paddleboards are part of the setup. The lunch is not some sad snack; you can pick from six main options, and there’s a national open bar on board after snorkeling.

The only real heads-up I’d give is to know that snorkeling results at Majahuitas can vary for what you can see. If you’re deciding based on underwater visibility alone, I’d still go—just treat it as a fun marine-life moment, not a guarantee of crystal-clear water.

Key Points That Make This Tour Worth Your Time

• Yelapa’s waterfall + beach combo: walk to Cola de Caballo, swim, then cool down on a long stretch of sand.
• Snorkel in Majahuitas cove: bring your curiosity for fish and shallow-water snorkeling.
• Water toys included: kayaks and paddleboards are ready so you can choose your pace.
• Lunch options you’ll actually want: fish, chicken, fajitas, quesadillas, burgers, or fish ceviche.
• Open bar after snorkeling: a national bar on board to cap the aquatic portion.
• Plan for the marina fee: $30 pesos per person adds an extra line item to your budget.

From Puerto Vallarta To Yelapa: Boat Ride, Then Car-Free Calm

This trip is built around a classic Pacific Coast formula: get out on the water early, then switch gears to a slow, sand-and-sun rhythm. You start from Puerto Vallarta and head to the beach area by boat, and the day’s tempo changes quickly once you’re in Yelapa.

Yelapa is the star for atmosphere. It’s a tiny place where the pace feels human. You’ll notice the quiet rhythms right away—no car noise, just village life and the kind of scenery that makes you stop walking for a minute.

I like that the itinerary doesn’t force you to sprint from one thing to the next. You can do the active parts (waterfall and snorkeling), then shift into chill mode on the beach when you’re ready.

Cola de Caballo Waterfall Walk And Swim: The Best Reason To Bring Water Shoes

If you’re hoping for one standout moment, make it the waterfall. The day gives you time to stroll through Yelapa and head for the Cola de Caballo waterfalls, where you can jump in and cool off. This is the sort of activity that feels both natural and satisfying—less like an attraction and more like a place you discovered.

The waterfall time also makes the walking section worth it. You’re not just moving your feet to pass the time; you’re walking toward something. And once you get there, the payoff is immediate: refreshing water, big scenery, and that simple satisfaction of doing something physical outdoors before lunch.

If you’re not into getting wet, the good news is you can still enjoy the scenery without making it a hardcore swim situation. You’ll have options based on your comfort level.

Yelapa Beach Time And Artisan Stops: Where The River Meets The Sea

After the waterfall, you land back in beach mode. Yelapa’s beach is long and laid-back, and the description about the river streaming into the ocean is real-world interesting. That mix of river flow and sea makes the shoreline feel special without needing you to overthink it.

This is also where you’ll see the village’s slower side. There’s time to browse native artisan handicrafts, which is a nice break from salt water and sun hats. It’s the kind of stop that works well if you want a small souvenir without it feeling rushed.

The key to enjoying Yelapa is not over-scheduling yourself here. Use the time for toes-in-sand relaxation, a casual swim, and just watching how the village works around the water.

Majahuitas Cove Snorkeling: Fish, Shallow Water, And Visibility Reality Checks

Majahuitas is where the day gets more underwater. You’ll have snorkel equipment provided, and you can snorkel in a cove area known for an array of fish populations. In other words, you’re set up to look around and enjoy the shallow marine life.

Now for the honest part: snorkeling visibility can be inconsistent. Even with good gear and good conditions, water clarity can change. I’d treat Majahuitas snorkeling as a “go see what you can find” experience, not a promise of perfect views every time.

That said, the spirit of the stop is still right for most people. You’re in the water, the fish life is the point, and you get to do it as part of a broader day rather than as your entire plan.

Kayaks And Paddleboards: Choose Your Pace Before the Cocktails

Between snorkeling and the post-snorkel celebration, you get access to kayaks and paddleboards. If you’re the kind of traveler who wants movement without the intensity, this is a great middle ground.

You can paddle around sandy-bottomed waters, and the marine life becomes part of the “look as you go” experience. There’s also the option of a double or single ocean kayak, which matters because it lets you match the activity to your comfort and your travel style.

Even if you don’t go far, kayaking is still fun because it changes the way you see the coastline. You get a slower, more personal view than you get from standing still on land.

Lunch Choices That Don’t Feel Like Afterthoughts

Food can make or break a day tour, and this one does better than most. Lunch comes included, and you can choose from six options: fish filet, chicken fajitas, hamburger, beef fajitas, shrimp quesadillas, or fish ceviche.

I like that lineup because it covers multiple cravings. If you want something lighter, you can go with ceviche. If you’re hungry-hungry after swimming and paddling, the fajitas or burger option makes sense.

There’s also the vibe that lunch happens in a comfortable, beach-day flow rather than a forced timing trap. You’ll have chances to eat and reset between the water activities.

Open Bar On Board After Snorkeling: A Nice Reward, Not the Whole Point

After snorkeling, the day includes a national open bar on board. That’s a simple, practical reward. You’ve been in the sun, you’ve worked your legs, and now you can cool down with a drink and relax while the boat time ties the day together.

Just keep your expectations realistic: the bar is there to make the experience feel like a vacation day, not to turn the tour into a party bus. Think of it as the moment your shoulders finally drop.

If you’re traveling with people who want different things—one wants more swim time, another wants more downtime—this part helps keep everyone happy.

Price and Value at $118: What You’re Really Getting

At $118 per person for an 8-hour day, you’re paying for more than a single activity. You’re paying for access to multiple different experiences in one shot: waterfall time in Yelapa, snorkeling gear and time at Majahuitas, and included water sport gear like kayaks and paddleboards.

You’re also not just buying a ticket to a beach. You’re getting the structure that makes a remote-feeling day actually work—time on Yelapa, time on Majahuitas, breakfast and lunch included, plus the open bar after snorkeling.

Two value notes you should plan around:

• There’s that $30 pesos marina entrance fee per person. Budget for it so your day doesn’t feel more expensive at the last minute.
• The lunch options matter. A lot of tours include lunch that’s… fine. Here, you have real choices, including both seafood and meat options.

If your goal is a full day that mixes nature, water activities, and comfort food without constant decision-making, this price can feel fair.

What To Bring (And What To Skip So You Don’t Regret It)

For a day like this, the right packing makes the difference between easy vacation and fiddling around all day.

Bring:

• Swimsuit and a towel
• Sunscreen and a hat
• Sunglasses
• Camera or video camera (you’ll want to capture the waterfall and shoreline)
• Extra cash for tips and photos
• Snorkel-friendly gear if you prefer your own fit (but equipment is provided)

You’ll also be happier if you plan for wet conditions. Even if you don’t go deep on snorkeling, you’ll likely get splashes at the waterfall and during the cove time.

Skip heavy stuff. This is a water-and-sun day, and you’ll spend more time enjoying than managing bags.

Who This Tour Fits Best (And Who Should Sit This One Out)

This excursion is ideal if you want to take your Puerto Vallarta trip a step beyond city wandering. You get the nature side of the coast in a way that feels personal: beach time, a waterfall swim, and marine-life snorkeling.

It also fits travelers who like variety. You can be active in bursts (waterfall and paddle sports), then settle into relaxed downtime on the sand.

It’s not a good match if you have concerns like the tour restrictions listed: expecting mothers or passengers with heart, back, or neck problems. If any of those apply, it’s smarter to choose something with less physical movement and less time outdoors in water conditions.

Tour Rhythm: How the Day Feels From Start to Finish

The day starts with continental breakfast on board: bread, coffee, seasonal fruit, yogurt, and granola. That gives you fuel before the main active moments.

Then you move into the Yelapa portion. You’ll walk around the village area, head toward the Cola de Caballo waterfall, and have time in and around the water. After that, the beach time in Yelapa becomes your reset zone.

Majahuitas follows as the water-activity chapter. Snorkeling equipment is ready, and then you can add kayaks or paddleboards depending on what you feel like doing.

Lunch happens in the middle of all that energy, and then the open bar after snorkeling gives you a nice way to end the aquatic part of the day without rushing.

Should You Book This Yelapa + Majahuitas + Open Bar Day?

Book it if:

• You want a single-day mix of waterfall + beach + snorkeling
• You like having options during free time, not a packed stop-by-stop sprint
• You care about food that isn’t one-size-fits-all (you’ll pick from six lunch choices)

Consider skipping or choosing another option if:

• You’re picky about underwater visibility and need it to be excellent on every day (Majahuitas snorkeling can be hit-or-miss)
• You can’t manage getting wet, walking uneven ground to a waterfall, or long sun time

If your idea of a great coastal day is part nature, part relaxation, and part “why is this so beautiful,” this tour is a solid pick.

FAQ

What places do we visit?

You visit Yelapa and Majahuitas, with beach time and water activities in both areas.

How long is the tour?

The duration is 8 hours.

Is breakfast and lunch included?

Yes. Breakfast is continental (bread, coffee, seasonal fruit, yogurt, and granola). Lunch is included and you can choose from six options.

What lunch options are available?

You can choose fish filet, chicken fajitas, hamburger, beef fajitas, shrimp quesadillas, or fish ceviche.

Is snorkeling equipment provided?

Yes. Snorkel equipment is included.

Are kayaks and paddleboards included?

Yes. Kayaks and paddleboards are included.

Is there an open bar?

Yes. There is a national open bar on board after snorkeling.

Is there an extra marina entrance fee?

Yes. There is a $30 pesos per person marina entrance fee.

What languages are the tour guides?

Tour guides are available in English and Spanish.

Is the tour suitable for everyone?

It is not suitable for expecting mothers or passengers with heart, back, or neck problems.