Two beach stops in one boat day sounds easy. What makes it special is the mix of small-town Yelapa views and Majahuitas beach-club time on a catamaran, all wrapped with breakfast, lunch, and an open bar. I like that snorkeling equipment is included so you can get in the water without last-minute gear hunting. I also love the relaxed pacing: you get a real stretch of time on land instead of racing from photo spot to photo spot. One thing to consider: if you’re counting on kayaking, plan to stay flexible because the water options can be limited during your beach time.

This tour runs about 7 to 8 hours starting at 9:00 am, with a maximum of 35 people. You’ll meet at Terminal Marítima in Puerto Vallarta (Las Glorias area), ride out to Yelapa, then continue to Majahuitas and return to the same meeting point.

Key things to know before you go

• Two different beach vibes: Yelapa gives you town-and-river views; Majahuitas feels closer to an almost-private beach club.
• Food and drinks reduce decision fatigue: breakfast and lunch are included, plus an open bar on the boat.
• Snorkeling gear is built in: fins, vest, and snorkel are provided, so packing is lighter.
• Timing is generous but fixed: about 4 hours in Yelapa and about 3 hours at Majahuitas, then it’s back to the boat.
• Optional activities may not be one-for-one: snorkeling is planned; kayaking/paddle time can depend on availability.
• Weather matters: the day runs only if conditions are good enough for a comfortable boat ride.

First Stop: Yelapa’s Beach + Town Views (About 4 Hours)

Yelapa is the kind of place that makes you slow down the moment you arrive. You’ve got a choice: sit on the beach, or take a scenic walk through town to get views that blend Sierra Madre foothills, the Yelapa river, and the coastline all at once.

What I like about Yelapa time is that it’s not just “swim and leave.” You get a real block of hours, and the town portion is designed for exploration—especially around the pathways and staircases decorated with colorful artwork. It’s an easy way to get photos without feeling like you need to be a trail runner.

Practical angle: since Yelapa is both beach and town, you’ll likely want to switch modes during your visit. I’d start with an orientation walk (even 20 to 30 minutes), then decide whether you want to settle into the sand or keep moving.

What can be a drawback here: you’ll be in a coastal area where sun can hit hard. If you’re doing the town portion, bring sunscreen and plan for some stairs. Also, water shoes can help if you’re hopping between beach edges and rocky spots, but you can keep it simple if you prefer lounging.

Boat Time That Feels Like Part of the Day (Breakfast, Open Bar, and the Ride)

This is a catamaran day trip, so the boat ride is more than transport. The day is structured so you’re not stuck waiting around; you’re moving between two beach zones, with breaks and included meals that keep everyone energized.

Two perks matter a lot for value:

• Breakfast and lunch are included. That means you’re not budgeting for meals on the go or hunting for food with a hungry group.
• There’s an open bar on the boat. It turns the ride into a social moment rather than a transit chore.

I also like that the tour includes travel insurance, plus a bilingual guide. That combo gives you peace of mind and reduces the chance you’ll feel lost when you’re switching from boat to beach plans.

One realistic consideration: on a sea day, you’ll probably want to bring motion-comfort basics if you’re sensitive to waves. The tour doesn’t state anything special about seasickness support, so it’s smart to pack what helps you personally.

Second Stop: Majahuitas Beach Club (About 3 Hours)

Majahuitas is where the vibe shifts. Instead of the town-and-river feel, you get a more beach-club atmosphere—laid-back, and described as hippie chic in style. Think: a place you can claim a chair, take your time, and choose your own pace.

You’ll have about 3 hours to spend however you want. The fun options include:

• snorkeling
• kayaking
• paddle boarding
• or just sun tanning

Here’s the big practical win: your beach time is included, and you’re not responsible for coordinating the return. You also get snorkeling equipment onboard/for use (fins, vest, snorkel), which makes it easier to jump into the water when conditions feel good.

A possible drawback: kayaking and other equipment-based activities can feel less predictable. One disappointing note I saw centered on people not getting the specific kayak setup they expected. The takeaway for you is simple: if kayaking is a must, don’t treat it like a guaranteed item during your allotted time. Come ready to snorkel, swim, and relax even if you don’t end up using every optional activity.

Snorkeling Gear: Included Means Fewer Headaches

Snorkeling is supported in a very practical way. You get fins, a vest, and a snorkel, so you don’t have to pack your own or spend time renting at the last second.

This matters because snorkeling days can turn annoying fast:

• finding the right size
• figuring out what gear goes with what
• waiting around while someone else gets set up

Here, you’re already set for the basics. That makes your experience smoother, especially if you’re pairing snorkeling with beach time at two separate stops.

My advice: wear whatever swimwear you’re comfortable with for a full session, and consider bringing reef-safe sunscreen (if you use sunscreen). Even with a vest provided, you’ll still want to be comfortable in the water and follow the guide’s cues.

Lunch and Open Bar: Why the Included Stuff Actually Changes the Day

A lot of tours say lunch is included, but the real question is whether it makes the trip feel relaxed. In this case, it does.

With breakfast and lunch built in, you don’t have that constant mental math of where to eat and whether you’re going to wait too long. And because you’re on the water, meals and drinks help keep everyone on schedule.

The open bar on the boat also changes the tone. On calm days, the boat can feel like a moving party—without you needing to buy anything extra. If you’re the sort of traveler who likes to take the edge off on vacation but still wants the day to stay fun, this is a nice touch.

Consideration: alcohol can sneak up on people when they’re in sun and moving on a boat. If you plan to snorkel at Majahuitas, keep it moderate and save energy for the water.

The Yelapa-to-Majahuitas Rhythm: How to Use Your Time Well

This trip’s pace is clear: about 4 hours in Yelapa, about 3 hours at Majahuitas, and then you’re back on the catamaran. That fixed structure is good because it forces the day to be realistic—no 10-hour “and somehow we’ll get everything in” chaos.

Here’s how you can make the most of each stop:

In Yelapa (4 hours):

• Do a quick town walk early, while you still have energy.
• If you’re chasing views, look for spots with both coastline and river/foothills in sight.
• Then commit: beach lounging or deeper exploring. Don’t split yourself too thin.

In Majahuitas (3 hours):

• If you want snorkeling, plan to go sooner rather than later so you’re not racing the schedule.
• If kayaking/paddle boarding is a goal, have a backup plan that still makes sense: swimming, sun tanning, and relaxing.

Between stops:

• Use the boat for hydration and getting settled.
• Enjoy the open bar if it fits your day, but keep your eyes on the fact you’ll want to move smoothly on arrival.

Group Size and Comfort: What a 35-Person Max Means for You

A maximum of 35 travelers is a helpful detail. It usually means you’re not fighting crowds the way you can on larger bus tours. It can also make it easier to hear a bilingual guide’s safety and timing notes.

You’ll also appreciate this when switching locations. On a day that has two distinct beach experiences, smaller group dynamics can mean less wandering and fewer long queues.

This tour also notes that most travelers can participate, which suggests it’s not built around extreme hiking. Still, Yelapa’s town exploration involves stairs and pathways, so comfortable footwear helps if you choose the hike/walk option.

Meeting Point and Getting There Without Stress

The tour meets at Terminal Marítima, on Blvd. Francisco Medina Ascencio, Las Glorias, 48333 Puerto Vallarta. Since it’s listed as near public transportation, you can often skip the hassle of finding the perfect pickup spot.

Start time is 9:00 am, so I’d treat arrival like a “get there early enough” day, not a “show up when you feel like it” day. Catamaran departures can be strict, and you’ll want time to find your group and get sorted before boarding.

The good news: the tour uses a mobile ticket, so you’re not juggling paper documents.

Value Check: Is $120 Worth It?

At $120 per person, this is priced like a solid midrange day tour, but it’s the included items that make or break the value.

Here’s what you’re getting without paying extra for each piece:

• catamaran ride to both beach stops
• breakfast and lunch
• open bar on the boat
• bilingual guide
• snorkeling equipment (fins, vest, snorkel)
• time at Yelapa and Majahuitas, plus return to the meeting point
• travel insurance
• port tax is not included (there’s a MX$30 per person port tax)

When you translate that into real costs, you’re basically paying for transportation + meals + drinks + a snorkeling setup. If you were trying to build this day yourself, the cost and time would usually balloon quickly—especially with the two-stop routing.

So if you want a day that’s mostly planned for you, this is good value. The biggest reason it might not feel worth it is if your priorities are mostly “quiet beach” or “guaranteed kayaking,” since the schedule is built around broader beach time and optional activities.

Who This Tour Fits Best

This is a strong match if:

• you want an organized catamaran day trip with two beach environments
• you like snorkeling but don’t want to rent gear
• you appreciate included meals and drinks so you can relax
• you enjoy some light exploring in a town setting, not just beach lounging

It might be less ideal if:

• kayaking is your top priority and you need a specific kayak type
• you prefer slow, unstructured days with no fixed timing
• you hate stairs and don’t plan to choose the beach-only option at Yelapa

Should You Book This Yelapas and Majahuitas Catamaran Day?

If you want a practical, well-fed, fun day that combines scenery, beaches, and basic snorkeling support, I’d book it. The included gear and meals make the day feel effortless, and the two stops help you avoid getting bored in one place.

The only firm caution I’d give: don’t assume kayaking will work exactly the way you’re imagining. If you go in with snorkeling and beach time as your backbone, you’ll likely have a great day.

If weather is good and you’re flexible about optional water activities, this one is a very reasonable way to spend your Puerto Vallarta time—especially when you want value without micromanaging the day.

FAQ

How long is the Yelapas and Majahuitas catamaran tour?

It runs about 7 to 8 hours, with roughly 4 hours in Yelapa and about 3 hours at Majahuitas.

What time does the tour start?

The start time is 9:00 am.

What’s included in the price?

Included are a bilingual guide, travel insurance, snorkeling equipment (fins, vest, snorkel), breakfast and lunch, catamaran ride to Yelapa and Majahuitas, and an open bar on the boat.

Is snorkeling gear provided?

Yes. You’re provided fins, a vest, and a snorkel.

Are kayaking and paddle boarding included?

Kayaking and paddle boarding are listed as options at Majahuitas, and the beach time is included. Availability can vary by what equipment is on hand during your time there.

What isn’t included?

Tips aren’t included. Also, port tax of MX$30.00 per person isn’t included.

Where do we meet?

You meet at Terminal Marítima, Blvd. Francisco Medina Ascencio, Las Glorias, 48333 Puerto Vallarta, Jal., Mexico.

Is the tour offered in English?

Yes, it’s offered in English.

What’s the cancellation policy?

You can cancel for a full refund up to 24 hours before the experience’s start time. The tour depends on good weather, and if it’s canceled due to poor weather you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund.