Puerto Vallarta: Yelapa Mega Yacht Cruise

A party yacht day with a real waterfall hike. I love the premium open bar plus the crew’s constant top-ups, and I love that you get a guided walk to Yelapa Falls right in the middle of the fun. One heads-up: snorkeling can be hit-or-miss depending on water visibility.

The 100-foot mega yacht feels modern and roomy, with sun and shade spots, clean bathrooms, and lots of water toys like snorkel gear and paddle boards. When the guide Ricky Ricardo and DJ Tricky Ricky get things going, the vibe turns into music, dancing, and drinks delivered with the Chica Locca service.

Key highlights worth your attention

• 100-foot mega yacht comfort, with modern bathrooms and plenty of lounging space
• All-day premium open bar plus fresh snacks (guacamole, blue corn chips) and a made-to-order style lunch
• Yelapa Falls guided hike, then cooling off right where the water is
• Water toys included: snorkeling gear, paddle boards, kayaks, and floating mattresses
• Marine life watching on the Bay of Banderas, with possible whales or dolphins
• Onboard massage option and a crew that keeps activities moving

Why this Puerto Vallarta to Yelapa cruise feels different

This isn’t a short “get on a boat, take a photo, and call it a day” excursion. You’re on a modern, stable 100-foot yacht for a full chunk of time, with a real schedule of breaks: cruising, food and drinks, ocean play, and then the Yelapa stop with the waterfall hike.

What makes it hit so well is that it mixes two different travel moods. You get the sea-day party energy on the way out and back, but you also get a land moment that actually changes the scenery when you reach Yelapa. If your idea of a great vacation day includes both relaxation and a bit of adventure, this fits.

The yacht day setup: space, shade, and water toys ready

The boat itself is a big part of the appeal. You’re not squeezed into a tiny deck with limited seating. The yacht has comfortable seating and lounging areas with a mix of sun and shade, so you can choose your mood without constantly relocating.

There are modern bathrooms onboard too, which matters more than people admit. On long sea days, bathrooms are the difference between “we’re having fun” and “we need to get off this thing.”

Then there are the water toys. You get snorkeling gear, paddle boards, kayaks, and floating mattresses. That’s not just a checkbox. It means you can stay busy even if one activity feels less fun in the moment. Want calm water time? Paddle board. Want to explore at your own pace? Kayak. Want to swim and float and just enjoy being in the bay? Floating mattresses. Want to look at what’s under the surface? Snorkeling.

And yes, there’s also onboard fun like waterslide-style entertainment mentioned in the tour highlights, plus the option for a massage on the yacht. So it’s not only “drink and hang out” even though that’s definitely part of the rhythm.

Sailing out of Bahía de Banderas: scenic time plus marine life chances

Your day starts with cruise time on the Bay of Banderas, and the tour builds in wildlife viewing right from the early hours. Depending on the day, you may spot marine life like dolphins and whales while you head out.

This is one of those parts where you should manage expectations the right way. Marine animals are never guaranteed. But the timing and route are chosen for viewing opportunities, and the cruise includes repeat chances to look for them both going and returning.

You’ll also get scenic cruising time that feels like “real vacation” because you’re not rushing from one tight stop to another. Even when you’re staying on the yacht, you’re changing viewpoint every few minutes.

Breakfast and the open bar rhythm: what it really means on a 6-hour day

Food and drinks aren’t an afterthought here. They’re part of the structure of the day.

Breakfast is included, with fresh items (the tour notes breakfast and some guests specifically mention fresh fruit and small muffins). Then the drink service continues throughout the day. The open bar includes water, coffee, juices, and sodas, plus alcohol like margaritas, piña coladas, beer, tequila, and wine.

One of the most praised parts is how fast the crew keeps the party going without you needing to hunt for a bartender. People talk about never being left with an empty cup, and there’s even a “Chica Locca service” style of delivery. In practical terms, it means you can relax where you’re sitting and still keep drinking what you want.

Why I think that matters for value: a lot of tours advertise an open bar, but the experience becomes you waiting in line for refills. Here, the service style is built to reduce downtime, which is what you actually pay for on a shorter half-day cruise.

Ocean time breaks: swimming, snorkeling, and your choice of toys

Midday is where the tour turns into ocean playground mode. You get free time for swimming, snorkeling, kayaking, and stand-up paddle boarding, plus you can use floating mattresses for lounging.

Snorkeling is included, but a few guests noted that visibility can be poor at times. If you’re a hard-core snorkeler who needs clear water to enjoy the reef, plan to treat snorkeling as a bonus rather than the sole reason to book. If your goal is simply to swim, look around, and enjoy time in the water, the included gear still makes this easy.

Kayaks and paddle boards are also included, and that flexibility is a plus if you travel with mixed groups. Someone can be in the water, someone else can relax on deck, and you don’t have to coordinate a big land-based logistics plan.

Also, the crew has a habit of meeting people right where they are. Some guests even mention getting drinks swum out to them when the boat stops for water time. That’s not necessary for a great tour, but it’s a nice example of how the day is run.

The lunch setup: snacks now, lunch that doesn’t feel like a consolation prize

The tour doesn’t rely only on chips and beer. You get fresh snacks plus a real lunch.

Snack time includes guacamole and blue corn chips. For lunch, you’ll have Mexican fajitas, rice and beans, and local-made tortillas. That’s a better mix than the typical “sandwich on a boat” approach, and it helps you recharge before you head to Yelapa and the waterfall hike.

The best part for value is that lunch is built into the flow. You’re not leaving the yacht hungry. And because the open bar is still running, you’re also not spending the afternoon thinking about how your day is going to get boring.

Yelapa stop: car-free town vibes and the Yelapa Falls hike

The moment you reach Yelapa is the biggest contrast to the yacht day. Yelapa is known for its laid-back feel, including the car-free town style you’re told about in the tour highlights. That changes the tempo in a good way.

You’ll also have a photo stop and time in town, then a guided walk to the Yelapa Falls. This walk is short uphill, and guests often describe it as manageable. Once you reach the falls, you get cooling water and a chance to enjoy the waterfall experience as more than just a quick look.

A few guests specifically praised the waterfall as fun for the whole family. So while it’s still a hike, it has a payoff that doesn’t require fancy planning: water to cool off, time to move around, and a change of scenery that feels real.

One fair consideration: depending on when you go, the waterfall water level can look different. One review mentions a dry season experience where there wasn’t much water in a nearby stop, so if you’re traveling in a drier stretch, expect the falls to be refreshing but maybe not show the same dramatic power you’d see in wetter months.

The onboard massage: a small add-on with big payoff

You can get a massage on board, and it’s a nice touch when your day includes both ocean time and that short hike.

Why it works: it’s timed for a day that already includes movement. After swimming and using water toys, the body likes a reset. It doesn’t turn the tour into a spa day, but it adds comfort without turning the schedule into slow, sit-around time.

Crew energy: Ricky Ricardo, DJ Tricky Ricky, and why service drives the whole day

A big reason this cruise earns strong ratings is the way the staff runs the day.

Names you’ll hear include Ricky Ricardo as a main guide, plus DJ Tricky Ricky for music and party energy. Guests also mention other crew members like Luis and Isiah, which tells me the service isn’t dependent on one single person. It’s more like a system.

And the system is what you feel in real time:

• Drinks are offered frequently.
• Staff checks in instead of waiting for people to flag someone down.
• Activities are kept moving so you don’t feel stuck in one spot too long.

There are also strong stories about how far the crew went for safety and problem-solving. One example described the crew helping find a lost sister in Yelapa and arranging transport back to the boat. That’s not something you should count on happening, but it’s a sign of how attentive the team is.

Price and value: is $142 per person a good deal?

At about $142 per person for a 6-hour day, you’re paying for more than a boat ride. You’re paying for a full package: a modern yacht, an all-day-style premium open bar, included food (snacks and lunch), and multiple water activities with gear.

So the value question becomes: do you actually use what’s included?

If you plan to drink and snack a bit, this pricing makes sense because the bar is a major part of the experience. If you also plan to swim or snorkel, kayak, or paddle board, the included water toys are another value layer. And if you want the waterfall hike in Yelapa rather than just sitting on a beach, you’re getting a guided moment that adds variety.

Where the value can feel lower is if you only want one thing: for example, if you’re not interested in the party atmosphere or you mainly want long snorkeling sessions. Even then, the itinerary still gives you multiple chances to get in the water, but the day can feel more like “active fun with guided moments” than “pure snorkeling expedition.”

What to pack and how to prepare for the day

The tour is straightforward about essentials. Bring:

• Swimwear
• A towel
• Biodegradable sunscreen

That’s it, but it’s smart. You’ll be in and around the water, and sunscreen matters because you’re out on the deck and likely spending time in sun for long stretches.

If you’re sensitive to bright sun, plan your comfort around the yacht’s sun and shade zones. You’ll have options.

Also note: photo packages are available at check-in, but they’re not included. If you want professional pictures, keep that in mind when you arrive.

Who this cruise is best for

I’d put this tour in the “do it as a group” category. It’s great with friends, couples who want shared fun, and families who like a mix of water time and a guided hike.

It’s also a strong pick if you like a lively atmosphere. Music, dancing, and a party vibe are part of the design, and DJ Tricky Ricky is specifically named in connection with keeping energy high.

If you want a quiet nature cruise where you spend most of the day sitting in silence, you might find the vibe too social. But if you want an active day with a solid service team and built-in variety, this fits.

Final call: should you book the Puerto Vallarta–Yelapa mega yacht cruise?

If you want a day that combines premium open bar, included water toys, and a real Yelapa outing with the waterfall hike, I think this is a strong choice. The yacht setup plus the crew’s service style is repeatedly praised, and the schedule keeps moving in a way that feels like you got your money’s worth.

My main reason to hesitate is snorkeling variability. If you’re expecting crystal-clear underwater viewing for hours, adjust your expectations and treat snorkeling as one part of a bigger day.

Otherwise, at $142 for a modern yacht day with food, drinks, activities, and a guided waterfall stop, this is one of the more complete half-day options around Puerto Vallarta.

FAQ

How long is the Puerto Vallarta: Yelapa Mega Yacht Cruise?

It runs for 6 hours.

What’s the price per person?

The price listed is $142 per person.

Where do I check in for this tour?

You can check in at either Chica Locca Tours Cruise Terminal in Puerto Mágico Vallarta or Chica Locca Tours Paradise Village Pier in Nuevo Vallarta.

Is food and an open bar included?

Yes. The tour includes all food and drinks, with an open bar that lists options like margaritas, piña coladas, beer, tequila, and wine, along with non-alcoholic drinks.

What water activities are included?

Snorkeling gear, paddle boards, kayaks, and floating mattresses are included.

Is there a guided hike to a waterfall?

Yes. A guide hike to the nearby waterfall is included once you reach Yelapa.

Is there a massage onboard?

Yes, massage is offered onboard.

What should I bring?

Bring swimwear, a towel, and biodegradable sunscreen.

Is transportation to the check-in port included?

No. Transportation to the check-in port is not included.